5 natural ways to tighten your skin

The skin is our single biggest organ and it needs to be taken care of. As we age, the elastin and collagen structure in our skin loses its elasticity and with it, some of its self-moisturizing components.  Skin aging is heightened by unhealthy activity like excessive exposure to the sun, drinking alcohol, poor diet and, unfortunately in Manila, pollution.

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on skincare products and facials, here are five ways of caring for your skin with ingredients at home that will help you regain a youthful glow!

Sunscreen – Your skin’s biggest enemy is the sun. Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause sagging and wrinkling. Furthermore, unprotected sun exposure can potentially lead to skin cancer.  To avoid this, we need sunscreen, and today more companies are offering high SPF-rated products made from either natural or organic ingredients. Apply sunscreen or SPF protective moisturizer 30 minutes before going outside to protect your skin from the scorching Philippine sun. Your skin will thank you later.

Cucumber juice – Have you seen shows where the lead actress puts cucumber slices on her eyes while she’s having a makeover? Well, this actually works. Cucumbers have all-natural and completely harmless phytochemicals like cucurbitacins. These firm and tighten the outer layer of your skin by removing accumulated pockets of waste materials and chemical toxins as well as providing nourishment.

Here’s how to do it: Cut a cucumber in half, then strain the juice. Take the juice and apply it over your face, leaving it to dry before rinsing it off with cold water. This works best when repeated once a day.

Aloe Vera – Known as the “plant of immortality,” aloe vera not only fights aging but also acne, psoriasis and skin eczema. Its leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which help with the skin’s firmness and hydration.

To use, take an aloe vera leaf and remove its skin. Extract the gel and spread it over your face and neck for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Repeat several times a week.

An alternative way of using aloe vera is making a facemask. Extract one tablespoon of aloe gel from the leaf, and add one teaspoon each of mayonnaise and honey. Mix well, then smear all over the face and leave to dry. When dry, rinse off by first using warm, then cold water. Do this once a week.

Raw Egg White Mask – Raw egg white is a natural astringent that works wonders on sagging skin. Egg whites help tighten, firm and lift skin. If you want instant gratification, this is the mask to go for!

To make the mask, whisk one egg white until light and fluffy, then add one tablespoon of honey. Mix well, then apply on your face. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off using warm, then cold water. Repeat this once a week. 

Honey – Honey has been well documented as a natural healing agent since Egyptian times. It helps fade dark spots, discoloration, blemishes and age spots due to its natural enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide. It also has antioxidants that act as anti-bacterial agents. If you are worried about having a reaction to a mask, this is the mask for you because it is extremely gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. If you want to block the hydrogen peroxide, use Manuka honey.

To make the mask, get raw honey and spread it all over your face. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm, then cold water. Repeat this several times in a week.

Cleansing and purifying with honey couldn’t be easier.

Curiously, the best tools and techniques to improve and nourish your skin are easily available and completely organic. Take advantage of Mother Nature’s remedies to keep your skin in tip-top condition because the earlier you start, the better.

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You can email the author at clarapettersen95@gmail.com or visit her website at www.clarapettersen.com.