Herbal Anti Aging Facial Mask Ingredients

Anti aging facial masks have always been popular skin care products. Since the beginning of time people have used natural ingredients like clays, salts, herbs, and many other organic compounds to keep facial skin healthy and to promote body wellness. Over the centuries many kings and queens used herbal medicines to cure irritation or ailments with years of success. Emperors and pharaohs practiced holistic procedures utilizing essential oils and aromatherapy based on mother nature’s ability to give a balance to all conditions. As a result in today’s time, we have a refined a technique to use the best of what nature has to offer and confirm the results with scientific studies and generations of successful trial and error.

Herbal anti aging facial masks aren’t a new trend but one that has gained popularity and effectiveness as we blend certain ingredients together to achieve the most potent result. There is more to it than just ending up with healthy facial skin. An herbal anti aging facial mask can offer the body nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins that are absorbed through the facial skin and passed through the entire bloodstream promoting overall body wellness. However, to accomplish this sounds easier than it is. There are nearly an infinite amount of natural facial skin care ingredients. Lets examine some of the most effective ingredients found in herbal anti aging facial masks.

Rosemary – The anti aging compounds in rosemary strengthen tiny capillaries and stimulate circulation, promoting, toning and binding of loose facial skin.

Lavender – Well known for its gentle, soothing, relaxing and anti aging balancing effects, lavender calms facial skin irritations and has anti-microbial and anti-parasitic properties. Lavender prevents facial tissue degeneration and promotes the growth of new facial skin cells. It is one of the most useful natural ingredients for overall healthy facial skin and balances all skin types.

Aloe Vera – Widely used in herbal medicine, and originally an African plant, aloe vera has therapeutic properties including anti-inflammation, anti-fungal, anti-viral and promotes overall facial skin rejuvenation. Its compounds stimulate epidermal growth and cellular repair ideal for an anti aging facial mask.

Basil – A native Asian herb, basil is used in Ayurvedic medicine to balance the facial skin and reduce cellular fatigue. It has anti aging properties, which include cellular stimulation and elasticity toning.

Green Tea – A highly antioxidant herb with potent anti-inflammatory agents. Green tea proactively reduces free radicals and helps maintain the quantity of collagen found in skin cells. These anti aging characteristics keep facial skin firm and elastic, while flavonoids provide vitamins to protect the facial skin. Methylxanthines in Green Tea stimulate microcirculation and positively influence the tone and overall health of the skin.

Mint – An aromatic facial herb used for its cleansing and refreshing properties, it also has natural anti-bacterial properties as well as its anti aging characteristics.

In addition to these top herbal anti aging facial mask ingredients, there are vitamins that offer substantial anti aging and nutritional value.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – Vitamin C is an antioxidant directly responsible the production of collagen. This vitamin helps prevent premature skin aging and balances the pH of the facial skin.

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) – This plant derived antioxidant used to stabilize and assist in the absorption of other skin care ingredients. Vitamin E protects facial skin against UV damage, prevents premature skin aging through moisturizing, reducing free radicals, and preventing cross-linking of proteins related to DNA degradation. It also protects natural enzymes found in skin cells, which keep the skin functioning and healthy.

Vitamin B – An essential micronutrient needed for cellular regeneration. It is a key element in energy metabolism. It also is required for nerve and muscle growth, all crucial elements in anti-aging.

Each anti aging facial ingredient plays a crucial role in providing the most effective synergistic combination. With the increase of organic farming many of these herbal anti aging ingredients have become more available on a global scale. The end result is a superior natural skin care product that has stood through the test of time and been refined to near perfection. Herbal anti aging facial masks are available through a select group of natural skin care companies focused on providing chemical free skin care products. Be sure to research the type of anti aging product you are using and give an herbal anti aging facial mask a try.

Visit www.momsskincare.com to learn more about herbal anti aging facial masks

Developing New Natural Skin Care Ingredients

Natural skin care product ingredients are broadening. As the beauty product market continues to invest in the research and development of natural skin care products, new natural skin care ingredients are emerging. Many organic chemists analyze the ways the body absorbs different nutrients and the effect on the overall wellness once the natural ingredients are introduced. The conclusion that many are coming to is the cross development of a growing niche know as cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are personal care products blended to offer a health benefit. Great example of this is the vitamin enriched natural skin care products.

Anti oxidant rich ingredients like cranberries, goji berries, and blueberries are being infused with traditional natural skin care products to offer more than just a skin product for your body. These natural skin care infusions are being studied to determine the ultimate effects on the nutrition of the body. Many are finding the skin is able to absorb these ingredients the same way as when the body ingests them. This could mean big things for the natural skin care product market. Essentially people could get some of there daily nutritional needs from that application of topical skin care products.

Although this seems like a new concept natural skin care practices like this have been found for centuries in holistic medicine. The skin offers an incredible versatile delivery system for the body. The key is to create a natural skincare ingredient which includes the type of anti oxidant which can be absorbed and penetrate the skin. Obviously smashing some blueberries on your skin will not have the same effect as eating them. However with advancements in bioactive ingredients which will allow attachment of anti oxidants from natural fruits and berries, the percentage rate of absorption sky rockets.

