by Margie King, Health Coach
(GreenMedInfo) The beauty industry has big marketing budgets. They’ve spent fortunes trying to convince women that injections, chemical peels or $300 creams and serums will smooth wrinkles and restore youthful skin.
But harsh treatments and chemicals can actually make things worse.
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The beauty industry focuses almost exclusively on external issues. But skin reflects the health of your entire body from the inside out. It tells the story of chronic stress, the toxins in your food, chemicals in your environment, and lifestyle choices. There is no magic bullet to repair the skin from all that.
But there are natural alternatives for slowing the effects of aging and the wrinkles that come with it. Here are five natural ways to reduce wrinkles that are proven effective.
1. Stop Smoking
In a 2010 study a team of dermatologists, psychologists, and nutritionists followed 64 Italian women who smoked. At the beginning of the study each woman received a score based on the condition of her skin. The researchers took into account the presence of lines, vascular and pigmentation signs, elasticity, brightness and texture.
Initial scores found that on average the smokers had a biological age that was 9 years older than their actual age.
The women then participated in a smoking cessation program. After 9 months of not smoking they were scored again. The average reduction in their biological age was an amazing 13 years.[i]
Trying to quit? Read: Lime Juice and 8 Other Natural Ways to Quit Smoking.
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe is an established topical remedy for skin. But a 2009 study found taking aloe orally reduces facial wrinkles.
In the study, 30 healthy women over the age of 45 took aloe vera gel as a supplement. One group took a low dose (1,200 mg/day) and a second group took a high-dose (3,600 mg/day). [ii]
The researchers measured signs of skin aging at the beginning and end of the study. After just 90 days, the researchers found that facial wrinkles improved significantly in both groups. But in the lower dose group facial elasticity also improved.
How does it work? The researchers found that the aloe increased collagen production leading to better structural support of the skin and fewer wrinkles.
They also found aloe decreased gene activity that causes collagen to become damaged in the first place.
Aloe gel contains over 200 healing phytonutrients. If you have access to an aloe plant you can get the gel from the leaves. Just make sure to drain the red “latex.” It can cause diarrhea.
Add the gel to fruit juice or your favorite smoothie. When buying aloe vera juice make sure you avoid products with added sugars or preservatives. It should be at least 85% aloe vera juice.
3. Red Ginseng Extract
Red ginseng contains many bioactive compounds including antioxidants, immune boosters, and anti-aging agents.
In Korea, 82 healthy women volunteers over 40 years of age participated in a double-blind, placebo controlled study. Every day the women received either a placebo or 3 grams of an herbal mixture containing red ginseng extract. The researchers measured facial wrinkles, skin elasticity, water content, erythema (red patches), and pigmentation before and after the trial. Facial skin samples were taken before and after treatment, and wrinkle-related biochemical markers were also measured.
At the end of 6 months, the researchers found facial wrinkles were significantly improved in the women taking the red ginseng extract. In addition, several biochemical markers of wrinkle damage also improved.[iii]
How does it work? The researchers found that the red ginseng increased collagen synthesis in the dermis. They called red ginseng an effective “beauty food.”
Red ginseng is a form of unpeeled and steamed Panax ginseng (also known as Asian or Korean ginseng). It is said to have “heating” properties that improve circulation. Don’t confuse it with American or Siberian ginseng.