vitamins C and E, and alpha-lipoic acid, when added to skin care products, can slow down and even
repair the damage done by free radicals.
Protect the skin from sun damage. Loss of elasticity due to the deterioration of collagen and
elastin, and the formation of furrows, crow’s feet, and brown spots on our face, necks, and hands, are
largely due to sun damage that builds up over decades. Sun exposure causes damage by twisting cell
DNA, which in turn shows up as abnormal cell growth, inadequate blood and lymph flow, and
collagen loss. Unfortunately, sun damage is irreversible. Prevent further harm by applying a mineral-
based sunscreen daily, ideally in two layers: by topping the moisturizer with sunscreen with mineral
foundation.
Exfoliate dead skin cells. This has nothing to do with regular scrubs or peels. Exfoliation of
mature skin should be more gentle and consistent. As the skin gets older, dry, misshapen cells linger
on its surface longer, creating a flaky, uneven appearance and increasing water loss. When you
remove dead skin cells, skin functions improve, and cells can perspire better and receive more
moisture and nutrients. Exfoliation with retinoids (vitamin A acids), ascorbic acid, or plant enzymes
should become part of your daily skin care routine.
Moisturize, whiten, and heal. While moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles, the dry top skin layer
can form microscopic cracks that make the skin more irritable and prone to inflammation. Using
moisturizers with emollients such as phospholipids and lecithin, humectants like glycerin and
hyaluronic acid, and lipids from plant oils can help restore the skin’s intercellular matrix, filling it
with essential building blocks. Healing and soothing agents such as kinetin, sea kelp, Indian
frankincense (better known as Boswellia serrata), licorice, propolis, green tea, chamomile, and
vitamin B5 (niacinamide) help the skin recover from environmental assaults.
None of these ingredients is a panacea. Some newly synthesized peptides and proteins help reverse
some of the damage done to the skin and restore some of its functions, but I don’t want you to believe
that even big guns, such as idebenone or plant-derived cytokine proteins (also known as epidermal
growth factor), can permanently change the structure of your skin. Aging cannot be reversed, but it can
be slowed down with smart and consistent chemical-free skin care, an organic diet, and an active,
joyful lifestyle.
“Stay hydrated, attend the sauna, and exercise regularly to detox your skin and body, and avoid
synthetic and toxic ingredients that cause health issues. The sun is very aging as well. Avoid
excessive sun exposure. You cannot be too young to start protecting your skin with natural sunscreens.
Every woman has beautiful features. You should try to enhance them through healthy exercise and
healing sleep. ‘You look healthy’ or ‘You look pretty’ rather than ‘Your makeup looks great’ should
be the ultimate compliment to aim for. And do not underestimate the beauty and appeal of a natural
smile that reflects inner happiness and well-being.”
—Ulrike Jacob,
Laveré Skin CareGreen Solutions for Acne
Many believe that acne is simply an age-related rite of passage that does not need to be treated
because you will outgrow it eventually. However, graduating from high school does not necessarily