Natural foods that help wrinkles

To keep skin looking and feeling supple, fresh and wrinkle-free, try the following foods :
- Red Peppers, which have a lot of vitamin C (more than oranges) which helps with the production of collagen, that is needed by the skin for good structue. They also contain beta-carotene, useful for uv-protection (from the sun) that will help anti-ageing.
- Oily fish, which helps dry skin and infammation. Fish to include are salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring.
- Olive Oil, one study claims that olive oil used together with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables offers protection against wrinkles, on skin that was exposed to the sun.
- Food rich in antioxidants, such as prunes, which help to clear up free radicals (that are responsible for ageing processes).

Dandelion

This bright yellow flower helps to invigorate and nourish the skin. Make a gentle face wash by boiling the flower heads and leaves in a pan of water. Simmer, and strain the liquid. When it has completely cooled down, use as a gentle face wash.

Superfoods that boost your natural Sun Protection

The following are superfoods that will help to boost your skin's natural sun protection from within..(after you have applied a good quality, high factor suncream on your skin).
POMEGRANATE - A study by dermatologists indicated that pomegranate extract can boost your natural SPF (sun protection factor) by up to 23%.
AVACADO and RYE BREAD - Contains ferulic acid, which protects against UV (ultra-violet) rays.
TOMATOES and APRICOTS - Lycopene (found in red foods) and betacarotene (found in orange foods), provide an internal SPF of 3.
GRAPES - Help to combat UV damage, with somthing called OPC (found in the skin and seeds of grapes). This is about 20 times more powerful than vitamin C, and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E.
SWEET POTATO - Has both vitamin C and E, which are both needed to combat sun damage.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS and PEANUTS - Contain copper, which is a trace mineral that the body uses to make melenin (the pigment that aids in blocking UV penetration). Other sources are: crabmeat and oysters.

Protecting your skin from the Sun

Long-term exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can damage the skin. The number of cases of skin cancer reported every year, are increasing. To prevent and minimize the damage from the sun, follow these guidelines….
-Try and stay out of the sun between 11am and 4pm, as the rays of the sun are the strongest between these hours.
-Wear a hat that shades your face, neck and ears effectively. Protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses. Wear a long sleeved top and long trousers, that are made from a tightly woven fabric.
-Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, every day. Make sure you reapply this after swimming or sweating. . UV rays can reflect off water, sand, snow and light coloured surfaces like concrete and metals. Clouds are also unable to block UV rays.
-Keep in shady areas when you are outdoors.
-Be very careful with babies and children, as their skin is young and tender, and so can be sunburnt easily.

Cucumber

This is very good for tightening and toning the skin. It also helps to sooth and cool. Place cucumber slices over the eyes, to relax and refresh tired eyes. To apply to the face, grate a fresh cucumber and apply over face. Leave for 20 minutes, and wash off.

Carrot

Carrots are widely used in creams for dry skins. They make a very good cleanser, and are rich in vitamin A. To make a quick, softening and cleansing face mask - grate a raw carrot and apply to the face. Leave on for 20 minutes, and wash off.

Barley

Barley is rich in vitamin A, and makes a great body scrub. Mix with one egg, and enough milk until it looks like a paste. Use as a scrub in the shower, and wash off.

Banana

This softens and nourishes the skin. Used regularly, it helps to bring about a natural, healthy glow. It is suitable for all types of skin, and aids in cleansing and tightening the pores. The best way to prepare a face mask is by mashing a banana and adding the juice of half a lemon. You can put this mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes if you wish, then apply to the face and leave for about 20 minutes. Wash off gently, and pat the skin dry.

Apricots

These are great for oily skin. They are rich in vitamin A, and good for toning and cleansing oily skin. To apply, mash fresh apricots and spread over face. Leave for 15 minutes and wash off gently.

Avocado

These are very good for dry and damaged skins, and contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin A,D,E, potassium, sulphur and others). To make a face mask, mash a ripe avocado and apply to your face. Leave for 15 minutes, then wash off gently.

Apples

These are quite good for fair or sensitive skins. They can be used freshly mashed with honey and glycerine to make a moisturising mask for dry and sensitive skins. Spreading this mixture on elbows, heels and knees will help to soften these areas. Applying fresh apple juice on the face (with cotton wool) will have a toning and astringent action.

Natural Ingredients

Using natural ingredients for skin care, prevents the harmful effects of chemicals and synthetic additives that are used in skin care creams nowadays.
But which common natural ingredients are beneficial for certain conditions?
See above for some basic properties of natural foods that can be used for skin care….