Moisture is key to youthful looking skin and so are antioxidants. Environmental factors, stress, lack of adequate water intake, tension in the fascia – any and all of these can and will deplete our moisture reserves which are meant to circulate freely and deeply hydrate the cells. Some of the same factors will generate free radicals that will contribute to aging. It becomes even more important to stay hydrated as we age and as we see the skin naturally becoming a little drier and thinner all on its own. It becomes equally important to make sure we get nice doses of antioxidants. Here are some of the key ingredients that the ideal Moisturizing Mask must have to help restore your moisture bank and kick start skin regeneration.
Honey
1) Honey is hygroscopic or in other words, a natural “humectants” because it naturally absorbs moisture from the air. This makes honey an ideal ingredient when used in skin treatments as it traps and seals in the moisture and helps to keep the skin hydrated, soft, supple and prevents drying.
2) Honey contains natural antioxidants that can help to eliminate free radicals in the body and are also part of the nutrient supply for growth of new tissue. These precious honey properties help protect the skin under the sun and help the skin to rejuvenate and stay young-looking.
3) Honey is Antibacterial and prohibits the growth of certain bacteria. It contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide which is believed to be the main reason for its antimicrobial activity. As such, honey is a useful treatment for wounds and scalds and can also help treat minor acne by attacking the bacteria that cause the outbreaks while moisturizing the skin to aid rejuvenation.
Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is considered a super herb loaded with antioxidants with enormous health benefits and healing properties. Some studies suggest that the triterpenoids contained in Gotu kola can strengthen the skin, boost antioxidants in wounds, and increase blood supply to the area. Based on these findings, Gotu Kola has been applied to the skin, or used topically, for minor burns, psoriasis, preventing scars after surgery, and preventing or reducing stretch marks.
Beta Glucan (from oat)
For thousands of years, folk medicine healers had recognized that rubbing a paste made of oat bran onto the skin helped to relieve itching and pain and quickly healed minor wounds, such as cuts, sores, and rashes. This is because of an active compound called beta glucan.
Beta glucan when applied topically, it is quickly absorbed into the skin and is accepted by the immune system. It works by activating the production of an important part of the immune system called the Langerhan cells. The Langerhan cells are important both for over-all health and youthful looking skin. They protect the body from major infections and provide a way to repair the day-to-day wear that comes from age. As we age, the production of Langerhan cells is slowed down by such factors as over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, contact with chemicals etc. As the human body begins to slow down the production of these very important immune cells, beta glucan acts to re-start the system that creates them. Beta glucan is an immune system guardian and works in a completely natural way.
Make sure, your moisturizing mask is rich in these ingredients for a bright and young skin and also to watch peoples’ faces when you reveal your age (chronological!).
Source:
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-properties.html
http://planetwell.com/gotu-kola-health-benefits-and-healing-properties/
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/gotu-kola
http://www.skinstore.com/beta-glucan.aspx
Picture credits
Oats- www.healthline.com
Gotu Kola- www.amazon.com
