As you get older, certain chemicals and hormones need to be replaced in your body. The skin shows wrinkles and liver spots as you age. You need more energy and antioxidants to remain youthful. Use one or more natural-based remedies to reduce the effects of aging.

Diet for Youth

Many effects of aging on the skin and on the rest of the body are a function of what we put in our bodies. For example, as women age, foods like avocados and soy will help regulate their hormones to preserve youthful energy levels and sex drive. Kyani recommends accenting your diet with antioxidant-rich berries to combat free radicals. Both men and women should avoid simple carbs like sugar, as well as trans-fats throughout their lives.

Natural Anti-Aging Creams

Creams are more saturated than lotions and more efficient at fighting wrinkles. In stores, you'll find anti-aging creams that contain antioxidants and vitamins, but there are dozens of other synthetic ingredients included. Using toxin-filled products is detrimental to your health and will hasten the aging process.

In anti-wrinkle creams, it's common to find retinoids, which are also used in Vitamin A supplements. These compounds are proven to treat wrinkles by increasing the skin's firmness and elasticity. There is Vitamin C to heal skin tissue damage and Coenzyme Q10 to increase the levels of elastin and collagen. Look for ingredients with antioxidants that remove injuries from the skin.

After you add the essential anti-aging elements, add favorite ingredients like coconut oil or cocoa butter. Aloe vera gel is recommended to treat the skin. Overall, add small amounts of moisturizers, or you will have a cream that creates acne in place of wrinkles.

Natural Exfoliating Scrubs

Like creams, store-bought exfoliating scrubs contain chemicals that are more toxic than beneficial. Make your own scrubs using your favorite ingredients, such as papaya or honey, and the alpha hydroxy acids needed to exfoliate dead skin cells. The main benefit of DIY products is that you have more ingredient choices than what you would find in the store.

Natural Soaps and Cleansers

Make an anti-aging soap or cleanser instead of using plain water to rinse your skin. Commercial soaps have detergents that dry out the skin and toxins that contribute to wrinkling. Cleanse to remove unwanted particles from your skin without drying it out.

Add oils and moisturizing agents to prevent dry skin. Find olive oil easily in stores along with shea butter, coconut oil, and various essential oils. Use ingredients that are high in vitamins E and A for optimal skin health.

It's not ideal to combine exfoliation with cleansing. Cleansing is done at the most basic level of skincare. Some cleansers are effective with only two or three ingredients.

Reversing the effects of aging is not possible when you use toxic products. Cut down on the activities, such as smoking and unhealthy eating, that cause more wrinkles to appear and speed up the aging process. Look for all-natural remedies to restore the youth in your aging body.

Taking care of your skin is one of the best ways to become more healthy, beautiful, and mindful of your body. Whether your skin care routine involves one product or ten, the ingredients are the most important part. Some replenish and nourish, but others can harm your skin. Become a conscious consumer with this guide. Your skin will thank you!

Antioxidants

These naturally occurring compounds are found in plants and directly to aid cell health. Antioxidants target free radicals, chemicals that can damage DNA. Eating antioxidant-rich foods can help boost your health, and skin care products with antioxidants can lead to healthier, younger-looking skin. Natural antioxidants beneficial for the skin include acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, and caffeine.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, C, E, and B3 are all antioxidants common to many skin care products. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are arguably the most powerful skin care ingredient, improving overall appearance by boosting collagen production, reducing blemishes, and smoothing skin. They're found in night creams, OTC lotions, and stronger chemical-based products.

Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, combats redness by strengthening your skin’s moisture-protecting barrier. Vitamin E is an important component of products for aiding your skin while outdoors, and can be used to soothe the skin after a day in the sun. Finally, vitamin C is the jack-of-all-trades ingredient that helps fight wrinkles, tighten skin, and fade brown spots.

Essential Oils

These powerfully scented plant extracts have been used throughout history, both aromatically and topically. Some, like basil, tree tea, and chamomile, can help skin. Others such as cypress, frankincense, lemongrass, and cinnamon help with reducing blemishes. Most essential oils should be used sparingly and with caution in skin care regimens. Some natural ingredients are potential irritants if allergic or if you have sensitive skin. Be aware and choose oils you know have worked before. doTERRA recommends using their HD Clear Skin Care washes to start, which helps soothe redness and skin irritation.  

Natural Acids

These acids are produced naturally by the body, but production slows over time. Thankfully, they are added to many skin care products as skin replenishers that target blemishes exfoliate, and hydrate. They leave the skin smooth, radiant, and soft. The best natural acids include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Blemish products use nitric oxide to stimulate health in the face.

Irritants

Some of the most trusted skin care products have hidden irritants. Common skin care ingredients that may be hurting your skin include fragrances, synthetic colors, preservatives like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and sulfates. Additionally, stay away from alcohols like propylene glycol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. These ingredients not only damage the skin, some are known carcinogens and toxins with grave health impacts.

Being mindful of the ingredients in your skin care products is the first step in seeing results, protecting your skin, and reducing damage and irritation. Don’t waste your money on products that will hurt your skin. Instead, keep an eye out for only the best ingredients.