5 Natural Anti-Aging Ingredients

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It seems like every cream or serum has the word "nutri-" or "regen-", but inside the shiny bottle, what mystery ingredients are working the magic? More importantly, how much scientific proof is there that those precious droplets will turn back the calendar? To get the most bang for your buck, stop paying for the glitsy bottle. Instead, turn to the back and look for these top anti-aging super stars in the ingredient list.

Green Tea - Packed with catechines, a class of super antioxidants, green tea combat environmental damage and prevents premature aging. It's even been shown to combat skin cancer! Use a green tea mask and leave on for at least 10 minutes to allow the nutrients to sink in. Or just use green tea bags steeped in cold water and apply the bags directly to eyes to reduce excessive baggage.

Argan Oil - Also known as Moroccan oil, has been called liquid gold and produced from the kernel of the argan tree. With twice as much vitamin E as olive oil and lighter texture, it's suitable for both oily and dry skin types. You can apply it directly to face to moisturize without leaving you feeling greasy. It's also fantastic in another product, just make sure it's one of the first ingredients to get the most benefit. Personally, I love it on the corners of my eyes before going to sleep to keep my peepers smooth!

"Vitamin C also stimulates collagen synthesis, plumping up wrinkly areas and lightens dark spots."

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) - Ok, actually they are two ingredients, but they work best as a team. When a free radical strikes, it's usually a chain reaction, vitamin C neutralizes the initial free radical while vitamin E stops the domino effect. That's why when used together, they help prevent pre-mature aging and sun damage. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen synthesis, plumping up wrinkly areas and lightens dark spots.

7 habits of young looking people

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Like it or not, aging is a rite of passage that everyone goes through. With every birthday, we get wiser, but it also comes with a few more fine lines, or wrinkles. We've all met the lucky guy or gal who's in their 50's but looks 30. Are they just born with fountain of youth skin? Or do they know some secret that we don't? It turns out, there are some simple ways to prevent premature aging. No, I'm not talking about some $100 per bottle magic elixir. Here are some tips to get you started on the road to fabulous skin and looking good today and 10 years down the road!

1. Wear sunscreen and avoid tanning salons. UV rays are the number one cause of skin aging. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to cell damage, protect yourself from both by wearing a natural non-toxic full-spectrum sunscreen. This means inside the car and in the winter too. And don't forget to apply on hands and necks, those are the most often overlooked spots for sunscreen, and first places to show signs of aging. 

2. Don't smoke. It's proven beyond a shadow of doubt that smoking causes wrinkles, oh, and cancer and heart disease too. Nicotine causes narrowing of the blood vessels so skin is starved of oxygen and nutrients. Also the facial expressions when you smoke can contribute to wrinkles.