If you are looking to support the health of your skin, joints, and hair, you will need collagen. Many people purchase collagen powders or supplements and add them to their teas, coffees, smoothies, and more. Although collagen products are incredibly popular, most people are unaware of what collagen does and how they can preserve it. 

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in animals. A structural protein makes up the structure or framework of both cells and tissues. There are 28 types of collagen, but type 1 collagen accounts for nearly 90% of all collagen in the human body. Collagen is mostly composed of the amino acids proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form strands that make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen.

The body naturally produces collagen, but collagen production starts to decline some time during your twenties at a rate of about 1% per year. UV exposure, inflammatory diets, lack of sleep, harsh products, and stress can exacerbate this decline. For this reason, many dermatologists encourage a skin care routine that helps preserve collagen. Use vitamin C serum, experiment with retinol if the skin can tolerate it, and wear sunscreen if you go outside. 

Although there are things you can do to help protect collagen, one of the best ways to care for it is through a healthy diet. The food you eat can influence collagen production. Certain foods, especially those with antioxidants, can help protect the skin from free radicals and support the skin barrier. Continue reading to learn about five antioxidants that help keep the skin firm.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid phytonutrient and powerful antioxidant that has demonstrated an ability to protect skin cells. Other studies confirm that astaxanthin can help preserve the collagen layer because it has impressive photo protective and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers note that astaxanthin’s free radical fighting powers are five times more powerful than beta-carotene. It’s about 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C! Although vitamin C, which we will get to next, is a powerful antioxidant, it should not be the only one you rely on to encourage collagen production.

Vitamin C

You cannot talk about the skin without having vitamin C in the conversation. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the collagen production process. The skin’s fibroblasts rely on vitamin C to synthesize collagen. According to many studies, fibroblasts cannot effectively make collagen when vitamin C levels are low. Vitamin C works to stabilize the collagen molecule and preserve existing collagen by neutralizing free radicals. For this reason, researchers believe that ingesting vitamin C is the best way to support overall skin health. 

Blood Orange Extract

Blood orange is not in season all year, but it’s very popular during the winter months. What is even more popular, especially in the world of skin care, is blood orange extract. It contains numerous antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavanones, vitamin C, and hydroxycinnamic acids, which are non-flavonoid phenols. That means that you get all of the benefits of those compounds in one extract. Due to the antioxidant power of blood orange extract, it helps reduce oxidative stress, which causes collagen breakdown. A 100-milligram dose of blood orange extract is effective at reducing proinflammatory levels of cytokine TNF-a in the body. Additionally, one study found that it was able to improve skin elasticity by 5.9% in just 14 days, and 13.9% in 56 days. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an oil-soluble antioxidant that helps support vitamin C inside the body. Vitamins C and E have a synergistic relationship, with one study confirming that vitamin E increased vitamin C’s efficacy eightfold. On top of that, vitamin C regenerates vitamin E after vitamin E scavenges for free radicals in the body. Finally, vitamin E can help protect against collagen cross-linking, a process during which collagen becomes hard and stiff. That process can cause the skin to appear hard and stiff, and it contributes to accelerated aging. 

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are plant compounds that are types of antioxidants commonly found in fruits and vegetables. According to research, polyphenols can help boost digestion, improve brain function, and protect against several chronic diseases. Additionally, polyphenols have proven effective at helping the skin manage UV exposure. That is particularly important because UV damage is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown. Although sunscreen is the most effective way to protect the skin, eating more foods rich in polyphenols will help that process.

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Have you ever taken a spoon to a pint of non-dairy ice cream and been utterly disappointed? If this unfortunate situation has happened to you, prepare to be amazed by a homemade dairy-free ice cream that is just as smooth and creamy as it is delicious. Some ice cream manufacturers just can’t seem to crack the code on texture. That’s why vegan ice creams are typically hard, icy, and not creamy like traditional dairy ice cream. The raw macadamia nuts help establish a creamy, nutty base for this to be one of the better raw vegan ice creams out there.