The natural skin care product market is able to join the advancement scientific research to offer more than before. This means many natural skin care product ingredients which could not be used for cosmeceutical purposes now can. Natural skin care has the support of an aging population looking for improved alternatives to their health. As new natural skin care ingredients are introduced the more demand they create meaning the supply will continue to grow and support the additional development of these new infusion based natural skin care anti oxidant ingredients.

Organic Skin Care Products

Organic skincare products are a small part of the beauty product market.  Organic skin care products are not regulated by the FDA, but there are certain industry standards most large manufactures uphold.  In order to be certified with the FDA as an organic skin care product, there is a certain percentage of organic ingredients you must use.  However because the FDA doesn’t regulate the personal skin care market there is no real enforcement of its policies.  The true challenge becomes determining what is organic vs. non organic.  This can be especially difficult when you source natural skin care ingredients from foreign countries which may not have the same regulations as the country in which the organic skin care product is being distributed.  Most truly organic skin care companies have a standard of excellence because they feel a social responsibility to provide a cleaner safer skin care product.  This is good because it allow large companies to pave the way for providing consumer information and natural skin care standards, with the strictest standards falling onto organic skin care products.

A Natural Skincare Ingredient – Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose Oil is a natural, and the richest, source of Gamma-Linolenic acid. It contains about 72% Linoleic acid and 9 percent GLA. Since it contains the essential GLA, evening primrose oil is highly valuable to those who cannot otherwise form enough GLA. This would include those who do not get enough essential fatty acids in their diet, drink or have drunk excessive amounts of alcohol, have low thyroid function, or have received radiation treatment. The direct source of GLA takes the pressure off the body to produce the necessary amount of GLA for optimum health.What are essential fatty acids and what makes them so essential? EFA’s play important roles in our body‘s overall health. They are part of every cell and establish and control the cellular metabolism. EFA’s are essential in four primary body functions: 1) provide energy, 2) maintain body temperature, 3) insulate our nerves, 4) cushion and protect body tissues. Two key polyunsaturated fatty acids (EFA’s) are Linoleic acid and Gamma-Linolenic acid. LA is not produced by the body but must be obtained through the dietary intake. LA acts as an energy source and is what the body converts to GLA which in turn forms other substances such as prostaglandins (hormone-like substances found in every body cell). They are critical to the body’s overall health maintenance, but need to be replenished constantly as once they serve their purpose, they are destroyed.

The purposes of prostaglandins include lowering blood pressure, reducing risks of blood clotting, stimulating the immune system, and regulating brain function. Animal studies at the University of Pennsylvania have also shown them to prevent arthritis. This is also being studied in humans trials in Europe with similar results. The source of EFA’s in these studies has been Evening Primrose Oil.

Preliminary studies in Sweden are relating Evening Primrose Oil to an anti-oxidant in that it also counter acts the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are most often associated with the aging process. Maintaining health is just one of the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. It is also being studied extensively in England and Europe for its pain reduction in association with arthritis, controlling complications of diabetes, controlling liver and kidney damage due to alcohol, depression, Multiple sclerosis, skin/hair/nail repair, and most impressively, controlling sever symptoms of PMS.  It is extremely effective as a natural skincare ingredient to treat dry skin and eczema.

A study at St. Thomas Hospital in London found that when PMS suffers were given evening primrose oil three times daily, 67% of the participants were symptom-free and 22% achieved partial relief. (In all total, 89% had positive results with the evening primrose oil.) Although not as popular in the United States, Evening Primrose Oil is available at most health food stores and nutrition centers. And, as more studies become available, we will find why Evening Primrose Oil was commonly called the “King’s Cure All” in 17th Century England.

Natural Skin Care Ingredients G-L

Geranium

Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, as a mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia. Geranium oil does not cause any side effects, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, yet can cause sensitivity in some people and due to the fact that it balances the hormonal system, it might not be a good idea to use it during pregnancy.”

Glucose Lactoperoxidase

An emulsifier and natural preservative made from the fatty acids derived from plant oils, which helps the consistency of creams and lotions.

Glycerol

Glycerol is used in medical and pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectant. It is also used as a substitute for ethanol as a solvent in preparing herbal extractions. It is less extractive and is approximately 30% less able to be absorbed by the body.

Honey

Bees produce a light honey from the vibrant clover. Rich in enzymes and minerals, honey is a traditional home remedy to revitalize and regenerate the skin by encouraging the natural process of cellular renewal. Also helps to calm and cool red, irritated and sensitive skin.

Irish Moss

Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory characteristics, traditionally the main use of Irish Moss is in respiratory illness where it is often the core of prescriptions to treat irritating coughs, bronchitis and many other lung problems. It may be freely used in digestive conditions where a demulcent is called for.

Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)

Jojoba oil is an exceptional moisturizer. Jojoba oil is edible, but acaloric and non-digestible, meaning the oil will pass through the intestines unchanged and can cause an unpleasant result called steatorrhea.  Jojoba oil is also used as a replacement for whale oil and its derivatives, such as cetyl alcohol. Jojoba oil is popular with stretched lobes. The make up of the oil is very similar to that of human sebum. It aids in the healing process.

