If you’re not taking care of your internal health, it’s going to show up externally. Chronic skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne are all the result of your internal health.
Aging affects all of us. The first place we notice signs of aging is on our skin. Wrinkles, age spots, discoloration, and loss of elasticity are all telltale signs of aging. Fortunately, we can take steps to ensure younger, healthier, more vibrant skin. Thanks to new technology, there is a plethora of effective anti-aging skin care products on the market today to help combat the ravages of time on our skin.
With so many anti-aging skin care products on the market today, how do you choose? First and foremost, it’s vital that you know your skin type. If you’re unsure of your skin type, you can go online and get a personalized skin care evaluation. Once you’ve determined your skin type, consider special concerns you may have about your skin, such as age spots, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, large pores, sagging skin, etc. Also, if you’re sensitive to perfumes, dyes, and chemicals that are found in many skin care products, opt for an all-natural organic skin care line instead.
If you choose professional grade products, you are going to spend more than over the counter products—but when it comes to your skin, the investment is usually well worth it, when you see the results. Professional products contain stronger concentrations of AHA’s, (alpha hydroxy acids) such as glycolic or lactic acid to help exfoliate dry, dead skin cells, and antioxidants such as vitamin-C and hyaluronic acid to moisturize, boost collagen and elastin production, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
These Skin Care Tips Will Have Your Skin Looking Years Younger and Healthier in No Time:
1. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
While you may think the look of tanned skin makes you look healthy, it’s actually just the opposite. A tan is sun damage to the skin. The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation—UVA rays and UVB rays. UVB affects the outer layers of skin, while UVA rays are the more dangerous, and penetrates the deeper layers of skin. Excessive exposure to the sun is the number one cause of premature aging to the skin. Over time, it can cause premature wrinkling, uneven skin pigmentation, or worse yet, skin cancer.
NOTE: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Research shows that more than 3 million people are annually diagnosed with skin cancer. When you take into consideration that upwards of 10 thousand people die every year from skin cancer in the U.S. alone, you can see that healthy skin is really a matter of life and death.
Sensible Sunlight is Key – You hear so much about avoiding the sun to prevent cancer and wrinkles, but did you know that getting adequate safe sun exposure is key to vital health and is an important source of vitamin-D ?!
Sunshine Deficiency – For years doctors told us the best way to prevent skin cancer was to avoid the sun as much as possible, and to slather sunscreen on our skin when we were exposed to the skin. That’s all changed! For the past decade, experts have found that lack of sunlight and excessive use of sunscreens are responsible for the vitamin-D deficiency epidemic and higher cancer rates.
Sunshine Phobia – Our bodies get vitamin-D from sunshine, but unfortunately, vitamin-D deficiency is becoming rampant due to our sunshine phobia. vitamin-D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin” is one of the most underrated nutrients in the world! vitamin-D has numerous immune system benefits, not to mention its anti aging benefits. This fatsoluble vitamin found in certain foods like salmon, eggs, and vitamin-D fortified milk, is also produced in the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Soak Up the Sun’s Energy – Unfortunately, studies show an epidemic level vitamin-D deficiencies from infancy to old age due to lack of sunlight. It’s estimated that roughly 50% of Americans are deficient in vitamin-D. And then as we age, our ability to metabolize vitamin-D is reduced even more. Vitamin-D is not only anti-aging, but essential for promoting calcium absorption, and is extremely energizing. Without sufficient vitamin-D, bones become thin, brittle, or misshapen.
Vitamin-D Deficiencies are Linked to:
*Increased Risk of Certain Cancers
*Autoimmune Disease
*Depression
*Osteoporosis
*Fibromyalgia
*Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
*Muscle Weakness
*Chronic Muscle Pain
*Rickets in Children and Osteomalacia in Adults
Expose Yourself – Experts recommend getting 15-20 minutes of sunshine daily (before applying a sunblock) as the suns UV rays play an essential role in the production of vitamin-D. Soaking up just 20 minutes of sunshine per day, is a natural way to get your daily allotment of vitamin-D while minimizing the risk of skin cancer.
Natural Alternatives to Chemical Sunscreens – While sunscreens may help to prevent sunburn, research shows that most commercial sunscreens contain toxic chemicals which actually promote cancer. Chemical sunscreens actually block absorption of the ultraviolet radiation, which makes cancer fighting vitamin-D in the skin. Instead, opt for an allnatural sunscreen lotion which contains no dangerous artificial chemical and is actually healthy for the skin.
NOTE: Apply (natural) sunscreen every 4 hours and more frequently if you’re in the water, and avoid or limit sun exposure during peak hours 10- 2 pm. If it’s unavoidable, wear UVA protective sunglasses and a hat.
What SPF Should You Use?
For Fair Skin – Use an SPF of 30-50
For Medium Skin – Use an SPF 15-30
For Dark Skin – Use an SPF 8-15
When You Do Experience the Ravages of the Sun’s UltraViolet (UV) Rays, These Natural Skin Care Remedies Can Provide Instant Pain and Itch Relief:
Milk Compress – Use cool compresses dipped in equal parts of cool water and whole milk and apply to the affected areas for 15-20 minutes; repeat every 2-4 hours. Rinse milk off so you don’t smell sour! It’s always best to use whole milk (not skim) as it’s the fat in the milk that soothes the burn.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils – Add 15-20 drops each of chamomile and lavender essential oils to a tub of cool water and soak for 10-15 minutes. These healing aromatic essential oils help soothe the pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and encourage skin repair.
Oatmeal Bath – Pour 1/2 cup of oatmeal into a tub of tepid water and soak for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and air dry. Oatmeal helps to avoid peeling and blistering.
Vinegar – Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply to affected area with a cotton ball. Or, put the vinegar/water concoction in a spray bottle and mist the sunburned areas. Vinegar will help prevent blistering and peeling. Let it dry and DO NOT rub!
Aloe Vera – While it’s okay to use an aloe cream or ointment, it’s best to use the plant itself. Break off a leaf from an aloe vera plant and rub the plants natural disinfecting gel onto the burn. Aloe vera is extremely healing and very effective in relieving pain, redness, itching, and inflammation.
Cucumber – Thinly slice fresh, cold cucumber lengthwise and place slices over the burn. Cucumber is very refreshing and soothing and relieves pain almost immediately, while reducing the redness. Cucumber works well for sensitive skin.
Tea – While most any kind of tea will help soothe the pain and itch associated with a sunburn—chamomile, green, black, white, peppermint, or spearmint work especially well! Tea can be used several different ways to relieve a sunburn. You can simply wet the tea bags and apply directly to the sunburned areas, or… another option is to make a pot of tea, let it cool, and apply to the skin with a compress.
NOTE: In addition to being soothing sunburn remedies, these natural remedies for the skin also work well to alleviate the itching and irritation of eczema and psoriasis, as well as other inflammatory skin conditions.
Don’t Overdo It! These skin care remedies help soothe a mild sunburn— but if you do overdo it and get too much sun exposure, and you experience dizziness, fainting, nausea, fever, or chills—Immediately Seek Medical Attention! Just Remember… Have fun in the sun, but use common sense!
Don’t Overdo It! These skin care remedies help soothe a mild sunburn— but if you do overdo it and get too much sun exposure, and you experience dizziness, fainting, nausea, fever, or chills—Immediately Seek Medical Attention!
Just Remember… Have fun in the sun, but use common sense!
2. Use Cutting Edge Skin Care
Over time, as we age our skin incurs a lot of abuse! Cumulative sun exposure, biological factors, and environmental stresses, all take its toll. Our skin becomes dull and less vibrant. In addition, you may be noticing fine lines and wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, blotchiness, age spots, and enlarged pores. Although these are all normal changes as we age, it doesn’t mean we have to live with them!
The Good News is… Our skin is extremely resilient and responds well to TLC! By incorporating good quality anti-aging skin care products into your daily skin care regimen you can dramatically fade skin discolorations, reduce wrinkles, and reduce visible signs of aging.
What’s the Difference in Cosmetic Grade or Professional Quality Skin Care Products?
Whether you prefer to call it professional, pharmaceutical, dermatological, or medical grade—professional quality skin care products contain significantly higher strength formulas that deeply penetrate the skin. Cosmetic grade products are what you find in department, drug, and grocery stores and generally contain lower percentages of active ingredients, and some even contain synthetic chemicals, that can actually be harmful to the skin.
Pharmaceutical quality is used only in professional grade products and is sold by Estheticians, Dermatologists, Medical Doctors, and Cosmetic Surgeons. A good quality anti-aging and/or anti-wrinkle treatment (botox alternative)** will contain significant levels of ingredients that will provide deep moisturization, while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and expression lines. Pharmaceutical or professional grade anti-aging creams should also alleviate puffiness and darkening underneath the eyes, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and improve skin discolorations and age spots, while restoring your skins youthful appearance.
**Botox Alternatives – There is so much hype these days about botox injections—but botox isn’t for everyone! Especially if you’re “needle phobic,” or you have a fear of “face freeze.” Luckily there are natural botox alternative non-invasive skin care products popping up all over the place. Even though there is nothing quite as instantaneous as botox injections, these anti-aging wrinkle reducing skin care products offer effective results, and without the pain.
DO NOT Mix and Match Skin Care Products – Skin care manufacturers recommend using a skin care system from the same product line as they are created to work synergistically together. The active ingredients not only complement one another, but they’re formulated with a specific pH balance. NOTE: The pH (potential of hydrogen) level refers to how acidic or alkaline your skin is. The amount of acid found in the skin determines the skin’s resistance to bacteria. pH balance in the skin is a crucial part of what keeps our skin looking healthy and youthful. Applying a hodgepodge of different products that are not formulated to work together can cause skin sensitivities, blemishes, rashes, and other irritations—and can throw the skin’s natural pH balance off.
Anti-Wrinkle Cream Ingredients – The first thing you want to do when choosing an anti-aging wrinkle cream is to look at the list of ingredients. Look for an anti-wrinkle skin cream that contains ingredients like Copper Peptides, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Retin-A, Vitamin-C, and Vitamin-E. Also found to be beneficial in fighting signs of aging are CoQ10, Kojic Acid, Pycnogenol, and Green Tea. These are some of the top anti-aging ingredients that have been proven to significantly slow down and reverse visible signs of aging in skin.
What Do These Anti-Aging Ingredients Do For Your Skin?
Copper Peptides – Often referred to as one of the most effective anti-aging skin care ingredients, this facial rejuvenation treatment promotes skin firmness and density, stimulates collagen and elastin production, reduces photo-damage and hyper-pigmentation, and is very healing to the skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid – Also known as AHA’s—alpha hydroxy acids are made from fruit and milk sugars. The most common AHA’s are glycolic acid (sugar cane), lactic acid (sour milk), malic acid (apples), citric acid (lemons and oranges), and tartaric acid (grapes). AHA’s are very effective at exfoliating dry, dead skin cells, increasing collagen and elastin production, accelerating skin cell turnover and repair, reducing large pores, attracting moisture to the skin, reversing the effects of photoaging, and significantly reducing wrinkles. NOTE: Beta hydroxy acids (BHA’s) such as salicylic acid are similar to alpha hydroxy acids, but are oil soluble instead of water soluble, making BHA’s a better choice for people with oily skin or acne.
Hyaluronic Acid – A natural substance found in abundance in young skin —hyaluronic acid is a highly effective humectant used in many skin care moisturizing products. This powerful hydrator reverses the signs of aging because of its ability to retain and hold moisture in the skin.
Retin-A – A form of vitamin-A—this powerful skin rejuvenator stimulates skin cell regeneration, builds collagen, diminishes age spots, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pore size, improves skin’s hydration levels, improves skin’s texture, and minimizes blemishes.
Vitamin-C – Also known as L-ascorbic acid—this powerful antioxidant protects the skin from inflammation, reverses and protects the skin against free radical and UV related damage, fades skin discoloration due to sun damage, tones and tightens the skin, boosts collagen production to help thicken the skin, and reduces fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.
Vitamin-E – An excellent moisturizer—vitamin-E is another antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Vitamin-E not only guards the skin against UV damage, but also reduces skin discoloration, age spots, and helps diminish scars and stretch marks.
CoQ10 – Found to be very beneficial in fighting signs of aging—CoQ10 reduces fine lines and wrinkles, repairs sun damaged skin, improves skin’s elasticity and firmness, and diminishes the signs of photo-aging.
