At the top of the list are costly spa treatments, which can run you $50 and upwards for a facial, with certain anti-aging facials costing hundreds of dollars. And let's be honest, you really feel pampered and great after a facial. But how long do the results truly last?
Then you have the popular garden variety of laser treatments, like the type my wife receives. These are on the upper end of the spectrum as far as cost is concerned. For instance, the one-hour treatments my wife gets cost $1,250 for three sessions and require three months to deliver results. Hardly something that most people can fit into the beauty budget these days (she saves up all year for them).
So if luxurious and consistent pampering at the spa or costly laser treatments are out, and if you really can't stomach $100 per bottle on specialty lotion to keep the wrinkles at bay, what affordable, natural options do you have to banish aging and retain your youth?
Here are three affordable, anti-aging plants that you can consider, ones that everyone should be ingesting daily for good health and wellbeing.
Coconut Oil
The new, preferred deep-frying oil, it's not just for food anymore. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C and E - it's been shown to help combat damaged cells called free radicals while smoothing the skin. When included in a lotion or a soap or used as the raw oil, it's a potent and effective exfoliate, too. It's also a powerful antimicrobial, which means it's a great way to keep your skin clear.
Some people internally ingest it to aid in weight loss, while others use it in conditioners for smoother hair. Of course, being one of the medium chain fatty acids, it's great for cooking and far better for you than any other oil type for frying. If you are looking for a good selection of skincare recipes and remedies you can make from this oil, take a look at Home Remedies For Life - which offers a detailed breakdown.
Moringa Powder
Moringa oleifera, also commonly known as the drumstick tree or the miracle tree, has been turning heads for many years overseas and is finally making an impression in the U.S. Over 300 clinical studies have been conducted, finding that it helps alleviate symptoms in a wide variety of diseases, illnesses and ailments.
Moreover, the moringa tree contains over 40 antioxidants, 90 nutrients and 40 anti-inflammatory agents, according to Green Virgin Products, in addition to a host of vitamins and minerals. The array of antioxidants helps prevent damage skin cells (free radicals) from aging the body by hunting them down and eradicating them. The nutrients help sustain the production of new collagen and skin cells as well as elastin, the building blocks of youthful skin. The oil, also called ben oil, helps the skin rejuvenate and improves the cellular renewal process.
Blueberry
Last, but certainly not least, are good old blueberries. They're delicious to eat and oh so great for you. You can eat them fresh or take them in supplement form without having to worry about them going bad in the fridge. They are always a wonderful addition to any smoothie, fruit salad or yogurt cup, too.
According to Dr. Axe, they offer seven innate benefits. "The ORAC score of blueberries is an incredible 9,621, which makes it one of the highest antioxidant foods in the world," he explains. This means they help turn back the aging clock in incredible ways. They also aim to quell inflammation - one of the key tenants of aging in the skin. No wonder their number one health benefit is: anti-aging.
So what do all of these products cost? About $20 per month per person. Take that costly spa treatment and laser surgery.