Herbs Used Externally for Wrinkles
Wrinkles have been the bane of women and men for centuries, even the ancient Egyptians created their own beauty regimens and concerned themselves with appearance. The fountain of youth can now be found in bottles of creams and lotions on store shelves. However, many are turning back to ancient ways and creating their own herbal concoctions to combat aging.
Antioxidants
Herbs and supplements such as green tea, aloe vera, grape seed, and bladderwrack contain antioxidants, which can prevent and treat wrinkles. Antioxidants are substances that track and remove oxygen-free radicals. Oxygen-free radicals are the unstable particles that damage the skin. These particles also contribute to sun damage and skin cancer. Sunlight removes antioxidants from the skin, thus creating the need to not only use proper sun block, but to also replace the antioxidants.
Green Tea
Green tea has been used for thousands of years, dating back to China around 5,000 years ago. Green tea, black tea and oolong tea are from the same plant; however, green tea contains the most antioxidants. Green tea is found in many beauty creams, and can also be used as an astringent or in a bath. It is said to have properties that protect against the harmful rays of the sun, and it contains tannins that tighten the skin. However, the United States National Library of Medicine warns that limited study has been done, and the results are conflicting. People with allergies to caffeine or tannins, or those using medications that may react poorly with the chemicals should avoid green tea.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a perennial, succulent plant. This means that its leaves hold a large amount of water. While the gel within the leaves is 99 percent water, it also contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins quicken the rate of healing by reducing pain and inflammation, and polysaccharides encourage skin growth and renovation. The gel also contains tannins that tighten the skin. However, it should only be applied topically as oral use of aloe can cause gastrointestinal trouble and electrolyte abnormalities.
Grape Seed
The health attributes of grapes comes from the seeds. Antioxidants are among the active compounds within grape seeds that contribute to their healing power. Grape seed also contains high amounts of vitamin E and tannins, both of which can benefit the skin. Grape seed can be purchased in liquid form, added to homemade face cream and applied to skin. It is also beneficial when taken orally in capsule form.
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack, also known as kelp, is brown seaweed that can be found on the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the North and Baltic seas. Seaweed is both an antibacterial agent and an antioxidant. Due to these properties it is often found in cosmetics and face masks. The United States National Library of Medicine claims that laboratory tests suggest that seaweed contains these properties. However, it also states that more testing needs to be done on humans.
Warning
Consult your physician before using herbs. When speaking with your doctor always be honest about the herbs you are using, as many have adverse reactions with certain medications and health problems. Some herbs may irritate the skin. Before applying an herbal treatment to your skin, speak with your dermatologist.
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