But with some special care and attention, you can keep your skin healthy and retain a youthful appearance, without spending lots of money on anti-aging cosmetics.
To keep aging skin supple and hydrated, it is important to replace the lost oils. Many natural oils, both carrier and essential oils, have anti-aging as well as health benefits that can keep your skin hydrated, plump and full of life.
These oils contain plenty of antioxidants that combat the damage caused by free radicals from ultraviolet (UV) sunrays and environmental pollutants.
Here are the 10 best anti-aging oils for younger looking skin.
1. Argan Oil
Argan oil, extracted from a very unique tree found only in Morocco, is made up of 80 percent fatty acids that help fight free radicals and provide anti-aging benefits.
The vitamins A and E in this oil also help reduce wrinkles, age spots, fine lines and sagging skin. It effectively keeps the skin moisturized and improves the skin’s elasticity. It even protects the skin from oxidative damage from ultraviolet (UV) sun rays.
A 2015 study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging suggests that daily intake and/or topical application of argan oil has an anti-aging effect on the skin, demonstrated by the improvement of skin elasticity.
Argan oil is absorbed quickly by the skin and without leaving any oily residue. Thus, it is suitable for all skin types, including oily and sensitive skin.
- After thoroughly cleansing your skin, apply a few drops of argan oil on your skin and massage gently using circular motions. Do this daily before going to bed.
- Also, include 1 tablespoon of culinary argan oil in your regular diet. Its nutty flavor adds richness to sweet and savory dishes.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil works as the perfect anti-aging oil to maintain younger-looking skin. This oil is rich in vitamins A and E as well as several other minerals and fatty acids that your skin needs to fight free-radical damage.
When used topically on the skin, it stimulates the production of collagen, which gives your skin a youthful glow with a smooth texture.
When taken internally, extra-virgin olive oil protects your body against age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, peptic ulcers and more.
A 2012 study published in PLoS One reports that the monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help reduce oxidative stress, insulin resistance and related inflammatory processes and thus protects the skin against photo-aging from prolonged sun or other UV exposure.
- Before taking a bath, massage your body with lukewarm olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes daily. This will improve blood circulation and keep your skin moisturized and free from aging signs.
- Also, include 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in your regular diet.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil promotes collagen production and replacement, which prevents aging signs like wrinkles and age spots.
Its antioxidant properties help fight free radicals and nourish damaged skin. It also contains lauric acid that has antibacterial properties that can help fight acne breakouts.
It can also be used to treat chronic dry skin, eczema and psoriasis. A 2004 study published in the American Journal of Contact Dermatitis found coconut oil to be as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer.
It also works as a natural sunscreen that helps guard your skin against sun damage, one of the main factors behind premature skin aging.
- Massage your body with coconut oil after a bath or shower to help the skin retain its moisture. Try to do this daily.
- You can also make a mild body scrub by combining coconut oil with granulated sugar. Gently exfoliate your skin with it once a week.
- Also, include 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil in your regular diet to keep your body healthy and prevent age-related diseases.
4. Almond Oil
Almond oil can also delay the aging process and treat wrinkles. The vitamins E and K in this oil help skin to regenerate and maintain elasticity as well as promoting better circulation.
A 2010 study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice highlights the emollient properties of almond oil. This helps rejuvenate and soften the skin, thereby improving complexion and skin tone.
Additionally, almond oil is a natural UV blocker, making it ideal for people who spend a lot of time in the sun.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that topical application of almond oil can prevent the structural damage caused by UV irradiation and can also reverse damage that may have already occurred.
- Massage sweet almond oil into your skin after taking a bath once daily to delay the effects of aging. Being mild and hypoallergenic, it is safe for people who have sensitive skin.
- You can also apply a few warm drops of almond oil beneath your bottom eyelids before going to bed to get rid of under eye wrinkles and dark circles.
- To take internally, add 2 or 3 teaspoons of sweet almond oil in a cup of warm milk and drink it daily. You can also mix it into your smoothie or drizzle it on salads.