Macadamia nuts are rich in various vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, and other nutrients. Researchers have found that macadamia nuts contain some of the highest flavonoid levels of all tree nuts. These antioxidant compounds work to fight inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. Macadamia nuts are also rich in tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E that exhibits antioxidant properties that may benefit cholesterol levels. Additionally, tocotrienols may protect against brain diseases and certain cancers.

One key step that you should not forget about while making this recipe is soaking the macadamia nuts. Take the extra two to four hours of soaking time in order to make your ice cream that much creamier. By soaking the nuts, you help soften them, which makes them easier to blend. Finally, use a food processor to blend your ingredients together, as this kitchen tool is better than a blender in this circumstance. Just make sure that you stop blending, scrape down the sides, and continue blending to incorporate all the ingredients!

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Do you want to perk up tired skin? Give your skin a youthful glow by incorporating green tea into your skin care routine. Green tea, or Camellia sinensis leaf extract, is a popular ingredient in many toners, cleansers, and hydrating serums. The unfortunate reality is that many of these store bought products contain ingredients that are not conducive to skin health, such as toxic parabens and ethylhexylglycerin, to name a couple. 

Certain green tea serums incorporate ingredients like squalane, panthenol, allantoin, and peptides. All of those ingredients come with their own set of health benefits, but they can be difficult to source on your own. Fortunately for you, the ingredients for the green tea serum in this article are easy to obtain and highly beneficial for the skin. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Green Tea

As the star of the brightening serum, it is only fitting to discuss this ingredient first. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, with the standout compound being EGCG. These polyphenols and antioxidant compounds help restore the vitamin C that the skin requires to make collagen. In doing so, you may help fight fine lines and improve overall skin tone and firmness. Some research indicates that the properties in green tea may soothe irritation and skin redness by calming inflammation. 

The caffeine in green tea also helps boost circulation to the skin. That’s why you see caffeine in eye creams, as it helps reduce under eye puffiness or dark circles. Caffeine may also reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking up fat molecules in the skin. Although green tea may help in this regard, it will not undo the damage of an unhealthy diet. 

Apricot Kernel Oil

The other primary ingredient in this serum is apricot kernel oil, which is non-greasy and incredibly hydrating, making it a great option for all skin types. The high vitamin A and fatty acid content makes apricot kernel oil an excellent choice for improving skin elasticity. It is also rich in vitamin E, which may help protect the skin from UV rays, oxidative damage, and inflammation. 

What makes apricot kernels unique is that they have the highest known concentration of vitamin B17. This vitamin, also known as amygdalin, is currently being studied for potential anti-cancer benefits. A 2023 review explored how vitamin B17 may kill cancer cells and inhibit their growth and spread rate. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence on apricot kernel’s anti-cancer benefits, but initial research is promising. 

Making Green Tea Infused Oil

For this recipe, you will need to infuse the green tea leaves into your choice of carrier oil. Preferably, select a carrier oil that suits your skin type, such as olive oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil. The easiest method, which also takes the longest, is the solar infusion method. You add the green tea and oil to a glass jar, cover, and shake to combine. Allow it to sit in your window in the sun for four weeks, shaking every once in a while. 

You can also use the faster infusion method, which is detailed below:

• Add 1/2 cup carrier oil of choice and two tablespoons of loose leaf green tea to the top of a double boiler. 
• Make sure there is a couple inches of water in the bottom part of the double boiler. Gently simmer the water for three hours, refilling as needed. 
• Strain the green tea from the oil through cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Save in a jar and get ready to make the brightening serum. 

Green Tea Brightening Serum

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons green tea infused oil (see above directions)
• 1 tablespoon apricot kernel seed oil
• 8 drops orange essential oil 
• 3 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a two-ounce glass dropper bottle, preferably one that is amber glass. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• Store this serum in a cool, dry place and it will last about six to 12 months, depending on which carrier oil you use to infuse the green tea. 
• To use, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and moisturize gently.

