How to treat Wrinkles & Sagging - Naturally?
What Causes Saggy Skin, Spots and Wrinkles?
Can Loose Skin Regain Elasticity and Firmness?
Our skin contains two types of proteins; Collagen and Elastin, that allow it to be plump and bounce back. Over time, the production of these decrease resulting in saggy skin and wrinkles. Collagen in particular is a key ingredient in the health of our skin, hair, and nails and increasing its production or retaining it in the skin longer are key factors to turning back the clock on aging.
Anti-Aging Success: Peptides, Antioxidants & Astringents
Peptides, in the simplest form, are amino acids linked together forming a chain. Or you can look at them as fragments of the building blocks of proteins. Many peptides act as hormone signals turning on the production of collagen and elastin, decreasing inflammation or reducing DNA damage. Therefore, peptides or products containing peptides can help smooth out, relax, and repair wrinkle formation plus improve skin tone and texture. Want to learn more about peptides and what they can do for your skin and the aging process? Check out our Power of Peptides blog.
Antioxidants are substances, both man-made and natural, including vitamins C and E, Selenium, and carotenoids, such as beta-Carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin, which have the potential to lower risks of several diseases by helping to deactivate or reduce free radical formation which can damage DNA causing the effects of aging. Fruits and vegetables are excellent natural sources of antioxidants and should be included as part of a healthy diet, however adding antioxidants into your daily skincare routines can also be beneficial to reduce the effects of aging. Vitamin C helps to enhance Collagen production, reduces sun damage and makes skin glow. Vitamin E is valued for increasing healing from wounds or dryness and Vitamin A increases cellular renewal to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our Antioxidants for Aging article explains a bit more in depth on the value antioxidants have on aging.
Astringents are water-soluble compounds that have the power to firm and tighten loose, sagging skin while reducing the appearance of large pores. While they may not be able to completely firm an entire double chin or completely erase marionette lines, they can help to firm these areas and assist in reducing the appearance of sagging over time. Witch Hazel extract is a popular astringent for large pores and to tonify skin. Tannins in green or black tea reduce water and inflammation within the cells and draw cells closer. Anyone who has woken up with swollen, puffy eyes and applied tea bags to them will usually see a reduction in their puffiness quite quickly due to the magic of Tannins.
Top 3 Herbs & Extracts to Firm Loose, Saggy Skin
Natural herbs and extracts have potent compounds to aid your skin, regaining elasticity naturally. Antiaging products containing Witch Hazel, Green Tea, and Seaweed are particularly effective at aiding saggy and aging skin due to their antioxidant and astringent components.
WITCH HAZEL – The extract from the leaf is prized for its astringent properties especially when used in skin care formulations. Many toners contain Witch Hazel leaf extract due to its ability to tighten tissues and reduce the appearance of large pores, thereby tonifying the skin. Tannins also create a protective barrier that prevent foreign substances from entering the skin which can cause inflammation and damage. Use Witch Hazel in your skincare routine to ease inflammation, tone and reduce the appearance of large pores and reduce puffiness.
GREEN TEA – This is a beloved herbal ingredient with superpowers to aid the body in many ways via Tannins but also antioxidants. Catechins (a group of antioxidants) especially Epigallocatechin Gallete (EGCG) has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and is an excellent ingredient to treat and soothe eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff. Green tea can help minimize redness, inflammation and swelling of the skin and reduce the effects of free radical damage and therefore aging.
SEAWEED – This is another powerhouse that can aid your skin. It is full of nourishing minerals and vitamins as well as astringents and antioxidant compounds. It has hydrating properties that draw moisture and lock moisture into the skin naturally helping to plump sagging skin as it tightens and firms. Seaweed is used in anti-aging formulations and to treat skin conditions such as cellulite, acne and clogged pores, rosacea, dry skin, and eczema.
The Importance of Sunscreen For Reducing the Effects of Aging!
By now you are aware of the importance of daily sunscreen to protect from skin-damaging, painful sunburns caused by UVB rays. But having one that can also reduce the effects of aging from UVA rays to improve the appearance of sagging skin, sun spots and wrinkles is often overlooked. Be sure to always apply (and re-apply) sunscreen daily to avoid skin cancer and burns, but make sure it contains antioxidants to reduce or slow the appearance of aging skin as well. Vitamins C and E are a good start as are phytochemicals like EGCG mentioned above. Avoid sunscreens with Vitamin A however as this vitamin is actually contraindicated when used along with sun exposure and can lead to more damage then it helps to avoid.
Things to Look for in Natural Sunscreen:
- 100% Mineral Based with Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide
- UVA / UVB Broad-Spectrum Protection
- Chemical Free = Reef Safe
- Contains anti-aging properties
- Nano Free | At least SPF30
You can prevent premature signs of aging and provide skin with nourishment from antioxidant-packed extracts of Green Tea, Shiitake, Turmeric, Chlorella, Spirulina, and more with our Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF30. Perfect for all skin types that enjoy a lightweight, non-greasy, anti-aging, natural sunscreen!
There are numerous different factors involved in the appearance of aging skin and natural anti-aging products are ideal skin protectors and re-builders. Including ingredients into your daily lives high in peptides, antioxidants and astringents can help. If you don't already have anti-aging products, our Anti-Aging Set can be a great start! This set features a skin care regime designed to reduce the effects of aging and to get your skin operating at its optimal potential. Enhance your complexion and keep it beautiful!
How to Make Firming Face Cream?
Ever wanted to make your natural products? Check our our fun, DIY video with an easy recipe for Natural Remedies for Saggy Skin
Want more in depth information to different skin care ingredients? Follow our new Vella series on Amazon Kindle to read monthly episodes on the most popular ingredients in skin care, how to use them and why with our new Quick Guide to Natural Skin Care Ingredients.
Sources:
Healthline – 5 Benefits of a Green Tea Face Mask and How to Make One
Healthline – 8 Benefits and Uses of Witch Hazel
Medical News Today - Astringent
National Institutes of Health - Antioxidants
Oregon State University - Vitamin E and Skin Health
RD Alchemy – Ingredients 101- Power of Peptides
RD Alchemy – Video
RD Alchemy - Quick Guide to Natural Skin Care Ingredients
Very Well Health – Skin Elasticity: What is it and How to Protect it