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.

Everything Skin

"Ooo, rub her smooth skin, you say you wanna get in my benz." -Sir Mix-A-Lot

Tidbits about your skin.

Antioxidants: The Pac-Men of skin care, such as vitamins C (also a collagen-builder) and E, beta-carotene and those within green tea and grape seed, gobble up the free radicals produced by factors like sun, pollution, stress and cigarette smoke, neutralizing their skin-weakening powers.

Tree oil: A natural antiseptic, to banish breakouts. Honey, I've heard, does the same thing. But it won't soak into skin alone so add moisturizer to it (I use aloe vera w/ honey as a mask).

Grapes: The main source of the antiaging powerhouse resvertatrol. When taken internally, it triggers health effects similar to a low-calorie diet and is believed to help prevent diseases including cancer and diabetes, as well as ward off weight gain and increase endurance. Found within the skin of the fruit, resveratrol offers several complexion benefits when applied topically - amped-up collagen production, protection from UV damage and defense against loss of elasticity.

Niacin: A derivative of vitamin B3, niacin helps the digestive system convert food to energy and assists nerve function. But skin-care gurus love it because niacin breaks down into nicotinic acid, which stimulates the release of leptin, a hormone that's been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. Applied twice a day, a niacin-enriched, gentle product could fade brown spots and other discoloration over time.

Tea: Whether brewed as soothing beverages or added to a daily skin cream, these antioxidant superstars also contain large amounts of polyphenol, a known antiager. These types of tea (most potent are green, white and yerba mate) have been scientifically proven to defend against the formation of certain cancers when sipped daily, and there's evidence that they fight free radicals, minimize UV effects and repair damaged cells when applied to skin.

Yogurt: Low levels of lactic and alpha hydroxy acid make plain yogurt an ideal DIY exfoliant (leave on for five minutes then rinse) even for those with sensitive skin, while its probiotic content beats bad bacteria effectively on the skin's surface just as it does within the body.

Another tip: While so many skin care products are expensive, spend your money on items that will be applied and left on skin, such as moisturizers and night creams. Spend less on items that are washed off, such as cleanser and exfoliants. And, as always, drink water, use sunscreen and sleep!

Organic Beauty

"Logo organic, herbal fresh, hypoallergenic." -RZA


Origins by Dr. Andrew Weil: His remarkable integrative approach features highly effective proprietary blends of various organic items. I was mostly interested in the Weil Bee-ings Honey - supposedly great for using in tea and on pb&j. I also use a mixture of aloe vera and honey for a face mask sometimes and was thinking I would use this honey. I'll let you know as soon as I do.


Linden Leaves USA: "Combines the very best of local New Zealand and international ingredients to create a pure bodycare." I was most interested in their Gold Family. - supposedly great for the skin. Have yet to try it though. Man I'm a slacker.


Another Gold product I've wanted to try is the Guerlain 'Lor' Radiance Concentrate.

Alternative Health

"They say you are what you eat, so I strive to be healthy, my goal in life is not to be rich or wealthy." -Dead Prez


Real Simple sorts through the science to find which therapies are effective in the March 2006 article "A Worthy Alternative?"; acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic, hypnosis, magnet therapy, message and meditation. Find what might work for your ailment.