 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Taking Care of Your Skin
Your facial skin is a living, breathing, eliminating and self-regenerating organ, and taking care of it correctly is very important. Harsh changes in climatic conditions tend to dehydrate the skin, leaving it dry and quite often scaly. The regular use of natural skin care products will keep your skin looking healthy and supple without being harsh, and unlike many commercially available products will not have an adverse effect on facial skin.
The first and single most important step to skin care is a daily cleansing routine. This action frees particles of dirt, grime, and grease, which accumulate on your skin every day.
For an all-purpose cleanser blend together thoroughly 50ml of grape seed oil, 40ml of sesame seed oil, 10ml of wheat germ oil, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Store in an airtight, amber-coloured glass bottle. Shake well before use, then pour a little oil into the palm of one hand and warm by rubbing the palms together. Smooth over the entire face and neck, and then lightly massage into the skin using small, circular movements. Gently wipe away all traces of the cleanser with a face washer wrung out in tepid water, rinsing at least twice more in warm water.
Next, pat dry and tone the skin. This step stimulates the circulation, reduces oiliness, helps to refine the pores and skin texture, and removes the last traces of grease, dead cells and grime, and firms the skin.
Dissolve three drops of geranium essential oil in 5ml of cider vinegar and blend this with 100ml of rose water. Shake well to mix and stand for 48 hours. Drip through coffee filter paper and store in an airtight glass bottle. Apply by gently dabbing the lotion onto cleansed skin with a cottonwool ball, and then leave it to dry.
The final step is to moisturise the skin. Both cleansing and toning tend to dry facial skin slightly, and to remove some of the natural oils. A good moisturiser will help to replace these, keeping your skin supple and protecting it against moisture loss and the effects of environmental conditions.
A very light and gentle natural moisturiser, which is suitable for all skin types, can be made by mixing together 40ml of rose water, 30ml of glycerine and 10ml of apricot kernel oil or almond oil. Combine the ingredients in an amber-coloured glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid, and shake well before using. Apply to facial skin, massaging gently into the skin. Leave on for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess moisturiser with a soft, clean cloth.
It is important to remember that your face is the most expressive part of your body. It instantly communicates your moods and personality when you meet someone, so it is very important to keep it in top condition. The use of natural skin care products alone will not give your skin a healthy glow, but when combined with regular exercise and a good diet your skin will be keep looking healthy and supple.
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