I am of the
firm opinion that all-natural beauty products are not only
effective, they are superior to the standard beauty
products that are being sold today.
Just like natural food has become accepted and revered, natural
beauty care is finally beginning to receive the credit that it
deserves. There are no strict standards in place to guide
consumers to the real thing when it comes to completely natural.
So it's buyer beware, and be educated as to what constitutes a
completely natural product. When you see the word "natural" on a
beauty product, it is basically meaningless. This is a buzz word
that is routinely used to entice you to buy products. Read your
ingredient labels carefully. If you see any long chemical
names that you can barely pronounce, there's a very good chance
that it is not a completely natural product.
You may ask, "So
what's the problem? I've been using these kinds of products all
my life." Again, I would suggest that you compare your beauty
products to food. And you should! The skin that surrounds your
entire body takes in a large portion of whatever is put onto it.
If you think that skin doesn't absorb, then think about birth
control and Nicotine patches. Skin does absorb, and it is
presently absorbing toxins every day if you use beauty products
that contain potentially dangerous ingredients. It may be a small
amount on a daily basis, but when used constantly throughout your
life, it can be quite a large amount, some of which remains!
Sure, these chemicals have been tested, but when all of these
chemicals are put into the body, they merge with each other.
These combinations, have not been tested. So basically
speaking, you are the guinea pig.
Completely natural
beauty products are not just watered down replicas of the store
bought versions. They are the real thing. More and more
companies are coming forward, bringing their wonderful, truly
natural products to the market under the name all-natural
or organic. So your options are opening up, but continue to read
your labels. You may have to use these products up more quickly,
and protect them from excess heat, light and bacteria. You may
find them to be a little less refined in their appearance. What
you will have are rich, full-bodied products, that work with
your body, not against it. In turn, your skin will thank you with
radiant, healthy beauty. After using un-natural products for
years and years myself, I was amazed at the difference! My skin
seems to be getting younger and healthier all the time.
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Make your own all-natural
beauty products |
Make Your Own Beauty Products
Rather than going to
your bathroom shelves for your beauty products, just take a trip
to your kitchen pantry. Because we all start off with different
skin types, there will be differences to keep in mind when
formulating your homemade beauty recipes. We'll focus on facial
masks here. These are easy to make and use, and you will probably
find most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now. For those
ingredients that you don't already have, just take a trip to your
grocery or healthfood store.
Basic Skin
Types and Their Particular Needs -
Sensitive Skin -
A sensitive skin
reacts the most to changes in temperature, skincare products, and
seemingly... everything. If you have a sensitive skin, your goal
is to bring it to a more normal range. This can be acheived by
finding a skincare routine that works for you (and of course is
all-natural). Learn to treat it with the care that it deserves.
Do not use anything that makes your skin tingle or burn. Use
soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Honey.
Oily
Skin -
Generally your skin becomes greasy in appearance within an hour or
two after cleansing, and remains that way throughout the day. The
pores are usually enlarged. This is usually hereditary, but is
manageable through proper diet and skincare. The usual method for
dealing with this type of skin is to dry it out. This is just a
temporary fix though, which just creates more of the same as the
body tries to lubricate the dry surface. I prefer to treat this
skin as more of a normal skin type, don't dry out, and don't add
too much oil. Eventually the oiliness calms down. There are ways
to reduce pore size naturally, which helps the overall
appearance. Cucumber and Tomato will be good choices to reduce
large pores (mash and apply, or mix with yogurt for more
creaminess). Also clay masks (look for Bentonite or Fuller's
Earth at your healthfood store) will help to purify and tighten
the pores. Just make a paste by mixing with water.
Dry
Skin - Diet, heredity and age play a role here. After
forty, most of us need more help in keeping the skin supple and
moist. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet, including some oil
(fish oils are great), and give yourself nourishing facial mask
treatments weekly. Avocado and Banana are good choices for dry
skin. When mixing your masks, you may want to add a bit of a
good, rich oil such as Avocado, Wheat germ or Almond. Egg Yolk is
also a good choice for feeding your skin what it needs.
Acne Prone Skin - Acne
can be one of the most devastating problems, especially when it is
on your face or body. Improper skincare, nutrition,
hormones, and even stress can play a role. Make sure to keep
hands and face very clean, because acne can spread once it has
started. Never squeeze blemishes, they can break open beneath the
surface and cause internal havoc, not to mention scarring.
Cleanliness is key to getting rid of acne. For individual
breakouts, try treating them with raw Garlic (antiseptic). Also,
when you are tempted to squeeze, apply a dot of moist clay to the
blemish. This will not only stop you from picking, it will also
spot dry, without drying out the entire face. Remove the
clay spot later carefully by moistening first with a warm wash
cloth.
Combination
Skin -
A person with this type of skin will usually have an oily T-zone,
with a normal to dry cheek area. When using your masks, you can
work on supplying the needs of each area with different
ingredients, or by using the same ingredients that will be
effective for both. See Oily and Dry Skin categories for your
choices.
Dull
Complexion -
The dullness, or grey
appearance can come by the lack of good circulation, or by excess
dead skin buildup. Both of these situations can be improved by
using the correct skincare products and measures. Exfoliation is
the key for this type of skin to bring it back to a radiant glow.
