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

Natural body lotion comes in many different combinations of herbs, natural products derived from fruits, plant leaves or seeds. They work in so many ways, such as healing dry skin, improving skin’s texture, nourishing and replenishing skin’s lost natural oils as well as it restores the radiance of the skin.

I. Natural Ingredients:

1. Shea butter

Derived from the fruit kernels of the shea nut tree, it has remarkable healing and softening abilities. Studies show that shea butter has anti inflammatory effects on the skin, thus increase wound healing and improve scar appearance. From its physical make up of vitamin E, vitamin A, and cinnamic acid as well as a unique fatty acid profile, this butter can moisturize and heal dry skin.

2. Sunflower oil

Is rich in vitamins E and A and very high in fatty acids that aids in restoring skin moisture, natural oils and regenerates. Vitamin A encourages collagen production and is able to retain moisture.

3. Almond oil

Easily absorbed, this is an important nutrient for skin softening and conditioning. With high vitamin A content, it is very suitable to dry, flaky or inflamed skin. Helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture.

4. Jojoba oil

Good for all skin types, It readily penetrates the skin to nourish, moisturize and softens dry skin. Hypoallergenic and pure, it contains minerals, proteins and a waxy substance which imitates the skin’s collagen, making it supple and soft to the touch.

5. Cocoa butter

A very popular ingredient among hand and body lotion, like the shea butter, it acts as an emollient helping the skin feel soft and calm. It can also prevent and lessen stretch marks if applied regularly.

6 Aloe Vera

Studies show that aloe vera can very well improve the skin’s capability to hydrate itself. It has a powerful penetrating ability which carries healthy substances through the skin. With daily use, aloe vera will help maintain a healthy glowing skin. Because of its numerous biologically active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, phytosterols, glycerol, vitamins E, B & C and zinc; these all contribute to the healing, scar reducing and anti inflammatory effects of aloe vera.

7. Macadamia oil

This has lubrication properties and is easily absorbed. This oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids acting as anti oxidants to prevent deterioration and weakening of cell membrane. It is also an emollient with magnesium and thiamine, that soothes and calms. Good for mature and aging skin.

8. Glycerin

It has humectant properties, drawing moisture from the air unto the skin.

II. Choosing The Right Body Lotion For You:

- Read labels

Different products have different ingredients. It is important that you know what consists of the lotion that you are buying, to avoid allergies. Also choose a product labeled as a moisturizer.

- Choose a moisturizing natural lotion

Take note of the positive changes it has done to your skin. Note these changes and if you love the results, then continue using it.

- Know your skin

Although many natural lotions are for all skin types, there are lotions which are specifically formulated for normal,dry, and extra dry skin. It is best to buy a lotion that could address to your skin type to achieve the best results.

- Know what you need

Do you need a natural lotion just for daily moisturizing? Or you have stretch marks that needs attention too? There are hundreds of moisturizing skin care products in the market that can improve the appearance of your stretch marks as well as nourish your skin.

- Consider your skin’s condition

If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing natural lotion that is noncomedogenic. This means that the lotion has been proven and tested not to cause acne reactions on the skin. Likewise, unscented natural body lotion will unlikely cause allergies.

- Consider your lifestyle

If you are the type who loves spending time outdoors, you may need a lotion with ultraviolet protection, to minimize skin wrinkling and drying.

- Consider the season

In winter, choose a heavier lotion with shea butter or any intensive ingredient. During the summer, a lighter, well absorbed natural lotion with aloe vera and natural sunscreen protection works best.

Aloe vera is a member of the succulent (water-retaining) plant family, and is also known as “lily of the desert” since researchers believe it originated in Africa.  There are over 250 known species of Aloe vera, and are relatively easy to care for, therefore increasing its popularity.  The spokes of Aloe vera plants are filled with a gel-like substance that is filled with a combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals.  Dermatologists and cosmetic companies often extract the gel for use in their products.   Aloe vera is also considered an alternative treatment for high blood pressure and intestinal problems.

Aloe vera is a popular choice for the treatment of sunburn, since it contains a variety of enzymes and amino acids that are anti-inflammatory and speed up the skin’s healing process.  Many after-sun moisturizing creams contain Aloe, and for those who have access to actual Aloe plants, the gel can be applied directly on the affected area.

Aloe vera is a common ingredient in many natural lotion products, particularly anti-aging and anti-acne products due to its ability to generate healthier skin.  The combination of enzymes, vitamins and minerals in Aloe vera products increases oxygen flow, which toughens the skin tissues and provides protection from pollutants and dirt.  It also moisturizes the skin and increases its elasticity, which reduces wrinkles and signs of aging.  Used in conjunction with exfoliating products, Aloe vera can help control acne by helping shed dead skin cells and reduce redness.

Once Alternative, Now Mainstream

Not so long ago, herbal products or foods deemed “natural” were considered less than desirable by the mainstream public.  The Industrial Revolution not only changed the face of production and how we worked, it changed what we ate and used for our health.  Mass-produced, new chemical compounds in fancy packaging quickly replaced the ‘old-fashioned’ herbal remedies used by our grandmothers.

While Aloe vera never completely fell out of favor, by the 1970’s and 80’s use of medical plants and herbs to treat ailments and skin conditions was considered unconventional and provided mostly by naturalists and alternative therapists. In the new millennium, science and technology have not proven to be the miracle we were expecting.  Today, modern science is re-discovering what our already ancestors knew.  Aloe vera and similar natural treatments provide vital healing, nourishing and regenerative qualities that no chemical lab can re-create.