Natural ingredients for healthy ageing skin

As the body’s largest organ and first line of defence it’s no surprise that skin is quick to reveal the signs of ageing with thinning, sagging, wrinkles, age spots, dryness and broken blood vessels.

As change occurs in both the upper layer (epidermis) and lower layer (dermis), ageing skin can be more susceptible to a range of conditions that fortunately Mother Nature has the perfect antidote for.

1. Honey
Used in skin care, wound care and healing for centuries, the natural enzymes in honey deliver important antiseptic and moisture retaining properties — assisting ageing skin that suffers increased dryness and thinning of layers, which may lead to heightened inflammation and sensitivity.

Manuka honey has also been shown to have advanced skin properties with studies revealing it may also assist in managing minor wounds and provide symptomatic relief of dry, sensitive skin and even eczema.

2. Liquorice
With its anti-inflammatory properties, liquorice extract can assist in the treatment of skin redness and rosacea but really comes into its own when treating uneven pigmentation. Pigment cells tend to increase in number and cluster in certain areas as we age — you’ll know then as ‘age’ or ‘liver’ spots — and especially those areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the backs of hands. By interrupting an enzyme that stimulates melanin production, liquorice root can be an effective skincare ingredient in improving dark spots and helping to lighten under eye circles.

3. Green tea
The high levels of antioxidant chemicals (plyphenols) in green tea, catechins such as epigallocatechin, gallate; and flavonoids, such as kaempferol and theaflavin, not only make it a superfood beverage but deliver green tea the power to help prevent and reverse UV damage to the skin. A natural anti-inflammatory and skin soothing ingredient in skincare, green tea can also help to prevent collagen breakdown, which is one of the prime factors contributing to wrinkles and sagging of the skin.

4. Oats
Not only great for your gut, oatmeal or rather colloidal oatmeal can help to treat a range of skin irritations thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to replenish and maintain the skin barrier — often compromised in ageing skin due to the slowing down of cell production in the epidermis and reduction of protective sweat and oil glands.

Suitable for the most sensitive skins, including eczema or allergy prone, colloidal oatmeal starches that help hydrate while saponins gently absorb dirt and debris.

5. Vitamin C
One of nature’s superstar ingredients, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) battles some of the common signs of ageing skin by providing potent antioxidant protection against damaging free radicals.

Targeting sagging and dullness in the skin, vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis — essential for boosting firmness and smoothness — with its antioxidant power also helping to lighten dark spots while decreasing inflammation and irritation.

Getting to work on improving the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin texture, vitamin C plays a vital role in the health of the skin.

How have you noticed your skin change as you’ve entered your 60s? Were you aware of these natural methods for skin health?