Ageless Skin and Herbs. Is there a Connection?
All of us are striving for timeless beautiful skin which remains unfazed and unaffected through changing seasons and weathers. Well, if you would acknowledge that there is more to the skin than meets the eye. The upper layer of the skin epidermis is the first layer of defense while the second layer called as dermis is the supporting tissue of the skin. it also provides structural framework to the skin through its numerous structural components namely, collagen, elastin fibers, blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles and those parts which retain moisture to keep the skin wrinkle free, supple, soft and youthful. It is this part of the skin where the signs of ageing start appearing. Therefore it can be easily concluded that holistic age defying treatment should also begin here.
Give your skin a dash of nutrients and antioxidants
Healthy and nutritious food takes care of the skin from inside out. Healthy food, drinking enough water, regular physical activity and nutritional supplements ensure that your body has achieved full ability to build, repair, protect, and rejuvenate itself. It is important to keep up with the bod’s ever increasing demands of nutritional requirements.
Antioxidants which can be obtained naturally from a number of fruits and vegetables are very important in building the structural framework of the body and antagonizing the effect of sun damage on the skin. Antioxidants and nutrients from food not only provide hydration and nutrition to the skin but also help in building, strengthening and rejuvenating and cleansing of the skin.
Smooth ageless skin needs to have strong structural framework and foundation. Protein complex and a blend of essential amino acids are also needed for the skin to produce collagen which works against wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Good and healthy food also supports the dermal integrity of the skin, maintains the hydration of the skin and creates the appearance of a radiant, youthful looking skin.
Vitamins A, C and E are all antioxidants needed for providing antioxidants and maintaining a strong, resilient, clear and healthy skin. Beta-carotene is also an essential nutrient needed for healthy and wrinkle free skin. The minerals which are needed for healthy skin, strong healthy tissues and protection of the cell are Silica, zinc and Selenium. These minerals are not only important minerals with antioxidant properties but also play a key role in the production of collagen and maintaining healthy skin, nails and hair.
A holistic solution: Anti-aging herbs
For over centuries some herbs have been in use as anti-aging herbs which have shown to have potent anti-aging effects. The use of anti-aging herbs targets the whole body, mind and its systems to rectify the problems related with skin. The holistic approach of herbs used in natural anti-aging skin care not only improves and enhances the appearance of the skin but plays a more intricate role in generating total health and anti-aging lifestyle.
Some of the most commonly used herbs in natural antiaging skin care are Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea, Aloe Vera and Calendula. Ginseng has proven to be an anti-aging herbal supplement to reduce stress which is a well-known and proven contributor to premature aging and helps in the natural anti-aging process. Rhodiola Rosea is an anti-aging herb which improves mood and physical performance and helps the body to break down the free radicals and hence helps in the natural anti-aging process. It is an important ingredient of weight loss supplements as well. Along with being a very rich source of protein, Soy when used topically is beneficial to the skin assisting in the formation of protein and removes the dead skin cells to reveal a younger, brighter and enhanced complexion making it a very efficient natural anti-aging skin care product. Aloe Vera has been evidenced to be claimed an anti-aging herb and is associated with the improvement of elasticity and it significantly improves wrinkles and elasticity in the human skin which is progressively aging due to sun exposure.
Ayurveda’s take in natural anti-aging skin care
Ayurveda believes that various factors play an integral role in maintaining skin health and youthfulness. As per Ayurvedic skin care treatments, proper moisture balance, effective functioning of the metabolic functions of the body, efficient and proper circulation of blood and nutrients to different layers of the skin. All these assist the skin in becoming youthful, nourished and rehydrating the skin to eliminate the wrinkles and premature aging. Good natural sunscreens and good facial oils are also considered important for skin in Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic cosmetic ingredients aim at taking the care of the skin through following ways;
Ayurvedic cosmeceuticals nourish the skin and ensure the normal functioning of the skin and maintains the youthfulness or agelessness of the skin. These herbs are known as Vayasthapana herbs and be supportive to the skin by balancing all the three doshas. Herbs like Gotu-Kola are the anti-aging herb and enhance the formation of collagen.
The Ayurvedic herbs also increase the radiance and complexion of the skin. Herbs such as Sandalwood, vetiver, Indian madder and Indian sarsaparilla are called as Varnya herb in Ayurveda and bring about a healthy youthfulness to the skin.
Various other Ayurvedic herbs used in natural skin care have properties such as anti-inflammatory, deep healing, enhancing and nurturing the skin, strengthening the metabolic mechanism of the skin, slow down the process of ageing, maintain skin health, and protection from normal wear and tear of the skin from the weather. Some of these Ayurvedic herbs are Phyllanthus emblica (or Amla), Centella asiatica, Boswellia serrate, Silk cotton tree, Aloe Vera, rose petals, Grape fruit extract, and other natural sources of Vitamins A, C and E.
The overall health of the skin
Healthy diet, no smoking, ample amount of rest and relaxation, regular dose of exercise and sufficient quantity of water are important to improve the overall health of the skin. Using a natural sun screen or sun block is very important to protect the skin from damaging effects of the UVA and UVB rays. It is important to use protective clothing and applying sunscreen after every 1 to 2 hours.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