Kojic Acid – Found to have a similar effect as prescription strength hydroquinone—kojic acid is a natural skin lightener which inhibits the production of melanin (brown pigment). Kojic acid works well for bleaching freckles, age spots, and skin conditions such as melasma (pregnancy mask).
Pycnogenol – A unique botanical extract—pycnogenol is one of the most powerful antioxidants on the market today. Pycnogenol increases skins elasticity and skin smoothness which helps ward off wrinkles, while boosting hydration and helping dull skin look brighter and more luminous.
Green Tea – Gaining in popularity as a common ingredient found in natural skin care products—green tea is rich in antioxidants, which help prevent and protect the skin against sun damage. Green tea is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and very soothing, which can help in the reduction of skin disorders like rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
Key Point: While we cannot stop the aging process, we can control the appearance of biological aging by helping our skin appear more youthful with the right anti-aging ingredients that deliver results, regardless of age.
3. Exfoliate Your Way to Radiant Skin
Exfoliation is an important part of skin care for both your face and body. Skin exfoliation is a great way to improve the look and health of your skin, especially as we age.
The skin is constantly renewing itself and shedding dead skin cells—at a rate of 30,000 – 40,000 per minute. The problem is, as our skin becomes mature, the process of skin cell turnover slows down significantly, leaving old dead skin cells to accumulate on the surface of the skin, leaving the skin dull, dry, and flaky.
Exfoliation is beneficial to the skin because it dislodges the dead skin cells, revealing fresher, younger looking skin. Exfoliation also helps to unclog pores, allowing your moisturizer to penetrate deeper into the skin, while stimulating the regeneration of new healthy cell growth.
Exfoliating can be done manually using a mildly abrasive scrub or exfoliating mask, and also through the use of chemical exfoliation using fruit acids such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA’s).
NOTE: Hydroxy acids come in a variety of strengths ranging from 5-70%. While Estheticians are trained to administer glycolic peels containing 20-30% concentration, strengths above 35% should only be administered by a physician. Do your homework before using any type of fruit acid on your skin.
Less is More: Keep in mind, the goal of exfoliation is to leave your skin softer, smoother, and healthier, NOT red and irritated. When using a facial scrub, gently rub the scrub into damp skin, using a circular motion. It’s recommended to exfoliate your face once or twice a week, and your body using a body scrub, up to 3 times a week. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may want to exfoliate less often. After exfoliating, always follow up with a good moisturizer.
The One Exception – If you exfoliate your body with a natural bristle brush through the practice of dry skin brushing, this exfoliation procedure can (and should) be performed every day.
Alleviate Ingrown Hairs – Exfoliation may also help you avoid ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing, by preventing dead skin cells from plugging up hair follicles.
Advanced Method of Exfoliation – Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatment performed in day spas and dermatology clinics. Used on the face, hands, or neck— microdermabrasion sprays microscopic crystals over the skin’s surface, removing the outer layer of dry, dead skin cells and revealing glowing, healthier skin underneath, while stimulating collagen and elastic production.
WARNING! Be sure to wear a (natural) sunblock of 15 or higher when out in the sun, as newly exfoliated skin tends to burn easily.
NOTE: For natural homemade facial and body scrub recipes—please refer to tip # 56.
4. Lighten & Brighten Your Skin
Everyone would like to have beautiful, clear, even-toned skin. But as we age, almost everyone of us suffers from skin discoloration, in one form or another. Uneven skin tone and/or hyper-pigmentation can be the result of genetics, excessive sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, environmental factors, skin injury, or acne scarring. This can lead to sun damage, age spots (aka liver spots), melasma (pregnancy mask), freckles, and overall—a dull, lifeless complexion.
Skin lighteners and brighteners are a huge business. Sales continue to grow as baby boomers, who once worshiped the sun, are now relying on these products more than ever to enhance both their facial and body skin.
What’s the Difference in Skin Lighteners and Skin Brighteners? The main difference, is that skin lighteners contain ingredients that penetrate the skin and decrease the amount of melanin (natural pigment) in the skin. Where as, skin brighteners contain ingredients that do not change the skins function or structure, but enhance the skin by brightening and giving the skin a “glow,” while improving skin tone and radiance with light reflecting pigments.
