As you age, your skin loses moisture, collagen and elastin. This loss of moisture and plumping tissue beneath skin's surface usually results in fine lines and wrinkles. Fighting the signs of aging doesn't require thousands of dollars or a department store credit line. It simply requires a little patience, ingenuity and the willingness to concoct your own beauty potions at home.
Fennel Seed and Honey Toner
In "Natural Beauty at Home," author Janice Cox writes that her research uncovered a wrinkle treatment involving honey and fennel seeds. She created her own version that you can use as a daily anti-aging toner. Combine 2 tbsp. vodka, 1 tbsp. fennel seeds and 1 ½ tsp. honey. Stir these ingredients and set them aside for three days to steep. After three days, strain the mixture into a clean container by pouring it through a coffee filter. Apply it to your face with clean cotton balls; if you have sensitive skin, add 2 tsp. distilled water before applying.
Hyaluronic Acid Supplement
In "The Wrinkle-Free Zone," author James Meschino writes that hyaluronic acid keeps your skin smooth, plump and toned. It acts like a sponge, Meschino notes, holding as many as 1,000 times its weight in water beneath your skin. It can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look younger. Your body produces less hyaluronic acid as you age, making it essential for you to replace it as you age. Meschino suggests applying topical hyaluronic supplements encased in liposome. These liquid supplements have the power to deliver pure HA through the skin the way oral supplements cannot.
Papaya Mask
In "The Tropical Spa," author Sophie Benge notes that Asian women often daub mashed papaya over visible wrinkles as a natural exfoliator. Papaya contains a natural fruit enzyme called papain. Papain is also used as a meat tenderizer because of its ability to break up meat proteins---when applied to your face, that same enzyme can help break up dead skin layers to reveal fresher, unlined skin underneath. Benge suggests selecting ripe papaya, pureeing it in a blender and applying it to your skin for approximately 20 minutes.
Olive Oil
Author Carol Firenze notes that olive oil functions as a natural moisturizer, softening and smoothing wrinkled skin. Not only does it penetrate the skin's surface to deliver intensive moisture, but olive oil also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals. Free radicals contribute to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots. Firenze adds that olive oil has the unique ability to stimulate the cells in your epidermis, called epidermal keratinocytes, to produce collagen and elastin, two necessary components of plump, youthful skin. She suggests you mix 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and several drops of lemon juice, then apply the mixture to wrinkles and leave on overnight.
References
- "Natural Beauty at Home"; Janice Cox; 2002
- "The Wrinkle-Free Zone: Your Guide to Perfect Skin in 30 Days"; James P. Meschino, DC, MS; 2004
- "The Tropical Spa: Asian Secrets of Health, Beauty and Relaxation"; Sophie Benge with photography by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni; 1999
- "The Passionate Olive: 101 Things to Do with Olive Oil"; Carol Firenze; 2005
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