Try a manual scrub using either ground Oats, Corn meal, or Almond
meal, mixed with Honey or oil . Or try an enzymatic exfoliant
such as Papaya (mash up the pulp and apply to the surface of the
skin for about 5 minutes).
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There are many fresh
all-natural ingredients that can be found in your home |
Some Simple Ingredients and What They Can Do -
Yogurt
- Healing,
cleansing, emollient, and mildly astringent. This is like dream
food for the skin, it loves it! Use it for any skin type. Works
well to soothe a sun or wind burn. Yogurt adds a nice creaminess
to any mask, and helps to soften the skin.
Oatmeal
- This
soothing, emollient ingredient will make your skin amazingly
smooth and soft. This can be prepared like your usual Oatmeal,
and used as a calming, soothing facial mask. Or use it
crushed up as the exfoliant in a scrub (mix with Honey or oil -
See above).
Pumpkin
- Loaded with
vitamin C, this member of the gourd family is quite emollient.
Mash the pulp and use it straight, or mix with Honey or yogurt for
a more creamy consistency.
Cucumber
- Bleaching,
cooling, soothing, astringent and healing. You've seen Cucumber
slices placed on the eyes during a facial, now you know why. Not
only are they cooling and soothing to the eyes, they help to
tighten the tissue with their astringent properties.
Carrot
- Containing
vitamin A, Carrots are also antiseptic. This is a very nourishing
ingredient for the body whether used internally or externally.
Papaya
- This
tropical fruit contains protein digesting enzymes which help to
relieve surface tension. It is usually used for its exfoliation
properties. It is a powerful treatment, so be careful not to rub
it into the skin. Just apply to the surface for just a few
minutes.
Honey
- One of the
greats of all-natural skincare. Almost anyone can use this gift
from the bees with its rejuvenating, hydrating, humectant
(attracts water to the skin), soothing and healing properties.
Avocado
- This fruit
from California is loaded with rich oil that is quite nutritious
for dry or mature skin. It's also an loaded with antioxidants.
Banana -
Nourishing, works well on
dry and mature skin.
Tomato
- Being acidic
helps to make this a wonderful ingredient for tightening pores.
It's also rich in Vitamin C and Potassium.
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Try this exfoliating
Honey Almond Scrub. (Cinnamon is not an ingredient in
this recipe) |
Beauty Recipes Using Some of These Ingredients -
Honey
Almond Scrub
This is a Honey Almond
scrub with a Peppermint twist! This product will exfoliate your
skin to help make it smoother and softer.
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4 T Almond meal (or
Almond flour)
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2 T Jojoba oil
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4 T Honey
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5 drops of
Peppermint essential oil
Pour the Almond Meal and
Jojoba oil into a 4 oz cobalt or amber glass jar (preferably).
Stir well. Then mix in the Honey and Peppermint essential oil.
Keep stirring until the mixture is completely mixed.
To use: Cleanse the skin
first. Apply about a teaspoon amount of the scrub to a moistened
face. Mix with water to make it a more fluid application (do not
add water to the jar, mix with the small amount of scrub in your
hand). Scrub the skin gently in circular motions, letting the
almond meal do the work (harder pressure will only damage
capillaries!). Massage every square inch of skin except the
delicate eye tissue. Remove with a warm washcloth. Be careful to
remove every bit of the scrub. Apply a freshener or hydrosol with
a cotton ball to remove any excess product. Finish by applying
your moisturizer. Use about once a week to help keep the skin
soft and smooth and relieve surface tension. This is a perfect
treatment to have before applying a soothing mask.
Banana
Facial Mask
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1 ripe ripe Banana
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1 T Honey
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1/2 teaspoon Jojoba
oil
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1 T Yogurt
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1 egg white
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1 T Kaolin (white)
clay
In a small mixing bowl,
whisk the egg white, then blend in the yogurt, Jojoba oil, Honey
and then the Kaolin clay until it becomes a smooth creamy
mixture. In a separate bowl, mash up the banana until it is
smooth, then blend into the first mixture.
The best way to use this
masque is while sitting in the tub because it is a bit messy.
Apply to the entire face, neck and shoulder area. As it sits,
keep applying more while you build the masque up as well as
massage it in. Let it remain on the skin for at least 10-15
minutes and then remove with a warm washcloth. Finish with a
freshener or hydrosol on a cotton ball to remove any excess
product from the skin, then moisturize as usual.
This is a wonderful
softening and firming treatment in one.
Kelp
Firming Mask
This mask treatment will
help to soften and firm your skin at the same time.
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3 T Yogurt
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1 tsp. Organic
Powdered Kelp
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1 tsp. Honey
Place 3 tablespoons of
plain yogurt into a small dish. Add the powdered Kelp, stir
well. Add the Honey and stir until all three ingredients are
blended into a smooth consistency.
To use: Cleanse, apply the
mask all over face, neck and shoulder area. Massage lightly (the
Kelp acts as beauty grains to promote exfoliation). Leave on for
about 5-10 minutes. Remove with a warm washcloth. Use a
freshener or hydrosol on a cotton ball for complete removal.