Opt for Natural – Although historically, hydroquinone was frequently used as a potent, medicinal skin lightening agent—all-natural skin lightening products nowadays typically rely on natural ingredients like kojic acid, mulberry extract, licorice extract, lemon extract, alpha-arbutin, and vitamin-C to reduce the appearance of melasma, hyper-pigmentation, and other skin discolorations.
Hydroquinone WARNING! While it’s available over the counter in the United States, hydroquinone is a chemical bleaching (lightening) ingredient available in many skin lightening products. NOTE: Do your homework before purchasing any products containing hydroquinone, as it’s been banned by several countries for being a toxic chemical ingredient that is a potential carcinogen.
How Long Does it Take for Skin Lighteners and Skin Brighteners to Work? It depends on the strength of the product and your own individual skin condition, but generally with daily use, you should see a noticeable difference in just 2-6 weeks.
The Good News is… Our skin is extremely resilient and responds well to TLC! By incorporating an anti-aging skin lightener or brightener into your daily skin care regimen, you can dramatically fade skin discolorations and reduce visible signs of aging.
NOTE: When using skin lighteners and/or brighteners, be sure to use a natural broad-spectrum sunscreen when in the sun, or the discoloration will just reappear.
5. Beauty Serum: The Magic Skin Elixir
Anti-aging skin care products is a multi-billion dollar industry that is growing every day. In the quest for healthier, younger, more youthful looking skin, beauty serums have become one of the hottest skin care products around. Used for years in spa’s as part of a facial treatment, beauty serums are generally water or oil based, and because they have a smaller molecular structure, penetrate the skin deeper than a cream.
Serums Many Anti-Aging Benefits – Look for serums that contain high levels of antioxidants like vitamin A, C, and E. These age reversing antioxidants destroy free radicals, prevent and repair damaged skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen and elastin production, and hydrate and firm sagging skin.
How to Apply Facial Serum – Serums tend to be a bit pricey, but are highly concentrated, so you use less, so they will last longer. As part of a daily skin care regimen, they’re generally applied once or twice a day, after the toner, and before the moisturizer. And because damp skin is 10 times more permeable than dry skin, apply the serum right after the toner while the skin is still moist, to boost effectiveness and to assure deeper penetration of the active ingredients. Once the serum is completely dry, then apply your moisturizer.
6. Mask Your Imperfections
The many benefits of anti-aging facial masks (or masques) have been known for centuries. Facial masks can be applied as a cream, clay, or gel. Other popular masks are the peel-off mask and the sheet mask which is a soft, very thin piece of cloth. Using a facial mask just once a week can vastly improve the health and beauty of your skin. However, it’s okay to use a mask a couple of times a week, depending on your skin type and the type of mask you are using.
There are Many Different Kinds of Facial Masks for Different Purposes:
*Deep Cleansing – For All Skin Types
*Clay (Mud) – For Oily & Combination Skin
*Collagen – For Mature Skin
*Hydrating – For Dry & Mature Skin
*Firming – For Mature Skin
*Enzyme – For All Skin Types
*Exfoliating – For All Skin Types & Dull Skin
*Self-Heating – For All Skin Types
*Skin Brightening – For All Skin Types
*Water Based Gel – For Sensitive Skin & Rosacea
Facial Mask Benefits: No matter what your skin type, there is a facial mask for you. Facial masks contain high concentrations of ingredients to deep clean, oxygenate, and nourish the skin. The other benefits include drawing out bacteria and toxins, tightening pores, exfoliating, brightening, and hydrating the skin.
NOTE: For natural homemade facial mask recipes—please refer to tip # 56.
7. Replenish Lost Moisture
While different skin types have different needs, one thing all skin types (even oily) have in common, is the need for moisture. Moisturizing the skin is extremely important for keeping the skin properly hydrated, healthy, supple, and the skin barrier strong. Especially as we age, a good anti-aging moisturizer is an absolute beauty essential!
Aging Skin Loses Moisture – When we are young, our skin contains ample amounts of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (also known as HA), is produced naturally in the cells and tissues of the body. HA helps to keep skin hydrated and plumped, as it attracts water and has the ability to hold up to thousand times its weight in water. As we age, our hyaluronic acid levels diminish significantly. Fortunately, HA is a key ingredient found in many moisturizers and skin care products. When used in skin care, HA dramatically improves skin’s hydration.
If You’re Over 40… A good rule of thumb when picking an anti-aging moisturizer, is to look for one that contains an SPF of at least 15. Also, choose a product that contains high levels of antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals, while strengthening the skin. Choose natural skin care products over products that contain harsh chemicals and perfumery scents, and apply your moisturizer daily, but don’t overdo it, to avoid clogging pores!
8. Consistency with Skin Care is Key
The enemy of beautiful, radiant skin is not so much aging, as it is damage to our skin. 80% of visible aging is a result of individual lifestyle, diet, personal hygiene, and our environment. The anti-aging secret to achieving truly beautiful, healthy skin lies in not covering up the problem, it lies in using anti-aging skin care products that deeply penetrate the layers of skin to repair, protect, and restore the natural skin barrier.
Make the Commitment – Healthy skin starts with a commitment to a regular skin care regimen using good quality skin care products. It’s important to cleanse, tone, and moisturize on a daily basis, then exfoliate once or twice a week with a mild scrub. For an added treat, pamper yourself with a beauty mask for your particular skin type, but refrain from using a facial mask more than once or twice a week, unless the directions on the mask say it’s okay.
Choosing an Eye Treatment – As we age, the eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging. Eye creams and serums target the delicate eye area and help to alleviate the many signs of aging by lifting and tightening sagging skin, diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet, and minimizing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. Because the skin is more delicate, always apply a cream or gel with your ring finger, as this is the weakest finger, and it won’t stretch the skin, which may lead to premature wrinkling.
NOTE: Eye creams and serums contain more oil than facial lotions, because the skin around the eyes have fewer oil glands and tend to be dryer than the rest of the face.
Don’t Neglect the Skin Below Your Chin – When we think of skin care, we generally think of the skin on our face. The skin on our body needs attention too! Prevent dry, itchy skin by using a good body lotion to moisturize. And don’t forget to dry brush on a daily basis, and use a body scrub to exfoliate two to three times a week. Pay special attention to your knees, elbows, and feet as these areas are often times the most neglected parts of the body. Using a pumice stone daily during your shower or bath can help soften and reduce rough, callused skin on the soles and heels of the feet, and can work wonders in helping to lighten and smooth the dark, dry skin on the knees and elbows. Always follow up with a rich emollient cream or lotion designed to repair extra dry skin.
Get Your Beauty Sleep – For radiant skin, make sure you get plenty of sleep. Skin repairs itself while we sleep, so if you’re chronically sleepdeprived, your complexion will show it. Remember to always apply a night cream or serum before bed and protect your skin during the day with a good (natural) sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. NOTE: Sleep on satin pillowcases to help prevent wrinkles. The satin slides against the skin, preventing the skin from creasing, which overtime can cause wrinkles. Also, satin is less absorbent than cotton, so your night treatment or moisturizer won’t rub off or be absorbed by your pillowcase.
Key Point: Proper skin care helps protect skin from the aging process and helps reverse some of the damage already done. Giving your skin the nutrients it needs is vital in helping your skin look young, healthy, and vibrant. Pamper your skin and it will age more slowly!
9. Natural Homemade Skin Care Recipes
There’s nothing better than treating yourself to a little pampering with a professional spa facial! But in these rough economic times, it’s not always affordable or practical. To help maintain healthy radiant skin between professional treatments… Do It Yourself!
Many of us don’t realize that we can whip up our own holistic, natural skin care treatments, with ingredients found in our own kitchens. Homemade beauty treatments are a fun and economical way to create an indulgent spa-like facial at home. Containing natural ingredients, these homemade skin care recipes have a powerful impact on the health and appearance of the skin! Using organic ingredients are preferable, but not necessary to achieve beautiful glowing skin.
PLEASE NOTE: The following recipes are intended for a single application and can be used once or twice a week. Make sure your skin is properly cleansed and completely dry first, before using a mask. Apply the mask using a clean fan brush or small paint brush, or simply apply with your fingers tips in a circular motion, spreading a thin layer over the entire face and neck area. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off using warm water and a washcloth. Next, apply a facial toner with a cotton ball to ensure there are no traces of the mask remaining on the skin, and to prepare the skin for hydration. Follow up treatments with your favorite moisturizer.
