As you age, your skin loses elasticity, causing skin to appear wrinkled and loose. Although nothing can bring back the tautness of youth, you can use astringent herbs for a skin-tightening effect. Most contain tannin, which helps contract and tone skin tissue. Because herbs can have side effects even when used topically, you should consult your doctor before using them.
Cleavers
Cleavers---botanically known as Galium aparine and also called goosegrass and Zhu Yang Yang---has astringent and tonic properties that make it useful for tightening and toning skin. According to the Alternative Nature Online Herbal website, fresh cleavers leaves---which contain tannins, flavonoids, gallotannic acid and citric acid---may be applied as a skin poultice.
Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi---or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, also known as bearberry---is among the most powerful herbal astringents, containing up to 40 percent tannins, as well as arbutin, which has anti-inflammatory effects. According to the NewSkinPlus.com website, arbutin also inhibits the formation of melanin pigment, making it suitable for use as a skin lightener to prevent age spots and freckles.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel---or Hamahelis virginiana, also called spotted alder, winterbloom, and snapping hazelnut---is normally distilled and combined with alcohol to make a soothing, mild astringent for toning skin. Its action is due to its 10 percent tannin content.
Peppermint
Peppermint---botanically known as Mentha piperita---contains volatile oils composed of menthol, and is used in balms and massage oils. It has cooling and analgesic properties, and increases blood flow. SInce the undiluted peppermint oil may cause skin irritation, you should always dilute it with equal parts aloe vera gel or grape-seed oil.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm---or Ulmus fulva, also called Indian elm---contains a spongy, slippery plant fiber known as mucilage as its active ingredient. Slippery elm has emollient and astringent properties, and a gelee made of slippery elm can be used to tighten skin and reduce redness.
Mullein
Mullein---or Verbascum, also known as flannel leaf and mullein dock---is used topically on skin to tighten, tone and increase circulation. You can use an oil made from the flowers or a fresh poultice of mashed leaves. Mullein also has antimicrobial effects.
Raspberry
Raspberry---or Rubus idaeus---has astringent and stimulant properties. According to the Herbs 2000 website, the astringent properties of raspberry derive from the gallic and ellagic acids in the tannins, and the fresh leaves contain significant amount of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, as well as flavonoids. The moistened leaves can be used as a poultice to tone and tighten skin.
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