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Did you ever think of putting coffee grounds on your skin? Did you have the same thought about oats? If you did, then you clicked on the right article! This homemade face and body scrub is incredibly easy to make and helps nourish the skin. Learning about the different uses of ingredients, especially foods, can open your world to exciting possibilities. Plus, there are many benefits to scrubbing different foods on the skin. 

Is Coffee Good For Your Skin?

In short, yes, or it is possible that caffeine encourages healthier skin. A 2013 study found that caffeic acid, an antioxidant in coffee, may enhance collagen production, which works to reduce signs of aging. A separate study from 2015 found a link between drinking coffee and reduced signs of “photoaging.” In the case of the study, photoaging referred to pigmented spots and wrinkles. 

There is one caveat about coffee and cosmetics. Most coffee-related research focuses on drinking coffee or using cosmetic products that contain caffeine. Most studies do not focus on coffee scrubs, so it is difficult to generalize the results of these studies in relation to the coffee scrub in this article. That said, there is likely no harm in using a coffee scrub on your body. Much like other exfoliants, coffee scrubs can help:

• Unclog pores
• Slough away dead skin cells
• Temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Brighten skin

Are Oats Good For The Skin?

Much like coffee, oats are best known for their culinary uses. Oats have been a cultivated food source for humans for over 3,000 years. Some researchers note that the oldest cultivated oat grains date back to the early Bronze Age. Despite the mass consumption of oats, people have used them for a variety of cosmetic purposes, including natural skin cleansers. One of the primary benefits of oats is that they help to hydrate and nourish dry skin. Many studies show that skin care products containing oatmeal can reduce skin dryness and associated symptoms, such as itching, flaking, or tightness. In addition to keeping the skin well-hydrated, oats also help to balance the skin’s pH. Oats are essentially a pH buffer, helping your skin maintain a healthy pH of around 5.0.

Does Avocado Oil Encourage Healthier Skin?

Avocado is naturally rich in vitamin E, potassium, and lecithin, all of which work to nourish and moisturize the skin. The skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, can easily absorb these nutrients, which can encourage the formation of healthy, new skin. The antioxidants in avocado oil may help to repair damaged skin or soothe irritated skin and redness. That makes avocado oil a helpful ingredient for people with psoriasis or eczema. Finally, some studies have suggested that avocado oil may help ease the symptoms of sunburn. A 2011 review of studies found that the vitamin E, protein, essential fatty acids, and beta-carotene in avocado oil help soothe the skin and encourage healing. 

DIY Face And Body Scrub

Ingredients For Coffee Infused Oil:

• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1/2 cup coffee grounds

Ingredients For Scrub:

• 8 tablespoons coffee grounds
• 4 tablespoons oats
• 4 tablespoons coffee infused oil
• 20 drops vanilla essential oil

Instructions:

• To make the coffee infused oil, put the coffee grounds into a glass jar and pour the avocado oil into the jar. Screw the lid on and let it sit in the sun for a few weeks, shaking every so often. 
• After a few weeks, strain the oil through a cheesecloth and save the strained oil to make the scrub. 
• Add the coffee grounds and oatmeal to a blender or food processor and blend until you get a fine powder. 
• Pour in the blended mixture into a bowl and then add in the coffee infused oil and essential oil. Mix well until you achieve an even consistency. 
• To use, mix this scrub with a little water and spread over your face and body. Rinse with lukewarm water and then finish your skin care routine.

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Changing weather, washing dishes, gel manicures and excessive nail polish use can wreak havoc on your fingernails. You may experience dry, brittle, or weak nails that easily split. Fortunately, you do not have to live with these nail issues. Take matters into your own hands and use the homemade strengthening nail serum in this article to help repair nails. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this serum!

What Causes Nails To Become Weak?

The nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein that is also found in skin and hair. As you get older, the body starts to produce keratin at a slower rate, which can cause nails to appear dry, dull, or even brittle. As mentioned previously, though, a number of factors influence nail health. Extreme weather, excessive hand washing, or contact with chemicals can leave nails dry and vulnerable. 

Signs Of Damaged Nails

Although the signs may vary, you may want to take better care of your nails if you experience the following signs:

• Changes in nail thickness
• Peeling nails
• Nail discoloration (yellow nails, or nails with white or dark spots)
• Changes in nail shape (ridges or curled nails)

You can strengthen your nails with various natural remedies, such as moisturizing daily or ditching nail polish removers that contain acetone. The following ingredients in this strengthening nail serum help encourage healthier nails. 

Vitamin E Oil

Anyone with brittle, ridged, or yellow nails will find that vitamin E oil is highly beneficial. Vitamin E oil helps to hydrate and protect nails, fighting off bacteria and viruses. It also works to widen blood vessels, which means that it helps make your nails stronger and healthier with less ridges. Vitamin E oil also works to repair damage done by harsh nail polish removers. You can apply vitamin E oil to your nails and cuticle beds for maximum benefits. Plus, it helps to increase moisture to the nail bed and skin around the nails. 

Jojoba Oil

Regular application of jojoba oil can help boost the moisture content of your nail plates, making your nails less prone to flakiness. You may sometimes notice a whitish or yellowish accumulation under the nail if you have psoriasis. Jojoba oil may help thicken the nails, which works to restore your nails to a healthier state. If the keratin in your nail beds break down, you can experience splitting or breakage. Jojoba oil can help strengthen the nails, helping them become less brittle when they are exposed to harsh products or extreme conditions. 

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help strengthen weak or brittle nails. Naturally, the serum in this article does not contain all of those essential oils, but it does contain lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Lemon essential oil hydrates and strengthens the nail, helping to improve their natural shine. Lavender essential oil is excellent for cuticle care and boosts the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Frankincense essential oil has anti-fungal properties that help fight fungi, which can slow nail growth, and also adds moisture to nail beds and cuticles. Finally, myrrh essential oil is one of the best oils for keeping nails healthy and strong. It works to protect your nail beds from becoming brittle and thin. 

DIY Strengthening Nail Serum

Ingredients:

• 1.25 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops each: lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a 10-milliliter glass bottle with a rollerball top. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• This is a 10% dilution of essential oils, which may be greater than you are used to, so feel free to reduce the amount of essential oil drops you use if you have more sensitive skin or nails. 
• Apply two to three times per week, shaking before each use.

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Avocado oil, much like avocados, is a great source of healthy fats. Through various research studies, it has demonstrated an ability to protect and support heart health. It also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including vitamin E and carotenoids. Not only is avocado oil nutritious, but it is also safe for high-heat cooking. You can use it in various ways to incorporate more heart-healthy fats into your diet. Continue reading to learn about five impressive health benefits of this oil. 

A Great Source Of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a great nutrient that helps protect cells against oxidative damage, which could potentially increase the risk of chronic diseases. It is involved with cellular communication, metabolic processes, and immune function. Vitamin E works to support heart health by improving blood flow and preventing blood clotting. It may also prevent oxidative changes to LDL cholesterol. If there are oxidative changes to LDL cholesterol, you may have an increased risk of atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the arteries. 

Although vitamin E is essential to your overall health, a large majority of the population in the United States doesn’t consume the recommended daily intake (RDI). In fact, studies suggest that 96% of women and 90% of men in the United States have insufficient vitamin E intake. Just two tablespoons of avocado oil can provide seven milligrams (mg) of vitamin E, which satisfies 47% of the RDI. Do your best to purchase unrefined, cold-pressed avocado oil, as that contains more vitamin E than refined versions.

