This ubiquitous plant is used in cosmetics as an essential oil and flower infusion. Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender oil is traditionally used as an acne remedy, especially when diluted with rose water or witch hazel. An infusion of lavender is claimed to repel insects, as well as soothe and heal insect bites. In aromatherapy, lavender is used to calm and promote natural sleep. However, these wonderful qualities come with a price: studies in vitro have shown that lavender oil mimics estrogens in the body and has antiandrogenic activities. There has been a report that three teenage boys developed gynecomastia (breast tissue growth), which coincided with the topical application of products that contained lavender and tea tree oils (Henley et al. 2007). In another disturbing report from Japan, medical researchers from the School of Dentistry at Meikai University, Saitama, found that essential oils of lavender and rosemary enhanced free radical damage and decreased the stress hormone, cortisol, which protects the body from oxidative stress (Atsumi, Tonosaki et al. 2007). Until science knows more, it may be advisable to avoid using sunscreen products heavily scented with lavender and avoid aromatherapy with lavender oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
L-Carnitine
This amino acid, commonly contained in energy drinks and weight loss supplements, was recently found to promote hair growth. Scientists of the University of Hamburg have discovered that L-carnitine stimulates hair growth by increasing the energy supply to the hair matrix and can be used to treat alopecia and other forms of hair loss (Foitzik et al. 2007).
Lemon (Citrus limon)
Lemon juice and lemon essential oils have many uses in natural beauty. Lemon juice is a natural astringent and may lighten skin when applied topically. Lemon oil, rich in terpenes, is a well-known antibacterial and insect repelling agent. It is frequently used in aluminum-free deodorants for its ability to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Lemon juice can work as a mild hair bleach that yields very natural results: to lighten your hair with sun-bleached highlights, simply spread some lemon juice over your dry hair in streaks before you step outside during summertime. Lemon juice has a certain stickiness in it, so you can easily use it as a natural, nutritious hair gel. Don’t use the hair bleaching with lemon as an excuse for baking under the midday sun: a mineral sunscreen is still a must!
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
No, I am not advising you to rub your face with those yummy gummy sweets. Licorice has much more to offer than pleasing our taste buds. Licorice root has been used in Europe since the ancient Greek era, and modern science offers new uses for this delicious plant extract. A new flavonoid isolated from licorice root, licochalcone A, is known to have anti-inflammatory and potentially anticarcinogenic effects on animals, while glycyrrhizin, the main chemical found in licorice, may offer protection from the damage induced by UVB radiation. Licorice gel has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for dermatitis, eczema, pruritus, and cysts. In green beauty, licorice is used as a skin-whitening agent and shows promise in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Linoleic Acid
This omega-6 essential fatty acid influences skin physiology on a molecular level, improving eicosanoid production, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling. This polyunsaturated fatty acid is an excellent emollient and emulsifier that helps in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and sun-damaged skin. Linoleic acid also speeds up wound healing. Recent studies demonstrated that this non irritating acid is also a natural penetration enhancer and can be used in cosmetics instead of propylene glycol. Last, and certainly not least, linoleic acid can help you stay younger for longer. “Higher intakes of vitamin C and linoleic acid and lower intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better skin-aging appearance,” concluded British scientists as they performed research for Unilever in 2007. According to them, higher intake of linoleic acid, naturally found in flax seeds, evening primrose, pumpkin and mustard seeds, wheat germ, spirulina, and green leafy vegetables, may reduce dryness and atrophy of aging skin (Cosgrove et al. 2007).
Lycopene
One of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants, bright red lycopene is found primarily in tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, and red bell peppers. Lycopene is the most powerful destroyer of singlet oxygen, which is produced during UV exposure and is the primary cause of skin aging. Lycopene offers 100 times better protection from singlet oxygen than vitamin E. Lycopene is sold in health food stores and online. You can add powdered lycopene to your skin care preparations, but beware: it can instantly turn any cream or lotion bright pink!
Milk
Cow and goat milk are rich in saturated fat, protein, and calcium, as well as a host of vitamins.Whole milk due to its high fat and protein content, and milk acid, also known as lactic acid, for its mild exfoliating properties. Yogurt, kefir, and sour cream make excellent, quick, and nourishing skin exfoliating masks.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
The sap of myrrh is used frequently as an antiseptic in natural mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes for the prevention and treatment of gum disease. Myrrh is currently used in healing balms to treat abrasions and minor skin irritations, and it has proven effective as an ingredient of healing balms for chronic wounds, alongside honey (Lofty et al. 2006).
