A lot of people also spend their money on different topical formulations. Compared to other skin treatments, these are more commonly used since they are cheaper and easier to apply. Making this type of skin care products often involves the use of natural compounds with desirable biological activities. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Moreover, natural compounds are generally safe to use.
In a study by researchers from Thailand, Taiwan, and Austria, they found a potential source of anti-aging compounds for topical formulations in holy basil (Ocimum sanctum). This famous "Queen of herbs" is widely used not just for culinary purposes but for medicinal applications as well. It has been reported to have beneficial effects against bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, different skin diseases, arthritis, painful eye conditions, chronic fever, and insect bites. These properties are attributed to its various components, which include eugenol, ursolic acid, linalool, and rosmarinic acid.
Holy basil is a promising plant for the production of natural skin care products. This is because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, prior to this report, there was no evidence of its anti-aging properties, including potential inhibitory effects against collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase.
The study, published in the journal Industrial Crops and Products, looked at the potential use of holy basil as a source of bioactive compounds for skin care products. To do this, they first collected extracts from the herb and then tested them for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. The anti-aging properties of holy basil were assessed based on its ability to inhibit collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. When active, these enzymes break down collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, respectively, which help maintain youthful and healthy looking skin. As part of the study, the researchers also evaluated the composition of holy basil extracts.
From these tests, the researchers found that ethanolic extracts from holy basil significantly inhibit the activity of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. These suggest that the herb has anti-aging properties. Additionally, the team showed that holy basil has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these beneficial activities were attributed to rosmarinic acid, which was revealed to be the major component of the ethanolic extracts.
Overall, the results of this study suggest that holy basil can be used as a herbal remedy against skin damage like wrinkles. This is because of its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects, which are attributed to rosmarinic acid. (Related: Basil Is Latest Weapon In The War Against Aging! Reason To Have This Herb.)
Tips to achieve youthful skin naturally
It's possible to maintain youthful skin even without using beauty products. All you have to do is follow some healthy lifestyle changes, such as the following:
- Drinking more water -- Dehydration can take a toll on the body and interfere with its normal body functions. If you suffer from this condition, you might notice that your skin looks dull, flaky, saggy, and loose. Drinking water can give you a quick remedy to these skin problems.
- Increasing your vitamin C intake -- Studies have found that a diet rich in vitamin C causes fewer wrinkles. This is because skin exposed to vitamin C can produce up to eight times more collagen than usual.
- Getting adequate sleep -- While you sleep, the skin is given a chance to rejuvenate and repair itself. So, make sure that you get eight hours of good quality sleep every night so that you'll look and feel fresh.
- Exercising -- Staying active encourages better blood circulation. This means that the skin gets adequate amounts of oxygen and nutrients. Additionally, exercising allows the toxins in your body to be released through sweat.
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