Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It houses your internal organs and protects them from damage. Over time, your skin wears down from constant exposure to the elements, such as sun and pollution, as well as the aging process. Numerous products on the market claim to rejuvenate your skin, but they often include harsh chemicals. If you are looking for a natural means to rejuvenate your skin, a few herbs have been found to have skin rejuvenating properties.
Calendula
Calendula officinalis is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat numerous conditions of the skin, from dryness to open sores. A study in the February 3, 2008, issue of the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition" reports that when rats with burned skin were treated with oral extract of calendula, the skin began to increase its collagen production and rebuild its structure, making it an excellent choice for a skin rejuvenating agent. Calendula can be used as an herbal tea or purchased in a topical cream.
Comfrey Leaves
Comfrey, known scientifically as Symphytum officinale, contains a substance called allantoin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), allantoin triggers the growth of new skin cells, which makes it an effective skin rejuvenator. Comfrey is also used to reduce swelling and inflammation of the skin that is associated with wounds, whether flesh wounds or broken bones. The UMMC reports that oral comfrey products have been banned in the United States and Europe, as they can be toxic to the liver and can even cause death. To use comfrey on your skin, select a topical cream that has been made from an extract of the comfrey leaves, and select one from a trusted cosmeceutical manufacturer. The best place to find quality topical comfrey products is a health food store or natural herb center.
Garlic
You probably think of garlic more as a culinary herb than as a skin rejuvenator, but research explains that garlic has powerful antioxidant properties when it comes to the skin. The January 2003 issue of "Ageing Research Review" explains that many aging processes involve damage to the cells caused by free radicals or cells that do not function properly. Garlic has strong antioxidant properties that can help prevent and reverse the disease process, including heart disease, cataracts, arthritis and brain aging. The report also states that garlic has the ability to rejuvenate the skin. Garlic can be consumed in many forms, from granulated garlic to garlic flakes, although raw garlic or aged garlic extract contain the highest amounts of antioxidants.
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