Better Beauty: Apples Against Aging?

You know the old saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away?" It just may be the next big thing in skin care.

Although apples have been used in home remedies for centuries, there is a new study that shows they could help slow down the aging process.

Just type in the words "apple" and "skin care" in your favorite search engine and you will find tons of home recipes. There are apple facial masks, apple-based skin toners, and apple cider acne treatments, just to name a few.

Overall, apple helps soothe dry skin and give it a pleasant glow. Studies claim that when applied to the skin, apple cider vinegar works because it is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, helping to dissolve fatty deposits on the skin's surface and reducing scaly conditions, promoting a softer, smoother appearance. Cider vinegar also regulates the pH of the skin.

Kicking it up a notch, science is researching apple stem cells, specifically those from the Swiss Uttwiler Spatlauber apple, which is known for staying fresh longer than other apples. In products containing the stem cells, studies show the cells slow down skin aging. This is exciting news, but be cautious. Currently, the only study on the cells was conducted by Mibelle Biochemistry, the ingredient manufacturer for several skin care companies. The study results showed that the apple cells can protect the longevity and activity of existing skin cells—and possibly stimulate new stem cells, all of which would make skin look younger. (Study information extracted from Big Apple/Allure/September 2009).

Right now you can purchase Swiss Apple Stem Cell Serum (1.12 oz) for $120 and Swiss Apple Stem Cell Protection Day Cream with SPF30 (1.7 oz) for $90 at stemcellskincare.com. Both products claim to fight age by preserving and protecting skin stem cells, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines.

Don't want to fork over that kind of dough? Here are a few of my favorite do-it-yourself recipes containing apple. Although they don't claim to fight aging with apple stem cells, they do provide some great benefits for your skin:

Apple Moisturizing Facial Mask

1 Apple, cored & quartered

1 teaspoon Honey

1 teaspoon Half and Half

1 Tablespoon Oats

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

Place the apple pieces in food processor and chop until fine. Add honey, and remaining ingredients, mix well and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Pat mixture onto face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

Apple Skin Toner

1 Red or Green Apple, cut into small pieces

1 cup Water

2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

2 Tablespoons Witch Hazel

2 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

Place apples and water in pan over low heat. Cook apples until soft, approximately 20 minutes. Strain and reserve liquid, discarding apples and skin. Add cider vinegar, witch hazel and Lavender oil to liquid. Poor into glass container and place in refrigerator to cool. Poor cooled liquid into atomizer or spray bottle and mist on face after washing morning and night.