The fall season is all about pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin loaves, and, naturally, pumpkin pies. Did you ever think that you would take some of that nutrient-dense pumpkin and lather it on your face, though? Well, that’s what Dherbs is for! The DIY face mask in this article contains pumpkin, yogurt, and honey, three ingredients that work to nourish your skin and improve its overall glow.

The great thing about this face mask is that you get to drown your skin in an assortment of enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants. And that’s just referring to the pumpkin! The honey and yogurt also provide moisturizing and soothing effects. Together, these ingredients will leave your skin feeling hydrated, rejuvenated, and radiating with a natural shine. Learn more about the ingredients below.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree offers a significant amount of vitamin A, a necessary nutrient for skin health and repair. One serving of pumpkin can nearly fulfill the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Pumpkin is also a great source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which works to keep skin elastic and firm. By increasing collagen production, you can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and maintain a more youthful complexion. Some studies found that pumpkin polysaccharide extract was effective in skin care applications. Other studies found that the beta-carotene in pumpkin acts like a natural sunblock, working to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Preventing UV damage can help reduce photoaging, which can impose on the skin’s delicate layers.

Yogurt

There are many types of yogurt, but you should not lather strawberry banana yogurt on your face. That stuff is full of sugar and will not do your skin any favors. Also, keep in mind that if you have a cow’s milk allergy, you may want to avoid yogurt, or opt for a plant-based yogurt instead. Yogurt has a creamy texture, which may help lock moisture into the skin. Some in-vitro studies from 2011 backed up those claims when looking at yogurt face masks. Yogurt may also help even out skin tone, which researchers attribute to the naturally occurring probiotics. Similar to pumpkin, yogurt may also help minimize the effects of UV rays. It’s as though yogurt creates a skin barrier that neutralizes free radicals, helping reduce sun damage-induced wrinkles or spots.

Honey

Raw honey may help to exfoliate the skin, reduce bacteria buildup, and accelerate the healing process of small wounds. Researchers note that raw honey contains beneficial components for the skin, especially if you have acne or an inflammatory skin disorder, such as eczema or psoriasis. Working to balance bacterial buildup on the skin, honey may be significantly more effective than other skin care products. You can use raw honey as a spot treatment or include it in a face mask to help reduce inflammation and redness. Some people report that honey helps to get rid of blemishes! If you can, strive to get Manuka honey, as this is unpasteurized and filled with healing properties. 

Pumpkin Yogurt And Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons organic pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon raw honey (or Manuka honey)
• 1/4 tablespoon unflavored Greek yogurt

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. 
• Apply the mask to your face and neck and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. 
• Rinse away with lukewarm water and pat your face dry. Follow with moisturizer.

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Wouldn’t it be great if you could use a body wash that actually helps the skin retain moisture? It can be difficult to select the right body wash because many varieties contain ingredients that dry out the skin, even though the soap promises to do the opposite. Instead of experimenting with different soaps and watching your money flow down the drain, invest in a few quality ingredients and make the honey lavender body wash in this article. 

Believe it or not, this homemade soap comes together in just five minutes flat! No need for a double boiler in order to melt some wax. All of the ingredients are in liquid form, so all you need to do is combine them in your soap bottle with a pump dispenser. Ideally, use fractionated coconut oil because that does not solidify if the temperature gets a little cold. The last thing you want is for your body wash to solidify when you want to get clean!

Liquid Castile Soap

Castile soap is a vegetable-based soup that does not contain animal products, chemicals, or synthetic ingredients. You can use it to wash your hair, clothes, skin, and more. Because it is hypoallergenic, castile soap is a great option for people with sensitive skin. Castile soap can help clean the skin while simultaneously replacing some of the skin’s lost sebum with vegetable oil. One review examined the chemical profiles of different antioxidant and antimicrobial vegetable oils. They found that some of the oils in castile soap may help get rid of acne. 

