Give a boost to your skin and vanquish those fine lines and wrinkles

One of the bonuses of being plus-size women is that we just don't show signs of aging like our thinner sisters do. But while our fuller faces keep those wrinkles at bay, our life's experiences will eventually be reflected in the fine lines that develop on our skin.

While, at one time, doctors believed that your genes determined the condition of your skin, today scientists estimate that premature signs of aging are the result of environmental triggers like smoking and sun exposure. Chemicals called "free radicals" are released into the skin, and promote fine lines and wrinkles.

Today, there is an arsenal of weapons designed to repair damaged skin. Some contain hydroxy acids, which can reduce wrinkles by causing the skin to swell oh-so-slightly and fill out fine lines. Others contain vitamins C and E, which seem to soak up free radicals. Tretinoin, a form of vitamin A, smoothes creases in the outermost layer of the skin.

While fine lines and wrinkles do, indeed, lessen with the anti-aging products manufactured today, it's a temporary fix. To keep from further damaging your skin, stay out of the sun, don't smoke, and cleanse and moisturize your face every morning and evening.

Here are some products that can reduce the appearance of those fine lines:

Developed to restore tired, stressed skin, Rejuvenating Treatment Masque from Exuviance by NeoStrata is a refreshing, deep cleansing Alpha Hydroxyacid gel. This combination of Poly hyroxyacids, vitamins, amino acids and botanicals reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing superior moisturizing.

Exuviance by Neo Strata's Ultra-Rich Restorative CrËme leaves sun-damaged skin feeling and looking smoother, healthier and more radiant. Suitable for sensitive skin, regular use of the CrËme may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promote a more even skin tone.

The ingredients in M Balance Re-Start Intensive Moisture Boost by Circle of Beauty include soy, which boosts the skin's vitality; wild yam, which restores the skin's healthy appearance; and red clover, which strengthens and retains moisture in the skin. Use it alone or as a supplement under other moisturizers.

Eye Supply Multi-Defense Treatment from M Balance by Circle of Beauty contains a moisture-protective ceramide that's released for 12 hours to improve the skin's moisture, ease lines and wrinkles, give the skin a firmer look and soothe away puffiness.

Time Control Firm Defense Eye Cream by Iman contains cucumber extract and skin lightening agents that help to diminish the appearance of tiny lines and dark circles. This lightweight cream firms, soothes and tones the delicate area around the eyes while improving the skin's elasticity and preserving its moisture.

Merle Norman's Luxiva Fine Line Minimizer is an intensive, yet gentle Pro-Retinol and Vitamin C derivative treatment designed to diminish the appearance of fine lines around the eye, brow and mouth.