As women age, many changes occur within the body and the mind. Generally, from the late 40s, hormones begin to fluctuate as the menopause begins, bodily hair growth increases, the skin loses elasticity creating wrinkles and muscles begin to lose tone.

Most of these changes are accepted as part of the ageing process and give us little cause for concern. However, for some women, these changes bring feelings of concern, inadequacy and vulnerability. The constant bombardment of media images of the ‘perfect woman’ do little to improve self esteem and some may find themselves feeling pressurised to have surgery, lose weight or undertake unnatural treatments.

However, by learning about ageing and the changes that occur, it is possible to minimise, delay and improve some of the effects of it. There are many natural techniques and remedies that can be used to help you age naturally and beautifully!

Health and beauty from within
Every cell within the body needs appropriate nutrition and plenty of water. Eating a healthy and balanced diet will ensure you are getting the right vitamins and minerals for your age. You will soon be seeing the benefits of increased energy levels, better hormonal balance, improved skin and hair condition and improved general health.

Try to eat lots of fresh fish, free range chicken, fruits, salads and vegetables, brown rice and pulses, nuts and unsaturated oils, e.g. virgin olive oil and nut oils (unless allergic). Use salt in moderation and use fresh garlic, herbs, lemons and spices (in moderation) to flavour food. Try to avoid red meats and processed foods. Drink lots of fresh, spring water, fruit juices and a glass of wine if you enjoy it.

Sleep and relaxation
You should try and achieve a good spell of quality sleep each day. If you suffer with poor sleep and can’t relax, try meditation. Good techniques are available in books, or find a local class. Aim for a few minutes each day and gradually increase the timing of the sessions.

Stress
Stress can be caused by many things and we need a certain amount to make life more interesting! Stress becomes a problem when it accumulates and affects the health or daily routine of the individual.

Each day, take time out for yourself. Walk in the countryside, paint, do photography, swim or do something you enjoy. Socialise and laugh … a lot! Laughter releases endorphins (natural painkillers), from the brain, into the circulation. These brain chemicals make us feel happy and positive, which may improve the immune system.

Natural therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, reiki and hypnotherapy are all relaxing and can improve stress related problems. Depression that is severe or prolonged should be referred to your doctor.

Skin condition
As women age, their skin gets thinner, loses elasticity and collagen resulting in fine expression lines and later on, deeper wrinkles. Contrary to popular belief, wrinkles are not unattractive and can compliment a person’s personality! You will not stop wrinkles occurring naturally, but you can try natural preventatives and remedies to improve their appearance.

Weight
Unfortunately, the media would have us all believe that to be beautiful, you need to be stick thin … how wrong! On the contrary, most women feel more than confident with their curves. As we age, rapid or too much weight loss can result in the skin looking saggy and wrinkled, so think on before you indulge in the latest fad diet. Eating healthily and taking regular exercise will ensure that you do not gain or lose too much weight.

Use a sun block
Dehydrated, over tanned skin is not attractive! To prevent premature ageing and skin cancer, use a sun screen (factor 15) daily on the face and elsewhere as necessary. Shea butter is reputedly a natural sun screen that is widely used in West Africa to protect skin.

Stop smoking
Smoking fills the circulation with dangerous chemicals and robs the skin cells of precious oxygen. Smokers tend to have more wrinkles and age prematurely. Try hypnotherapy if you are finding it hard to stop smoking.

Hydrate
Dehydrated skin looks dull and sallow, with puffiness around the eyes. It can result from not drinking enough water and from central heating, sunburn etc.

Drinking lots of spring water will hydrate the skin cells making them plumper and healthier. Aim for several large glasses daily and avoid too much alcohol. Hydrate the skin from the outside with aloe vera gel or a hydrating face mask.

Hydrating avocado and honey mask
Scoop the inside out of a ripe avocado and mash until smooth. Add a teaspoon of honey and cool in the fridge for a short time. Apply to cleanse face and neck. Add slices of cucumber over closed eyes to cool and reduce puffiness.

Cleansing
Cleanse the skin twice daily with a gentle, natural cleanser. Avoid soaps and harsh chemicals. Alternatively, make your own cleanser.

Chamomile cleansing lotion
Fill a small saucepan halfway with hot water. Place a bowl on top, to make a double boiler. Into the bowl add a cup of full fat milk, half a cup of cream and a handful of dried or fresh Roman chamomile, lavender or rose flowers. Heat the saucepan gently for about 20 minutes, but do not boil. Remove and leave to infuse for a few hours. Strain, bottle and store in the fridge. Use with cotton wool pads to cleans the skin, but do not use on the eyes.

Tone and refresh
Toners are used to refresh tired skin, or remove excess cleanser. Natural toners include witch hazel (normal – oily skin) and flower waters, e.g. orange flower, rose and lavender (all types). Always purchase real flower waters and not synthetic substitutes.

Moisturise
The surface of the skin can be stripped of natural oils and become dry due to cleansing, heat, pollution and the environment. A moisturiser can help the skin feel smooth again.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that expensive moisturisers are the best. Most moisturisers will temporarily make the skin appear ‘plumper’ and feel moister, but will not penetrate the lower layers of the skin where the cells are. Some essential oils do have molecules small enough to penetrate the dermal layer of the skin and can be beneficial to cell renewal and skin condition.

Mature skin oil
Vegetable oils such as almond, hazelnut, apricot, peach and rosehip are extremely nourishing to the skin and can be selected for specific skin conditions. Do not use nut oils if you are allergic to nuts.

Blend:  20mls of evening primrose oil, with 3 drops of pure rose otto and 3 drops of geranium essential oils. Shake well and store in the fridge.

Massage, with upwards strokes into the face and neck before bedtime, after cleansing. Avoid pulling the skin area around the eyes. The massage helps improve muscle tone, localised circulation and removal of toxins.

Wrinkle prevention
There is no way to get rid of your wrinkles unless you consider surgery and then they will return later. Natural remedies can help improve the appearance of and help prevent premature wrinkles.

Blend: 20 ml of jojoba oil with 3 drops of rose otto and 3 drops of frankincense essential oils.
Use and store as the recipe above.

Natural cosmetics
Cosmetics are an excellent way to improve the appearance of skin tone and enhance your natural features. Apply cosmetics sparingly, in natural light,  to avoid a false and over made up look (all very ageing!). Go for softly tinted, moisturising foundations and use translucent powders sparingly to avoid emphasising lines and wrinkles. Soft matt eye shadows, brown lashes and lipsticks will give a more natural look.

Julie Burke for Third Age.
SPA.ITEC.CThA.Cert.Ed

Further Information:
Quality essential oils, carrier oils, base products and supplies
www.kobashi.com

Natural skin and body care
www.eve-taylor.com

Natural products and cosmetics
www.faithinnature.co.uk

Images © Julie Burke