Whether your skin concerns are age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, sagging skin, or a combination… Here are some easy anti-aging skin care recipes that will help prevent and reverse signs of aging, while helping your aging skin look healthy and radiant!
FOR DRY and AGING SKIN:
Banana Anti-Aging Mask
1 Small Ripe Banana
1 Tbsp. Honey
2 Tbsp. Milk (whole milk preferably)
Mash banana until creamy, add milk and honey; mix well. Apply to face and throat. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
Avocado Hydrating Anti-Aging Facial Mask
1/2 Avocado (peeled and mashed)
1/4 C. Milk (whole milk preferably)
1 Egg White – Beat until stiff
Mix into a smooth paste. Apply to face and throat. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
Cucumber Anti-Wrinkle Peel
1/4 Cucumber (peeled and seeded)
1 Egg White (beaten)
1 tsp. Lemon Juice (fresh)
Purée in blender. Apply to face and throat. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
Anti-Aging Skin Firming Facial
1/2 tsp. Vitamin-E Oil
2 Tbsp. Plain Yogurt
1 Egg (beaten)
Mix ingredients and apply to face and throat. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
Anti-Aging Moisturizing Body Lotion
1 Tbsp. Honey
1 tsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
Mix well and massage into dry patches on elbows and knees. Leave on for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
FOR OILY and ACNE PRONE SKIN:
Strawberry – Honey Acne Mask
1/2 C. Fresh Strawberries
1 Egg White
2 tsp. Honey
Purée ingredients in a blender. Apply to face and throat. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
Honey – Apple Mask
1 Medium Apple (grated into a fine pulp)
3-4 Tbsp. Honey
Mix ingredients and apply to face and throat. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
Apple Cider Vinegar Skin Toner
2 Tbsp. Apple Cider
1 Cup Pure Spring Water
Mix ingredients in a glass jar. Soak a cotton ball with toner and gently rub over the face, leaving solution on the face. DO NOT rinse off. Use 1-3 times daily for acneic skin. Will last up to 2-3 months in the refrigerator. NOTE: Undiluted apple cider vinegar can also be also be dabbed on pimples as a spot treatment.
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
Cucumber – Aloe Facial Mask
1/4 Cucumber (peeled and seeded)
2 Tbsp. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tbsp. Plain Yogurt
Purée cucumber in a blender. Mix in remaining ingredients and apply to face and throat. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
Sensitive Skin Exfoliant:
2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 T. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
2-3 Tbsp. Milk (preferably whole milk)
Mix ingredients and gently massage into the skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse.
FOR ALL SKIN TYPES:
Pumpkin Enzyme Brightening Mask
1 Tbsp. Pumpkin Puree (canned without spices)
1 tsp. Honey
1 tsp. Milk (preferably whole milk)
Mix ingredients and gently massage into the skin in a circular motion. Rest or relax for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse. NOTE: This mask works well for all skin types, but works especially well for dull looking skin.
Brown Sugar Body Scrub
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp. Oatmeal (uncooked)
1 Tbsp. Honey
1 tsp. Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
1 Tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Grind oatmeal in a blender or food processor until ground very fine. Mix all ingredients into a paste. Use in the shower while skin is moist. Massage in a circular motion with a wash cloth. Rinse off with warm water. (This scrub can also be used on the face and lips).
Green Tea Toner
1 Green Tea Bag
1 Cup Pure Spring Water
Make 1 Cup of green tea, let steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bag and let cool to room temperature. Mix with pure spring water. May store in glass jar or spray bottle. Soak cotton ball with mixture and apply to the face or lightly mist with spray bottle. Will last in refrigerator for 1 week.
Natural Ingredients Skin Care Benefits:
Apple – Containing malic acid and powerful antioxidants—apples are a gentle exfoliant.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Detoxifying and healing—raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar restores skin’s natural pH balance and helps absorb excess oil from the skin.
Aloe Vera – Rich in over 200 nutrients—aloe vera is soothing, healing, moisturizing, and firming.
Avocado – Rich in potent antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—avocado is excellent for dry, aging skin. Baking Soda – Aids in cleansing—baking soda is an inexpensive and effective gentle exfoliation treatment.