Raw Honey

Why use honey in homemade soaps? Well, honey is a natural humectant, which is a substance that attracts water. In personal care products, humectants work to hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. Honey also works to coat your skin in a dewy sheen, helping to rejuvenate every pore with each wash. For people with dry skin, honey works to hydrate the skin, drowning it in moisture. For those with oily skin, honey works with the ebbs and flows of your skin to help control oily production and contribute to a more balanced skin tone. Finally, people with sensitive skin will love honey in their body wash because it offers anti-inflammatory properties that help mitigate redness or irritation. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Both fractionated and regular coconut oil are beneficial for the skin, but fractionated coconut oil penetrates the skin more easily. It also does not leave a greasy film on the skin. Because it acts as an emollient, it works to soften and hydrate the skin. Researchers note that fractionated coconut oil exhibits antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which can further promote healthier skin. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil, which is derived from the lavender plant, can benefit the skin in many ways. Studies have shown that it has the ability to reduce acne, improve skin tone, and reduce early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Lavender essential oil exhibits anti-fungal properties, which may help reduce inflammation and keep eczema at bay. It may also be used to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, as it helps to cleanse the skin and reduce redness and irritation. 

Homemade Honey Lavender Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 30 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir to combine. 
• Using a funnel, pour the ingredients into an amber glass bottle with a soap dispenser. The reason that you use amber glass is to help preserve the essential oil’s properties. 
• Use when ready and make sure to shake well before each use.

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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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Nobody wants to look in the mirror and see saggy skin. It is a reminder that the days of your youth are long gone and that old age awaits. Or, you don’t have to look at it that way! Are you a glass-half-full person, or what? You can figure out the cause of your sagging skin and take the necessary steps to fight the effects of aging and keep the skin looking as healthy as possible.

If you want to take an integrative approach to skin longevity, you have to determine why your skin is sagging. Don’t jump to a conclusion because you don’t want to treat the wrong issue. Knowing exactly why you have dark spots, redness, or even aging or sagging skin can help you establish a treatment plan. Photoshop and botox injections are not the answers! Your skin can look healthy if you do the work to understand why it doesn’t look the way you want. Below are three of the most common causes of sagging skin and what you can do to support it. 

Lifestyle Factors

If you are an SPF addict and you don’t spend lots of hours in the sun, you may want to look at your lifestyle habits. How is your sleep? Do you have high stress levels? A lot of research indicates a clear connection between the health of your skin and your stress levels or sleep health. Due to melatonin, your skin enters repair mode when you sleep. Melatonin plays an integral role in skin repair from UV light, stressors, pollution, and environmental exposure. If you don’t rest, your skin can suffer because the body isn’t producing enough melatonin for the skin to repair itself. 

Next, you have stress. According to research, the skin acts as a stress perceiver and is a target for the body’s stress response. Psychological stress tells the brain and the skin to release hormones that trigger inflammation. Those hormones impair wound healing, accelerate aging, and worsen skin conditions. 

The mind and body, including the skin, will be grateful if you add stress-relieving practices to your daily routine. Yoga, meditation, tai chi, journaling, exercise, or dancing all count. Whatever works to relieve stress, so long as it isn’t harmful to your health, is beneficial. Consider meeting with a therapist or psychologist if you need to talk with someone. Tending to your mental health can, whether you believe it or not, improve your complexion. 

UV Exposure

Collagen and elastin are the skin’s structural proteins that keep it taught and firm. If anything gets in the way of those two proteins, your skin will most likely sag. If you like to sunbathe, you expose yourself to a lot of UV rays, which can penetrate the epidermis and damage skin cells, proteins, and elastic fibers that maintain firmness. In fact, one study found that 80% of signs of visible skin aging (wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines) are attributed to sun damage. Even if sagging skin isn’t your main concern as you age, UV exposure is to blame for the majority of aging skin that you see. 

