First, a little on skin. Skin consists of two layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The upper-most layer, the epidermis, controls the loss of water from cells and tissue. Without this protective barrier, the body would quickly dehydrate. Just below the epidermis lies the second layer, the dermis. The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves and hair follicles. However, it is primarily made up of a protein called "collagen." This protein forms a network of fibers that provides a framework for the growth of cells and blood vessels. Because it is the primary component of the dermis, collagen acts as the support structure for the skin.

In young skin, the collagen framework is intact and the skin remains moisturized and elastic. It's resilient to the many facial expressions we adopt as well as everyday environmental exposure. Over time, the support structure weakens and the skin loses its elasticity. The skin begins to lose its tone as the collagen support wears down. Every time you smile, frown or squint, you put stress on the collagen in your skin. The effect of these facial expressions is cumulative and facial lines begin to appear.