5 Natural Ingredients Every Anti-Aging Beauty Routine Needs

1. Erase Age Spots with Licorice Root

Compounds in licorice break down melanin (skin's pigment) to dissolve spots while increasing cell turnover to reveal brighter skin underneath — plus, its antioxidants protect skin from further discoloration. Pair it with Greek yogurt (its lactic acid sloughs off dead skin cells) to fade spots even faster. 

TRY IT!: For an easy at home treatment, mix 3 drops of licorice root extract (like Nature's Answer Alcohol-Free Licorice Root) and 1 tbsp. of plain Greek yogurt. Apply to spots and areas of hyperpigmentation, let sit for 15 minutes, and rinse. For a quicker treatment option, pick up a bottle of organic skincare giant Eminence's Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum. Combining the power of licorice root, lemongrass, a natural hydroquinone alternative, and lactic acid, this fast acting serum works hard to banish spots in no time. 

Nature's Answer Alcohol-Free Licorice Root: $8.95, Amazon

Eminence's Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum: $56, Dermstore

2. Smooth Wrinkles with Blueberries

This beloved fruit is packed with resveratrol, a compound that promotes collagen production to plump skin and fill in creases. "It's also a power antioxidant that helps fight the free radicals in UV rays that are responsible for forming fine lines," says dermatologist Dendy Engleman, M.D. Add aloe (a humectant that plumps skin) into the mix to boost the benefits. 

TRY IT: Purée 1/4 cup of blueberries then combine with 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel. Apply to wrinkled skin, let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse. Use three times a week for a smoother-looking complexion. Looking for a quicker, mess-free option? Pick up a bottle of Eminence's Blueberry Soy Repair Masque. Made with a blend of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, shea butter, aloe, and more, this mask hydrates and smooths skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the appearance of skin. 

Where to buy: $52, Dermstore

3. Slim a Double Chin with Wheat Germ Oil

This oil is a rich source of vitamin A (it restores skin elasticity), vitamin E (it encourages cell regeneration), magnesium (it reduces water retention), and phytosterols (they boost skin-firming collage production). Together, these nutrients erase inches from a double chin. Plus, applying the oil to skin in massage-like motions stimulates circulation to flush excess fluids and toxins for an instantly tauter-looking jawline. 

TRY IT!: Use your thumbs to massage a nickel-sized amount of wheat germ oil (like Dr. Adorable's Wheat Germ Oil) from the bottom of your neck up to your chin. Repeat twice a day for long-lasting results. 

Where to buy: $15.43, Amazon

4. Revive Dull Skin with Coconut

Because skin gets more parched with age, Dr. Engelman suggest swapping harsh, drying facials soaps with moisturizing coconut oil. The oil draws impurities from skin while its lipids and fatty acids penetrate to hydrate from within. "Plus, the oil breaks down the makeup and bacteria that can cause inflammation and breakouts." The result? A youthful glow in seconds!

TRY IT: Revive skin by smoothing 1 tsp. of melted coconut oil over dry skin, let it soak in, and rinse. Our favorite coconut oil for skin? InstaNatural's Fractionated Coconut Oil. But what is fractionated coconut oil? Fractionated coconut oil is essentially refined coconut oil that always remains in liquid form, making it the ideal nourishing moisturizer. 

Where to buy: $11.37, Amazon

5. Thicken Hair with Saw Palmetto

Phytosterols in the plant strengthen strands at the root to help thwart shedding while fatty acids nourish tresses so they appear fuller. One study even found saw palmetto increased hair density by 35% within three months. 

TRY IT: Before bed, massage two drops of a hair serum rich in saw palmetto oil (like Good Lab's Blooming & Thickening Hair Serum) onto the scalp. The act of the massage actually helps boost circulation, speeding results and thickening your hair in no time. 

Where to buy: $28.99, Amazon

Portions of this piece were originally printed in Woman's World, with additional online reporting done by Sarah M. Vazquez

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