natural skin care

Many of us realize how important it is to be physically fit but fail to attach the same importance to our skin. Our skin is covered with millions of pores, hundreds of sebaceous glands and a huge number of sweat glands. The skin constantly eliminates toxins from the body through perspiration and helps in regulating the temperature of the body. In fact the pallor of the skin and the elasticity are indicators of internal health. Such an important organ surely deserves a little bit more care than the mere topical application of creams and lotions. A healthy skin is determined by our life styles, and also by what we eat and drink. Hence Natural skin care coupled with diet and exercise is very important.

There is no substitute for cleaning -- Twice or thrice a day for a dry skin and 4-5 times for an oily skin is sufficient. The cleaning agents can be in the form of soap or in the form of creams, lotions or gels. Fresh milk is considered to be a good natural cleanser. While cleaning, remember never to stretch or pull the skin. Always apply cleansers and creams in an upward motion and towards the ears. Repeat the procedure a couple of times taking care to leave the cleanser on the face for some time. A combination of milk, honey and oatmeal massaged into the skin is very effective. Remove all traces of cleanser by rinsing with water. In India, a mixture of rice flour with curd is often used to remove make up and open up the pores.

Natural skin care is not complete without us using a skin freshener or a toner. Strictly speaking a toner or an astringent ensure that the acid alkali balance is not affected. If you have a dry skin go in for a non-alcoholic freshener and if your skin is oily, an alcohol and water base would be efficient. Lavender oil mixed with distilled water works wonders on all skin types. The malic acid in apple juice is an excellent exfoliator.

Very often it is found that skin looks dull and lifeless. This is because of accumulated dirt, sebum and dead skin. Facemasks are used to rejuvenate the skin. Clay and fullers earth contain aluminum silicate, which not only removes the excess oil, but also helps in removing the dead cells. Some clays like kaolin absorb the toxins also and is best suited for oily skins. Oatmeal coupled with bran is a good dead cell peeler. Rich in vitamin B and E, this combination works wonders for the skin. You do not have to go to a beauty parlor to apply these face packs, there are some inexpensive options that you can do at home. Indians tend to use masks made from cucumber, curd and lemon juice. This has a double effect of cleansing and bleaching.

Natural skin care is easier than it is often made out to be. Lettuce leaves sprinkled with lemon juice and dipped in olive oil have an invigorating effect
when they are kept on the cheeks for some time. In fact, the extracts and pulp of many fruits can be used as effective masks. A mixture of orange rind and the ubiquitous curd is an extremely wonderful exfoliating agent. The mixture can be used on any type of skin. The results may vary from person to person.

The use of Moisturizers in natural skin care cannot be undermined for they guard the skin against the natural element of heat and cold. A combination of lavender essential oil, hazelnut oil and chamomile pure essential oil in the right proportion is a good moisturizer for any skin. This combination is vital for natural skin care as it soothes stressed out skin. In India, the juice of cucumber and buttermilk is used to soften and lighten skin.

The use of sunscreen in the form of lotions and creams cannot be emphasized enough. The ultraviolet radiation from sunlight (especially in tropical countries like India), causes damage to the skin. A sunscreen with an SPF of over 15 applied at least 10 minutes before you go out blocks most of the UVR.

So if you want to have a healthy skin, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, reduce stress, sleep well and eat healthy. As you age, the production of hormones and oil in the body slows down. Use external applications judiciously and rejuvenate your skin. Remember organic fruits and vegetables vitalize the body; sour cream and yogurt contain lactic acid (a natural alpha hydroxy acid) which helps in exfoliation. Organic honey is good for any type of skin and fresh aloe Vera gel hydrates, detoxifies and revitalizes. Natural skin care is not as difficult as is often made out to be.