The health and firmness of our skin depend on two structural proteins: collagen and elastin. Because of environmental toxins and pollutants, sun damage, and the aging process, these proteins naturally break down. When this happens, our skin may appear aged and wrinkled.
It is unrealistic to expect our skin to remain supple and firm throughout life. Some wrinkling is inevitable. As they say, “Nature always wins.” Be that as it may, there are some natural ways to help keep your skin appearing healthy – and maybe even tighten it up some.
HERE ARE 11 THINGS THAT CAN NATURALLY TIGHTEN SKIN:
1. ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera is best known for its ability to heal damaged skin. It is a natural moisturizer that has a ton of other health benefits, depending on how it is applied or consumed. There are two main ways to use Aloe Vera: as a prepared gel or extracting the liquid manually.
You can find numerous Aloe Vera-based recipes; however, the plant may be most effective when applied without combining it with other ingredients.
2. COFFEE SCRUB
Ground coffee contains potent antioxidants that can both tighten the skin and slow the appearance of aging. When used in cohort with other substances, coffee can also serve as a natural exfoliant.
Here is a quick recipe:
In a bowl, combine these ingredients: ¼ cup of coffee grounds, ¼ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Using a circular motion, scrub the concoction onto your chest, face, and neck for 2-3 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. Apply once a week for best results.
3. EGG WHITE AND HONEY
Egg white contains the protein albumin, which improves your skin’s elasticity, rebuilds skin cells, and promotes a healthy glow. Honey is a powerful antioxidant and antitoxin. When used together, they can produce some serious benefits, helping to tighten skin.
Mix one egg white with two tablespoons of honey and apply to your chest, face, and neck. After 15 minutes, rinse off with warm water.
4. EPSOM SALT
Epsom salt helps to promote skin circulation and skin hydration. Both benefits are crucial in limiting skin sagging.
Add two cups of Epsom salt to a tub of warm water. Soak your body for about 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat twice a week.
5. CUCUMBER JUICE
Cucumber is one of the best natural skin treatments in existence. It helps with skin re-hydration and can give life to even the most tired-looking skin.
To make a simple cucumber juice mix, grind half of a cucumber (including the skin) in a blender. Pour the mix into a strainer and collect the juices. Apply the juice to your body and leave it for 15 minutes. Repeat whenever desired.
6. OLIVE OIL
We can trace the use of olive oil for medicinal purposes back to the ancient Egyptians. There’s a good reason for this; olive oil is an excellent antibacterial agent, cleanser, and moisturizer.
After your shower, massage olive oil onto your chest, face, and neck for a few minutes.
7. WITCH HAZEL
The plant witch hazel can help heal both aged and sun-damaged skin. When used regularly, it can help tighten skin by shrinking the pores and slowing the breakdown of restorative proteins.
Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply liberally to your chest, face, and neck. Allow the product to dry for a full five minutes and repeat daily.
8. YOGURT MASK
Yogurt is rich in lactic acid – a natural skin-tightener and skin smoother. If you try this recipe, make sure to use a quality, sugar-free yogurt.
To create a good skin mask, combine 2 drops of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of plain, sugar-free yogurt. Apply the mix to your chest, face, and neck and leave it for 10 minutes. Repeat twice per week.
9. HONEY AND OLIVE OIL
Combine the powerful antioxidant and moisturizing properties of honey and olive oil for some real health benefits that will also help tighten skin!
Mix three teaspoons of honey with three drops of olive oil and apply it to your chest, face, and neck. (You may also warm the mix for a few seconds in the microwave if you prefer.) Allow the mix to remain on your body for 15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
10. HONEY, SOUR CREAM, AND TURMERIC
Per Healthline: “[Turmeric’s] anti-inflammatory qualities can target your pores and calm the skin. [It] is also known to reduce scarring…” Sour cream is yet another dairy product that is rich in lactic acid and fat; it also stimulates collagen production.
For this recipe, mix one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of sour cream, and one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply the mix to your chest, face, and neck, and let it dry for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat down with a dry towel.
11. WEIGHT TRAINING
Okay, so we’re stepping away from the kitchen and into the gym. Why? Because strength and weight training can improve the appearance of aging skin by hardening the muscles that support it.
Ideally, one should aim for a minimum of three days of weight training per week. It is not necessary to overexert yourself, as 30 minutes of simple, light exercises will suffice in tightening up your muscles.