Wrinkle Cure

by Al Chase

Overview

Wrinkles are sometimes thought to go hand-in-hand with growing older---as unavoidable as death and taxes. However, there are things you can do to delay their onset and to soften their appearance once they've made their presence known. Plastic surgery is, of course, a popular cure for wrinkles, but it can be very expensive and the end result isn't always entirely natural-looking. Luckily, there are some all-natural solutions that can combat wrinkles for a smoother complexion.

A model with smooth, wrinkle-free skin.
Aloe Vera

In his book "Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation," natural healer Andreas Moritz shines a spotlight on a plant that has been used to cure problem skin and improve skin health for centuries: aloe vera. The nicknames that have been given to aloe vera over the ages say it all---"medicine plant," "first-aid plant," "miracle plant." Its efficacy stems from the fact that it contains over 200 nutrients, including minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium; 18 amino acids; and a wide range of B vitamins. In addition to wrinkles, aloe vera may be used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. It's so potent that it has been used to address radiation burns. It has the ability to speed up your skin's cell growth, and this has made it a sought-after ingredient in anti-aging creams. Some of these creams are quite effective, but you can reap similar benefits by using aloe-vera gel purchased from your local health-food store.

Bentonite Clay

Many of the world's most exclusive spas incorporate clay into their anti-aging regimens. The reason is simple: Clay contains a wide range of minerals that can impart health to skin, and healthy skin is less likely to wrinkle. Various indigenous peoples---from the tribes of Central Africa to the Native Americans of the U.S. and Canada---have long used clay for its ability to cure illness, restore well-being and improve skin health. Bentonite clay has the ability to draw toxins to the skin's surface. In so doing, it improves the complexion and can lessen the appearance of wrinkles, undereye puffiness, blemishes, enlarged pores and dull skin. Skin-care products containing this ingredient can be found in expensive department stores; you can save money by purchasing pure bentonite clay, which may be obtained quite inexpensively at health-food stores. To apply, mix it with either water or raw apple-cider vinegar and smear it onto your face. Allow it to sit for up to 20 minutes---there will be a tingling and tightening sensation as the clay dries. Use it once a week, or more often if you have problem skin.