If there were a Hall of Fame for natural ingredients, carrot, rosehip, and sea buckthorn would be like Louis Armstrong — inducted early and forever cherished. But thanks to the ever-curious, plant-loving whizzes in anti-aging skincare these days, there are plenty of other botanical ingredients out there that deserve just as much hype.

From fading brown spots to repairing DNA, check out the new skin transformers in town and why they’re worth making room for.

1. Nettle Leaf

If you’re gung-ho about aging gracefully and preventing premature fine lines and sagging, getting vitamins A and C inside and onto your body is non-negotiable. Vitamin A is treasured for its ability to encourage healthy skin cell production, while vitamin C protects from environmental damage. Nettle leaf is ultra-rich in both, making it a superstar nemesis against wrinkles.

But that’s not all. “Along with the most optimal ratios of skin-beautifying vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, nettle delivers one of the highest percentages of naturally occurring silica. Silica is incredible for increasing skin firmness and elasticity. It is called ‘nature’s Band-Aid’ because it binds the underlying cellular structure together,” April Gargiulo, founder of Vintner’s Daughter, tells EcoSalon. The glowing skincare expert also notes that nettle is one of the most nutrient-dense botanicals in the world, “so much so that in ancient times it was called ‘the food of life.’”

Find it in: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

2. Dioscorea Batatas Root Extract

Dioscorea Batatas, also known as Chinese Yam or “fairy food,” has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine for its antioxidant activity (in other words, its ability to protect the body from environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays). Oh, and if you happen to be looking for a way to add a bit of metaphysics to your skincare ritual, get this: Many people refer to Dioscorea Batatas as “The Root of Light,” as they believe the fleshy portion of the yam carries a light source that can be transferred to people, which then delivers energetic qualities that can support physical and spiritual health. Whether or not you believe it, you will believe your eyes once you see your newly perfected skin.

Find it in: Kjaer Weis Beautiful Oil

3. Yangu Oil

Also called Cape Chestnut, yangu is gathered and pressed for its precious oil by the locals, the Maasai of Africa. The oil is so effective at protecting skin from the sun (the top cause of premature aging) that the elderly Maasai enjoy smooth, glowing, and firm skin even though they hang out under the sun for hours every day. This is thanks to yangu oil’s rich content of protective antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help keep skin hydrated, plump, soft, and elastic.

Find it in: May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon

4. Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract

This triple-threat ingredient is a godsend if you haven’t bid farewell to breakouts after your angsty teenage years—and it’s not only because of its bacteria-fighting properties. Kigelia extract is also anti-aging and calming, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice your wrinkle-fighting endeavors—even if your skin is sensitive and easily prone to irritation.

“It’s vital to protect your delicate skin barrier no matter what concern you’re trying to address,” says Jene Roestorf, founder of Luxe Botanics. “Many people, especially those with sensitive skin, harm their skin when they slather on harsh anti-acne ingredients. Kigelia is an exotic botanical from Malawi, which not only prevents and minimizes breakouts because of natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but nourishes, soothes, and strengthens skin with its miraculous DNA-repairing powers.”

Find it in: Luxe Botanics Kigelia Clarifying Serum

5. Hibiscus

You can’t seek a natural anti-aging solution and ignore something called “nature’s Botox plant,” right?! Like many botanical extracts, hibiscus protects skin from free radical damage, while firming and lifting. But on top of that, the mighty flower reduces appearance of pores, speeds up cell turnover, and prevents and minimizes blemishes because it contains alpha-hydroxy acid (AHAs). AHAs are chemical compounds that occur naturally in fruits, sugar cane, and milk. When applied topically, AHAs dissolve dead skin cells, which means you get clarified pores and smooth skin.

Find it in: Mahalo Pele Mask

6. Scarlet Pimpernel

Bleaching agents: ew. Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid: ouch. If dark spots and damage from over-sunning are your main skin concern, get all over scarlet pimpernel, which is celebrated for its ability to help lighten and brighten skin. It’s also known to soothe and calm skin (so even sensitive-skinned folks can get in on it)!

7. Red Clover

Red clover is prized for all its antioxidants, including the ultimate brightener vitamin C, but it’s really a winner because it also cleanses skin and stimulates the lymphatic system, which drains out toxins. The end result is clear, decongested, and luminous skin.

