At Sole Toscana, we believe that aging can be a beautiful process of self-discovery and love. Unfortunately, society says we should be embarrassed about our signs of aging. But we believe each line on the skin marks a step of our journey that brought us where we are today.
Anti-aging, in itself, is a fallacy. We all age with time, so we think the entire concept should be about aging gracefully and beautifully, rather than turning back the clock.
Beautifying herbs & spices
We believe that beautifying skincare is about promoting the healthiest state of your skin possible. When your skin is healthy, this reduces the appearance of aging like sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Beautifying skincare should be a lifelong mission since the key to youthful skin is in preventative care.
Here are some of the best beautifying herbs and spices that you can incorporate into your skincare regimen.
Ginseng
Ginseng, just like gingko, has been adopted by Asian cultures for its antioxidant properties that remedy the problems caused by environmental stressors and pollutants.
Protection from environmental stressors helps vital organs eliminate free radicals, as well as slowing down the aging process. Taking ginseng internally as gives your entire body excellent benefits.
Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric contains high levels of antioxidants. This agent helps slow the processes which lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply a turmeric exfoliating face mask once or twice a week: mix turmeric, flour, and water to make a paste. Leave the mixture on for half an hour then wash off with cold water in circular motions to promote blood flow.
Basil
This herb has been cherished by oriental cultures for its medicinal properties for eons. Basil is high in antioxidants. Its soothing properties help in giving you an even skin tone.
Taking basil internally, either fresh or in supplement form, ensures you reap the maximum antioxidant benefits.
Placing cold, wet basil leaves under your eyes reduces puffiness. Alternatively, use basil extracts in your cleanser for the same effect.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is famous for its calming and cleansing properties.
Include it in your homemade face mask to reduce redness and enjoy glowing, youthful skin.
Cloves
Cloves also contain calming agents and high levels of antioxidants, which protect your muscles and joints to keep you looking and feeling young.
You can use clove essential oil in a face oil or powdered cloves in a face mask.
Ginger
The antioxidant gingerol in ginger helps protect your body against loss of collagen. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen- the agent that keeps our skin looking supple and firm.
Slice a ginger root and rub the juice directly on your skin. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off. Also, you can add ground ginger to a honey and lemon juice face mask, let it sit on your skin for 30 minutes then rinse.
Gingko
This is an Asian tree whose leaves were used in eastern medicine for centuries. Its antioxidants also guard against environmental stressors that break down skin cells, causing wrinkles.
Add gingko extract to your cleanser- it removes impurities from the skin, evens out oily skin, and promotes calm skin.
Gotu kola
Gotu kola is an Indian medicinal remedy. Eastern skincare relies on it for promoting youthful skin.
Skincare professionals recommend using gotu kola supplements to receive all of its benefits.
Oregano
Oregano is packed with nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, copper, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Our skin needs these nutrients to replenish itself.
Some people consume oregano oil in capsules, while others use a dropper to drop the oil at the back of the throat.
Sage
Clary sage protects us from environmental stressors because of its antioxidants.
DIY body cream or lotion: mix sage essential oil with cocoa butter for a hydrating effect.
Thyme
Thyme is calming and has antioxidant properties.
DIY thyme toner: infuse non-alcoholic witch hazel with fresh thyme sprigs. This toner will balance your skin's oils minus the drying. Thyme is also taken internally.
Ashwagandha
Also called Indian ginseng, this herb is antifungal and antibacterial when taken internally. It also has lots of alkaloids that protect the skin cells from the effects of free radicals.
External use: mix ashwagandha powder into your face masks for s a thickening effect.
Rosemary
When taken orally, rosemary protects against skin cell damage from excessive exposure to UV-rays and helps the skin retain its elasticity.
For external use, boil rosemary sprigs, water, and apple cider vinegar into a mixture. Strain out the liquid and voila! You have a DIY facial spray toner.
Cayenne
Cayenne is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces eye puffiness and encourages blood flow to the skin cells when taken internally. Improved blood circulation revitalizes the cells, and they perform their functions better.
Use cayenne as a spot treatment for stubborn blemishes. For best results, make an infusion of cayenne pepper and witch hazel.
Cumin
Black cumin seed oil contains over 100 minerals and vitamins that help your skin maintain its elasticity, lock in moisture, and protect against environmental stressors.
Add black cumin seed oil to your DIY face oil to help hydrate your skin and keep it looking young.
Green tea
This is one of the herbs that contain the highest amounts of antioxidants. The antioxidant EGCG promotes faster cell turn over with internal usage.
If drinking green tea isn't your thing, create a green tea face mask by placing a towel soaked in green tea on your face or applying tea bags to the eyes.
Horsetail
This is one of the few herbs that have natural silicon which the skin utilizes to remain glowy and firm. Its vitamins help your body build more collagen.
Place some horsetail shoots in a jar of honey and let it infuse for 2-3 days. You can add it to your meal or use it in DIY face masks.,
Jamaican allspice
Jamaican allspice has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent cell damage from free radicals when taken orally.
External use: add a little allspice oil into your face oil or mix allspice powder into your face masks.
Nutmeg
For refreshed skin and healthy circulation, take nutmeg internally.
External use: mix nutmeg oil with honey and your other favorite ingredients for a nourishing face mask.
Peppermint
Take peppermint oil internally to enjoy its vitamins, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Use peppermint combined with equal parts of lavender oil externally as a spot treatment to refresh your skin.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
