We buy and use several skin care products to treat fine lines and wrinkles on our skin. There are serums, gels, packs, and moisturizers that claim to have numerous anti aging properties. While we might splurge on these products, we can look for other much cheaper alternatives also to remedy our skin woes. There are so many natural ingredients we can use to reverse or slow down skin aging. The best thing about suing natural substances is that they are organic and free of harmful chemicals. Given below are a few such natural ingredients that can do wonders for your skin:
1. Shea butter
Giving a boost to skin elasticity, shea butter smoothes out skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves the complexion and making skin turn supple and soft. It moisturizes the skin and also protects it from the sun to some extent. Many formulations of shea butter can be used to manufacture a product; raw, refined or shea oil. Each has slightly different properties.
But before you buy a shea butter moisturizer make sure it contains enough of the beneficial ingredient. The product should have at least 20 percent of shea butter for its effects to show on the skin. If the concentration is not mentioned on the pack, then remember that products with higher strength and cited on top of the ingredient list have a denser concentration.
2. Cocoa butter
The slight chocolaty aroma of this ingredient is quite pleasing. Packed with antioxidants, cocoa butter also contains flavonoids, a type of phytochemical. All these compounds stimulate blood flow in the skin and make it appear radiant, glowy, and slick. Apart from anti aging, there are many other benefits of using cocoa butter. It should be used by expectant mothers as it will avoid stretch marks from emerging on their skin.
It’s low melting point, helps it get readily sopped up by skin pores even at room temperature. Its relaxation inducing properties have made it a commonly used ingredient in aromatherapy. So if you have a high stress or very active lifestyle then you will benefit from cocoa butter. It is known for its ability to lower mental tension and induce a sense of well being. It can also prevent cancer and give a boost to the immune system.
3. Virgin coconut oil
Your skin feels smooth and velvety after you apply virgin coconut oil to it. It smoothes out wrinkles and casts off dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. It is loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals and make your skin look youthful. Application of coconut oil increases skin elasticity drastically, it seeps deep into the skin and strengthens its connective tissues.
This also delays skin aging. It has numerous healing properties; it is known to be anti-inflammatory and an anti neuralgic ingredient. Look out for a virgin coconut oil that is refined and organic. Although slightly expensive, this will be free of chemicals, bleach, pesticides, insects, and other harmful additives.
4. Jojoba oil
The best thing about jojoba oil is that it is very much like the natural sebum produced by our skin, this makes it one of the best moisturizers around. It can also diminish the appearance of fine line and wrinkles whilst slowing down the aging process. The oil tightens the skin considerably and protects the skin cells from aging. Loaded with antioxidants, the oil fights free radicals that come in way of skin health. It can set right the delicate skin around your eyes. It can also lighten stretch marks considerably as it is an intense moisturizer.
An all natural oil, it does not contain any chemicals or additives that can harm your skin. Another huge plus with jojoba oil is that it suits all skin types; dry, oily, and combination skin. No matter how keen you are about applying jojoba oil on the skin, make sure that you do not purchase just any product that claims to contain the oil. Many manufactured products contain harmful chemicals and toxins that negate the beneficial properties of the oil. So make sure you buy a pure variety from a reputed store. It is better to go for organic jojoba oil.
5. Aloe vera juice
Known for its healing properties, the benefit and curative power of aloe vera juice has been touted since a long time. A very good moisturizer, it is packed with nutrients like amino acids, vitamins and minerals. These also make it an anti aging product for your skin. The building blocks of our skin are proteins or amino acids. There are total 22 of these and aloe is known to contain 20 of them. It can protect the skin from the damage caused by free radicals and thus slows down aging. Application of aloe vera also improves the health and general function of the skin. It remedies cuts, minor burns, rashes, skin irritation and dryness.