For centuries different herbs have been used to take care of various health and skin problems. There is a variety of herbs available to choose from depending on your skin problem. Some plants have anti-aging effects when used as part of the natural skin care. Read on to learn more about Gingko Biloba and other various herbs recommended by a dermatologist Dr. Jeanette Jacknin.
Peony Root is believed to possess antibacterial, antifungal and antiallergenic properties. Therefore, when it is used topically, it is useful for acne, boils and otherskin problems in addition to helping skin look smoother, younger and healthier. Paeonol (2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxyacetophenone), the main active compound of white peony root, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardiovascular protective activities.4 Many people use peony root to achieve healthier and younger looking skin. Generations of Chinese women have passed peony herbal secrets from mother to daughter, creating a time-honored legacy of health and beauty. The Taiwanese women regularly eat white peony root and its petals, which are thought to be responsible for their smooth beautiful skin.
Partially purified paeoniflorin (PF), a new cosmetic ingredient has been developed. Its paeoniflorin content is about 64 percent, far higher than the conventional cosmetic-grade peony root extracts of approximately 10 percent.
In 2006, Lee studied the effects of PF, one of the main components of Peony, on UV-induced DNA damage in both cultured human keratinocytes and hairless mouse skin. He also investigated the anti-wrinkle effects of PF-containing cosmetic preparations on human skin. From the in vitro and in vivo tests, PF protected cells from DNA damage induced by UVB irradiation in both cultured normal human keratinocytes (19-percent decrease) and hairless mouse skin keratinocytes (41-percent decrease ). An eight-week clinical trial using 0.5 percent PF-containing formulation with 20 volunteers resulted in a statistically significant reduction in facial wrinkles.5
In October of 2009, a randomized, controlled clinical trial reviewed the effectiveness of botanical extracts in reducing wrinkling and aging of the skin. Eleven trials met all the inclusion criteria on botanical extracts that reduced the appearance of aging, and a significant reduction in skin wrinkling was noted for peony extract.6 Currently, at least seven skin-care lines have discovered the anti-aging properties of peony.
My favorite herb is turmeric which has anti-inflammatory properties when taken internaly and when used topically. You can mix about 1/4 tsp. of turmeric powder with 1 tsp of plain yogurt and 1/2 tsp of honey for a great, rejuvenating and anti-acne face mask. Leave on your skin for about 15 minutes before rinsing with some luke warm water. You can replace honey in this recipe with 1/2 tsp. of sugar for a refreshing, exfoliating scrub. Do you have any anti-aging plants that you use as part of your natural skin care?
