In a world of modern technologies one would think that chemical and synthetic components are the only ones to be found in cosmetics. This is false.

Besides being trendy, natural components are the most effective beauty agent and are used in cosmetology on a regular basis. Obviously, a cosmetic container is not fully filled with 100% natural ingredients but they make a solid base of the product. Store shelves yield under the amounts of items advertised by the 'ever young' actressess and singers. As a result one is confused and do not know what kind of cosmetic one's skin needs – it could be either with vitamin C, regeneration ingredients, lecithin or antioxidants.

The following article is an attempt to reveal some secrets and to show benefits of the natural ingredients found in creams and other everyday-care cosmetics.

Aloe – contains fully 200 healing ingredients that moisturize, regenerate and protect against infalmmation and bacterias. Aloe sooths burnt skin and stimulates tissue growth. It also speeds up healing mucosa membranes and the alimentary canal, decreases chlorhydria, agita, flatulence and protects stomach against antiulcerative. Contains vitamins A, C, F, B₁₂ and elements – sodium, potasium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, chromium, zinc and ferrum that nourish skin.

Gooseberry – its seed extract contains oleininc, linolic and gamma-linolic acids that smooth, pert and firm mature skin. One will find it in creams and lift masks. Used also in flabby skin treatment and massage.

Pineapple – contains bromelia – an anti-inflamatory and anti-swelling enzyme that is used in perting and anti-cellulite cosmetics. Pineapple bromelia gently dissloves dead epidermis cells which is why one can find it also in enzymatic peelings. Owing it to a high concentration of vitamin C, bromelia is an excellent skin-discolouration remover.

Watermelon – perfect moisturizer, resotres skin's glow, brightens and leaves it revitalized Watermelon extract is gentle to the skin, which is why it doesn't clog pores and can be used by people with either oily or dry skin. It's effective in smoothing small wrinkles and protects against development of new ones. Additionally, watermelon contains lycopene that has antioxidant properties.

Mountain arnica – a plant rich in fatty oils, amines and phytosterols, often used in cosmetic manufacturing. Arnica is recommended for skin with enlarged blood vessels – it reduces redness and swelling. Eye creams with arnica reduce under-eye bags. People with either normal, contaminated and oily skin will appreciate its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Being absorbed by the skin very well arnica extract penetrates into blood capillaries contracting them and improving blood pressure.

Avocado – the most important ingredient extracted from avocado is its oil rich in: fatty oil glycerides, linolic acid glicerydes that moisturize the skin immensely and other acid oil glicerydes. Avocado fruit also contain protein, amino acids (histidine and lecithin), phystosterols, squalene, vitamins: A, B₁, B₂, C, E, K, niacin and mineral salts. Avocado oil is a source of free fatty acid that protect the natural moisturizing agent and create a layer that protects the skin against moisture-loss.

Peach – its seed extract and flesh are the most valued. The oil regenerates, softens nad smooths the skin. The flesh provides provitamin A, vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃, ferrum, magnesium and calcium. Peach is broadly used in cosmeric industry to produce asrtingent, revitalizing, cleansing, pore-clogging, wrinkle-smoothing and general skin-condition-improving cosmetics. Peach extract is also found in deeply moisturizing and skin age-defying creams, milks, bath oils, hair-softening solutions, shampoos and soaps. Pulverized peach seeds are an excellent ingredient to use in peeling solutions.

Chocolate – main and most precious ingredient of chocolate-based cosmetics is cocoa butter that moisturizes and perts skin immediately and protects it against moisture-loss. Chocolate contains vitamins from the A, E and B group as well as potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and ferrum that nourish, smooth and colour the skin. Cocoa beans are rich in flavonoids which make them great natural antioxidant ingredient. Apart from that, cocoa contain caffein that improves skin condition significantly and revitalizes it.

Cherries – rich in A, C, K vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and folic acid. Cherry-extract is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also strengthens walls of the blood vessels as well as perts and revitalizes skin.

Check the next part to see properties of date fruits, indian horse chestnuts, honey and others.

Author:

Monika Mielniczuk