Tips and recipes of the French herbalist Maurice Messegue against wrinkles
The French herbalist Maurice Messegue from the 20th century made a natural preparation with plants that removes wrinkles on the face. Even today, this recipe is relevant and very effective.
Wrinkles are bumps and depressions on the skin that increase over the years. The skin thins with time and aging, becomes drier and loses its natural elasticity. The ability to defend the skin against external factors decreases. The appearance of wrinkles occurs in the dermis (the second layer of the skin that contains structural elements – proteins such as collagen and elastin that give the skin firmness and elasticity. The process of reproduction of dermis cells slows down with aging. The skin becomes thinner, the network of collagen fibers weakens and bumps appear on At the same time, the secretion of protective oils that hydrate the skin decreases, so the skin becomes dry and more prone to wrinkles.
World famous French herbalist Maurice Messegue made a face mask in the form of a barley drink. This liquid mask today has justified scientific confirmation. It is also used in industrial and medicinal products for rejuvenation.
Barley contains a large number of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E and large amounts of vitamin B12 (which is otherwise very rare in plants). Barley is rich in minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, cobalt and iodine). Barley is also rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which plays a key role in the production of erythrocytes and sex hormones. It is rich in lignans that create estrogen (so they significantly affect the health of the skin). Lignans are phytoestrogens that stimulate the production of collagen. Lignans are introduced into the body by drinking strained barley liquid. Barley drink is rich in antioxidants. In one study, these antioxidants were found to be effective in preventing peroxynitrite (a radical that attacks skin tissue and causes DNA damage—the main cause of wrinkles). Barley also contains azelaic acid, which is very interesting in the cosmetic industry due to its effect on skin whitening and reducing hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that causes the production of melanin and thus the appearance of spots). Barley is rich in selenium and zinc (minerals that are present in small quantities in the human body, but like other microelements are important for the normal functioning of the body). They are key above all for cell division, enzymatic action of the liver and other organs, in strengthening immunity and for removing toxins from the body. The mineral selenium helps maintain skin elasticity as it protects against free radicals. Barley strengthens the tone of the skin and reduces tightening, thus making the skin youthful. Antioxidants in barley delay the appearance of the first signs of aging. While a high percentage of zinc accelerates the healing process of skin and tissues. Barley also has a detoxifying effect on the human body, which is important for healthy skin and the whole body.

1. Barley grain mask and drink according to Messegue’s advice – soak 200 grams of barley grain overnight. The next day, boil the swollen barley grain in a liter of water for at least 60 minutes. Mash the grain into a mushy mixture after 60 minutes of cooking. Strain through gauze or a fine cloth. Collect the strained liquid. Put the mushy mixture aside in a special container and put it on your face. Hold for at least 20 minutes. Scrub your face well and rinse after the time is up. Put compresses from the strained liquid on your face. Hold for 15 minutes. Drink a glass of this liquid afterwards. Repeat the treatment at least once a week – your face will be shiny and smooth, and wrinkles will be visibly reduced.
2. Compresses and drink for facial care – according to the advice of the famous French herbalist Maurice Messegue, compresses and a drink can be made from other plants to alleviate and prevent the appearance of wrinkles on the face. For compresses and drinks, try alternately using some of the plants (tea from arnica flowers, 2 pinches of tea in one cup, tea from red or wild rose petals, i.e. 5 pinches in one cup, tea from the flowers and leaves of the “day-night” plant, i.e. 3 pinches in one cup, tea from linden leaves or 4 pinches in one cup and tea from violet flowers and leaves or 3 pinches in one cup).