Lavander Oil

Lavender aroma is well known for its gentle, soothing, relaxing and balancing effects. Lavender essential oil calms burns and other skin irritations and has antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties.

Lemon oil

Acne Treatment – Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is a popular form of treating acne. Skin bleach – Lemon juice is also believed by many to lighten the skin when applied topically, as it has been suggested that the acids it contains inhibits melanin production.  The effectiveness, however, is largely a subject of debate.  Lemon is used in facial masks for refreshing the skin. Natural deodorants are generally made from lemon extracts. Raw lemon can be used as a short term deodorant. Aromatherapy – Researchers at Ohio State University reveals that lemon oil aroma may enhance your mood, and relax you.

Common Natural Skin Care Ingredients S-Z

Sage extract

Sage belongs to the mint family, which consists of several fragrant herbs whose volatile oils are valued by those who appreciate their healing value. Sage also works in decreasing perspiration. This is of value to people who live in extremely warm climates and also in deodorant preparations. The essential oil in sage is comprised of camphor, cineole, thujone and borneol. These put together are antimicrobial, which destroys or stops the growth of disease causing microorganisms, and antispasmodic, which relieves or prevents spasms. An antioxidant compound called a flavonoid is present to add to the antimicrobial action in sage extract. Phenolic acids are also present as strong antioxidants and explain sage’s ability to preserve.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)

Shea butter is known especially for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. It is also a known anti-inflammatory agent. Shea butter is marketed as being effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. Due to its emollient properties it helps in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing skin respiration.

Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius)

It has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids but should be mixed with anothercarrier oil with good antioxidant qualities to increase the shelf life of this oil, since it can go rancid quickly. Safflower oil would be a suitable base to work from, but it is recommended to add other carrier oils to it. Safflower massage oil has great moisturizing qualities which makes it a good choice to include when mixing a massage oil or preparing a carrier oil blend.

Sorbitan Olivate

This is an olive oil derived ingredient used as an emulsifier (helps blend ingredients that can’t usually blend together) or to make a gel-like formula. It is usually used together with cetearyl olivate Sorbitan olivate can cause an allergic reaction for some

Stearic Acid (coconut source)

A fatty acid derived solely from vegetable oils that help the consistency of emulsions

Sucrose / Glycerlyl stearate (sugar emulsifier)

Plant sugars combined with plant oil fatty acids by simple, non-toxic processes to make a biodegradable surfactant and emulsifier. It is gentle to the skin with a softening, cooling, moisturizing and anti-microbial effect. Naturally, BSE and GMO free.

Sunflower oil

In cosmetics, it has smoothing properties and is considered noncomedogenic. Only the high-oleic variety possesses shelf life sufficient for commercial cosmetic formulation.

 Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide is a non-reactive, stable compound that has virtually no dermal penetration in tests. It provides a opacity and physical barrier which does not penetrate the skin. Titanium dioxide has a high refractive index and high UV aborbtion capabilities. Because of these properties, it is commonly used in sunscreen as an active SPF ingredident.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Natural Vitamin E and related tocopherols can be derived from many plant oils, especially wheat and soy. Vitamin E has antioxidant effects, which help to support the stability of other ingredients (oils, fats) in a cosmetic product. Especially effective is a combination of tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate. Ascorbyl palmitate has a synergistic effect and increases the efficacy of tocopherol.                               

Undecylenoyl Glycine

Undecylenoyl glycine (UG) is an esterified derivative of glycine, its chemical structure is similar to natural lipo-amino acid such as lipoprotein in live biological body. UG is an important ingredient in cosmetics. It can keep skin natural ecosystem, effectively eliminate acne and kill a lot of G+ and G- bacteria. It is suitable to oily and neutral skin.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerine is used in cosmetics and body care products to assist in retaining moisture and is helpful in pulling oxygen into the skin. Vegetable glycerine is a natural emollient that adds a cooling effect on the skin and has become a predominant ingredient in most skin care products and soaps. Vegetable glycerine is also the principal medium for the manufacturing of non-alcohol based herbal extracts, which are called glycerites. This makes for a sweet alcohol free extract that can be easily administered to children, animals and those with alcohol sensitivities.

Xantham gum

A natural carbohydrate gum produced by a yeast-like organism. Used as an emulsifier and thickener to help with consistency and stability of creams. Xanthan gum is not affected by temperature, salt, pH or enzymes In cosmetics xanthan gum is used to prepare water gels usually in conjunction with bentonite clays. Is also used in oil-in-water emulsions to help stabilise the oil droplets against coalescence. It has some skin hydrating properties.

 Ylang ylang oil

The essential oil of ylang-ylang is used in aromatherapy. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems, and is considered to be an aphrodisiac.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is a white mineral pigment with skin-protecting properties including deodorizing and antibacterial. It is a used as a barrier ingredient which repels water and moisture.  Zinc has strong reflectant and UV absorbing properties so it is commonly used in sunscreen as an active SPF ingredident.