You’d like a smooth, ageless face, but also want to consider the environment. What should you be looking for? If you lather pineapple, papaya and egg on your face, is that effective and worth the effort? Here are 10 organic ingredients that have long-term benefits:

• Vitamin A (Retinol, Tretinoin and Retinyl Palmitate) – Very effective at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and exfoliating the skin. Vitamin A tends to dry the skin out and is often used to clear acne. If you are simply looking for wrinkle relief, use Vitamin C.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - This antioxidant reduces fine lines and wrinkles, fights age spots and improves collagen and elastin production. Most products do not contain enough Vitamin C to be effective. L-Ascorbic Acid is the preferred form and 10 – 15% seems to be the preferred amount. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and SkinCeuticals Serum 15 AOX+ are great examples of pure Vitamin C Serums with high potency, high-quality ingredients. Both serums are thin, brown liquids that you apply over your entire face. Neither are certifiably organic, but they are in their natural form without fillers.

• Vitamin E (Tocopherol) - A skin softening and healing ingredient, it’s effectiveness depends on quantity and quality of the Vitamin E used. The oil is often man-made so it is best to look for natural Vitamin E with a high potency.
• Co Q 10 (Ubiquinone) - This antioxidant helps repair skin damage and improve collagen. The levels of CoQ10 in our bodies diminishes with age, causing our skin to be easily damaged by free radicals and prone to sagging. CoQ10 creams will repair damage and replenish levels within the cells themselves. It easily penetrates skin cells for easy absorption. Freshness and the proper concentration are important.
• Ellagic Acid - Ellagic Acid is antioxidant-rich and collagen building so it will improve skin look and tone over time. Pomegranate in particular is touted for its effectiveness on aging skin. Ellagic Acid is also found in raspberries, cranberries and pomegranates.
• Green Tea - Studies have shown that green tea has the ability to provide sun protection. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular of the anti aging ingredients for its effect on the aging process.
• Sea Buckthorn- A popular ingredient used throughout the world for healing the skin from rashes and Rosacea. It is very beneficial for anti aging and is loaded with vitamins and nutrients to help feed dry or aging skin. Sea Buckthorn combats wrinkles and dryness.
• Oils – Oils with a high percentage of essential fatty acids have been found to work well on mature, dry or damaged skin. Borage, Evening Primrose and Almond oil have all been found to be effective anti aging ingredients to moisturize and plump the skin.
• Essential Oils – Essential oils have been used for years for their rejuvenating and restorative effects on aging skin. Sandalwood, Geranium, Frankincense, Rose and Neroli are often found in anti aging creams and serums to firm and rejuvenate. Purity and freshness are important when purchasing products using essential oils.
• Shea Butter – Found to not only moisturize and eliminate rough dry skin, Shea Butter helps improve skin tone and elasticity so your wrinkles tighten and firm. A high concentration of at least 20% shea butter is the most beneficial. Unrefined shea is the best choice, as it still retains a high level of vitamins and nutrients.