N-Acetyl Glucosamine
A major component of hyaluronic acid, glucosamine is making news in natural cosmetics due to several beneficial effects on the skin. Glucosamine works as an anti-inflammatory substance that triggers synthesis of hyaluronic acid in skin, accelerates wound healing, improves skin hydration, and decreases wrinkles. It also safely lightens skin tone by inhibiting melanin production, which makes it a godsend for people with hyperpigmentation, age spots, and uneven melanin distribution.
Olive (Olea europaea)
Olive leaf extract is rich in hydroxytyrosol, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, which strengthens the skin’s immune system and protects it from the oxidation effects of UV radiation and tobacco smoke. Plain olive oil is a traditional skin emollient, while squalene, which is derived from olive oil, is an excellent natural moisturizer that quickly penetrates the skin, does not leave a greasy film, and blends well with active ingredients.
Orange (Sweet) (Citrus sinensis)
Petals of the orange blossom are used to prepare orange water, a natural skin refresher rich in vitamins and volatile oils that has mild antiseptic action. Orange essential oil is rich in flavonoids, rutin, beta-carotene, and aromatic terpene d-limonene, which is classified as toxic or very toxic in several countries. It’s inadvisable to use pure orange oil in cosmetic products.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
This aromatic herb is rich in manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin A, and contains trace amounts of iron, calcium, folate, potassium, tryptophan, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and copper. Recent studies discovered antioxidants and free radical scavenging activities in peppermint leaf extract, while peppermint essential oil has been proven effective against the herpes simplex virus, even against acyclovir-resistant strains. Peppermint oil can be irritating, but toxicity reports found peppermint oil and extracts safe for use in cosmetics.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Antioxidant-rich pomegranate fruit is one of the newest kids on the antiaging block. Pomegranate bursts with anthocyanin and hydrolyzable tannin, which explains its cancer-prevention abilities. Studies have shown that pomegranate extract, both taken internally and applied topically, can greatly reduce photoaging and prevent formation of UV-induced skin cancer. Pomegranate seed oil, when used in a 5 percent concentration, also significantly decreased skin tumor incidence in animals, which makes it a very promising, safe, and effective natural agent against skin cancer. Pomegranate seed and fruit extract are used in many green beauty lines, particularly in Juice Beauty organic moisturizers, and you can add this valuable ingredient to your own lotions and potions.
Propolis
Along with beeswax, bees use propolis to build their hives. In natural skin care, propolis is used to relieve skin inflammations, ulcers, superficial burns, and scalds. It has shown local antibiotic and antifungal properties, and there is some evidence that propolis may actively protect against caries and other forms of oral disease. Propolis is sold in most health food stores and can be applied topically or added to skin care preparations and mouthwashes. Propolis can also be used as a natural preservative in green beauty products.
Protein Peptides
We know these power players as palmitoyl oligopeptide, palmitoyl pentapeptide, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide. Peptides—amino acids held together by peptide bonds and attached to palmitic or acetic acid—are hot talk in skin care. Two amino acids make a dipeptide, three a tripeptide, five a pentapeptide. Argireline is acetyl hexapeptide, comprising six amino acid molecules linked to acetic acid. They work to release wrinkles by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters. The skin becomes stiff, as after a Botox injection. However, there are no independent clinical studies proving the safety of this ingredient. Matrixyl is palmitoyl pentapeptide that links five amino acid molecules. This synthetic peptide imitates the action of matrikines, small peptides formed when the dermis proteins are damaged and degraded. These cell messengers prompt the skin to start repairing itself and heal wounds, leading to increased synthesis of collagen and other skin molecules. Matrixyl is better researched for safety and effectiveness than other peptides: one study found that this molecule is effective in repairing skin photoaging, and more recent studies note that it helps thicken the skin, thus relieving wrinkles. No side effects have been reported, thus making Matrixyl a promising addition to your DIY anti aging preparations.Green Beauty Recipes
No comments:
Post a Comment
We Love to Listen From Our Respected Visitors!