There are so many DIY anti aging cream recipes out there, but only a few really work.
That’s why I did my homework and found this one.
It contains red maple leaf because scientists have discovered that maple leaf extract is the new best natural anti-aging ingredient.
Maple trees are best known for their maple syrup and lovely fall foliage. But it turns out that the beauty of those leaves could be skin-deep—and that’s a good thing. Today, scientists report that an extract from the leaves may prevent wrinkles.
Source
Surprised? I was too.
Let’s make this maple anti aging cream.
Red Maple Leaf DIY Anti Aging Cream Recipe
As I mentioned earlier, scientists have just recently discovered that red maple leaf extract has botox-like properties that act to eliminate wrinkles and facial lines.
This extract inhibits the activity of elastase, which is the enzyme responsible for aging.
Ingredients
The recipe uses Shea butter, apricot kernel oil, vitamin e, lavender essential oil, and red maple leaves (dried).
I have added some substitutes in case you don’t have the original ingredients.
It is, of course, better to use red maple leaves but I have been researching plant extract substitutes in case you can’t find red maple leaves.
Chamomile extract and calendula extract are good substitutes because they both have anti-inflammatory properties.
For best results it is advised that you use Shea butter but if you can’t use it opt for cocoa butter.
- class A Shea butter (15gr)
- emulsifying wax (6gr)
- fast-absorbing oil such as Apricot kernel or Grapeseed (10gr)
- red Maple leaf extract (25gr)
- distilled water (10gr)
- rosehip oil (10 drops)
- vitamin E oil or almond oil (3gr)
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil or geranium essential oil (if using both add 5 drops each))
- broad-spectrum preservative
✅ Get the supplies you need for this DIY anti-aging cream from Amazon:
I bought dried red Maple leaves from Etsy.
To make this anti-aging cream you need to have the Maple extract ready.
I made mine by macerating dried red Maple leaves in propylene glycol for one month.
If you don’t like the thought of using propylene glycol try infusing the leaves in oils such as almond or sunflower.
How to Make It
1. Place Shea butter and emulsifying wax in a heat-resistant container inside another container with water. Simmer over low heat.
2. Before the Shea butter is completely melted add the oil of your choice. I have used apricot kernel and grapeseed oil for mine.
3. Stir the mixture so that all the oils mix well.
4. Add the Maple leaf extract and stir.
5. Now while beating with a hand mixer, start adding the distilled water slowly. Keep mixing for a few minutes until the mixture has emulsified and it reaches a texture you are happy with.
6. Add 10 drops of rosehip oil and mix well.
7. Add vitamin E oil and the essential oil of your choice and mix it with the hand mixer.
8, The last ingredient should be a broad-spectrum preservative. Add the amount you need according to the manufacturer’s instructions and stir thoroughly to make sure the preservative is distributed throughout the cream.
The moisturizer should be ready now. Transfer to a sterilized container with a lid.
Make sure the container remains closed when you are not using the moisturizer.
It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
GREAT RECIPES ON THE BLOG STUFF: 50+ beauty and skin care recipes you can make at home.
How to use this DIY anti-aging cream
1. Before you go to bed, wash your face and neck area and dry the skin with a towel.
2. It has a rich texture so start by applying a small amount to the face and neck and massage in an upwards motion.
3. Use often for best results.
This DIY skin-tightening face mask works really well too. Make it today for a natural facelift.
*If you are unsure, pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medicines, consult your doctor.
Homemade creams you might like:
- DIY cream recipe to minimize stretch marks.
- DIY anti-aging face cream recipe to prevent facial sagging
- homemade rose water face cream to soften wrinkles
- learn how to make aloe vera face cream
Why These Ingredients?
Why are these ingredients effective?
Let’s see the skincare benefits of using these natural ingredients.
# Red Maple Leaf
As mentioned earlier, scientists have just recently discovered that red maple leaf extract has botox-like properties that act to eliminate wrinkles and lines.
This extract inhibits the activity of elastase, which is the enzyme responsible for aging.
If you want to find out about the anti-aging properties of Maple leaf extract check this video by the American Chemical Society and Dr. Hang Ma.
# Shea Butter
Please note that for best results, you should only use new shea butter. Ideally, only use shea butter that is classified as Class A because it’s the best quality.
Experts at The American Shea Butter Institute say that shea butter loses its potency with age, so you should not use it if it is older than 18 months since it was extracted.
Class A shea butter possesses amazing anti-aging properties, which include clearing blemishes and wrinkles.
It also protects against sunburn and is perfect for dry skin.
Besides being a perfect moisturizer, shea butter also acts against skin rash, eczema, and dermatitis.
# Apricot Oil
Apricot oil is rich in vitamins E and K, caffeic acid which is a powerful antioxidant, and other catechins.
It is widely used in massage therapy to moisturize and soothe the skin.
People who have used apricot oil-based creams have been found to have soft skin that has a distinctive glow.
Daily use of apricot oil reduces wrinkles that appear around the eyes as well as fine lines on the face.
By reducing oxidative stress on the skin, apricot oil protects against skin cancer. It is also effective in the treatment of acne.
# Vitamin E
The main use of vitamin E oil in an anti-aging cream is to tap into its moisturizing properties, which work to soothe dry skin.
This, in turn, helps to eliminate the signs of aging skin.
# Lavender Essential Oil
For this recipe, the lavender essential oil is for that extra aroma.
`Hi – like the article. Before you updated, am I correct that you had a recipe for extracting maple leaf in oil. Could you share that with me please?
Hi Elma,
Not sure if I had the recipe before but you can have a look at this page if you want to find out about macerating herbs and leaves in oils.
Thanks for stopping by!