In order to fight the signs of aging, it’s helpful to know what’s happening to our skin on a biological level. Educating ourselves on creams that firm and plump enables us to look into a product, know how it actually works, and decide if it is best for you.

Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that keep it looking plump and youthful. These proteins, like all others in our body, regenerate over time. But as we age, this process becomes much slower, which leaves the skin appearing less full. In fact, this turnover becomes so much slower that it can take aged skin two or three times as long to heal from injury as it’s younger counterpart.

Other outside factors such as maintaining a healthy weight and being a non-smoker play an important part in sustaining healthy levels of collagen and elastin, and therefore keep wrinkles at bay. Sun damage is another element that plays a major role in skin’s long-term appearance. Sunspots and discoloration are telltale signs that your skin may be getting too many UV rays.

Even if we can’t fight gravity, the good news is that there are many steps we can take to make our skin look and feel it’s most youthful. Proper skincare routines and sun protection can help reverse and prevent many of the signs of aged skin. Every choice we make plays a critical role in our overall health and wellness, so in order to fight the signs of aging skin, we must know what’s happening to it.