Anti-Aging Skin Care
The Natural Way

Cosmetic companies still promote Ponce de Leon's fabled Fountain of Youth. Their anti-aging skin care products claim to turn back the hands of time. On close examination, they at best offer little more than you can prepare yourself with ingredients purchased at your local grocery--for a fraction of the cost and with no danger of ill side effects.

Take a look at your skin cream’s label. For example, many foundation creams contain propylene glycol as a moisturizer. It is “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S Food and Drug Administration, but is prohibited as an ingredient in cat food and is used in antifreeze and as a photographic solvent. Since your skin absorbs chemicals into your body, is this something you want in or on you when there is a completely natural substitute?

Water is almost certainly the #1 ingredient listed on any label. Since ingredients are listed in the order of their proportion in any product, you are paying mostly for water. And what about animal testing? In order to determine at what levels cosmetic chemicals become harmful to skin or general health, they are administered in ever-increasing doses to innocent animals until rashes or disease appears.

Skincare by Alana is a high quality, all natural anti-aging skin care cosmetic line that we can recommend to you.

Some other fine products from a variety of quality skin care companies.

Hyaluronic acid is quite prevalent in our bodies, but diminishes as we age. Along with being a major component in joint cartilage, it is essential to your skin's plumpness and wound repair. It facilitates the elastic producing properties of your skin's collagen and in moisturization. It may be injected by a physician, or applied directly to the skin.

Age & Liver Spots

These generally appear in people over the age of 40, but can appear earlier. They are the result of melanin deposits in the skin—usually from sun exposure—and are harmless. The name “liver spot” has only to do with their color, and not to any liver condition.

Laser treatment by a dermatologist will remove them. You can lighten them over time with an astringent mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 apple cider vinegar. Apply with a cotton ball or soft cloth. This will also make your skin feel smoother and look more radiant.

Exfoliators

Men naturally exfoliate when they shave, but for women it is helpful to remove outer layers of dead skin cells. Grind 2-3 tsp raw uncooked oats in a food processor and add 1/2 tsp each honey (attracts moisture) and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Then add one drop jojoba or coconut oil. Apply in a gentle circular motion, avoiding the area just around the eyes. Leave for 5-15 minutes. Then remove with tepid water, finishing with cold water to close skin pores.

Moisturizers

Instead of chemical based propylene glycol, try Aloe Oil, Jojoba Oil or Coconut Oil. Each is available in your local health food store or vitamin shop. Their large molecular structure does not penetrate the skin easily, and so remains on your skin to plump cells.

A paste of mashed ripe avocado left on the skin for 5-10 minutes and removed with a warm wet wash cloth will moisturize while making you feel like you’re in a spa. This time can also be used to soak in a hot bath to which you add some jojoba, coconut or aloe oil, to make your anti-aging skin care whole body.

Foods high in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential to allowing your skin to retain moisture, according to Amy Newburger, MD of the Dermatology Dept at St. Luke's Roosevelt Medical Center. Omega-3 acids are found in salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, grass fed beef, flaxseed oil, or by way of anti-aging skin care supplement. Omega-6 acids are contained in corn and safflower oils.

Vitamin C, copper and zinc are needed to fuel the enzyme that allows collagen to form. Together, they keep the collagen more dense, allowing for plump hydrated skin, says Dr. Newburger. Look for a good multivitamin with trace minerals, including zinc and copper.

The Sun

It is well established that prolonged sun exposure will dry and crack skin. While use of a sun block or protective clothing is advisable, remember that your skin needs sunlight to produce vitamin D. It takes 50 glasses of D-fortified milk to equal what you can produce in 15 minutes of summer sun! As with most good things in life, moderation is the key.

Your skin is a fascinating multi-level organ, and understanding how it works will help you take proper care of it.

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