Face Moisturizers for Aging Skin

Face Moisturizers for Aging Skin
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As you age, the collagen and elastin in your skin diminishes, leading to a loss of suppleness and the appearance of wrinkles. Moisturizers can help to improve the appearance of the face by smoothing the skin. While expensive creams might help, topical applications can be made from items found in grocery stores or already in your home. Contact a dermatologist or other medical professional to discuss your options for reducing the signs of aging in your face.

Glycerin

Glycerin is an effective moisturizer for aging skin, especially for people with oily skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It belongs to a class of moisturizers known as humectants. Humectants draw water from deep layers of skin to the surface and do not add oils that might block pores. Moisturizers such as glycerin work best when applied to damp skin, and before putting on foundation if you are a woman. Glycerin does not affect the wrinkles on the face themselves but improves the elasticity of the skin and plumps it, smoothing out the small creases and folds common in aging skin.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is well known as a healthy food used in everything from salad dressing to pasta dishes. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed and filtered, hence its darker color. Olive oil contains many nutrients and serves to restore suppleness to the skin of the face. Skin that is dehydrated tends to show wrinkles more, especially as you age, and gain more lines from exposure to the sun and facial movements. The Daily Glow, a website devoted to beauty care, states that olive oil is beneficial for and moisturizes the skin well. It suggests applying the oil at night and leaving it on while you sleep. If your skin is already very oily, consult with a dermatologist before using olive oil or any oil-based substance as a moisturizer.

Papayas

Papayas are a large tropical fruit with a bright orange-red flesh and yellow skin. They originated in Central America and contain several important nutrients, including the antioxidant vitamin C. Papaya also contains papain, an enzyme that helps to repair wrinkles, according to Natural News. Elastin, a protein fiber in the skin that helps to maintain its structure and elasticity, is rebuilt by papaya. A mask can be made from the flesh of papaya, applied to the face and left on for several minutes. Papaya also has an antioxidant action and heals mucus membranes, according to Natural News.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Sep 26, 2010

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