History

• Anti-aging products can be traced at least as far back as ancient Egypt, when people used herbs such as olive leaf to encourage longevity. Many other cultures, such as China and India, have developed traditions of using herbs, health practices and foods as anti-aging products. In times past, alchemists and scientists tried many bizarre potions and cures to foster anti-aging without much success.
  
  

Function

• Anti-aging products are used in modern times to reduce the physical appearance of aging such as wrinkles, sun spots and skin damage. Some anti-aging products are geared toward middle-aged people to reverse the effects of aging. Other products are marketed as preventatives to slow or stop aging before it begins.
  
  

Types

• There are hundreds of anti-aging products on the market today. These products can generally be placed into one of three major categories. Hormones are advertised as reverse-aging products. They don't affect the aging process directly but rather mask its symptoms. Anti-oxidants are some of the most common and popular anti-aging products. They are vitamins such as A, C and E that removes free radicals in the system before they can damage cells and contribute to aging. Herbal and natural anti-aging products are becoming more and more popular. These remedies include a variety of herbs and plant medicines noted for their ability to reverse or prevent the symptoms of aging. Other anti-aging products include live cell injections, plastic surgery, vitamin supplements, skin creams, magnets, meditation and special diets.
  
  

Benefits

• The main benefits of anti-aging products are physical. A reduction in wrinkles and age spots can make a person look 10 years younger or more. However, these physical benefits can lead to other more psychological benefits. A person who has used anti-aging products may look and feel younger, giving a boost to the confidence and esteem. Another benefit of anti-aging products is that they can be tailored to the specific needs and problem areas of the individual.
  
  

Warning

• Before using anti-aging products, you should thoroughly research them. The FDA considers products such as wrinkle cream to be cosmetic. As such, they are not always thoroughly researched for safety or effectiveness. Taking anti-aging products such as vitamin supplements for long periods of time can lead to overdose. This can cause damage to some of the body's organs. For example, the liver is damaged by large doses of vitamin A taken over an extended period. Hormones when taken for anti-aging purposes can have many dangers. They can cause diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome and other problems. They should not be taken to combat aging unless they have been thoroughly studied and researched first, as with any anti-aging products.