Taking Care of Your Skin

Healthy skin daily secretes an important protective covering. This covering is called our “acid mantle” because the secretions are acidic and it helps to protect our body from harmful organisms and harsh environmental effects. To keep your skin healthy and your acid mantle functioning properly you should follow a daily regimen of:

• Eating a healthy, whole foods diet
• Getting a daily dose of essential fatty acids through the intake of unrefined, expeller pressed plant oils or fish oils
• Daily lubricating your skin using a nourishing, natural, skin-friendly moisturizer (find natural moisturizers here)
• Drinking plenty of fresh water
• Getting regular outdoor exercise

Avoid Petroleum Products
Petroleum products, such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, mineral oil and preservatives that are commonly found in store-bought lotions, creams and skin care products are foreign to our skin cells and clogging to our pores. They also atract dirt and bacteria and can become vehicles for these unwelcome substances. When our skin has to deal with this abuse everyday it ultimately weakens and breaks down the strength and durability of our skin and can cause an allergic reaction. This is very evident with the rise in skin allergies, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin and skin cancer.

A Daily Skin Care Routine for Your Face
Developing a healthy daily skin care routine can work wonders for your skin. The three basic steps to healthy skin are:

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Moisturize

Cleanse
Avoid using soaps that are harsh to your skin. Many of the “Beauty Bars” and so-called moisturizing bars available in the stores contain detergents that strip your skin of nutrients and upset the acid mantle. These detergent based bars should definitely not be used on your face. The best way to cleanse is with just plain warm water on a soft, all cotton washcloth. A gentle rubbing action with the washcloth exfoliates dead skin cells and removes dirt while the warm water opens and cleans out the pores.

If you must use a cleanser be sure to use a natural, botanical soap that contains moisturizing plant oils such as olive, almond, avacado, and jojoba (find Natural Soaps here). Check the label for these products and be sure the label says “soap”. Otherwise, even if it has some good botanical oils, the detergent it contains will strip the oils away and promote dryness.

Liquid cleansers can also be full of skin drying chemicals so It is best to use one that contains moisturizing oils such as castor and coconut. (Our liquid facial cleanser leaves your skin clean and subtley soft! You can find it here>>>)

Do not cleanse more than once daily unless necessary. Excess cleansing upsets the skins natural oil balance.

Tone
Toning helps to tighten and close your skin’s pores which inturn helps keep bacteria and dirt out and also creates a smooth appearance.

Avoid facial toners that contain alcohol. Alcohol is harsh and can destroy your skin. Instead use botanical waters (hydrosols), such as Lavender and Rose water, also fruit vinegars. These make excellent facial toners. (find our natural facial toners made from pure flower hydrosols here>>>)

To apply, dab toner on your face lightly, using a pre-moistened cotton cloth or cotton ball. Or you can apply toner using a pump spray-top bottle. Mix distilled water and pure essential oil of Lavender or Rose, shake well then spritz lightly on face. Allow to air dry or pat lightly with a clean, cotton towel.

Moisturize
The most important step! To prevent premature aging and wrinkling of your skin you must moisturize it.

Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol, petroleum products (see above), and synthetic preservatives as they will rob your skin of vital nutrients and ultimately cause a mottled, wrinkled appearance to your skin.

Use moisturizers that contain natural, botanical oils such as jojoba, avocado, olive, almond, apricot and essential oils such as lavender, carrot seed, rosemary, myrrh and chamomile (find natural facial moisturizers here>>>).

Essential Oils are Essential
The regular use of pure essential oils and botanical plant extracts also helps to keep your skin healthy. These nutrients from nature contain minerals that are essential to proper skin health. Our skin cells recognize these nutrients and will readily accept them in through our pores. Essential oils help to create health and balance to our system.

Your choice of which essential oils to use depends on your skin type.

• Acne/Oily Skin: Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Juniper, Ylang-ylang (see Skin Therapy Cream here).
• Dry Skin: Chamomile, Geranium, Myrrh, Rose, Sandalwood, Neroli.
• Sensitive Skin: Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Rosewood.
• Mature/Sun-damaged Skin: Bergamot, Carrot Seed, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Neroli, Frankincense (see Evening Primrose Rejuvenating Cream here).