A SCOTTISH skincare guru has created the UK’s first “Botox in a bottle” using a “rare” herb – and it only costs £20.
Aileen Smith, 57, is the founder of skincare firm Arganorganics, which uses natural, plant-based ingredients to make treatments for skin conditions.
Aileen launched her firm Arganorganics in 2011[/caption]
Aileen’s new range is like ‘Botox in a bottle’[/caption]
The firm is based in Dunning, a small village in Perth and Kinross, and its products have helped treat rosacea, acne, eczema and psoriasis.
But it’s the mum-of-three’s latest product that has had everyone talking.
Her new anti-ageing Regeneration range has been described as being a natural alternative to Botox.
And it includes creams and serums that can be used under the eyes and on the face, neck and chest.
The range uses acmella oleracea, which is a rare Madagascan herb that has muscle-relaxing and numbing properties.
The herb is commonly known as the ‘toothache plant’ because it was traditionally used to treat toothaches and mouth sores.
It has an instant effect when you put it on, it’s revolutionary
But this is the first time it has been used in creams and serums for skincare in the UK.
Aileen, who grew up in Kirkcaldy, told The Courier that it is a “gentle alternative to injectables.”
She said: “I am very excited about this new product and hope it will be the holy grail for anyone looking for a gentle, natural alternative to Botox.
“Many women of a certain age would love to be less wrinkled, but there has also been a move towards natural ingredients – particularly for over 35s.
“I have worked with many exciting herbs and plants, including local red clover and nettles and Asian varieties such as balloon vine, which is great for eczema.
“I love doing deep dives into the many properties of plants and when I discovered one that smooths wrinkles and could be an alternative to Botox, I had to see what I could do with it.
“It has an instant effect when you put it on, it’s revolutionary.
“I am 57, but people often think I am much younger than I am – I hope I am a good advert for my skincare range.”
Prices for the range start at just £19.99, which is more than £100 cheaper than the price of Botox.
One area of injectable botulinum toxin can be as pricey as £150 or even £200 in aesthetic clinics.
Aileen started the company 14 years ago after being fascinated by therapeutic botanicals as a young teen.
She was inspired after her dad, who was a radiographer at Victoria Hospital in Fife, grew medicinal herbs at their home.
Why is turmeric good for anti-ageing?
ANOTHER product which is good for anti-ageing is turmac.
A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that turmeric and curcumin may help prevent DNA damage and aid in DNA repair.
This is promising news for disease prevention and slowing the ageing process. It also:
Boosts Collagen Production: Collagen is a protein that maintains the skin’s elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Turmeric helps stimulate collagen synthesis, thereby promoting firmer and more youthful skin.
Improves Skin Health: Turmeric has been shown to improve various skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin, reduce redness, and promote a clearer complexion.
So in 2011, she decided that she wanted to delve further into the world of plants and create botanical creams and serums.
All of Aileen’s products are cruelty-free and are made of organic Moroccan argan oil.
They also have no parabens, artificial fragrances or colours, and she makes sure that all ingredients undergo clinical efficacy testing.
With her company continuing to grow, Aileen has now built a state-of-the-art skincare lab at her farm in Dunning.
She shares her farm with her partner, Craig Henderson.
And she said that the new lab will help her and her team to upscale production on-site.