Striving4Zen

• Argan oil, derived from the fruit of a tree that grows in Morocco, has been dubbed “liquid gold.” The vitamin E-rich oil can be found in a Kiehl's body lotion. Leslie S. Baumann, MD says Argan oil may improve skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, and dry skin. She also recommends olive, safflower, walnut, avocado, and evening primrose oils for dry skin.
• Soy can help prevent pigmentation, Baumann says. Licorice, mulberry, and burberry extracts, along with Vitamin C from citrus fruits -- grapefruit, lime, lemon, and orange -- can also fade brown spots, Baumann says.
  
• Maitake mushrooms, found in Origins’ Plantidote, may help people with sensitive skin who suffer from rosacea and redness, she says. Chamomile, oatmeal, aloe vera, licorice, and cucumber extracts all have soothing properties; check out Jurlique products. Feverfew, a member of the sunflower family, also has calming properties.
  
• Rhodiola (or rhodeola), known as golden root, is native to the high Himalayas. In a recent study of people with sensitive skin, those treated with rhodiola extract reported improved skin sensation and less skin dryness. Origins' Youthtopia skin-firming lotion contains extracts.
• CoffeeBerry is harvested from the coffee cherry, the outer, fleshy casing of the coffee bean. It is said to possess antioxidant activity greater than pomegranates, berries, and green teas. In studies sponsored by Stiefel Laboratories, which owns the proprietory name, CoffeeBerry treatment improved the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. Look for the Revaleskin brand.
• Resveratrol, a polyphenol from wine and grape skins, serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Animal studies suggest that resveratrol applied to the skin may help protect against harmful UV damage. The Caudalie line contains resveratrol.
• Green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially one that may curb UV skin damage, some studies have shown. Pomegranate products may also help protect against UV skin damage, according to other research.
• White tea is unfermented and uncured; only the young tips are used. Origins has a line called A Perfect World featuring white tea. In an industry-sponsored study, white tea extract was also shown to limit sunlight-incurred damage in human skin.

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Labels: argan oil, coffee, green tea, maitake mushrooms, natural products, resveratrol, rhodiola, skin care, soy, white tea

Think you have the healthy lifestyle down?

Then slow the aging process with these up-and-coming plant-based ingredients.

Argan oil

Argan oil, made from the nuts of a Moroccan tree species, contains twice as much vitamin E as olive oil. Like other antioxidants, vitamin E slows the damaging effects of free radicals — molecules in your body that start attacking and breaking down healthy cells when exposed to environmental stressors, such as ultraviolet rays and car exhaust. Argan oil is also rich in squalene, a compound that promotes collagen production. Look for argan oil in ingredients lists, or cook with this slightly nutty oil. Because argan trees are a threatened species, make sure that any product you buy comes from sustainably harvested nuts.

Find it in: L'uvalla Age-Defying Day & Night Moisturizing Cream; Pangea Organics Italian Red Mandarin with Rose Facial Cream.

Astaxanthin

To keep those crow's feet under control, get in the habit of putting on sunscreen — every day. Using sunscreen is the “number-one thing” you can do to stop premature aging, says Goldin. Still, not all sunscreens are created equal. Check for creams that contain physical blocks like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as astaxanthin, a carotenoid harvested from microalgae (it's also found in salmon). This antioxidant packs a double punch: Not only does it protect cells from future damage when applied before sun exposure, but it also shores up skin after a day outside by fighting off oxidative damage.

Find it in: Derma E Anti-Aging Moisturizing Complex with SPF 15; MyChelle Dermaceuticals Perfect C Serum.

Red tea

The skin care aisle is flooded with salves and moisturizers that contain green tea — and for good reason — but over the next couple of years, red will become the new green. Recent studies show that red tea, also called rooibos (pronounced “ROY-boss”), contains nearly 50 percent more skin-salvaging antioxidants than green tea. Bonus: This South African tea is caffeine-free and packed with zinc, a mineral that helps the body metabolize fatty acids and keep cells plump.

Find it in: Jason Red Elements Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15. Or sip Honest Tea Pomegranate Red Tea with Goji Berry.

Turmeric

The spice that makes mustard and curry yellow, turmeric is one of nature's most powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs. Curcumin, a naturally occurring chemical in the spice, slows down the aging process by fighting inflammation-causing proteins called cytokines. Don't like Indian food? Turmeric is just as effective in supplement form.

Find it in: Avalon Organics Lavender Moisture Plus Lotion with SPF 18. Or take 500 mg turmeric capsules three times per day, after eating.

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Labels: anti-aging, Argan, argan oil, astaxanthin, curcumin, natural products, red tea, rooibos, skin care, turmeric