You cannot magically undo years of UV skin damage, but you can start taking better care of your skin when you want to venture into the sun. Dermatologists agree that you should wear sunscreen every single day, especially if you are going to be outside. If you plan to spend time in the sun, make sure to reapply every two hours. Additionally, consider using a cleanser, retinol, and moisturizer to remove dead skin and encourage cell turnover.

Age-Related Skin Sagging

You can’t turn back the hands of time. Even if you live a clean lifestyle, sleep great, nourish your skin, reduce stress or use the most expensive skin care products and treatments, your skin will still develop fine lines and wrinkles. Sagging is just a normal part of aging. It’s never a bad idea to spend more time caring for your skin. After all, it is the largest organ in the body. Just understand that sagging is natural and will happen over time. For example, collagen production starts to decline in your mid-20s, and you lose about 1% each year. Women in menopause experience a significant drop close to 30%! 

Sometimes, you just have to face the facts: you cannot fight life’s clock, nor should you feel like you have to. You can, however, cleanse the skin, use a toner, apply moisturizer, use eye creams, lather up in body butters, and protect it when out in the sun. You can also eat to improve skin health (click here for more info on that) and take supplements to encourage healthier skin. Just make sure to look for high quality products if you want to use supplements.

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There are too many creams to choose from these days! From body butters and facial creams to anti-aging serums and more, it can be hard to find exactly what works for you and your skin. If you are looking to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, there are some essential ingredients to look out for. By that, we mean that you should seek out certain ingredients and also avoid others. 

When you choose an anti-aging cream, the goal is to find ingredients that nourish the skin in many different ways. Ideally, these ingredients should help your skin retain moisture, provide anti-inflammatory properties, and improve overall complexion. Continue reading to learn about some of the featured ingredients in the DIY anti-aging night cream that contribute to more youthful skin.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil, or rosehip seed oil, is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant. It contains a wide variety of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acids, which work to keep cell walls strong so they don’t lose water. If there is one thing to know about beauty, it is that hydration is necessary for soft, supple skin. Rosehip oil also contains vitamin A, which is necessary for collagen production. It also inhibits the creation of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Some research indicates that rosehip oil’s antioxidants help combat visible sun damage, and may potentially prevent photo-aging. 

Sweet Almond Oil

As an emollient, sweet almond oil helps soften and smooth the skin, making this oil suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin types. Regular use of sweet almond oil may help reduce inflamed or irritated skin, which is why it is commonly used among people with eczema or psoriasis. According to research, sweet almond oil encourages collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity. That can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote a more overall youthful look.

Lemon Essential Oil

Researchers note that lemon essential oil is one of the top essential oils for reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Lemon essential oil reduces the effects of oxidation on the skin, so using it regularly can help fight against premature aging. Environmental pollutants and free radicals damage the skin through oxidation, but the antioxidants in lemon essential oil can help combat this process. Lemon essential oil also helps to remove dead skin cells, a process that contributes to brighter skin. That means that this essential oil may benefit people with dark spots, scars, or hyperpigmentation.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil exhibits strong antibacterial properties that help the body in different ways. The antibacterial properties may help accelerate the recovery from mild burns, skin infections, and other skin ailments. Scientists note that geranium essential oil is a very effective anti-aging agent. Not only does it improve blood circulation, but it also offers impressive antioxidant activity that helps protect the skin from sun damage. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and has the ability to encourage health cell growth in the skin and hair. Some groups, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, may be sensitive to this essential oil and should avoid it. 

DIY Anti-Aging Night Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
• 1/2 tablespoon cocoa butter wafers (unrefined)
• 1/2 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 25 drops lemon essential oil
• 12 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops carrot seed essential oil
• 1/4 cup filtered water

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax pellets to a medium sized glass bowl. Place this bowl on top of a saucepan with a few inches of water to create a makeshift double boiler. 
• Place this over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients have fully melted and combined. 
• Remove from heat and pour in the vitamin E oil and essential oils, stirring slowly as you add them in. 
• Either pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer or add it to a mixing bowl. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to cool. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and decide whether you want to use a stand mixer or use an electric hand mixer to whip it until it becomes a thick cream. If using a stand mixer, make sure to use the whisk attachment. Start whisking slowly and then increase the speed. 
• Spoon the mixture into a clean glass jar and apply to the face, preferably at night after you cleanse.