May Support Heart Health

As previously mentioned, vitamin E may help improve blood flow and prevent oxidative changes to LDL cholesterol. Vitamin E is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and contains polyphenols, all of which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Using avocado oil in place of butter and other saturated fats may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. A small study involving overweight participants monitored reactions when they replaced butter with avocado oil in a high-fat, high-carb meal. Post-meal levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and inflammatory markers all reduced. More research and larger studies are necessary to determine avocado oil’s full effects on heart health.

Rich In Fatty Acids

Avocado oil is composed of 71% monounsaturated fatty acids, 13% polyunsaturated fatty acids, and 16% saturated fatty acids. According to researchers, diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids can help protect against heart disease. One study found that people who consumed monounsaturated fatty acids from plant sources had a significantly lower risk of dying from cancer and heart disease. The study showed how replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated fatty acids from plant sources reduced risk of mortality. One of the primary fatty acids in avocado oil, oleic acid, may support healthy body weight by regulating appetite. 

Contains Antioxidant Compounds

Some of avocado oil’s plant compounds include proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These compounds work to regulate inflammation and protect against oxidative damage. Studies confirm that diets rich in carotenoids and polyphenols can help protect against heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. As stated earlier regarding vitamin E, the refining process of avocado oil can significantly reduce the antioxidant content. Be sure to purchase unrefined, cold-pressed avocado oil for this reason. 

May Benefit Eye Health

Avocado oil and avocado  are good sources of lutein, a carotenoid and antioxidant that is naturally found in the eyes. According to research, a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, another carotenoid, is essential for optimal eye health. In fact, these two carotenoids may help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, both of which are common age-related eye conditions. The body does not produce lutein on its own, so you have to obtain it through your diet. Enjoying avocado and avocado oil may help increase your lutein intake to support your eyes.

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The back-to-school season is a time for new opportunities and beginnings. For some students, especially those with compromised immune systems, the susceptibility to illness increases. Protecting your child(ren) and yourself against common colds or other infections that circulate the classroom can be a lot easier with the right steps in place. 

Developing a back-to-school routine is a challenge in and of itself. Waking up earlier, establishing a quick and efficient routine, and leaving the house on time can prove difficult, especially after summer vacation. Many health officials state that immune health is tied to diet, sleep, and exercise. Building a healthy diet and establishing movement and proper sleep hygiene can enhance immune function, which your child needs as they face the new school year. Hopefully, the following tips can help better prepare your child’s immune system for the back-to-school reality.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

The Sleep Foundation encourages school kids between the ages of six and 13 to get nine to 11 hours of sleep every night. Without sufficient sleep, the body has a more difficult time regulating biological rhythms. Not to mention, insufficient sleep makes the body more susceptible to sickness. If you or your child has trouble sleeping, there are practices that have proven to be quite effective. Click here to learn more about methods that help you fall asleep.

Drink Water

Water is essential for a healthy life because it has many roles in the body. Not only does it help with waste elimination, but it also helps the immune system function optimally. If the body is in a dehydrated state, it cannot effectively produce white blood cells, which help fight off bacteria, pathogens, and viruses. Drinking plenty of water can also help flush toxins from the body, which keeps the immune system functioning optimally. Need help getting your kiddos to drink more water? Spice it up by adding fresh fruit to the water, or consider blending some fruit with water to make a healthier rendition of a punch.

Eat The Right Foods

Dietitians agree that one of the best ways to boost the immune system is to eat the right foods. Focus on fruits and vegetables because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the function of immune cells. High-fiber foods also work to maintain a healthy digestive system. What foods do you eat to encourage better immune function? Consider packing the following snacks in your child’s lunch: 

• Oranges: One orange can have up to 75% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C. 
• Mandarins: Mandarins pack a considerable amount of vitamin C and make for the perfect lunch snack. They are easy to peel, easy to put in lunches, and their seedlessness makes them easy to enjoy!
• Sunflower seeds:  Make sure to opt for the unsalted, shell-less sunflower seeds because they are very easy to eat. Sunflower seeds are also rich in vitamin E, which exhibits antioxidant effects in the body. 
• Almonds: Similar to sunflower seeds, almonds are naturally rich in vitamin E, which helps to fight off free radicals and boost immune function. They also contain heart healthy fats, protein, and lots of fiber. 
• Broccoli: It may be very difficult to get your child to eat broccoli, but it is an excellent source of vitamin C and sulforaphane, both of which encourage immune function. Sneak broccoli into meals like broccoli tater tots or fruit smoothies!

