Try these recipes for refreshing your skin.
Many of the outward changes we associate with
aging are the result of insufficient exercise and rest, lack of
essential nutrients and too much stress. The more attention you
give to eating healthfully, exercising regularly, getting enough
sleep and reducing stress in your life, the better you will look
and feel. You also can improve the appearance of your skin greatly
by using natural treatments that stimulate cellular
rejuvenation.
Among the best topical skin treatments are alpha-hydroxy acids,
natural substances derived from foods such as citrus fruits,
yogurt, grapes, sugar cane and apples. These gentle acids work by
loosening the glue that binds the outermost layer of surface skin
cells together, which increases the shedding of dead skin cells and
encourages the formation of new skin cells. Alpha-hydroxy acids
improve skin texture and color, lessen fine lines, reduce age spots
and make pores appear smaller. For best results, you need to use
these products for two months or longer to see a significant
improvement in skin quality.
Specific herbs are also helpful for treating mature skin
topically. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) contains allantoin, a
compound that encourages the formation of new skin cells. Rosemary
(Rosmarinus officinalis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and
rose (Rosa spp.) stimulate cellular rejuvenation.
Laurel Vukovic is a frequent contributor to The Herb Companion’s
sister publication, Herbs for Health magazine, and author of 14-Day
Herbal Cleansing (Prentice Hall, 1998) and Herbal Healing Secrets
for Women (Prentice Hall, 2000).
