by Edna Sousa
As a chemist, I love looking at active ingredients in new products, where they come from, how they work in a specific area of the body, and what the area looks like after the application. So I found five active ingredients that really offer a look of lift…and give back your self esteem.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

The first active ingredient I found is hyaluronic acid. This acid is found in small amounts naturally in humans and animals…in young skin, tissues and joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the skin and helps it retain water, giving the skin a more smooth, soft and toned look. The creme featured here is for removing creases and wrinkled around the eyes.

Oryza Sativa

Another great ingredient for natural beauty and skin health is good and ol’ rice. At an anti-aging expo in Las Vegas awhile back, I came across products form Asia containing oryza sativa as a active ingredient and started looking into it. Turns out that rice promotes hydration, and collagen synthesis in the skin, thus increasing skin suppleness and firmness.

Ellagic Acid

Ellagic acid is found in vegetables, nuts, fruits and berries like raspberry, strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate. This acid is very important for the skin’s health and appearance. Researchers found that this acid is super efficient at blocking the sun’s UV rays, so it’s a natural sunscreen. Ellagic acid works to protect sun damage and prevents wrinkles and skin cancer.

Acai Berry Antioxidants

Speaking of antioxidants…this is the one that you cannot afford to do without, acai berry. The acai berries are rich in fatty acids, vitamin C and phytosterol, all of which are excellent for skin health and youthful appearance. You can use them topically, and also find a good acai juice for health on the inside. What more can you want in a single ingredient?

Cupuacu

And the last super ingredient is another Brazilian botanical, called Cupuacu, that is just Amazon…I mean, Amazing. It’s also known in Brazil as the “alternative chocolate.” Cupuacu is a cousin to chocolate, from the Theobroma family, and its butter promotes hydration and helps heal dry and damaged skin. Like acai, cupuacu can be used topically and internally and you’ll find it in skin care products as well as juices.

So that’s a look at five great active ingredients that will keep you active and young. If you find other products with these ingredients in them…add them here in a comment.