When it comes to anti-aging remedies, many of us will immediately think of fancy skincare products and treatments. Perhaps you’ll even want to try a couple makeup tricks here and there. While it may feel good to spend money on things that can make your skin look ageless and glowing, you gotta remember to be financially responsible. In case you need it, this is your friendly reminder to not live beyond your means.
With that being said, it helps to understand that there are more cost-efficient and natural ways to combat aging. To discover these remedies, we reached out to Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, of Future Bright Dermatology. The best part? They won’t break the bank! Keep reading to know more.
Affordable And Natural Remedies For Aging
Make your own hyaluronic acid serum.
According to Dr. Kung, “Hyaluronic acid helps our skin draw 1,000 times its weight of water, which really helps plump the skin. This helps make fine lines and wrinkles less obvious. We can make our own hyaluronic acid serums at home, which is very cost effective. However, since there’s no preservatives in our at-home serums, we should make a small batch and dispose of it every two weeks.”
To make your own hyaluronic acid serum, you’ll need the following:
- small jar with lid
- measuring cup
- measuring spoon
- ¼ cup distilled water
- ½ teaspoon high molecular weight hyaluronic acid
- ¼ teaspoon glycerin
Procedure:
- Place powder in a small clean jar.
- Pour in distilled water and glycerin (or leucidal, if that’s what you’re using).
- Place a lid on the jar and shake well. (It will look very chunky at this point, but don’t worry. As the hyaluronic acid absorbs the water, the consistency will become smoother.)
- Place in the refrigerator for several hours (or overnight) to allow it to thicken before use.
Take hydrolyzed collagen peptide supplementation.
Dr. Kung notes, “Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to improve the appearance of aging skin by decreasing transepidermal water loss while improving skin elasticity and skin thickness. Biocell, Celergen, Gold Collagen Forte, and Vital Proteins are just some brands that have undergone clinical studies for this.”
She adds, “Hydrolyzed collagen is rich in amino acids such as glycine and proline. After digestion, it accumulates in the cartilage or skin and may help maintain stability or regeneration.” She also mentions that hydrolyzed collagen from marine sources are preferably better because “they are more easily absorbed, have low molecular weight, are less likely to have inflammatory reactions, [and have] less concern for contaminants.”
Dr. Kung tells us, “If you want to try hydrolyzed collagen peptides, also consider [taking] vitamins A, C, E, and zinc to optimize results. These vitamins and minerals have been proven to decrease oxidative stress, help collagen synthesis, and improve wound healing.”
Blend a super green smoothie.
“Leafy greens are super nutrient dense,” says Dr. Kung. They’re loaded with vitamins that can address your skin concerns. There’s vitamin A which can help reduce wrinkles, vitamin K to diminish dark circles, and vitamin E, that will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. She shares, “In juice form, you’ll absorb all that goodness more quickly. Think of it as a smoothie multivitamin with added antioxidants to combat free radicals that can permanently kill off healthy skin cells.”
We’re trying these immediately!
