Like the elastic used in stretchy clothing, the skin relies on elastin, a fiber-like tissue of the skin. At its best, elastin prevents sagging skin, only allowing wrinkles and other signs of aging when elasticity of the tissue deteriorates. Collagen serves to strengthen the skin tissues. Certain herbs have been shown to have collagen- and elastic-tissue protecting capacity that will assist in the maintenance of firm, youthful skin. Consult with your dermatologist for possible contra-indications with other medicines.
White Tea
A form of green tea harvested at an earlier stage of development, white tea contains polyphenols, natural antioxidants that work to prevent oxidization, the destruction of the skin's connective tissues. A 2009 study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at University Hospital's Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, determined that topical application of white tea showed partial prevention of UV-induced oxidative DNA damage. Application of white tea protects aspects of the skin's immune system to prevent premature oxidation of the skin's connective tissues, according to Dr. Elma Baron, director of the Skin Study Center at University Hospital of Cleveland. Check with your medical practitioner before applying any herbal extracts to your skin.
Bladder Wrack
Serving as a whole food and an herb with medicinal properties, this plant of the sea offers many benefits to man, including skin-firming capabilities. According to a 2009 study by the School of Life Sciences at Kingston University in London, bladder wrack was one of nine plants in the study with inhibitory actions against enzymes destructive to skin collagen and elastin. Check the source of bladder wrack supplements carefully because this kelp plant will absorb toxins if raised in polluted salt water.
Cleavers
A relative of the coffee plant, the hairy cleaver plant was also tested for its skin-protecting qualities in the study at Kingston University. Cleavers was determined to have a high degree of anti-collagenase and anti-elastase properties, coming in third place behind bladder wrack and white tea, in its skin-protecting abilities. After being steeped in hot water like a tea, cleavers can be applied as an astringent to wash and tone the facial skin. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommends telling your health-care provider about any complementary and alternative practices you plan to use.
References
- Life Extension News: Anti-Aging Supplements Plant Extracts That Inhibit Elastase and Collagenase
- Women to Women: Holistic Skin Care
- PDF Cast: Topical Application of White Tea Extracts Provides Protection From Solar-Simulated Ultraviolet Light in Human Skin
- Senior Journal: White Tea Extract Shows Anti-Cancer, Anti-Aging Protection for Skin
- Bio Med Central: Anti-collagenase, Anti-elastase and Anti-oxidant Activities of Extracts From 21 Plants
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