Find the above two in: Laurel Whole Plant Organics Sun Damage Repair Facial Serum 

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The post 7 Totally Exotic Anti-Aging Skincare Ingredients You Need in Your Life Right Now appeared first on EcoSalon.

Peeled, pierced, and pulsed. Think these are ways to juice fruits and veggies? How about steps to getting younger looking skin? A closer look at skin wounding as an anti-aging tool.

Don’t rub, pull, or stretch your skin.

If you didn’t hear this wrinkle prevention trick from your mom, you have surely read it in at least a few dozen magazines.

We try to take good and gentle care of our skin to keep it healthy and looking its best. No toxins to cause harm, safe UV protection to ward off premature aging, no overzealous exfoliating that could cause irritation or injury.

So what is up with this new skin wounding trend in anti-aging skin care and how do we feel about it?

What is Skin Wounding?

As it sounds, these techniques cause injury thru tiny punctures, pulses of light, or removal of top layer of skin. The idea behind the method? That the secret to youthful, glowing, line-free skin is achieved through the healing process.

The skin is an amazing organ, capable of patching itself back together. When the skin receives an abrasion, a response is triggered that stimulates collagen and stem cell production which, in turn, creates a healthier, younger looking complexion. Or so the theory goes.

What are the Anti-Aging Skin Wounding Methods?

Microneedling: Tiny needles are rolled over the skin, creating invisible punctures thought to promote cell turnover through the healing process. Pros say skin will be tight, warm, and red (no duh) post treatment, with a bit of bleeding. Dryness and flaking are common the week after microneedling is performed and it is important to protect the skin with sunscreen as it heals.

Laser resurfacing: Little pulses of light are administered to skin to boost collagen production and create a smoother, plumper appearance. More painful than microneedling, some anesthesia is usually recommended. After the procedure, skin will be swollen, red, and sore. There may even be some bleeding or oozing (yikes!) but this should stop within the first few days. So, not the ticket the day before a big event.

Chemical Peels: Acid-based peels get rid of dry, dead skin cells and reveal fresh layers of skin, and can be done at home or in office. Be careful if performing a chemical peel at home, as they can irritate the skin. We are all supposed to exfoliate regularly and appropriately for our skin type. Chemical peels do their job, but synthetic ingredients can be too harsh and cause irritation. In recent years, natural skin care pros have begun to believe abrasive exfoliants (even those that are natural) are better swapped out for a milder version of sloughing through fruit acids.

The Nitty Gritty On Skin Wounding

There are many proponents to the skin wounding craze. But as with all new things, the proof is in the pudding. Can repeated injury eventually cause scarring? What about inflammation? We’ll have to wait and see for now. In general, using any form of skin care that requires a numbing agent deserves some deep consideration.

If you do decide to hop on the skin injury trend, know this…not all skin types are created equally. Just because your thick-skinned friend had good results after a microneedling does not mean your more sensitive complexion will fare as well. Talk with a reputable professional before undergoing any procedure.

There are many natural ingredients that are effective in promoting healthy, youthful skin. A healthful diet and lifestyle do work wonders too.

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Image of microneedling tool via Shutterstock

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Summer means lots of time spent enjoying the great outdoors. One drawback? This may mean sun spots. Learn how to lighten spots and brighten skin naturally.

Sunshine makes us feel good. Why does there have to be a downside? We know that overexposure means skin aging and can even lead to skin cancer. It also causes skin discoloration and those nasty dark spots we hate to see.

Obvi, the best way to deal with sun spots is to prevent them in the first place. Proper sun protection will help to ward off discoloration. Still, you may end up with a spot or two. Before you go running to the nearest laser spa or purchase a bullet proof concealer, read on.

It’s true. There are natural ingredients that do a great job of lightening spots and brightening skin. And most are gentle enough for sensitive skin. Regular use can help to lighten damage and get your glow back.

Natural Ingredients to Lighten Sun Spots (Plus Product Picks!)

Rosehip oil is nature’s Retin-A. It contains a healthy dose of retinol (Vitamin A)which is a great anti-ager and, you guessed it, skin lightener. Can be used on its own as a spot treatment or facial as part of a facial serum. One note of caution – when using a product that contains Vitamin A, avoid direct sunlight as it may form free radicals which accelerate skin aging and the spread of existing skin cancer. Dr. Alkaitis Organic Night Crème delivers this healing ingredient to skin while you sleep.

Vitamin C is another effective skin brightener. Try Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Crème with Vitamin C complex to repair damage during the day. Aloe helps to soothe upset skin. This moisturizer is very light. For dry skin types, use in combination with a facial oil or serum.

