AN anti-ageing expert has shared how you can banish frown lines WITHOUT Botox.
Melanie Sandford, 42, has shaved years off her face and plumped out deep-set wrinkles using a host of natural products, she claims.
Among the ageing gripes she has busted are the vertical wrinkles between her eyebrows, also known as ‘11 lines’.
These lines or furrows form when you frown or squint, and can become permanent facial fixtures if you use them a lot.
Scientifically known as glabella, lots of people opt to have the muscles between their brows frozen with Botox to get rid of the lines.
However, Melanie says you can do it with a homemade solution that works out at 5p a helping.
She calls it her “fountain of youth serum”.
“You don’t need Botox,” she shared in a now-viral Instagram post.
“This is where it’s at: fountain of youth serum.”
The recipe consists of castor oil, jojoba oil and frankincense, and it’s simple to make.
Melanie instructed: “Depending on what size bottle you’re using you’re just gonna fill up half that bottle with castor oil and half of it with jojoba oil.
“I use 20 drops of frankincense to a four ounce bottle of oil.
“If you have a smaller bottle, like a two ounce bottle, you will use 10 or less, depending on your skin type.
“If you have more sensitive skin, use less frankincense.”
You can pick up castor oil for as cheap as £2 in supermarkets, while a bottle of jojoba oil costs around £5 on Amazon and a small bottle of Frankincense costs £5.99 from Nikura.
Once you have all three combined in a bottle, mix it up and you’re good to go.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is highly moisturising and rich in fatty acids (especially lauric acid), which help to nourish the skin and create a protective barrier. It has antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for soothing irritation and minor skin conditions.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, so it’s excellent at balancing oil production. It absorbs quickly, moisturises without being greasy and won’t clog your pores.
Almond oil
Almond oil – particularly the sweet kind – is rich in vitamins A, E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These help soothe, soften, and nourish the skin. It’s lightweight, easily absorbed and has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for irritated or inflamed skin.
Rosehip oil
Rosehip seed oil is rich in vitamins A and C, which help to brighten the skin and promote collagen production. It’s known for its ability to reduce scars, stretch marks and fine lines while also hydrating the skin.
Yes, banishing wrinkles is apparently that simple, according to Melanie.
She recommended applying the concoction as a serum underneath your moisturiser, or you can use it alone.
Castor oil is an excellent moisturiser and has long been hailed for its ability to reduce inflammation.
It also contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage, which contributes to premature ageing.
Some skincare experts believe castor oil can help stimulate collagen and improve skin elasticity, duly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Jojoba oil is a lightweight oil that closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it a staple in millions of skincare products.
It is deeply moisturising and helps to keep skin plump and smooth without clogging pores.
Furthermore, it mimics the skin’s natural oils to balance oil production, which can be beneficial for both dry and oily skin types as they age.
But the real star of the show is frankincense.
In its oil form, it has been revered for centuries for its skin-healing properties.
It promotes the growth of new skin cells and helps with skin turnover, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
What’s more, it has properties that help tone and tighten skin, improving its firmness and elasticity.
