As is usually the case when I begin searching for information on the internet, I get side-tracked. I'm not ADD but there's something about a google search that lends itself to clicking and clicking and bouncing around until you've
Today, my search headed off in the logical direction to other ingredients found in skin care products used specifically for anti-aging. Naturally this is big business and there are thousands and thousands of articles on this topic but I was specifically looking for natural ingredients that were high in anti-aging properties.
--side note--
Ok, I'm going to quit calling these ingredients anti-aging. I hate that term. No ingredient is anti-aging. You're going to age regardless of what you put in your face cream. I'm going to refer to these ingredients as skin rejuvenation ingredients.
--end side note--
I found this great article listing topical ingredients for skin rejuvenation. Those ingredients are:
- Retinoids
- Antioxidants -stabilize free-radicals(molecules that attack our cell membranes) in our bodies by donating one of their electrons.
- Hydroquinone -lightens sun-spots and discolorations.
- Alphahydroxy Acids - helps to increase the exfoliation of dead skin cells.
- Hyaluronic Acid - molecule found naturally in the skin that's capable of holding 1000 times it's weight in water. This gives young skin a 'dewy' look. When aging, the ability of the molecule to hold water decreases significantly.
- Probiotic Lactobacillus- helps improve the body's natural immune system helping it fight off the effects of stress such as inflammation.
- Pal-Kttks -naturally stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
- Niacinamide (water soluble Vitamin B, B3)- reduces the decline of 2 important enzymes (NADH and NADPH) that contribute to the production of cellular energy and cell growth.
- Essential Fatty Acids -- these are poly unsaturated fatty acids that can not be synthesized in our bodies and most be found in our diet. Helps skin's ability to transfer waste and water.
Armed with this knowledge, I then began searching for natural ingredients high in skin rejuvenation properties. I specifically wanted to know if the ingredients I was using in my soaps and moisturizers were also high in skin rejuvenation properties and if not what should I use instead to make a "Super Skin Rejuvenation Soap and Moisturizer".
I was happy to find that many of the ingredients I already use were high in skin rejuvenation.
- Sunflower Oil --used in all Lora's Beauty soaps, Salves and Body Butter Bars is high in Essential Fatty Acids
- Cocoa Butter -- used in all Lora's Beauty soaps is high in Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants.
- Coconut Oil -- used in all Lora's Beauty soaps is high in Antioxidants.
- Goat's Milk -- used in all Lora's Beauty soaps (except the Beer Bar) is high in Antioxidants and Alphahydroxy Acid.
- Olive Oil -- used in all Lora's Beauty soaps is high in Antioxidants.
- Raspberries -- used in Lora's Raspberry Lemon and Aloe Soap is high in Hyaluronic Acid
- Herbs -- used in Lora's Patchouli, Cedar, Sage Soap is high in Hyaluronic Acid.
- Honey-- used in Lora's Cinnamon Milk&Honey and Safflower&Honey Soap is high in Vitamin B3(niacinamide)
- Beer -- used in Lora's Beer Bar is high in Vitamin B3
- Shea Butter -- used in all Lora's Moisturizers is high in Antioxidants.
- Aloe Vera -- used in Lora's Raspberry Aloe Soap and Soothing Face Balm is high in Antioxidants and Essential Fatty Acids. Also increases collagen synthesis.
After many hours of research it was nice to find reinforcement for what I was already doing, however I wanted more out of my time than just reinforcement. I wanted to make a SUPER SKIN REJUVENATION BAR!! Actually, now that I re-read my list of ingredients, I think I already do make one...
Lora's Raspberry Lemon &Aloe Vera Bar is that bar!
This bar is also available in heart-shaped. Perfect size to try!
