The following natural substances have antioxidant properties and are being tried for wrinkle-protection.
Both green and black tea and ginger appear to have properties that may provide some protection against skin cancers and photoaging. A 2001 study using extracts of topical green tea suggested that it might protect against ultraviolet damage. More research is warranted. Green tea skin care products are now available, but their quality is unregulated.
The substance silymarin, found in the milk thistle family (which includes artichokes), may inhibit UVB-promoted cancers in animals.
Aloe, lemon oil, grape seed extract, and coral extracts contain antioxidants and are promoted as being healthy for the skin, although evidence of their effects on wrinkles is weak.
A wide range of herbal products, both oral and topical, may contribute to dermatological problems. Some Chinese herbal creams have been found to contain corticosteroids, and some may contain mercury or arsenic contaminants have been reported in some Ayurvedic therapies. In addition, a number of oral herbal remedies used for medical or emotional conditions may produce irritation in reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity). The include but are not limited to St. John’s Wort, kava, and yohimbine. St. John’s Wort, in fact, has been associated with severe toxicity in a patient who had laser treatments.
Furfuryladenine. Furfuryladenine (Kinetin, Kinerase) is a naturally occurring growth hormone found in plant and animal DNA; it has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Some small laboratory studies suggest that it may both delay the onset and decrease the effects of aging on skin. However, no well-conducted human trials have been performed.
Vitamin K. Microsponge-based vitamin K is being promoted to clear bruises spider veins, and other small blood vessel damage. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting.