Beauty Extracts for Photoaging
We live in a youth conscious society, so it’s not surprising that people are looking for ways to slow down the aging process and prevent skin aging. You can hide some of the signs of aging, but it’s nearly impossible to hide an aging face. Few people want to resort to surgery to look younger – and these days they don’t have to when there are natural alternatives to help preserve aging skin. Here are two natural extracts that show promise for treating aging skin and wrinkling.
Natural Aging Skin Extracts: Soy Extract
Soy is a good source of the natural isoflavones, genistein and diadzein which are phytoestrogens. Because of their weak estrogenic effects, extracts may help to treat aging skin. A study showed that when soy extract was applied to the skin of mice, it protected them from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light and prevented the typical inflammatory response which leads to skin damage. And it’s not just mice that may benefit. One small, double-blind, controlled study showed that women who used a soy based moisturizer experienced improvement in fine lines, facial pigmentation, and skin texture two weeks after using a moisturizer that contained soy. There are skin care products on the market that contain soy, but you can buy pure soy extract online at sites such as skinactives.com. It can be added to any moisturizer or lotion.
Natural Aging Skin Extracts: Pomegranate Extract
The pomegranate fruit may be beneficial for preventing skin aging. A study showed that an extract made from pomegranate peel stimulates an enzyme that’s important for collagen synthesis. It also inhibits the activity of a metalloproteinase enzyme that breaks down collagen. Breakdown of collagen is one of the primary reasons that skin starts to look old. Interestingly, pomegranate seed oil from the pomegranate plant also helps to prevent aging skin by stimulating cells called keratinocytes that help to keep the outer layer of skin – the epidermis – healthy. Pomegranates could pack a pretty powerful punch against skin aging.
Natural Aging Skin Extracts: The Bottom Line?
These skin extracts could be a natural way to prevent aging skin – or at least slow down the process. They can be found in some skin care products, but there are sites such as skinactives.com and bulkingredients.com where they can be purchased in an undiluted form. Using them is as simple as adding them to a natural moisturizer – for extra age fighting power. It’s certainly better than paying high prices for designer skin care creams – and it may be more effective.
Contributing Arthur: Kristie Leong,M.D