Love the Skin You Are In

To be honest, I’ve rarely met a facial mask or an overnight cream I didn’t like. Slowing down and enjoying these skin care rituals (which can be hard to fit into a busy schedule) is just as pleasurable as knowing I’m doing something good for my complexion.

It’s important, however, to get away from using mainstream products that contain petrochemicals as “these synthetic compounds may actually pull moisture from the skin,” says Kim Erickson, author of Drop-Dead Gorgeous.
If you’re in the market for an effective new facial mask or want to try a rejuvenating cream with more potency than your normal daytime moisturizer, look for natural products containing the following key ingredients.

Antioxidants
Both masks and repair creams should contain antioxidants for anti-aging benefits. Green tea helps prevent oxidative stress and eliminates free radicals. Look for products containing vitamins A, C, and E, all of which protect collagen (the protein in connective tissue that keeps skin firm and youthful). Topical vitamin C not only helps boost collagen production, it also regenerates oxidized vitamin E, so look for these vitamins in combination.
Pycnogenol, taken from the bark of the French Maritime pine tree, is another option. It contains more antioxidant power than vitamins E and C. Likewise, astaxanthin, a marine-based ingredient harvested from micro algae is “500 times more powerful than vitamin E, making it the most potent antioxidant yet discovered,” says Linda Miles, LAc, DOM.

Alpha lipoic acid, another powerful antioxidant that protects collagen from free radicals, also appears to make other antioxidants work more effectively, says Miles.
Certain antioxidant fruit extracts—including acai berry, mangosteen, and pomegranate—work to prevent fine lines and firm skin.

Natural Skin Soothers
Nature’s restorative plants can work overnight to leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed by morning. Look for night creams containing aloe and lavender extract. Soothing shea butter (made from the karite nut tree) also possesses cellular renewal properties.

Both primrose and borage oils diminish the dryness common to aging skin. Cranberry and grape seed oils offer moisturizing effects along with antioxidant protection.

Calendula flower extract works as both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant and is good for problem skin.
Products containing soy help keep skin firm and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which naturally decline with age. Research involving soy extracts indicates that this ingredient decreases skin roughness and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Unmask Beauty
Pampering masks absorb excess oil and help remove impurities. For normal or combination skin, try products made of kaolin, bentonite clay, or Dead Sea mud. Masks made of green clay work well for oily skin. For dry skin, try a moisturizing mask that contains antioxidant vitamins, papaya or pineapple enzymes, and sea kelp.