Aging, aging, aging... Some people are ok with growing old gracefully; others are not! I'm one who has not had an easy time of aging.

I've always been (I hate to admit it) vain, probably more than your average woman. So as I age, I become increasingly mortified at the possibility of losing my looks. With each passing year I look harder and harder for the signs of a new wrinkle and research more and more how to beat them to the punch. It's really sad.... but it's true I have to say.

I have tried a variety of treatments over the years to keep my young looks or at least to make sure I look the very best that I can for today and years to come. I have done micro dermabrasian, glycolic peels, a variety of moisturizers, etc. I could give you feedback on several things but have thus far drawn the line at restaline injections.

As for treatments that work on the surface of the skin, micro-dermabrasian is a fairly non-intimidating treatment. Glycolic peels are a little more irritating but much more effective, in my personal opinion. But there are other types of treatments as well.

Tretinoin is actually the acid version of vitamin A and has been shown to reduce some effects of aging. It might combat fine wrinkles, thick skin, splotchy or uneven skin tone (pigmentation), acne, and other conditions that are typically associated with over exposure to sun. Tretinoin is also known as all-trans retinoic acid and might more widely be recognized as Retin-A.

Alpha hydroxy acids can be found in many moisturizers and acne treatment creams in your local market. However they are also used in salon grade glycolic peels. AHAs basically help slough skins cells and reveal a younger looking layer of skin. Depending on the level of the AHA users will experience varying degrees of tingling or itching. They are very good for non-invasive procedures.

A good thing to start at a younger age is to begin using moisturizers rather than trying to combat acne by using alcohol and other drying agents. Had I only known that I should not be using alcohol to treat my acne and instead have been using moisturizers, I might find my skin in much better condition today. It's not too bad these days but remember that I have done several cosmetic treatments just to keep my skin looking as youthful as possible without going the surgical route.