Exercise Regularly

It’s no secret that kids like to run amok like they haven’t a care in the world. The important thing to remember is to not let your child immediately plop on the couch or bed and watch TV or play video games from the time they get home to the time they go to bed. Even if your child is active in school sports or playground activities, make sure they remain active outside of school hours. This is especially important as they progress through the year and the weather starts to cool off. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, and it puts children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Between 2017-2020, 19.7% of children between the ages of two and 19 were affected by obesity. Obesity prevalence between two- and five-year-olds amounted to 20.7%, and 22.2% among six- to 11-year-olds. Data revealed that obesity prevalence was higher in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children than it was in non-Hispanic White children and non-Hispanic Asian children. Aside from decreased immune function, obesity increases the child’s risk of other health problems. Consult your family doctor if you notice the child’s weight is becoming a problem.

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Have you looked in the mirror lately, only to see that your skin does not look as young as it once did? That is the curse of time, folks, but you do not have to feel ashamed. Aging is a natural part of life, but it can hurt your soul to see wrinkles or fine lines. Fortunately, there are nourishing ingredients that can help give your skin a healthy, youthful glow. And you don’t have to spend a fortune on these items, either!

Most people spin a lot of plates at once, so they don’t have time (or can’t afford) monthly facials and other self-care luxuries. What if you didn’t have to leave your house to nourish your skin with magical elixirs? Could you get behind that wheel? If so, then you need to familiarize yourself with various oils that help give your skin a nice dewy glow. The thought of putting oil on the skin might seem strange, but certain oils can actually help clean out pores, moisturize, and prevent the skin from producing excess oil.

What Does The Skin Crave After Age 40?

Your skin craves different things as you go through life. During adolescence and into your 20s, you do your best to control oil production and breakouts. Once you reach your 30s, collagen and elastin levels start to decline. That causes skin to lose its plumpness without proper hydration. 

When you hit your 40s, you may see wrinkles, fine lines, and even dark spots. Dryness around the eyes, neck, and lips is quite common, and your complexion craves nourishment to fight off environmental damage. After age 50, the skin becomes thinner and more prone to irritation. Your goals during this time are to minimize loss of firmness and prolong cell turnover. You want to prevent moisture loss at all costs. 

Benefits Of Using Natural Oils

Oils help provide essential nutrients that protect the skin from dehydration. Some of the key benefits of using oils include:

• Sealing in moisture to prevent dryness
• Helping other products penetrate the skin more easily
• Absorbing into the skin without leaving a greasy appearance
• Increasing collagen production to increase firmness
• Soothing inflammation and irritation
• Delivering antioxidants to help reverse signs of aging

There is ongoing research focused on the ability of plant-based oils to benefit from the skin inside and out. They are not as harmful as many commercial skin care products, which can adversely affect the skin. When choosing plant-based oils for the skin, it is better to select cold-pressed varieties because they contain more vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Continue reading to learn about the top four anti-aging oils. 

