How to keep a youthful skin

Hold on to youthful skin naturally

Substances that are necessary for maintaining youthful skin according to dermatologists:

• Retinol (vitamin A)
• Glycolic acids (exfoliation)
• Hyaluronic acid and peptides (hydration)
• Antioxidants (prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin)

Retinol and glycolic acids

Retinoic acid stimulates retinoid receptors, which cause cells to upregulate collagen production, normalise cell growth, and reduce inflammation.

Peptide activate tissue growth factor (TGF-beta) which stimulates collagen synthesis in skin.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

can be found naturally in most every cell in the body as well as in the greatest concentrations in the skin tissue. It keeps skin moist, supple and smooth. It binds to water molecules, holding up to 1000 times its weight in moisture. It also plays an important role in the skin healing.

Antioxidants

Scientists found a link between inflammation and free radicals in the body.

Free radicals and oxidation

The atoms in our body seek to maintain a balance. Each atom has the same number of electrons. An atom with a missing electron is called a “free radical”. It will try to regain its balance by seeking out other electrons. A chain reaction with growing numbers of free radicals will create cellular damage.

Free radicals start a process known as oxidation, where fatty acids stored in cell membranes and body fat become rancid causing inflammation.

Antioxidants remain stable even after losing electrons to free radicals, so they’re able to end the chain reaction. We need antioxidants to counteract the free radicals.

Glycolic acid occurs naturally in fruits, sugar cane and milk. It is used to remove the top layer of dead skin cells.

Vitamin C

– skin brightener and an exfoliator preventing the formation of dark spots.

Can we create the same effects naturally?

Essential oils are powerful antioxidants

There are about 40 essential oils that have an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value.

clove

citronella

coriander

fennel

clary sage

German chamomile

cedarwood

rose

nutmeg

marjoram

ylang-ylang

palmarosa

rosewood

manuka

geranium

ginger

bay laurel

eucalyptus

macadamia & wheat germ carrier oils (vitamin E)

Collagen production

Effective wound healing happens when collagen is increased in the body tissue. Although there are 20 different types of collagen in the human body, all of them consist of protein links that can rebuild themselves under the right conditions. The essential oils listed below instigate the chain reaction that leads to greater skin elasticity and health.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrots and their seeds are rich in beta carotene. The antioxidants that are so healthy for our skin are preserved and concentrated in carrot seed essential oil. The antioxidants repair damaged tissue while rebuilding the collagen layer under the skin.

Lemon essential oil not only encourages collagen growth but keeps bacteria and viruses at bay.

Geranium’s soft, floral scent has a calming effect on the nervous system, while its ketones work on skin regeneration. Geranium possesses a myriad of constituents that protect the skin from fungus, bacteria while promoting circulation. Geranium is used to encourage the body to heal itself. Collagen stimulation increases with consistent application of geranium essential oil.

Essential oils have a wide variety of properties, from antibacterial to healing. Many oils are capable to increase blood flow, stimulate hormones and heal wounds, help restore youthfulness to mature skin.

Rose essential oil, extracted mainly from the damask rose and the cabbage rose, is prised for its skin-rejuvenating properties. Clare Walters, in her book, “Aromatherapy: A Basic Guide,” says that rose oil tones the capillaries and stimulates circulation. In her book, “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils,” author Julia Lawless says that rose essential oil is helpful in treating dry skin, mature and sensitive complexions.

Rose hips are the fruit of several types of rose bushes, including Rosa moschata and Rosa rubiginosa. Rose hip seeds produce oil that is high in essential fatty acids (EFAs), retinol, a form of vitamin A and vitamin C. Each of these nutrients is vital to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Lawless states that rose hip seed oil is effective at promoting tissue regeneration and can help prevent and minimise wrinkles.

Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil comes from the gum resin of the Boswellia trees found in the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa. Frankincense promotes blood circulation and aids in reducing skin inflammation. Lawless says that frankincense is also an astringent that tightens pores and helps rejuvenate the skin.

Orange

Sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis) is extracted from the peel of the orange fruit and contains a high amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen, the connective fibre that gives skin its elasticity.

According to Lawless, other oils that are beneficial for mature skin include sweet fennel, geranium, jasmine, lavender, mandarin, mimosa, myrrh, palmarosa, patchouli, rosewood, clary sage, sandalwood, spikenard and ylang ylang.

Removing dead skin cells is vital for the health of the skin. There are gentler ways to exfoliate naturally using sugars, sea salts mixed with base and essential oils. These natural scrubs used regularly in the shower will exfoliate the dead skin cells and keep the skin looking youthful and radiant.

Maintaining youthful skin naturally is possible with the help of plant essences and loving care.