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If you eat certain foods, especially unhealthy foods, you probably know how they affect your body. Perhaps your stomach hurts more if you eat a lot of fried foods. Maybe you feel more bloated after consuming a lot of pasta. The foods you eat influence your digestive health, but research shows that there is a link between nutrition and skin health. 

Researchers already know that the gut-skin axis influences skin inflammation management. If you eat more pro-inflammatory foods, the skin can age more quickly. High-glycemic foods can trigger acne flare-ups, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to acne. Eating too many sugary foods can lead to fragmented or hardened collagen, which weakens the skin’s foundation and increases the risk of premature aging. 

Learning about the foods that negatively affect the skin is just as important as figuring out which ones promote healthy skin. When you focus on consuming foods with skin-enhancing nutrients, you may notice more youthful skin. If you want to promote smoother, softer, and firmer skin, add the following three foods to your diet.

Mangos

If you enjoy the tropical sweetness of mango, consider your skin lucky! As long as you consume mangos in moderation, they may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One study monitored the effects of consuming either a half-cup of mangos or a cup and a half of mangos, four times per week for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, researchers found that there was a reduction in wrinkle severity with the half-cup of mangos. The study authors attributed that to the carotenoid and flavonoid content of mangos. In the one and a half cup serving, however, the appearance of wrinkles increased. That is likely because of the higher sugar content. 

Almonds

If you need a midday snack to keep you full between meals, almonds are a great option. Not only do they satiate you, but they may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In a prospective randomized controlled study, dermatologists found that snacking on almonds helped ease dark spots and wrinkles. A separate study consisting of post-menopausal women examined almond consumption on several skin parameters. Study results suggested that daily almond consumption was able to reduce wrinkle severity and facial pigment intensity. In fact, daily almond consumption for 16 weeks showed a 16% reduction in wrinkles, compared to a controlled group. Dark spots reduced by 20%. Study authors attribute this quality to the antioxidant compounds in almonds, such as vitamin E. 

Salmon

The thing to note about salmon is that you want to purchase wild caught salmon, not farm-raised salmon. Does salmon reign supreme when it comes to omega-3 content? Although it does not top the omega-3 charts, it does have a high content, which is good news for your skin, heart, and brain. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease UV-induced skin stress, enhance skin hydration, and provide photo-protection. The fatty acids are just the tip of the beneficial iceberg, though. Salmon contains lots of antioxidants, including an impressive one called astaxanthin. According to research, astaxanthin improves skin hydration, elasticity, and texture. It may also help reduce fine lines and age spots. 

In a randomized controlled trial with 46 healthy female participants, researchers monitored a group that took astaxanthin capsules and a group that took placebo pills. In the astaxanthin group, researchers noted decreased wrinkle parameters in comparison to the placebo group. Another trial found that astaxanthin supplements helped reduce wrinkles after 16 weeks. 

In conclusion, what you eat influences how your skin looks as you age, for better or for worse. Although we are not advocating an all-or-nothing diet, keep in mind that the more you know about food, the healthier, and sexier, your body can be. Eat things that bring you joy, but know how different foods affect you.

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Lemon balm is a relaxing, calming herb loved by bees and humans alike. It is a common ingredient in stress-reducing creams or supplements that aid sleep and rejuvenation. As a relative of the mint family, lemon balm has dense green leaves that emit a fresh lemon aroma. It is a lovely addition to any herb garden and complements other shrubs and flowers. If you have good soil and sunlight, lemon balm will grow easily!

How Does Lemon Balm Benefit The Skin?

