Natural Skincare tips
There are a number of things you can do to improve the texture, elasticity and appearance of your skin. The first three steps are an essential foundation to flawless skin. No matter how much you pay for expensive moisturizers that promise younger, healthier smooth skin, if you don’t do the 3 step cleansing routine (cleanse, tone & moisturize), it is unlikely that these products will have any real benefit to the skin on your face.
1. Cleanse - Start your skincare routine with a cleanser, a natural cleanser is made from just oil and water. That’s it! No additives like SLS, parabens, detergents, colouring or artificial fragrances that can cause irritation to your skin especially if you have sensitive skin. You can use the natural cleanser by simply wetting your face to give it a rinse then massage in some castor oil, which is the best oil to use for removing dirt from your face. Remove the oil and water by using a damp muslin cloth or cotton wool.
2. Tone - Next, using cotton wool and a toner, remove the last traces of cleanser and tone the skin. Have you tried Flower Waters? They are super beneficial to the health of your skin as they are natural and contain anti-bacterial properties which prevent bacteria growing which in turn prevents rashes and spots. Some also have astringent properties which close pores, and make the skin more taught (toned). Some good one’s to try are good old water – cold, rose water (good for mature skin too), orange flower water and natural witch hazel. Avoid toners with alcohol as these will dry out your skin which will compromise your efforts.
3. Moisturise – This step is imperative to healthy skin. You need to replace lost moisture to the skin and this is best done with a good facial cream to suit your skin type. The most common are sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and combination skin, so look out for these descriptions when purchasing creams.
4. Sun cream - Stay out of the sun – UV rays cause the skin to age, therefore use a factor that is appropriate for your skin type for maximum sun protection.
5. Avoid free radicals – What are they? See our article on free radicals for further details, but in a nutshell they are molecules that cause the skin to age and wrinkle. Use Anti-oxidants to counteract free radicals that age the skin. Vitamin A, C & E are particularly useful in addition to coconut and olive oil. A handful of almonds are packed with enough vitamin E to counteract free radicals.
6. Water – yes, drinking it really does help to flush out toxins and re-hydrate your skin. Approximately 2 litres per day (8x 250ml glasses).
7. Serums – These are nutritious oils with an ingredient to help transport the oils into the deeper levels of the skin so they improve the tone and elasticity. It is best to use the treatment twice a day, once in the morning a few minutes before you moisturise and again before you go to bed so that it can do its work whilst you sleep.
8. Face mask - Use a natural face mask as a weekly treatment. Topical application of yoghurt is refreshing, soothes and moisturizes and honey is a natural moisturizer. There are recipes all over the web, but try this yoghurt based recipe for all skin types if you are not allergic to the ingredients:
1 tablespoon Natural yoghurt
1 tablespoon honey (warmed in the microwave until slightly runny – not hot)
Mix the ingredients together until it forms a smooth paste and it cool.
Apply to face with fingers
Leave to set for 15 minutes.
Rinse off with luke warm water
Apply moisturizer
9. Rest – Sleep is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
These tips should not be used as a one off, but incorporated into a regular
skincare routine for best effects.