Apply your moisturizer as usual. Kelp contains iodine, so
those with iodine allergies should not use this mask
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Masks give quick and
effective results |
Basic Directions for Using Masks
Masks are your best
choice for quick results. The effects will be noticible, and
depending on which ingredients you choose and your skin type,
should last for anywhere from a few hours, to a few days. Your
skin is always in a constant state of change. Therefore, nothing
is absolutely permanant when it comes to your skin. You cannot
expect to acheive any permanant solutions by using masks. But
when used regularly, they are a wonderful choice to help maintain
your skins radiant good health. I would recommend using them
about once or twice a week as a pick-me-up, or as part of your
skincare regimen. They can also be a great source of relaxation.
Make sure that when you apply your mask, you are ready to lay down
on something comfortable and put your feet up. Taking a bath with
a mask on is also a great idea because you can get into the tub
with your mask already on, and the removal is very easy. Perhaps
you'd enjoy adding some soothing music and some breathing
excercises. Make this 'your' time, and plan this treat for a
moment when you have your own space. Another option is to get
together with friends and give these treatments to eachother.
Whatever you do, make it fun and relaxing and it will be something
that you'll look forward to.
Always apply your
mask on a clean face. To give yourself a complete facial, you may
want to steam your face first to open the pores, release toxins
through perspiration, and to increase circulation. You can do
this by pouring heated water (not too hot) into a large bowl and
using a towel as a tent over your head (face over the bowl to
receive the steam) for about 5-10 minutes. This is a very good
recommendation for normal to oily skin. Sensitive skins, or those
with Rosacea should avoid this step. If you feel that the steam
is too hot... it is. Experiment with getting the water at the
right temperature, and what length of time works best for you.
Unlike masks that
you buy from the store, natural masks generally do not have a
preservation system. So the best way to prepare your masks are in
small portions. You can refrigerate any unused product, but make
sure to use it up at the same rate that you would use up food.
The freshness is what makes these types of masks so appealing and
effective, but they must be used up relatively quickly. Whip up
your mask, and apply it in upward circular motions to the face,
neck, and chest area. Feeding, nourishing masks can sit on the
face anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Masks that draw and tighten
should be removed as soon as you feel that the drying process has
occurred, usually within 3-10 minutes (depending on how thick you
layer the mask). If you feel any tingling or burning that doesn't
feel good, like a sunburn feeling, remove the mask immediately and
rinse with cool water. Masks should feel good, they should never
hurt. Remove your mask with a warm washcloth. Soak the mask
first to loosen, and always be gentle with your precious
skin. Finish the process by spritzing the face with a nice
hydrosol (actual distilled flowers and/or herbs) and then apply a
nice all-natural moisturizer. Your skin should now feel clean,
refreshed, and firm to the touch.
Feel free to
experiment with the ingredients that are right for your skin
type. Natural ingredients are generally much more forgiving than
un-natural ones. But please remember that even natural
ingredients can have adverse reactions for someone that has
allergies to certain foods. For example, if you have an allergy
to nuts, don't use almonds. If you are allergic to iodine
(shellfish), don't use kelp. If you really want to be sure that
you are not allergic to a certain product or ingredient, do a
patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inside of your
forearm and watch to see that it doesn't get itchy or red. If all
goes well after a couple of hours, you should be okay.
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Practice good skin care
basics every day |
Good Skin Care Basics
We were all given
our own set of genes when we arrived into this world. These will
determine basic aspects of what your skin will be like. Work with
your skin and get to know what it needs on a moment to moment
basis. Because everything is in a constant state of change, such
as the climate, our hormones, moods, etc.. we need to constantly
evaluate what our skin's needs. This is where mask treatments
play a crucial role. But for everyday skincare, your routine
will be pretty consistent.
You'll want to find
a cleanser that works for you. A mild all-natural cleanser or
soap should be applied topically, massaged into the skin and
removed with a warm wash cloth. This will remove the oil and dirt
from the pores. Then follow up with a freshener or hydrosol on a
cotton ball. This will freshen the skin, add the properties of
the hydrosol, and remove any excess cleanser. Follow this step
with an all-natural moisturizer that will add the nutrients and
oils back into the skin to complete the process. The right
moisturizer for you will allow your skin to breathe, and for your
own oils to come to the surface freely. When these steps are
performed morning and night, your pores will remain open and
clean, leaving your skin full of healthy botanicals, and looking
beautiful.
Skin can also be a
reflection of your health, so be sure to maintain a healthy diet
(including 6-8 glasses of water a day) and get plenty of rest.
Seek harmony in your life, and try to always find the positive in
every situation.
In Conclusion
My hope is that after reading this, you can now see that whether
you make your own all-natural beauty products, or you buy them...
going the all-natural way, is the healthier choice. I know that
you will find it fun and satisfying to make your own beauty
formulations. I also hope that you are inspired to learn more
about this fascinating subject. If you're like me, once you start
down this path, there's no going back to the old toxic ways.
This article nor
any portions of it may be reproduced or used without written
consent from the author.
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