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is one of the most hydrating oils in the world that offers anti-aging benefits too. The vitamins, such as E and C, in it support rapid cellular regeneration for firm and full skin. It even helps diminish fine lines, age spots and other visible signs of aging.
As an emollient, this oil keeps the skin moisturized and prevents skin irritation or scaly and rough patches, which are often seen in aging skin.
Its non-greasy texture makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Jojoba oil can also accelerate wound healing.
- Blend jojoba oil in equal amounts with another plant-based massage oil like almond oil. Use it to massage your skin after taking a bath or shower. Do this once daily.
- You can also add a few drops of jojoba oil to an anti-aging face mask of your choice.
6. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is also good for aging skin. In fact, lavender is much more than its sweet fragrance and is used extensively in cosmetic products.
Its high antioxidant content protects the skin from damaging free radicals and dangerous UV sun rays. It reduces the visible effects of aging, prevents new lines from forming and helps the skin regenerate.
Lavender oil also has antiseptic and antifungal properties that help treat a number of skin conditions, such as acne and psoriasis. It also promotes good sleep, which is essential for skin and overall health.
- Add 5 or 6 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply it on your skin and massage gently. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Do this every other day to enjoy younger looking skin.
- Also, use water infused with lavender when washing your face to keep your skin hydrated, fresh and youthful.
7. Avocado Oil
Just like eating avocados is good for health, using avocado oil on the skin can keep your skin younger and free from aging signs. It is particularly good for people with dry skin.
This anti-aging oil is very rich in vitamins A and E that help reverse age-related skin damage. It not only promotes regeneration of healthy cells, but also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy.
The high amount of protein and unsaturated fats in it also promote healthy skin and reduce the incidence of age spots, sun spots, wrinkles and saggy skin. It even helps even out skin tone, which is a sign of healthy skin.
8. Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate seed oil is another excellent anti-aging oil. Its powerful antioxidants fight and repair free-radical damage caused by exposure to the sun and environmental factors that age skin.
A 2010 study published in Experimental Dermatology highlights the photo chemo preventive effect of pomegranate-derived products.
However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of pomegranate-derived products in the prevention of UVB-mediated damage and photoaging.
The oil strengthens the outer layers (epidermis) and repairs deeper layers (dermis) of the skin. It also boosts collagen production to improve skin elasticity.
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology notes that pomegranate seed oil promotes regeneration of epidermis, which is essential to fight aging signs.
It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties that support skin health. This oil can be used on the face as well as the entire body. It gets absorbed quickly and effectively moisturizes all skin types.
Massage your skin with high-quality, cold-pressed pomegranate oil. You can use it once daily.
9. Wheat Germ Oil
Wheat germ also has skin regenerating properties that help keep your skin young and flawless for years. Its oil is high in vitamin A as well as vitamin E; powerful anti-oxidants that help prevent free radical damage to skin cells.
It supports the skin’s natural process of regeneration and is good for treating dry and aging skin.
A 2010 study published in the Pharmacognosy Research found that the formulations containing wheat germ oil and aloe vera extract produced higher skin hydration as compared to the formulations containing them separately.
- Add a few drops of wheat germ oil to 1 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel and apply it on your skin. Massage gently for 5 minutes, let it sit on your skin for 10 minutes and then rinse off using lukewarm water. Repeat once daily.
- Another option is to mix wheat germ oil and honey in equal amounts, apply it to your skin and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat once daily.
10. Neem Oil
Neem oil has health-promoting as well as anti-aging qualities. It has antioxidant as well as antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Its antioxidant nature protects the skin from environmental toxins that accelerate the aging process.
This oil is also high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, which help rejuvenate skin cells and restore elasticity.
A 2001 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that polyunsaturated fatty acids provide protection to the whole body against damage from UV irradiation.
Vitamin E has an emollient effect on skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots and wrinkles.
Neem oil also helps fight off bacteria that cause acne, psoriasis and eczema.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil in 1/3 cup of lukewarm olive or coconut oil.
- Massage your skin with this mixture for 5 minutes and then leave it on for another 10 minutes. You don’t need to rinse it off.
- Do this once daily before going to bed.