How to Have Healthy Skin, the Natural Way
Your skin is truly a marvel and an integral part of your body. As one of the largest organs of the body, your skin is constantly transmitting and receiving information. The skin never lies! It connects to every system in the body and if something is amiss; your skin displays signs of interior or exterior distress.
The good news is that the skin is very forgiving with proper care and is not a complicated ritual. Basically, there are simple steps to achieve healthy, glowing skin the natural way. Some formulas for skin care can be do-it-yourself products which can save a considerable amount of money in your quest for a life time of radiant skin.
- A cleansing routine is a beauty essential! Cleanse your skin twice daily using a mild, natural cleanser designed for your skin type to wash away dirt, makeup, toxins and pollutants. Try using gentle foams, gels, crèmes or milks for facial cleaning. Rinse, rinse, rinse to prevent any residue from clogging the pores. Avoid using detergent based cleansers using artificial surfactants (soap producers). Look for coconut or fruit sugar based cleansers. Opt for fragrance-free products to avoid skin care related allergic reactions.
- Use a toner or astringent to ensure complete removal of any residual cleanser from the skin. Toners stimulate the circulation, reduce oiliness and help refine unevenly textured skin. A skin toner is milder and less drying than an astringent which is best for those prone to oily skin. Essential oils used in toners and astringents are very effective. Rosewater is the perfect base for skin tonic suitable for most skin types. Using witch hazel as a base with the essential oils is better suited for normal to oily skin. For normal to dry skin use spring water as a base. Add 3 ounces rosewater with 1 drop sandalwood and Palma Rosa and lavender essential oil. For normal to oily substitute orange, neroli and lavender essential oils. Put all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well before each use.
- Use a "multitaskinging" daytime moisturizer for the skin to replenish, hydrate and protect. Choose those that contain plant-based moisturizers using natural oils and butters ( shea butter and jojoba oil do a great job.) with essential fatty acids (omega 3 fatty acids). These ingredients penetrate the skin far better that man-made emollients made from petroleum derivatives. Use a daytime moisturizer with SPF of 15 or 20 with antioxidants to fight environmental damage.
- Choose a night under-eye creme or serum with natural rejuvenators while you sleep. Look for products containing collagen- forming peptides, firming algae, vitamins A, C, and E. and retinol. Use the lightest touch possible because the skin below the eyes is some of the thinnest on the body. Using too much pressure may stretch the skin and lead to lines and wrinkles.
- Proper nutrition is absolutely vital to healthy skin. Eating a diet of foods in their natural state and avoiding processed foods is one of the best ways to obtain radiant, glowing skin. Eating foods rich in antioxidants and boosting your omega-3 intake will result in dramatic improvement in the tone, texture, and health of your skin. A daily, high quality multi-vitamin is a great way to insure that you are recieving all the nutrients for general good health and a life time of healthy skin.
Sources:
- Edgar, Jolene. Natural Skin Care Rules, Health Magazine, April 2008.
- Tourles, Stephanie. Naturally Healthy Skin, Storey Books, 1999.
- Berg, Rona. Secrets to Gorgeous Skin, Natural Solutions, April 2008
Judith Vines - Hello! I am Judy Vines I have cultivated herbs for over 25 years and have used them for many purposes. I grow herbs for culinary, ...
