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Originally published January 16 2009

A Simple and Natural Facemask with Vitamin C

by Sheryl Walters

(NaturalNews) Vitamin C is an extremely common skin care ingredient, since vitamin C is necessary for healthy skin. Vitamin C has been scientifically validated for reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin. Yet many vitamin C products do not work, and may actually cause more harm than good. Camu camu is a S. American fruit that has the highest vitamin C content on the planet, and offers a safe and highly potent way to get this essential vitamin into the skin.

Why is Vitamin C so Important to the Skin?

Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. As people age, the amount of collagen in the skin dramatically decreases, which causes wrinkles and aging. Vitamin C is a vital antidote to this process.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. The skin is constantly defending against pollution and other toxins. Vitamin C helps the skin fight these toxins to slow down the aging process.

Unfortunately, many creams that contain vitamin C aren`t as anti aging as we might think. Vitamin C is relatively unstable. When vitamin C gets exposed to air, it oxidizes, rendering it useless in promoting collagen and defending against free radicals. In fact, oxidized vitamin C can actually cause free radical damage. The best form is dried.

Furthermore, many skin creams that contain vitamin C contain other toxic chemicals that actually cause aging. If there are unnatural chemicals, then they must be processed by the liver, which makes the body work harder rather than offering the body the nutrients that it needs.

The Benefits of Camu Camu

Camu camu is a perfect form of vitamin C for the skin. This Peruvian rainforest shrub grows along the Amazon River. It is the highest source of natural vitamin C on the planet, containing approximately 30 times more vitamin C than what is found in Oranges. Eating camu camu is a good way to prevent aging and disease, but it is also possible to put this potent fruit directly on the skin. Because camu camu comes in powdered form, it does not easily oxidize so it always delivers the vitamin C content desired.

Because of its high vitamin C content, it is a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes free radical, preventing disease as well as aging. 1 cup of Camu Camu has a Total antioxidant capacity of 145,000, compared to 13,427 for Wild blueberries, 8,983 for 1 cup of cranberries and 6,058 for 1 cup of raspberries.

Here are some of the benefits of putting camu camu directly on the skin.

*It is highly Anti-aging
* It prevents foreign invaders such as fungi and bacteria which may cause acne and eczema (although always remember that these problems generally start on the inside.)
* It is an amazing collagen production booster
* It aids in neutralizing environmental pollutants which cause wrinkles
* It has natural antihistamine properties, so it is great for people who have skin allergies.
*It is a natural healer for wounds and scars
*It promotes skin elasticity
*It promotes cell rejuvenation

A Naturally effective Vitamin C Facemask

1 desert spoonful of raw honey
1 teaspoon of camu camu

Mix these two ingredients together and rub on cleansed skin. Let it set for 15 minutes and then wash off. You can do this as often as you want, as both ingredients are non toxic and healing.
Camu camu is a stable and rich source of vitamin C to help rejuvenate your skin.
Raw honey defends the skin against bacteria and fungus, as well as free radicals. It is packed with nutrients for beautiful skin, including vitamin C.

About the author

Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
