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Everybody wants firm, supple skin. But as you get older, your skin might need a little help to stay firm. The stresses of life and night lights don’t help, either – and in combination, your skin can easily start to sag. You don’t have to spend a ton on remedies from the cosmetics counter to keep your skin looking its best. You can make things at home with natural ingredients.
Fennel and Honey
Fennel and honey are both natural ingredients that have anti-aging properties, according to Josephine Fairley, author of “The Ultimate Natural Beauty Book.” Even if aging skin isn’t your problem, a mixture of fennel and honey can make your skin feel tighter and more supple for a day at work or night on the town. To make a fennel and honey skin-firming mixture, infuse 1/4 cup of rose water with 5 teaspoons of fennel seeds in a clean glass jar for 24 hours. Filter the seeds with cheesecloth and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir the mixture and apply a small amount to clean skin for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
Red Grape Seed Extract
Red grape seed extract is high in proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, and while those ingredients might be hard to say and spell, they’re good for keeping your skin firm. To use red grape seed extract, Barbara Close, author of “Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics” recommends making a mixture that is 20 drops of red grape seed extract to 2 ounces of a light oil such as apricot kernel or jojoba. Combine the mixture in a small jar and apply it to your skin at night as you would a night-time serum or face cream.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is commonly used in natural skin care, and it’s excellent at keeping your skin firm, according to Fredric Brandt, M.D., author of “Age-less.” Grapeseed oil works for firming the skin because it is high in tannins, vitamins and fruit acids that can help production of collagen and elastin, the materials that keep your skin looking firm and healthy. Use pure, cold-pressed grapeseed oil as you would use a moisturizer in the evening to reap maximum benefits, because it takes time for your skin to absorb the oil.
Green Tea Spritzer
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help firm your skin -- for a few hours, at least. Best of all, green tea can reduce redness and irritation, and it won’t cause irritation for most ladies with sensitive skin. To use green tea as a skin-firming spritzer, brew one cup of green tea and allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer the green tea to the refrigerator and spray it on your face in the morning and evening. You can even use the spritzer at work or throughout the day to keep your skin looking its best. For best results, keep the green tea spritzer cold, and discard it after 48 hours.
