Natural Beauty

"Got a natural beauty ma beside my eye." -Kool G. Rap

Grapes: The rich polyphenol content of grapes that helps protect the cardiovascular system can also have anti-inflammatory and revitalizing effects on the skin. Researchers are studying antioxidants such as those found in grape seed extract for their natural sun-protection properties. With its vitamin E and fatty-acid content, grape seed oil is being used in beauty products from body moisturizers to eye creams.

Find in: L'Occitane En Provence Bath Tonic, Guerlain Success Eye Tech eyelid treatment, Lancome Primordiale Cell Defense and Skin Perfecting Serum, Nivea Body Summer Touch Daily Moisturizer self-tanner.

White Tea: With its anti-inflammatory properties and high polyphenol content, white tea is starting to appear in a wide range of beauty products to quash wrinkle-inducing free radicals. Applying it to skin before sun exposure helps boost the immune function of skin cells and protected them from sun damage.

Find in: Clarins Younger Longer Balm, Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist, Nivea My Silhouette Slimming and Reshaping Gel-Cream, Origins A Perfect World for Eyes.

Mushrooms: They may not be as sexy as grapes or as pretty as white tea, but mushrooms are believed to be a source of vitality. They are the basis of the Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom line. They are used with other natural ingredients, and refreshing essential oils, to promote skin firmness. Aveeno Active Naturals uses a "shiitake complex" to help accelerate skin cell renewal.

Find in: Origins' Plantidote Mega-Muschroom Treatment Lotion for dryness, redness and hyper pigmentation, which complements Plantidote serum and face cream, Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting and Firming Night Cream.

Pumpkins and Yams: Packed with vitamin A, pumpkin revitalizes skin tone when used in masks or peels. Pumpkin seed extract, like grape seed oil, is resplendent in fatty acids, and it improves the smoothness and softness of the skin, and helps restore tone and elasticity. Yams and yam root extract are used in products for mature skin to help counterbalance dehydration due to hormonal changes.

Find in: Naturopathica Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, Crabtree & Evelyn Skin Care Remedy Oil Control Gel, The Body Shop Body Focus Stretch Mark Improver, Lancome Absolue Premium Replenishing Lotion.