Many researchers believe that our maximum lifespan is determined by our telomeres. Telomeres don't determine whether or not we live, but whether or not we age, which ultimately affects how long we live.

Telomeres extend off the end cap of our DNA and resemble shoe laces. At the end of each telomere is a ribonucleoprotein complex known as telomerase enzyme. Telomeres are often described as "clocks that regulate aging." As we age our telomeres shorten and gradually we begin to see and feel aging changes. Changes in our skin may include loss of elasticity, volume, textural changes, etc. Other issues, such as heredity and lifestyle, may accelerate telomere shortening in some individuals, thus shortening their lifespans. In any case, when telomeres eventually become very short, cell crisis and cell death is triggered, resulting in age-related disease and aging conditions.

Telomerase is believed to be a major force in providing protection and stabilization to the telomere. Studies indicate that when telomeres do not have sufficient telomerase enzyme, telomere shortening may accelerate.

By helping to stabilize the telomere, we may be able to slow down the process of skin aging and provide the mechanism to assist our cells in "resetting their aging clocks," thus enabling them to more fully rebuild and replace their losses.

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