I love the little story about the granddaughter who looked at her
grandmother's wizened face, traced some of the lines with her finger,
and said: "Oh grandma, what beautiful lines on your face." So let's
just be positive about this! We did earn these lines, didn't we? Yes,
wrinkles ARE a sign of aging. They are a symbol of wisdom. Why is it,
then, that we do everything possible to keep them away? Oh, that
youthful appearance. So desired. So coveted that we consider drastic
measures like facelifts, and risk horrible outcomes by letting people
put injections in our face to plump up our skin. Hopefully this article
will give you some safe, natural ways to ward off those signs of aging.
Just
like the old adage says, beauty is more than skin deep. Many factors
are involved in keeping that elastic skin that looks youthful and
glowing. But when we look at skin, we can truly see the effects of a
healthy or not-so-healthy lifestyles. If you have spent long days out in
sun, smoked or overused alcohol, or ate a high-fat diet loaded with
artificial ingredients, succumbed to insomnia and stress, or abused your
skin with over-manipulation or cleaning, people will be able to see a
lasting impression of this mistreatment.
Fortunately the skin can
renew itself, although it takes longer as we grow older. So it is never
too late to change from an abusive to a healthy lifestyle. Start working
from the inside out by internal cleansing and drinking adequate amounts
of water. As you start eating foods rich in anti-oxidants, vegetables
containing vitamins A,B,C,E and zinc, you will even begin to feel the
skin's positive response. Regular exercise will help increase metabolism
and circulation, deep breathing exercises will help bring needed oxygen
to the cells.
You can also help bring blood flow and vitality to the skin with regular brushing of the skin
to remove dead cells and dry skin. This is very rejuvenating. Start
with a soft bristled brush, put a couple of drops of essential oils such
as lavender or myrtle, and brush the whole body in a circular or figure
eight pattern. Brush toward the heart. It is especially good to brush
before a shower or bath. Facial masks are very moisturizing
and excellent cleaners. Ask your aromatherapist about what is best for
your particular skin type, and needs, but for mature skin and wrinkles,
this mask is recommended:
Natural Facial Mask for Wrinkles
1 tsp. fine oatmeal
1 tsp. fine cornmeal
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. natural yogurt
1/2 tsp. Brewer's yeast
2 drops Myrtle essential oil
1 drop Galbanum essential oil
1 drop Frankincense essential oil
1 drop Myrrh essential oil.
Mix
the first five ingredients together with enough floral or distilled
water to make a paste. Then stir in the essential oil and mix well. Put
this on your fingertips, and then massage it gently onto your face with
upward movements. Do not rub hard, and avoid the eyes. Leave it on for
about 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water to remove. Spray with a
gentle mist to your face.
And now finally, here is the wrinkle prevention oil specifically for people over 50:
Wrinkle Prevention Oil If You Are Over 50
1 Tbsp Apricot Kernel Oil
1 tsp Evening Primrose or Kukui Oil
1 tsp Wheatgerm Oil
3 Drops Carrot Seed Essential Oil
4 Drops Neroli Essential Oil
4 Drops Myrtle Essential Oil
3 Drops Galbanum Essential Oil
2 drops Myrrh Essential Oil
1 Drop Rose Essential Oil (for women) or
1 Drop Jasmine Essential Oil (for men)
2 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
Combine
these ingredients in a 1-ounce dark glass bottle. Cap the bottle and
mix gently. Label with the ingredients and instructions. Apply 2-4
drops of the blend onto your fingertips, and apply to a moistened face
and neck. Work upward, gently massaging the facial tissue.