Rich in caffeic and ferulic acids, both of which are antioxidants, lemon balm can help neutralize free radicals on the skin. Free radicals, which are commonly created by pollution, are oxidizing agents that cause damage to skin cells. If left unchecked, these free radicals can cause premature aging, including fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. Creams or salves that contain lemon balm work to increase circulation, while simultaneously tightening the skin. 

Lemon balm exhibits antibacterial properties that work to cleanse pores and reduce the frequency of blackheads. Some anecdotal reports indicate that it may aid healing, being a natural remedy for insect stings, bites, cuts, and small wounds. Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which works to benefit oily skin by reducing oil production. In turn, that effect may help reduce acne breakouts. 

What Does The Research Say?

An in-vitro study that used lemon balm oil found it to be very effective against a series of human cancer cell lines. Lemon balm oil exhibits antioxidant activity, evidenced by a reduction of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Another study from 2004 found that lemon balm may offer anti-tumor properties, but more research is necessary to determine this. 

Lemon balm works to relax the blood vessels and offers antiviral activity. Historically, Greek and Latin cultures used lemon balm to calm nerves and treat fevers. In America, the Cherokee tribe used lemon balm to remedy digestive disorders and mitigate stress. Even today, lemon balm offers therapeutic properties that help soothe wounds, anxiety, acne, eczema, and even chickenpox. 

What Is Lemon Balm Oil?

Lemon balm can also be found in oil form, but you can make your own lemon balm oil if you have the time. Please note that lemon balm oil is not the same as lemon balm essential oil, which is made by distilling lemon balm leaves. To make lemon balm oil, you have to crush the leaves and slowly heat them in a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil. This process can take a couple weeks before it is ready to use, and the longer you wait, the better. If you don’t have the time, though, you can buy lemon balm oil for the following DIY salve. 

DIY Lemon Balm Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon candelilla wax
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tsp lemon balm oil (not essential oil)

Instructions:

• Melt the wax with the jojoba oil and olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the wax is melted, you can stir in the lemon balm oil. 
• Transfer this mixture to a metal storage tin and allow it to cool before placing the lid on. Use as needed, but do not use lemon balm if you have thyroid issues.

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From jojoba and argan to coconut and beyond, many oils reportedly improve the skin’s appearance. Which ones are the most effective for improving the overall health and integrity of your skin, though? Whether you want to moisturize, protect, cleanse, or reduce fine lines, face oils may be exactly what your skin has been missing. 

First off, you must understand that each oil is unique and offers its own set of benefits. Additionally, one oil that works for one person may not work for another person. The unique biology of the skin may agree with oils in different ways. What is for certain is that many oils have been researched and reviewed by scientists and beauty experts. In this article, we’ll take a look at five different face oils and how they contribute to flawless-looking skin. 

Grapeseed Oil

Rich in high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, grapeseed oil works to increase the skin’s moisture levels. It also makes the skin more supple and less prone to cracking, which reduces the risk of wrinkles or fine lines. According to beauty experts, grapeseed oil is one of the best natural oils for facial skin, primarily because it contains proanthocyanidin. This antioxidant helps to even out skin tone and enhances the skin’s ability to bounce back. One study found that oral consumption of grapeseed oil reduced the appearance of melasma, which is characterized by blue-gray or brown patches on the face. 

Olive Oil

It shouldn’t be a surprise that olive oil, although a staple in many kitchens, made the list of beneficial face oils. Olive oil results from a process of pressing olive fruits to extract their oil. It contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, in addition to antioxidants and squalane. Research suggests that olive oil helps to fight free radical damage, slow skin aging, and hydrate dry skin. One animal study involving mice found that olive oil application to their skin yielded lower rates of tumors caused by ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, however, steer clear of olive oil because it may cause allergies. 

