We've got nothing against chemistry. It's just that we deal with so many chemicals every day; they're in everything from our toothpaste to our quickie frozen dinners. So when it comes to what goes on our skin, well, it's nice to keep that as natural as possible. Especially when we're trying to fight wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
"Millions of women over the age of 40 are challenged with accelerated loss of elasticity, sagging, and thinning skin caused by hormonal changes," says Louisa Maccan-Graves, author of "Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue."
In addition to that, Maccan-Graves says, "Many women in this age range suddenly experience sensitivity to ingredients, such as parabens, color, peptides, fragrances, and retinoids."
The easiest solution to these problems? Use natural ingredients like these that are proven to help fight skin's signs of aging.
Photo 2/10
Honey
You drizzle it into your morning tea and over a cup of vanilla yogurt, but honey can also sweeten your skin. "Honey has wonderful humectant properties," says Renee Amir, master esthetician and owner of Amir Salon in Vienna, Va.
The amino acids and sugar in honey work together to help skin retain its essential moisture. Honey also contains mild alpha-hydroxy acids, which can help skin shed dry, dead cells while also stimulating collagen production. That translates to fewer lines and wrinkles -- and younger-looking skin.
Photo 3/10
Shiitake complex
Shiitake mushrooms have been recognized for their medicinal properties for more than a thousand years. According to Josh Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, we now know that the mushrooms have beauty-boosting properties, too. Shiitake mushrooms contain natural kojic acid, which actively prevents skin from forming dark spots. And because kojic acid is also an astringent, it helps make skin more taut and toned.
Photo 4/10
Helichrysum italicum flower essential oil
It may be a mouthful to say, but this special compound -- which comes from the golden flowers of the helichrysum plant -- is revered for its powerful skin-healing properties. "Helichrysum's flower produces what's called 'immortal' essential oil, which is known as one of the most regenerative oils on earth," says Alison Price, the owner of OrganicGlow.com. "Diluting a few drops of the oil with water and applying it directly to your face helps tighten the skin, protect newly-formed cells, enhance circulation, and scavenge for damaging free radicals."
Photo 5/10
Southernwood
This flowering plant goes by many names -- Boy's Love, Lad's Love, Old Man Tree -- and has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues and inflamed skin. According to Zeichner, southernwood extract -- made of the plant's natural sugars and polyphenols -- has a proven antioxidant effect, helping keep skin moist and supple.
We've got nothing against chemistry. It's just that we deal with so many chemicals every day; they're in everything from our toothpaste to our quickie frozen dinners. So when it comes to what goes on our skin, well, it's nice to keep that as natural as possible. Especially when we're trying to fight wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
"Millions of women over the age of 40 are challenged with accelerated loss of elasticity, sagging, and thinning skin caused by hormonal changes," says Louisa Maccan-Graves, author of "Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue."
In addition to that, Maccan-Graves says, "Many women in this age range suddenly experience sensitivity to ingredients, such as parabens, color, peptides, fragrances, and retinoids."
The easiest solution to these problems? Use natural ingredients like these that are proven to help fight skin's signs of aging.
