The skin is the largest organ in our body. It acts as the first layer of defense against the external elements by protecting us from moisture, dirt, germs and bacteria. But due to constant exposure to various factors like humidity, sunlight, wind, cold and hot or rough cloths or direct pressure it can get flabby and saggy. To keep our skin tight and firm all year round we need a well-drained skin that looks healthy. While there are many factors responsible for an appearance of our skin; genetics being one of them is not so evident until you have a sagging face – yes even your DNA has something to do with it!The upper layers of the epidermis (outermost layer) are replaced every two to six weeks but the inner layers are replaced more slowly. The dead outer layer is renewed faster than the inner one which slows down your appearance by giving you a natural aging effect and a crisp firmer look that lasts longer. The epidermis is made up of 5 different types of cells which vary in thickness in different parts of your body (palm vs fingers etc.) and each cell type produces keratin protein at different rates so they won’t be replaced at equal intervals or at equal thickness across your body either. This causes variation in how thickly keratinized areas will appear over time making things like smile lines more prominent at specific times compared to others.- These 2 ingredients help restore lost hydration levels & firm up your skin instantly
## Red ginger
Red ginger is not just for your ginger bread’s but it is a powerhouse for your skin too. Ginger has properties to fight numerous skin problems like pigmentation, acne, dandruff, scars, wrinkles & even oily skin! It is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and an anti-oxidant. It is a natural exfoliator that boosts collagen production & prevents damage caused by sun & pollution. It creates a nourishing environment that helps maintain skin’s natural barrier function. It also has an anti-aging effect by increasing collagen production. Red ginger also tightens pores and helps maintain skin’s natural oil balance. There are many other benefits of ginger like it increases metabolism, boosts immune system, regulates blood pressure, prevents UTIs (urinary tract infections), prevents nausea and motion sickness. All you need to do is consume ginger everyday and enjoy it’s benefits. There are many ginger based drinks, gels, extracts & products that you can use to get the benefits of ginger.
## Clay mask
Clay masks are great for pore-clearing, purifying, hydrating & essential oil boosting. They are responsible for about 80% of the skin renewal so you can use them regularly to get the best results. You can use any clay mask but a whitening one is best suited for your skin type. Black sesame seed, almond, kaolin, apricot, rice, oatmeal, karite and seabuckthorn are some of the best known clays that can be used to get good results. You can mix them with honey, ghee, coconut oil or yogurt & leave it on your face for 20 minutes or longer depending on your preference. Use them before using a face wash as they will suck all the impurities & oils away & your face wash will work better. A clay mask can be used every week or twice a year as they are inexpensive & you can keep them in your bag or your refrigerator to use them whenever you want. Some other benefits of clay masks are that they are anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, shrink pores, shrink enlarged pores, improve skin tone, shrink enlarged pores, tighten pores, improve your skin’s elasticity, reduce acne & acne scars, shrink enlarged pores, reduce dark spots, whiten your teeth & even prevent stretch marks.
## Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural herbicide and anti-fungal that fights off issues like acne, dark spots, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, eczema, etc. It has antibacterial properties that help in the reduction of harmful bacteria like H. Pylori (causes ulcers), L. Acidophilus (prevents bacterial growth) & pathogenic fungi like candida (causp on normal skin). It also has anti-oxidant properties that helps in preventing fine lines & wrinkles by fighting off harmful UV rays. Apple cider vinegar can be used to treat a variety of skin problems. It can be used as a toner, a face mask, a hair rinse & an eye drop. You can dilute it with water & use it as a toner by spraying it on your face & neck gently or you can mix it with yogurt, ghee or honey for a face mask or use it to make your hair soft or even drink it to prevent acne. There are many other benefits of apple cider vinegar like it is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-aging, etc. You can consume it in the form of a salted or unsalted vinegar or even as a pickle.
## How to use these 2 ingredients?
Apple Cider Vinegar : This can be used as a toner, a face mask, a hair rinse & an eye drop. You can dilute it with water & use it as a toner by spraying it on your face & neck gently or you can mix it with yogurt, ghee or honey for a face mask or use it to make your hair soft.
Clay mask : These can be used as a weekly mask or as a monthly mask depending on your preference. Apply it on your face & hair, neck & chest gently. Leave it on for 20 minutes or longer depending on your preference, rinse it off with lukewarm water & use your toner/face wash.
Henna : This can be used as an instant pigment booster. You can use it on your hair, skin or face. You can consume it as a drink or use it as a stain.
## Henna
Henna is a dye derived from a plant belonging to the family of flowering shrubs. It is a natural pigment that falls off the plant when it is ripe and is used as a coloring agent. It is known to be used in many cultures all over the world for thousands of years to get their desired color. It is known to be a great anti-aging ingredient as it prevents collagen loss, keeps the skin hydrated, stops wrinkles from forming & fights against free radicals that are responsible for skin damage. It is also an anti-oxidant that provides protection against UV rays & pollution. It has anti-imaging properties that help in smoothening out wrinkles along with a tightening effect. It is a rich source of iron which is essential for the production of collagen.
## Take your pick!
Apple Cider Vinegar – This is great for pore-clearing, purifying, hydrating & essential oil boosting. It is responsible for about 80% of the skin renewal so you can use it regularly to get the best results.
Clay Mask – These can be used as a weekly mask or as a monthly mask depending on your preference. Apply it on your face & hair, neck & chest gently. Leave it on for 20 minutes or longer depending on your preference, rinse it off with lukewarm water & use your toner/face wash.
Henna – This can be used as an instant pigment booster. You can use it on your hair, skin or face. You can consume it as a drink or use it as a stain.
## Conclusion
The ingredients listed above can be used to firm up your skin and make it appear youthful at any age. You can incorporate any of these ingredients in your skincare routine and reap the benefits of a younger looking skin. You can also try mixing 2 or more of these ingredients to create a customized serum or face cream for your skin.
These ingredients can be used in various forms like lipbalms, lotions, face packs, shampoos, scrubs, etc. You can also consume them in the form of a drink or curry.
You must remember that no product is going to give you a younger looking skin overnight. It takes time & effort, but with these ingredients, you can definitely make a difference.
