As we age, skin wrinkles are simply a fact of life. Many of us are very concerned about the look of our skin, but there is little we can do to deter the effects that aging has on it. When they show up early around the eyes, cheeks and forehead, it is often because of what we expose our skin and bodies to in our environment.

Delaying their appearance can be accomplished somewhat by taking care of the skin, eating the right types of food, laying down cigarettes and protecting ourselves from the sun.

Wrinkles appear as the epidermis, the skin that we see, wears and tears. This layer skin is made up of dead tissue and protects our bodies from all types of harm. When cells underneath this layer, in the dermis, begin dying and shrinking our skin begins to become less elastic and resilient. As the dermis tissue shrinks more and more the wrinkles begin appearing.

There are a few things that can cause wrinkles which you might not have thought about: lack of vitamins and minerals, frowning, alcohol overuse, squinting, using harsh substances on your skin and sleeping on your side or stomach.

If you see something weird happening, aside from simply getting wrinkles, as your skin ages you should talk to your family doctor or dermatologist. For example, if it seems to become wrinkly at too early an age or you notice strange color changes. There are certain tests that they can do to determine if there is something else wrong.

Wrinkles are something that everyone must deal with, but still, many people feel they cannot allow this to happen. There are several ways of going about reducing their appearance. Over the counter creams can be bought to help eliminate their appearance. These typically contain alpha-hydroxy acids and work by increasing the volume of tissue cells within the skin. There is no miracle here! They will not make wrinkles disappear but will make them slightly less noticeable.

Some people opt to go with chemical peels or laser resurfacing. These work to get rid of dead skin cells and boost the regeneration of the skin. Botox injections are also somewhat popular right now. They are a temporary fix, at best. Plastic surgery is also used by many people in an attempt to keep their skin looking young.

Herbs have been used for thousands of years to support skin health. Cleavers and Red clover are two herbs that are very good for our skin by working deep within our bodies. They cleanse the lymphatic system and purify the blood.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. What you put on it can have a profound impact on your overall health over the long term. That’s why every ingredient in your skincare product needs to be carefully chosen … to feed your skin with essential nutrients. Did you know that many skincare products contain only tiny amounts of certain active ingredients, just so they can add them to the label? Or that many popular and expensive skincare products can actually damage your skin? Isn’t it time to learn more about what a truly effective SkinCare Line SHOULD do and SHOULD contain?

Here are some recipes to help you pamper, soften and smooth your skin:

Venus Beauty Treatment

Combine equal parts of milk and aloe vera gel.

Milk is an alpha-hydroxy acid that helps to loosen dead skin cells, and aloe vera is wonderfully hydrating and moisturizing. Aloe is also antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory–and it is an immune system stimulant. All in all, a wonderful healer for acne, age spots, rashes, and more.

Apply mixture to clean skin and allow to rest for 10 minutes before rinsing. This will smooth and soften your skin for an incredible glow fit for a love goddess!

Strawberry-Rosemary Rejuvenating Facial Mask

• Fresh strawberries
• plain yogurt
• rosemary essential oil
• lavender essential oil
• cosmetic clay

Strawberries and yogurt contain natural alpha-hydroxy acids that help soften and refine skin texture. Rosemary and lavender essential oils rejuvenate skin by stimulating cellular renewal.

Mash 1 large ripe strawberry with 1 tablespoon yogurt. Mix in one drop rosemary essential oil, 2 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon of cosmetic clay. If you have dry skin, add 1/2 teaspoon almond or jojoba oil to the mixture.

Apply the mask to freshly cleansed skin. Leave in place for 20 minutes or more, and then remove with a warm, wet washcloth. Follow with the Honey-Lavender Moisturizing Mask or a moisturizer.

Nourishing Facial Oil

• Jojoba oil
• essential oil for your skin type
• small glass dropper bottle

Jojoba oil is similar to sebum, the skin’s natural moisturizing oil. Mix 1 ounce of jojoba oil with 10 drops of an essential oil (or combination of oils) beneficial for your skin type in a small glass dropper bottle. After cleansing and toning your skin, gently massage a few drops of the facial oil onto your damp skin.

Cucumber Wrinkle Cream

• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup oil*

* Use wheat germ, olive or avocado oil.

Wash the cucumber, but do not peel. Cube and blend with remaining ingredients. Apply morning and evening, and gently wipe off with tissues.