If you didn't know it, you wouldn't believe it — but Salma Hayek is 57 years old.
Perhaps that's because Hayek is well-known for preferring to keep things as simple and natural as possible when it comes to caring for her skin. No Botox, fillers or injections, she says.
For years, in interviews, Hayek has sworn by an all-natural, reasonably priced skin care ingredient that has an ancient history.
Tepezcohuite.
What is Tepezcohuite?
Tepezcohuite (teh-pez-coh-WEE-teh) is often referred to as the "Skin Tree" (scientific name: mimosa tenuiflora). It looks like a fern and has small white flowers.
What's so fascinating about the plant is its millennia-long history as a medicine and skincare remedy among indigenous peoples who lived where it's native flora, in Mexico and parts of Central America.
The ancient Mayans roasted, boiled and fermented Tepezcohuite leaves, seeds and bark to make a variety of remedies to treat conditions including skin rashes, coughs, backaches and burns.
The Tepezcohuite bark also contains DMT, a hallucinogen that produces effects similar to magic mushrooms and psilocybin.
Ancient indigenous peoples in Mexico and parts of Central America were well aware of this and included Tepezcohuite in religious rituals and ceremonies.
But what can Tepezocohuite do for you now? And why has Salma Hayek sworn by it for years as a part of her skincare routine?
What can Tepezcohuite do?
It's famous for its ability to heal wounds, burns and scars, and has a large devoted audience that includes it in their all-natural skin care routines as a day or night cream.
How exactly it works is still being studied, but scientists have found a number of beneficial compounds in Tepezcohuite bark. That might explain some of the modern studies that have shown it to be a powerful aid to healing burns and ulcers.
Here are some of the benefits of Tepezcohuite:
- Anti-inflammatory: Tepezcohuite contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects. Tepezcohuite may help reduce inflammation, contributing to its traditional use in soothing irritated skin.
- Antimicrobial: The bark of Tepezcohuite was traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties. This may help in preventing or treating infections when applied topically.
- Regeneration: Tepezcohuite is believed to promote skin regeneration and tissue repair. It may stimulate cell proliferation and collagen production, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and healthy skin. This might also be why some have pointed to it as a hair regrowth treatment.
- Antioxidant: Tepezcohuite may have antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to oxidative stress and damage to skin cells. Antioxidants can assist in protecting the skin from environmental these stressors.
Conclusion
Research is ongoing, but there are a lot of positive signs that ancient peoples might have been onto something with Tepezcohuite. Especially since its a relatively common plant, making the products derived from it generally budget- and environment-friendly.
Creams containing Tepezcohuite can be found on most major retailers' sites, starting at around $15.
But watch out, while Tepezcohuite may be derived from natural plant compounds with healing properties, some creams containing it are loaded with other ingredients that aren't so great. So make sure to check the label.
