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Natural Anti-Aging

posted by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine Apr 17, 2009 10:00 am

More potent nutrients. Skin scientists have long known about the anti-aging benefits of antioxidants such as vitamin C and coenzyme Q10. The trick has been to formulate them so they don’t break down before they have a chance to fend off and repair damage from possibly the greatest threat to youthful skin–free radicals, the harmful molecules produced by ultraviolet light, pollution, and natural bodily processes.

The answer? Pairing antioxidants with the right oils and fats. Doing so stabilizes these fragile nutrients, thereby helping them penetrate deeply into the skin. “And when you’re talking about anti-aging, you want to go as deep into the skin as you can,” says cosmetic chemist David Pollock, who has been formulating skin creams for 14 years and is currently working with the natural beauty company Desert Essence.

Some experts are particularly fond of squalene, which is derived from olives, closely resembles sebum (the oil in human skin), and has been shown in at least one study to enhance the absorption of antioxidants, particularly vitamin A. But there are plenty of other good carrier agents as well.

“We used to think of the skin as a barrier, like Saran Wrap,” says dermatologist Amy Newburger of Scarsdale, New York. “But depending on what the active ingredients are suspended in, we now know they can get through.”

What to look for on the label: One of the first ingredients listed should be the carrier. Shea butter is a good one, as is squalene, along with grape seed, borage, palm, and jojoba oils. Antioxidants don’t need to be listed high up; a little can go a long way. Among the most effective are vitamins C, E, A, and coenzyme Q10. Green tea and grape seed extract also offer free-radical-fighting power. Certain combinations of two or more antioxidants can be even more effective.

Next: More Effective Exfoliators

More on Skin Care (270 articles available)
More from Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine (140 articles available)

8 comments

8 comments

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8 comments add your comment
Mama Bird

I used to use olive oil for cooking, now I use it to keep wrinkles from under the chin, also on legs,& arms. Works great in the tub w/ your favorite scent. Just be careful getting out!
Aloe on the face at night also helps, don't use the colored ones. Don't get too near the eyes.

Elwira R.

Anti-aging starts with a good diet but I'm definitely a big fan of Nu Skin's galvanic spa www.nuselfesteem.spabeautyathome.com

You can see the results here: http://galvanicspacanada.wordpress.com/abou/services/

it's an alternative to face lifts and botox.

Ethocyn is the ingredient used in the gels and it attacks the biological signs of aging which Zoe D. Draelos, M.D., Editor in Chief, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology talks about here:

http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Guest_Columnist_710/Have_You_Ever_Wondered_Why_Some_People_Look_Younger_Than_Their_Actual_Age.shtml?gwpID=CA6034196

You should be able to find a Nu Skin rep in your town and they will give you a 10 minute free of charge half face demo and you will see the dramatic results within half an hour.

This is one of the best investments a person can make if they're tired of looking at their wrinkled face.

...and don't forget about the most important factor: diet full of antioxidants! load up on those berries:)

Epos E.
  • Epos E. says
  • Aug 11, 2009 9:31 AM

oz per oz E Essential 24 Best Skin Oil- www.bestskinoil.com has to be one of the best products out there. Both my fiancee and I use it on a daily basis and we couldn't be happier.

Vegan Stuff

vegan stuff for sale on care2 shop http://my.care2.com/veganstuff

Ailsa C.

It's a shame that a lot of companies claim to use only natural or botanical-based products, then load up their products with chemicals that can actually age the skin!

I use Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care because it's completely chemical and toxin free and people have had incredible anti-aging results. My mum looks 10 yrs younger from this becaue it delivers nutrition to your cells, so they can do their job properly!

www.beautyglimpse.com

Beth Hartford-deroos

Staying out of the sun, drinking more water, getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy whol foods, getting exercise, (even great sex)and being positive all help prevent the aging signs so many people have. Olive oil and yogurt make great skin care cleaners.

Sally tr

Here is a link that goes into greater detail about the steps in a skin care regimen from kiss my face:
http://kissmyface.com/ppfcpages/ppfcproducts.html#
There are also video tutorials on the website which shows how to apply/ use each type of skin care.
Overall, the Kiss My Face Pure and Potent line is natural, relatively non toxic, and has decent to very good review, but I like Boscia natural and preservative-free skin line better. Boscia is also relatively non toxic, has very good reviews on www.Beauty.com, and they also have a skin care kit on sale on their website (www.boscia.net) called the Best of Bosica Collection for $48 (regular retail price $95). Both skincare lines are expensive, but to me Boscia is like the Estee Lauder or Avon (or whatever) of natural skin care.

Viola Horne

Bravo! Thanks for the great info. I just wanted to say that a natural hydrating mist goes a long way to freshen aging skin. My company, www.GodsCountryBotanicals.com carries a rose hydrating mist for aging skin and a grapefruit mist for younger skin called Skin Essentials. Both are all natural and smell wonderful. They're made with pure essential oils.

Thanks again and keep up the great work!

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