Top 7 Natural Skin Care Ingredients That Fight Aging

Natural skin care ingredients help fight skin aging from the inside out by neutralizing free radical damage, restoring collagen levels, and soothing inflammation.

Therefore, if you want healthier, younger-looking skin, then focus on what goes in your body as well as on it.

Here are the top 7 best natural skin care ingredients you can use for youthful, healthy skin.

Best Natural Skin Care Ingredients

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners often prescribe herbs to patients. Every herb is believed to possess its own benefit for the body, including nourishing skin.

But modern science has discovered that these traditional remedies work not only on the inside but also on the outside. Realizing this, several skincare brands have incorporated them into their products. 

Here are the seven ingredients known for their ability to give your skin a glow-up: 

1. Best natural skin care ingredient: Bird’s nest 

Since ancient times, many have used bird’s nest to make skin brighter and look younger. Its status as “beauty food” has withstood for centuries, thanks to its component, called epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Studies have found that EGF can repair tissue, which helps to rejuvenate skin. In addition, some bird’s nest products also contain collagen to boost skin elasticity even further. 

2. Chinese wolfberries 

Also known as goji berries, Chinese wolfberries are known as a superfood containing a variety of antioxidants, such as vitamin A.

Vitamin A is beneficial for not only eyesight but also skin health. A vital component in skin cell development, the vitamin A in Chinese wolfberries can enhance skin appearance, help reduce acne, promote collagen production, even out skin tone and slow skin aging.

Another antioxidant in Chinese wolfberries is zeaxanthin. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the effectiveness of zeaxanthin-based dietary supplements and topical applications. The results showed that a combination of the two is superior in refining facial lines and wrinkles. 

3. Ginkgo biloba 

Although many people use it to treat memory impairment, ginkgo biloba has also been utilized by many popular beauty brands to fight skin aging.

A 2003 study by the medical faculty at University Palacky in Czechoslovakia has revealed that ginkgo biloba contains a high concentration of antioxidants, especially polyphenols and flavonoids, which can help prevent UV-induced skin damage.

Furthermore, a 2010 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science has also shown that a topical formula containing ginkgo biloba can increase skin moisture and smoothness while reducing unevenness and wrinkles.

4. Green tea

Another well-known ingredient in skincare products, green tea is an abundant source of plant polyphenols. As an antioxidant, polyphenols have immunomodulatory and photoprotective functions. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and irritation.

A 2012 study by researchers in Ohio found that both oral and topical uses of green tea can delay the impacts of skin aging.

Additionally, the polyphenols in green tea may also prevent and manage skin diseases and skin cancer. Green tea also has antimicrobial properties to treat acne and oily skin. 

5. Soybeans 

Soybeans are a natural and rich source of a substance called isoflavone, which possesses anti-photoaging effects and collagen-stimulating effects.

After further purifying and evaluating soy isoflavone extract, researchers in Taipei found that its topical use could decrease oxidative stress, inflammation and skin cell damage from UVB exposure. Soybeans contain bioactive ingredients that have depigmentation properties. 

6. Cordyceps 

A type of medicinal fungi with centuries of history, cordyceps provides a wide range of health benefits when consumed. However, a 2020 study in China has observed that cordyceps extract may also work optimally as a topical product.

With its antioxidative and anti-DNA properties, cordyceps can help increase photoprotection and lower the risk of basal cell carcinoma from UVB rays on the skin.

Simultaneously, it can also retain the metabolites of UVB, such as steroid hormone and vitamin D3. This fungus has anti-inflammatory properties and provides rich moisture to the skin. 

7. Ginseng 

From strengthening the immune system to reducing inflammation, the all-encompassing anti-aging benefits of ginseng have long been documented.

Signs of aging, of course, are most visible on the skin, and ginseng has been proven to be an effective treatment for this problem as well. This is because this herb contains ginsenosides, which help diminish the effects of skin aging.

Multiple studies have discovered that ginseng can reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, promote elasticity and collagen production, brighten skin and protect it from UV radiation-induced damage.

Try Several Natural Skin Care Ingredients

Getting youthful skin may not be an easy process. Products may work differently for each individual, and it may take continuous trial and error before finding the perfect ones for your skin.

In uncovering the amazing herbs that you should look out for in your skincare to reduce skin aging, you can narrow your search and achieve a beautiful complexion much sooner.

This is an adaptation of the article “Super Six Herbs in Cosmetics” that first appeared on the Eu Yan Sang website.