Aging equals wrinkles, it’s a fact. As you become more seasoned, the skin naturally loses elasticity and becomes more fragile. The production of natural oils and fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes, which leads to loose, saggy skin, and more-pronounced lines and crevices. Sure, you can try all those costly OTC wrinkle-fighting products that are touted every which where but do they really work?
What about that old saying, ‘Black don’t crack?’ Well, yes, it does! Black skin is not immune from ‘cracking,’ it just happens at a slower rate than white skin.
Besides the expensive OTC wrinkle creams and exorbitant dermatological procedures like Botox, is there anything you can use on your face to smooth out a few of those annoying fine lines?
Why not go the natural route to help combat those signs of aging? Herbs!
Basil acts as an effective anti-aging agent that tightens the skin, fights free radical damage, and oxidative stress, and prevents the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots on the skin. Soak a handful of basil leaves in warm water until they are soft. Make a paste with the softened basil by adding two tablespoons of buckwheat, millet, or chickpea flour and a tablespoon of honey. Leave on your face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Cinnamon’s anti-aging benefits fight collagen breakdown and prevent the loss of skin elasticity. Mix two tablespoons of cinnamon powder with one tablespoon of honey and apply to your face. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Ginger is high in antioxidants and is a great remedy for wrinkles. Ginger also inhibits the breakdown of elastin, one of the main causes of wrinkles and fine lines. When combined with honey, another natural antibacterial and anti-fungal ingredient, ginger proves to be a potent acne-fighting team. Grate one small piece of ginger and add a teaspoon of brown sugar and two tablespoons of olive oil, mix and apply it to the skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Ginseng is a medicinal herb that is known for its anti-aging properties. Ginseng is thought to also reduce dark circles; its anti-pigmentation properties are believed to play a role here. Ginseng may also increase hyaluronic acid generation and keep your skin hydrated and plump. Add a teaspoon of ginseng powder to a half cup of water and use cotton balls to apply to the problem areas on the face. It can be left overnight.
Oregano is chockful of antioxidants and flavonoids that help delay the signs of aging. Use 3 drops of oregano oil mixed with half a tablespoon of olive oil and massage into the skin. Leave on overnight and rinse with warm water in the morning.
Rosemary protects your skin from UV rays damage that can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of UV-induced aging. Boil a handful of rosemary in one cup of water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Cool and store the mix in a spray bottle. Spritz it on your face (avoiding the eyes) a couple of times a day.
Sage is rich in antioxidants that help reverse the signs of aging as in age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Boil a handful of sage in two cups of water; let it steep for 30 minutes. Let the mixture cool and store it in a spray bottle to spritz your face twice daily (avoiding the eyes).
