What images come to mind upon hearing the word “old”? Maybe one will think of a person who has white hair, has difficulty walking or hearing, and someone with wrinkly skin. Being old usually has negative connotations and some, if not most, people are even afraid of getting old. This may be the reason why for centuries, people have been looking for that one solution in staying or looking young.

During the olden times, people made use of medicinal plants and other natural resources to treat their problems with aging skin. Among these resources are aloe and honey which are still used nowadays. However, with various advances in technology and medicine, more sophisticated treatments have been developed such as injectable fillers, botulinum toxin (also known as botox) and microdermabrasion. These newer solutions may alter or slow down skin aging faster or more efficiently, however, at a higher cost. For those who cannot afford such expensive procedures, there are still other possible skin treatments combating aging that can be done without breaking the bank.

Before trying a particular skin treatment, it is important to have even some basic knowledge of the components of our skin and how it functions. As it has been taught in school, the skin is made up of two layers: the dermis which contains various skin appendages, and the epidermis which serves as a protective portion against infections and other threats. Within the skin are also different components and substances such as melanocytes that cause skin pigmentation, collagen that helps form connective tissues, and elastin that is responsible for the skin's elasticity.

By knowing the different components and functions of the skin it will also be easier to understand how the skin ages and what can possibly cause it. Causes of skin aging may either be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic causes may include genetic factors which affect the natural skin aging process. Extrinsic causes on the other hand are those that come from the environment such as exposure to the sun and the environment's humidity level. It has been said that intrinsic factors that cause skin aging cannot be changed or prevented. Often, only the extrinsic factors then are being addressed by most treatments or procedures available.

What different treatments or solutions can be done to avoid, prevent or slow down skin aging without much money being spent?

1. Protect your skin from excessive exposure to the sun. If possible, avoid or limit tanning or using tanning devices and products. When doing any activity that may require much sun exposure, make use of sunblocks or sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply suncreen regularly, 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, and take note to re-apply after sweating or washing with water.

2. Moisturize your skin. One indication of aging skin is its being dry. It is important to observe the recommended water intake of 8-10 glasses per day. Also avoid using products that have chemicals which may cause the skin to dry; instead choose those contain moisturizers. Skin moisturizers must be applied after washing.

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