Four Best Skin Care Tips for Your Face

You might call them ancient remedies that have been proven effective by modern scientists.

Tip Number 1: Use a Seaweed Mask to Protect Against Sunburn

Edible seaweeds are most popular in Japanese cuisine. One type of edible seaweed is called wakame kelp. The use of masks made from the seaweed is considered an ancient Japanese beauty secret. The masks were used traditionally to help prevent sunburn and to soothe existing burns. The masks were used regularly, especially by women, as "beauty preservers".

Modern research has shown that wakame kelp contains a compound called sulfated polyfucose that actually does provide protection from UV rays of sunlight. You might not want to rely solely on seaweed to protect against sunburn. You should use some common sense, too. But, day creams are available that contain the ingredient. They may help prevent free radical damage that causes most of the visible signs of aging.

Another benefit of wakame kelp, according to modern scientists, is that it restores the skin's level of hyaluronic acid, an important component of firm smooth skin. Many new anti-aging creams contain hyaluronic acid, but dermatologists say that ingredient cannot penetrate the skin's surface. Choose a cream containing wakame instead.

Tip Number 2: Use Shea Butter to Soothe Inflamed Skin

Shea butter is most popular in parts of Africa where the Shea tree grows. It has been used for centuries to heal all kinds of skin conditions. Modern research shows that the butter contains nutrients, vitamins and plant compounds that do have healing activities. Combined, they have natural anti-inflammatory activity.

Shea butter is most often included as an ingredient in anti-aging night creams, because of the known benefits for wrinkles, dryness, redness and irritation. The ingredient may also be beneficial for acne and eczema, because of the anti-inflammatory activity.

Tip Number 3: Use Grapeseed Oil Regularly to Preserve Facial Beauty

Most all vegetable oils help to keep the skin moist, which is important for preserving facial beauty, but grape seed oil has dual moisturizing properties. It moisturizes and then locks the moisture in due to its unique filming ability. It forms a light invisible film when applied to the skin. An additional benefit of this film is that it helps to prevent dirt and makeup from clogging your pores.

• Use a cream containing this ingredient every day.

Tip Number 4: Use Vitamin E to Prevent Age Spots

Age spots are a symptom of sun damage. Modern research shows that age spots are caused by free radical damage that occurs deep beneath the skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and all antioxidants fight free radical activity. Vitamin E is also present in grape seed oil and Shea butter. The antioxidant may explain many of the benefits of those natural facial moisturizers.