Argan Oil

Many beauty experts refer to argan oil as “liquid gold.” Argan oil provides a large amount of vitamin E and fatty acids, and it absorbs quickly into the skin, which helps improve elasticity. A 2015 study found that argan oil improved skin firmness and elasticity after 60 consecutive days of application. Study authors noticed a visible difference in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Rosehip Seed Oil

Naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and other antioxidants, rosehip seed oil can do wonders for the skin. Researchers note that it exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cell-regenerating properties, all of which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, dark spots, and wrinkles. One study found that rosehip seed oil was able to significantly fade surgical and burn scars in 180 patients. It also stopped premature aging and helped restore skin tone. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, which helps to balance dryness or oiliness. It may help to improve skin texture and tone because of the vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties. In several dermatological tests, jojoba oil demonstrated an ability to increase the skin’s suppleness, the effects of which were effective as time passed. Continued use of jojoba oil helped to reduce superficial facial lines. 

Castor Oil

One of the great things about castor oil is that it is able to deeply penetrate the skin with fatty acids, helping to smooth out fine lines. Studies show that it may help fade scars and dark spots, which researchers attribute to the large presence of antioxidants. The antibacterial properties in castor oil can help clear up acne and moisturize dry, flaky skin.

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If you want to take control of your eye health, you need to consume the right nutrients to boost your vision. Carrots, celery, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and more are foods that help enhance eye care. Although dietary sources of essential nutrients are great, you may want to consider certain vitamin supplements to strengthen your vision and prevent degenerative eye conditions. 

Common conditions that impact the eyes include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Although different factors influence the development of these conditions, nutrition seems to have a positive influence on them. According to experts, the following vitamins and nutrients are the best for maintaining eye health as you age. 

Vitamin C

Hold your horses, folks. We’ll get to vitamin A in just a second. For now, we are talking about vitamin C. Vitamin C and a few other nutrients are used in AREDS, a supplement that may benefit people with AMD. One study suggests that AREDS may reduce the risk of AMD progressing by 25% if you take them daily. One observational study showed a 75% reduced risk of developing cataracts when people supplemented with more than 490 milligrams (mg) per day. Another study found that daily vitamin C supplementation reduced the risk of cataracts by 45%. 

Riboflavin

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, acts as an antioxidant and may help reduce oxidative stress in the body, including the eyes. Researchers have been studying riboflavin’s potential to prevent cataracts for years. The reason for this is because riboflavin deficiency may lead to the development of cataracts. Interestingly enough, people with this condition are usually deficient in riboflavin. Health experts recommend consuming 1.1 to 1.3 mg of riboflavin per day. It’s very easy to meet this requirement because many foods are rich in this nutrient.

Vitamin A

We’ve finally reached the vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea, which is the outside covering of the eye. Vitamin A deficiency, which is a rare condition in developed countries, can lead to xerophthalmia, a serious eye condition. Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye disease that starts with night blindness. Tear ducts and eyes can dry out if vitamin A deficiency continues. Vitamin A may also protect against other eye conditions. In fact, several studies found that diets high in vitamin A may reduce the risk of AMD and cataracts. 

Niacin

Another B vitamin (vitamin B3), niacin helps convert food into energy, but it also acts as an antioxidant. One observational study on Korean adults found that their risk of glaucoma decreased after consuming more niacin. An animal study found that high doses of niacin in supplement form were effective at preventing glaucoma. Just be mindful that supplements should be used with caution. Consuming niacin in high amounts of 1.5 to 5 grams (g) per day may adversely affect the eyes, blurring vision or increasing the risk of macular damage. 

Vitamin E

Researchers believe that many eye conditions are associated with oxidative stress, the imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells, including those in the eyes. A seven-year study monitored over 3,640 people with AMD. The results indicated that taking 400 internal units (IUs) of vitamin E per day reduced the risk of progressing to advanced stages of AMD by almost 25%. Additional studies suggest that diets rich in vitamin E may reduce the risk of age-related cataracts. More research is still necessary on this matter, though. 

