According to the Skin Care Special Health Report from the Harvard Medical School there has been significant progress in treating aging skin and skin disorders and effective techniques that rejuvenate the skin are rapidly entering the market. Cosmeceuticals which are internal and topical skin care products that either contain drugs or create the allegedly beneficial effects of drugs are just one of the ways pharmaceutical companies are finding a way to jump on the growing bandwagon of the billion dollar-a-year skin care market.

One of the biggest skin care markets in the anti-aging market and the pharmaceutical companies have taken notice. Many cosmeceuticals are largely aimed at the anti-aging market with women being encouraged to start slowing the aging process early. There are many women in their early twenties that are already investing vast amounts of money to make sure they still look good at 60.

Many doctors have been reluctant to recommend cosmeceutical products forcing manufacturers to rely heavily on celebrity endorsement rather than science to boost sales. This is cause alone to give women a reason to start calling into question their skin care buying habits.

Many have realized that the key to healthy skin at any age isn't the use of chemicals and fragrance filled products. In fact as the thousands of chemical-based skin care products and medications keep hitting the market failing to heal our skin problems eczema, for example, have been increasing from one in fifty to about one in five of the population during the last century. These products that claim to provide us with the fountain of youth, a means to turn back the clock appear to be doing more harm than good for many. When looking for a new skin care product opt for one that is doctor recommended and contains natural ingredients.

Don't be tricked by labels that claim a product is natural, be sure to check the ingredient label. Currently the FDA is not regulating the term natural and many companies are taking advantage of this. If you want to be sure your skin care products are natural and healthy for your skin try making them at home. The easy to follow recipes below are a great start.

Anti-aging Apple Mask

Apples are great anti-aging ingredient because they help the body manufacture the collagen and elastin that keeps your skin firm and resilient. To make the mask simply

• Combine 1 fresh apple, peeled and finely chopped, with 2 tablespoons of raw honey.

• Mix well, and spread onto your face and neck.

• After 30 minutes, rinse well with warm water.

Moisturizing Honey Banana Mask

Honey has been used by the Greeks for centuries to keep the skin soft, supple and youthful. It is a natural humectant, which attracts water to the skin and helps preserve the skin's natural moisture content, and it contains mild alpha hydroxy acids, which you have probably seen as an ingredient in skin peels. Honey also contains many vitamins and minerals, including several of the B Vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc, and several hormones

-Mix together 1 banana, 2 tablespoon of honey, and 1 egg yolk

-Smooth onto face and neck

-Wash off with warm water and then splash with cold water to close pores

Besides making your own natural skin care products you can also follow these easy steps to help keep your skin looking young and fresh.

1. Rest - Get a good 8 hours of sleep each night

2. Clean Your Face Daily - Gently remove your make-up every night using a mild natural soap that won't irritate skin.

3. Go Natural - it's easy to make natural skin care products at home or to find natural products in stores.

4. Get Plenty of Fresh Air and Exercise - your skin will be better supplied with oxygen helping to keep the skin supple and resilient.

5. Stay Hydrated - you should drink at least half a gallon (8 - 8 oz glasses) of water daily to keep your entire body hydrated.

6. Alcohol and Tobacco - should be avoided

7. Food/Drink - your diet should be well-balanced. Including fresh fruits and

vegetables