Marula Oil

If you are chasing the fountain of youth and yearn for beautifully radiant skin, marula oil offers impressive anti-aging benefits. Made from the marula trees in South Africa, marula oil can help smooth fine lines and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles. If you have dry facial skin, apply this oil to your face to leave it feeling soft and refreshed. Because marula oil has a high oleic acid content, it helps restore moisture in skin that is on the drier end of the moisture spectrum. The skin quickly absorbs this oil, so you can apply other products after without worrying about a greasy residue. 

Rosehip Oil

Beauty experts consider rosehip oil as one of the top anti-aging oils on the market. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and is a dry oil, meaning it is fast-absorbing so as not to leave your skin greasy. Instead, applying rosehip oil can help contribute to smoother, softer, and more supple skin. Research shows that rosehip oil encourages cell turnover, so it acts as a natural exfoliant. It is a rich source of vitamin E and essential acids, which work to keep your skin soft and healthy. Rosehip oil may also be effective for eliminating hyperpigmentation, which is usually difficult to get rid of. 

Argan Oil

Harvested from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco, argan oil is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, making it an excellent face oil. It helps to protect the skin and absorbs quickly, so you can use it with other skin care products. One of the attracting factors to argan oil is that it is great for all skin types, from very dry to very oily. It may help get rid of acne because it helps reduce inflammation and stays out of your pores. Lastly, argan oil’s antioxidants may help repair the skin and fight the signs of aging.

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There’s nothing wrong with brewing a fresh cup of coffee to get your day started. What if you ground some coffee beans and didn’t pour hot water over them, though? What if you incorporated them into a sugar scrub that helps exfoliate and nurture your skin? The beauty industry recognizes coffee as a beneficial skin care ingredient, and we’ll cover why that is in this article. 

Body exfoliation is an essential part of skin care, and a coffee scrub is one of the best products to benefit your skin. Depending on the ingredients you pair coffee grounds with, a coffee scrub will have different benefits. For example, pairing it with jojoba or coconut oils can help infuse the skin with more moisture. Not only does coffee help exfoliate the skin, but it also provides the following benefits. 

Reduces Cellulite Appearance

Although coffee doesn’t make cellulite vanish magically, it may diminish the appearance of cellulite on the skin. The caffeine in coffee works to dilate blood vessels under the skin and stimulate blood flow. That works to improve the skin’s appearance, making it look tighter by shrinking those small dimples. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Coffee exhibits a high amount of polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds. According to research, the specific anti-inflammatory effects of coffee are attributed to chlorogenic acid, a compound in coffee. Including coffee in your body scrub, or other skin care products may help reduce redness, breakouts, or flare-ups on acne-prone skin. 

Works To Moisturize Skin

Some studies suggest that coffee bean oil contains essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid. These fatty acids are building blocks for ceramides, which enhance your skin’s barrier (the outermost layer). Not only does that help lock in moisture, but it also helps keep out irritants. Research suggests that coffee’s polyphenols work to reduce skin dryness and improve microcirculatory function. 

Anti-Aging Properties

Due to the presence of antioxidants and polyphenols, coffee works to fight free radicals to help enhance the overall appearance of skin. One study found that the caffeine in coffee helped reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles in middle-aged women. Additional research suggests that coffee exhibits antioxidant activity, thus improving fine lines, wrinkles, and overall appearance of skin.

Protects Against Sun Damage

Can you replace your sunscreen with coffee grounds? Absolutely not, but studies show that the caffeine in coffee helps protect against ultraviolet (UV) damage. Some research notes that coffee may protect against sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer caused by sun damage. Researchers state that caffeine acts similarly to sunscreen and preliminary test-tube studies show it may help kill skin cancer cells. 

Bean There, Done That

Was that overly corny? Regardless of your stance on puns, we want to urge you not to throw away your coffee grounds after you finish brewing a hot cup of coffee. Save the coffee grounds and add them to your beauty regimen. As with so many other foods, coffee provides a host of skin care benefits. In fact, it helps reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes, which is why coffee extract is a common ingredient in under-eye creams.

