NATURE contains a lot of ingredients that can help fight the signs of ageing.
That’s something anti-ageing whizz Melanie Sandford kept at the front of her mind when devising her “fountain of youth” serum at home.
The 42-year-old has glowing skin and is unable to form a wrinkle after scrunching her face thanks to her homemade concoctions.
Her “fountain of youth” serum is formulated to shave years off your profile and can be made from the kitchen using just three ingredients.
Melanie recently took to Instagram to claim her recipe has “changed people’s skin for the better”.
“Once you discover what castor oil can do for your skin, it’s going to have you questioning all the money you’ve spent on previous skincare in your life,” she shared in a now-viral video.
For the fountain of youth serum, she mixes castor oil, jojoba oil and frankincense oil in a two ounce glass bottle.
The ratios are 50% castor oil, 50% jojoba oil and five to 10 drops of frankincense oil, depending on how sensitive your skin is.
“Castor oil and frankincense oil are the ultimate combination,” Melanie said.
“The way that this has helped to firm my skin – like, making expressions and having them just disappear.”
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly ricinoleic acid, which helps to retain moisture in the skin.
This hydration is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It contains antioxidants that help fight external nasties like pollution and UV damage, which are responsible for skin ageing.
Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil soothe irritated skin, reduce puffiness and dispel redness.
Frankincense oil has constricting properties that tighten sagging skin, encourage the growth of new cells and shrink pores.
When paired with the castor oil, the result is a hydrated and plump, but also tightened, complexion.
Celery juice is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which combat free radicals that cause cellular damage and aging.
Its high water content keeps your skin hydrated and plump, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in celery, such as apigenin and luteolin, help reduce chronic inflammation linked to ageing.
Rich in essential nutrients like vitamin K and potassium, celery juice supports overall skin health and body functions.
Drinking celery juice regularly can complement a balanced diet and skincare routine, promoting a youthful glow from within.
The secondary ingredient of jojoba oil is an excellent moisturiser because it closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum.
It is able to hydrate your cells without clogging your pores, while also drawing upon the anti-inflammatory benefits of vitamin E to soothe your skin and improve your skin barrier.
Melanie dispenses a coin-sized amount of the homemade serum into her palms, rubs them together and then presses it into her face.
“Don’t be afraid to do oils on your skin – oils are your friend,” she assured.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money, nature provides.
“It’s amazing what natural products can do for your skin – and once you discover that, it can open up a whole new world.”
