This amino acid, commonly contained in energy drinks and weightloss supplements, was recently
found to promote hair growth. Scientists of the University of Hamburg have discovered that L-
carnitine stimulates hair growth by increasing the energy supply to the hair matrix and can be used to
treat alopecia and other forms of hair loss (Foitzik et al. 2007).
Lemon (Citrus limon)
Lemon juice and lemon essential oils have many uses in natural beauty. Lemon juice is a natural
astringent and may lighten skin when applied topically. Lemon oil, rich in terpenes, is a well-known
antibacterial and insectrepelling agent. It is frequently used in aluminum-free deodorants for its
ability to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Lemon juice can work as a mild hair bleach that
yields very natural results: to lighten your hair with sun-bleached highlights, simply spread some
lemon juice over your dry hair in streaks before you step outside during summertime. Lemon juice has
a certain stickiness in it, so you can easily use it as a natural, nutritious hair gel. Don’t use the hair
bleaching with lemon as an excuse for baking under the midday sun: a mineral sunscreen is still a
must!
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
No, I am not advising you to rub your face with those yummy gummy sweets. Licorice has much
more to offer than pleasing our taste buds. Licorice root has been used in Europe since the ancient
Greek era, and modern science offers new uses for this delicious plant extract. A new flavonoid
isolated from licorice root, licochalcone A, is known to have anti-inflammatory and potentially
anticarcinogenic effects on animals, while glycyrrhizin, the main chemical found in licorice, may
offer protection from the damage induced by UVB radiation. Licorice gel has been traditionally used
in herbal medicine for dermatitis, eczema, pruritus, and cysts. In green beauty, licorice is used as a
skin-whitening agent and shows promise in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Linoleic Acid
This omega-6 essential fatty acid influences skin physiology on a molecular level, improving
eicosanoid production, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling. This polyunsaturated fatty acid is an
excellent emollient and emulsifier that helps in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and sun-damaged
skin. Linoleic acid also speeds up wound healing. Recent studies demonstrated that this nonirritating
acid is also a natural penetration enhancer and can be used in cosmetics instead of propylene glycol.
Last, and certainly not least, linoleic acid can help you stay younger for longer. “Higher intakes of
vitamin C and linoleic acid and lower intakes of fats and carbohydrates are associated with better
skin-aging appearance,” concluded British scientists as they performed research for Unilever in 2007.
According to them, higher intake of linoleic acid, naturally found in flaxseeds, evening primrose,
pumpkin and mustard seeds, wheatgerm, spirulina, and green leafy vegetables, may reduce dryness
and atrophy of aging skin (Cosgrove et al. 2007).
Lycopene
One of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants, bright red lycopene is found primarily in tomatoes,
watermelon, papaya, and red bell peppers. Lycopene is the most powerful destroyer of singlet
oxygen, which is produced during UV exposure and is the primary cause of skin aging. Lycopene