Homemade Vanilla Coffee Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 20 drops vanilla essential oil
• 1 tablespoon coffee grounds

Instructions:

• Add the sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla essential oil to a medium mixing bowl and stir well. 
• Add in the coffee grounds (fresh or used is fine) and stir well to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into some four-ounce mason jars and store in a cool-dry place. This scrub will last about two to three weeks, so consider giving some of it to a close friend or family member if you don’t think you’ll use it all in time.

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You cannot turn back the clock and fully regenerate the beautifully smooth skin from your youth. There are, however, actions you can take to protect, nourish, and keep the skin looking young and healthy as you age. One of the easiest ways to control the appearance of your skin is through your diet, specifically anti-aging superfoods. 

The word “superfood” gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean? A superfood provides more nutrients than the average healthy diet. Popular superfoods include kale, spirulina, sweet potatoes, turmeric, and blueberries, in addition to many more. The reason that superfoods matter is because they help to fight free radicals, which are molecules that have an unpaired electron. Without antioxidants from superfoods to combat free radicals, your risk of cell damage, inflammation, aging, and cancer increases. 

Free radicals are the bad guys and antioxidants are the good guys you need to save the day. When choosing foods that will nourish the skin and fight the aging process, select the ones that offer high antioxidant activity. Not only do these foods help to keep the skin younger, but they also have a positive effect on the rest of the body. Let’s take a closer look at these anti-aging superfoods and how they benefit your skin. 

Olive Oil

Great for your heart, olive oil is a staple food in the Mediterranean Diet. Not only is olive oil a great source of monounsaturated fat, but it also provides a high amount of procyanidins and polyphenols, which work to fight skin damage. Olive oil also contains vitamin E, which helps combat environmental or sun damage to the skin. The fatty acids and antioxidants in olive oil contain anti-inflammatory substances that may also fight against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and more. 

Oatmeal

No, we are not referring to the little packages of oatmeal that contain processed ingredients and added sugars. Oats are considered to be a superfood because they contain beta-glucans, which work to fight early signs of aging, such as wrinkles. Oats also contain vitamin E, phytic acid, phenolic compounds, avenanthramides, and other antioxidant substances. Although you may not be able to pronounce those words, they do incredible work for your skin, heart, and cells. Opt for steel cut oats or rolled oats to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the secret anti-aging superfoods hiding in plain sight. Their rich beta-carotene content is vital for optimal skin health. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which helps the skin heal faster and triggers the production of healthy cells, ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Tomatoes also contain other nutrients that support overall health, and they are lycopene, lutein, choline, alpha-lipoic acid, and folate. 

Leafy Greens

Some leafy greens have more super powers than others. Spinach, kale, collard greens, and card are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to magnesium, fiber, iron, and protein. One cup of kale contains more calcium than a cup of milk, and also offers vitamins A & C, both of which aid skin elasticity. Other leafy greens of note include watercress, arugula, leaf lettuce, and Swiss chard. 

Green Tea

Green tea offers many health benefits because it exhibits potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that fights wrinkles by reducing damaging free radicals on the skin’s outermost layer. You can drink green tea or take a dietary supplement. You can even use green tea topically, as it is a common ingredient in many anti-aging skin care products. 

Pomegranates

Not only are pomegranates great for the immune system, but they also benefit the skin in several ways. Pomegranates contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that works to slow down the aging process and helps prevent skin cancer. Researchers attribute the strong antioxidant properties to the tannins (punicalagins), which are polyphenolic compounds. These water-soluble compounds are bioavailable and the body can easily absorb them. 

Nuts

Different nuts offer different nutritional profiles, but researchers agree that walnuts and almonds are great choices. Walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids, which can help people with dry skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. They are also rich in other nutrients that optimize digestion, support weight control, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Almonds contain vitamin E, phytosterols, and monounsaturated oleic acid, all of which work together to protect the skin from free radicals. Don’t go nuts on nuts, though, as a handful of either walnuts or almonds will be a sufficient and filling snack.

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