Lutein And Zeaxanthin

These two beneficial compounds belong to the carotenoid family. Research shows that carotenoids exist in the macula and retina of the eyes, helping to filter potentially harmful blue light. They work to protect your eyes from damage, and studies suggest that both lutein and zeaxanthin may prevent cataracts and reduce the risk of AMD. A randomized, controlled study found potential benefits of lutein supplementation for people with cataracts. At the end of the two-year study period, study authors noted that the people who supplemented with 15 mg of lutein three times per week experienced improvements in vision. 

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If you want to rid your skin of impurities that settle on it during the day, you have to cleanse. Failure to cleanse will cause these impurities to clog your pores and increase the risk of skin infections or blemishes. Your pores allow your skin to breathe, so you have to keep them clean in order to keep the skin from suffocating. 

Toning is another integral aspect of your skin care routine. Despite what you may think about toners, they help to balance the skin’s pH and clean whatever cleansers leave behind. Healthy skin should have a slightly acidic pH in order to prevent microbial overgrowth, which ultimately prevents skin infections. 

Why Do You Need A Moisturizer?

You thought we were never going to get to moisturizers in an article about a DIY moisturizer, right? We finally did it! Moisturizing is necessary if you want to preserve and strengthen the skin’s structural integrity. Topical lubrication (moisturizing) helps keep your skin soft, supple, and elastic. Dry skin is usually less flexible and can rupture easily if overstretched. The breakdown of fibers causes the skin to lose elasticity, which contributes to saggy skin. Loose skin also tends to crease and fold, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, collagen synthesis within the body declines with age. Collagen is the main structural protein that is needed to build new skin cells. An inadequate supply of collagen makes it more difficult for the skin to repair itself. To sum that up for you, don’t take skin dryness lightly because it can increase the risk of long-term skin damage. By regularly treating your skin with a topical moisturizer, you can help strengthen the barrier function to make it look and feel better. If your skin is more hydrated, it is less prone to acne!

Dry Skin And Acne

When you think of acne, you probably think of oily skin, but acne affects dry skin as well. The sebaceous glands in the skin produce lipids (fats) that keep it hydrated. If you have dry skin, these glands produce too much oil to make up for the lack of moisture in the skin. The excess oil (sebum) builds up in the skin’s pores and can congest the skin. Clogged pores are breeding grounds for acne-causing bacteria, which feed on the excess sebum and skin debris. With all that food available, the bacteria proliferate rapidly and cause breakouts. 

Moisturizers come in many forms, such as creams, lotions, and ointments. They also have varying consistencies, usually oil-based and thick or water-based and lightweight). Ideally, choose a moisturizer that suits your skin’s needs. If you have a skin condition or know your skin type, choose a moisturizer that will benefit your skin. The following DIY moisturizer contains two standout ingredients that benefit a variety of skin types and conditions: 

• Aloe vera: The gel from the aloe plant acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment and locking it into your skin. This provides long-lasting hydration! It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to ease redness, swelling, pain, and itching, all of which are associated with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne. 
• Coconut oil: Commonly used in hair care, coconut oil works to keep the skin supple, soft, and young by providing nourishment and hydration. The skin can easily absorb coconut oil, which allows it to moisturize at a deeper level. Additionally, coconut oil offers antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may help prevent skin infections. 

DIY Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup each: coconut oil, beeswax pastilles, and fresh aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Place a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water over medium low heat. 
• Add the coconut oil and beeswax pastilles to a heat-safe glass jar and place it in the saucepan on the stove. Leave the jar in the saucepan, stirring occasionally until the ingredients are completely melted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for an hour or more. 
• Once the mixture has cooled, spoon it into a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk with a hand mixer or immersion blender to combine. Pour in the aloe vera gel while whisking with your mixer of choice. 
• Add the vitamin E oil and peppermint essential oil and continue to whisk. Use a spoon to transfer this mixture into a glass jar. Store a small amount in a small container to extend the shelf life. 
• To use, smear a thin layer of this moisturizer on your skin after washing with a mild cleanser. Massage the moisturizer into the skin in gentle, circular motions until properly absorbed. Apply twice daily.

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