Dehydration is one powerful skin wrinkler. People that understand how aged that dehydrated skin looks often take recourse by drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. It is a shame they don't take as much thought in checking to make sure the water they drink is not fluoridated. Even small amounts of fluoride will quickly ruin every effort a person makes to keep their skin looking young and smooth.

Fluoride, even in very small concentrations, damages your body's collagen system. Collagen is a protein that is produced in specified cells. Some cells produce collagen which forms fibers that give structural support to the skin, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Some cells will produce collagen that is mineralized and, along with calcium, builds bone and tooth enamel. Fluoride in amounts as minute as 1 part per million disrupts the sythesis of collagen and induces mutation. The cell will then try to compensate by producing more collagen, but because the collagen is imperfect it does not function as intended.

As the body loses it's ability to control the production of collagen, it also loses the ability to determine which collagen should be mineralized and which shouldn't. This loss will result in the mineralization of skin, muscle, and other tissues that should be fibrous. Wrinkles are the result. Bone and tooth collagen which should be mineralized often is not and so subsequent bone and tooth malformation and loss sets in as well.

It is highly important, not only to youthful health, but to the maintenance a youthful appearance to avoid ingesting fluoride. In light of current scientific findings about fluoride much acitivism is now going on attempting to halt the fluoridation of water. While many towns and cities are ceasing the practice, there are still many more which are fluoridating water than not. Your local water provider will tell you the amount of fluoride they are dumping into your tap water. Some well water will also contain fluoride from natural rock sources. Have your water tested even if you are not using city water sources. It takes only 1 part per million to cause damage. If your water contains a lesser amount, do not be fooled into thinking that it is safe.

There are many other sources of fluoride in our diets other than water. Because the effects are bio-cumalative, it is important to restrict the amount of fluoride you are getting from all sources. Sources that contribute in major ways to your fluoride intake include toothpaste, teas (with instant and decaffeinated teas being extremely high), mechanically boned chicken, soda pop, ready to drink fruit juices, wine, beer, Teflon pans, salt (in some countries), processed cereals, and grains. Fluoride pesticides are also presently widely used and it is important to wash your fruits, vegetables, and grains before eating them.

If you have fluoride in your water, you need to get special filters to get rid of it. Not all filters will get rid of fluoride. When you buy a filter, make sure it specifically removes fluoride. Reverse osmosis systems are the best for fluoride removal, and a whole house system should be considered. Remember that you bathe in your water too, and skin is absorbant. Eat as naturally as possible, but wash your vegetables and fruits well before eating them. Avoid processed foods that contain high levels of fluoride. Remember that fluoride will accumilate over time and the best way to control a dangerous build up is to not ingest it in the first place.

While you can't keep fluoride out of your diet completely, if you value radiant, youthful skin, and your whole body health as well, it is vitally important that you limit your fluoride exposure as much as possible. With DOW Chemicals putting increasing pressure on the EPA and FDA to allow increased intensity in fluoride pesticides you may even consider joining a local or online fluoride activitist group to help in the fight against fluoridated water and pesticides.

By keeping control of the amount of fluoride you ingest, you will find your efforts to keep your skin supple and smooth will become much, much easier and your overall health will improve greatly.