Turmeric calms inflammation, slows skin aging, and promotes even skin tone. It also adds the lightest touch of natural glow. May Lindstrom Skin The Problem Solver is an antioxidant rich facial mask, which includes detoxifying charcoal, to bring skin back into balance.

Licorice Root extract lightens sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and lends overall brightness to skin. Also said to boost the mood, this ingredient is definitely worth a shot. Try Amala Rejuvenating Serum which also addresses anti-aging issues, decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Can’t decide which of these fabulous ingredients to enlist first? No worries. The lovely RMS Beauty Oil contains Rosehip, Turmeric, Licorice, plus skin brightening Tamanu in a super light, divinely scented facial oil.

Seeing spots on backs of hands? Amala Hydrating Hand Cream contains Papaya Fruit extract. The fruit contains an enzyme called papain, said to boost cell turnover and brighten the skin.

Adequate SPF plus some of these natural power lighteners equal even, healthy skin. Now go enjoy your summer!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of bright skin girl in sun via Shutterstock

The post How to Lighten Sun Spots and Brighten Skin Naturally appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon caught up with Anthony Vargas, founder and CEO of anti-aging skin care line, Tilth Beauty.

What do you get when science and anti-aging meet? That would be Tilth Beauty. The line, created by “Skin Care Scientist and Beauty Expert”, Anthony Vargas, is a combination of anti-aging chemistry and natural ingredients.

Vargas was behind the launch of some pretty big beauty products while working at Elizabeth Arden. He took his knowledge and experience on a mission to create safer products that deliver on a conventional beauty level. The result is a mix of ingredients, some natural, some synthetically processed. While these may not be an option for those of us into straight-up clean beauty, Tilth Beauty offers a safer alternative for women who’d like to steer clear of the worst cosmetic offenders.

Liz Thompson: You are a “Skincare Scientist”. What education and experience do you have in the skincare field? How about the natural skincare field?

Anthony Vargas: Well, I have a B.S in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. I have been formulating and leading the development of skin care products for over 30 years working for two of the biggest personal care companies in the world. During that time I have also collaborated with some of the top researchers in the skin area. That work included skin barrier, antioxidants, irritation and moisturization not to mention skin lightening and aging. In the natural area when I first started to work in the field we actually used many natural ingredients. But, the industry turned away from them and started to use more synthetic ingredients that were easier to obtain. Now we are going back to more natural ingredients because of their benefits to the skin.

LT: What caused you to become interested in natural skincare?

AV: I actually started my career using natural ingredients and knew of their benefits. What got me back to them was the fact that many synthetic ingredients did not have any real benefits for the skin and some of them became questionable safety wise. I would rather use a natural oil or butter that gives a beautiful feel to the skin than a synthetic ingredient which gives the same feel but offers no benefits. You see the natural oils and butters help to nourish the skin with the abundant fatty acids, antioxidants and moisturizers that the synthetic materials do not have.

LT: Which ingredients do you not use in your products?

AV: I use natural oils such as jojoba, argan, rose hips, sunflower, olive and butters such as shea, coco raspberry leaf. Not to mention many botanical extracts.

LT: Are your products completely free of synthetic ingredients?

AV: Well, we do use peptides in our products and they are made through a synthetic process. Peptides are amino acid chains and amino acids are what make up all the proteins in your body so they are not harmful or toxic to the skin or body. But all of our other ingredients are naturally derived.

LT: Are the cosmeceuticals you use synthetic or synthetically processed?

AV: The peptides are synthetically processed and are made under strict processes to not use any toxic intermediates.

LT: Who are your products for? 

AV: Our products are for everyone and yes, that includes men. Anyone who needs to protect their skin or needs anti-aging products to help with the premature signs of aging. Also, the products are formulated for all skin types so you will find a product for your skins needs.

LT: How would you recommend a woman get started with your products?

AV: They should start by addressing their need. By that I mean what issue does she want to address? Moisturization, aging, protection, etc. By doing that first she will be able to choose the correct product or products to address those needs.

LT: Do you recommend any tips, other than skincare, that are healthy for skin?

AV: Diet is import to skin as eating the correct foods will help replenish the body’s and skin’s supply of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. Water is also essential, so make sure you drink plenty of it to keep your body and skin hydrated.

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Images courtesy of Anthony Vargas at TilthBeauty.com

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