Overview
As you grow older, you’ll begin to experience aging changes in your skin, including wrinkles, age spots, thinning of the skin and dryness. Regardless of its current state, however, you can revive aging skin using herbs and natural ingredients. Many widely available herbs promote healthy skin and some can even help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, prevent blemishes and add moisture to dry, tired skin. In addition to using herbal remedies, make sure to take good care of your aging skin by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.
Step 1
Wash your face in herbal tea made from herbs that benefit aging skin. Try comfrey, marshmallow, lady’s mantle, violet flowers and leaves, elderflowers, yarrow or chamomile. Steep 1 to 2 tsp. of any of the above dried herbs in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and allow the tea to cool completely. Use as a face wash at least once per day, followed by a high-quality skin cream. Make a fresh batch for each application for the best results.
Step 2
Make your own herbal anti-aging skin cream by melting 1 ½ oz. anhydrous lanolin and 4 oz. avocado oil in the top of a double boiler, then adding 1 oz. comfrey root water while stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and transfer the cream to an 8-oz. glass storage jar. Secure the lid and shake the jar until the cream cools. Apply directly to aging skin once or twice per day. In her book “Herbal Body Book,” Jeanne Rose recommends the use of lanolin, avocado oil and comfrey root for reviving aging skin.
Step 3
Make an herbal face oil to revive aging skin. Combine 60 to 70 drops essential oil with 2 tbsp. of a carrier oil. Apply every night before bed to the face, neck and chest to the collar bone. In her book “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy,” Valerie Ann Worwood recommends rose, neroli, lavender, myrrh, carrot or geranium essential oils for aging skin and wrinkle prevention. Use almond, apricot kernel or hazelenut as carrier oils.
Step 4
Create an herbal face vinegar to help revive your aging skin naturally. Combine ½ cup dried fennel, ½ cup dried lady’s mantle and 1 cup distilled white vinegar in a glass jar. Secure the lid in place and store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking once per day. Strain the herbs from the liquid and discard. Dilute the vinegar with 6 parts distilled or spring water before each use. According to Cindy L. A. Jones, author of “Herbs for Healthy Skin,” when combined with fennel and lady’s mantle, vinegar may temporarily reduce fine wrinkles.