Banana – High in potassium and vitamins—bananas nourish, soften, and moisturize the skin.
Eggs – High in protein—egg whites give skin a lifting and tightening effect and helps reduce large pores.
Honey – Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial—raw honey (especially manuka) is rich in vitamins and minerals and soothes, softens, tones, and heals skin.
Lemon – Anti-wrinkle, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and antiseptic—lemon brightens dull skin. Diluted lemon juice is also an effective toner for acneprone skin.
Milk – Containing lactic acid—milk gently exfoliates, soothes, moisturizes, and softens skin.
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) – Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids—EVOO is nourishing, soothing, and extremely moisturizing.
Pumpkin – A excellent source of anti-aging antioxidants—pumpkin promotes skin repair, exfoliation, and hydration.
Sugar – A gentle exfoliant, rich in natural glycolic acid—sugar promotes cellular renewal.
Strawberries – Rich in salicylic acid—strawberries gently exfoliate dead skin cells, removing impurities, while helping make pores appear smaller.
Yogurt – A natural skin moisturizer—yogurt is a gentle cleanser and exfoliant that gives skin a beautiful glow. Yogurt also reduces pore size and improves skin’s texture, while restoring skin’s natural pH balance.
NOTE: 2 tsps. of Baking Soda may be added to any of the facial mask recipes or your commercial skin care products to further enhance gentle exfoliation.
10. Diminish Cellulite Naturally
Cellulite ranks right up there with wrinkles and gray hair, as one of most unwelcome signs of aging. In the quest to get rid of cellulite, women have tried everything from cellulite reducing creams to costly cosmetic treatments like Endermologie or Vela Shape. While these treatments have shown some promising results, a low-fat diet and regular low-impact aerobic exercise turns out to be one of the most effective therapies, and the healthiest.
Practically every woman, whether she’s overweight or not, will have some degree of cellulite in her lifetime. The female hormone estrogen is to thank for that. Genetics can play a key role, as well as poor circulation, lack of oxygen in the cells, and bad eating habits. In addition, as we age our skin tends to lose some of its elasticity, especially for those who don’t exercise. Regular exercise stimulates lymphatic drainage while toning the muscles underneath the skin, which keeps skin taut and ripples at bay.
Luckily There are Some Amazing Anti-Cellulite Treatments and Remedies That Really Work!
Coffee Scrub – Take coffee grounds from your morning coffee, mix in 2 tablespoons olive oil, a dash of both cayenne pepper and cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of honey. While in the shower, using a loofah or massage glove, massage the mixture in circular motion over your buttocks and thighs for a few minutes, then rinse off. The caffeine in the coffee tightens the skin, the coffee grounds promote circulation, the cayenne pepper and cinnamon draw blood to the surface to further promote blood circulation, while the honey naturally moisturizes the skin and keeps it supple.
Bounce Away Cellulite – Mini trampoline jumping also known as “rebounding” is one of the best exercises you can do for getting rid of cellulite. Rebounding consists of jumping up and down and jogging in place on a mini trampoline, otherwise known as a rebounder. Just rebounding for 10-20 minutes a day, is an excellent way to reduce cellulite, while burning fat and calories and lifting, tightening, and toning your hips, legs, butt, and stomach.
NOTE: When you bounce on a rebounder, it stimulates the lymphatic system which helps to flush out toxins and waste. Many women report seeing significant improvement in their cellulite in as little as two weeks.
Daily Massage – Massage cellulite prone areas daily with an essential oil blend of juniper, rosemary, lavender, and cypress diluted with almond carrier oil. This blend helps stimulate circulation, while removing fat and toxins.
Dry Skin Brushing – This simple, yet very effective technique helps improve the appearance of cellulite by stimulating blood and lymph flow, eliminating toxins, exfoliating the skin, and encouraging new cell growth. By gently brushing cellulite-prone areas with a natural bristle brush every day, this helps to break up fat deposits and improve the overall health of your skin. NOTE: For more information on dry skin brushing—please refer to tip # 35.
Tweak Your Diet – Reduce sodium (salt) intake, eliminate artificial sweeteners and food additives, fried foods, and junk food, and make extra virgin olive oil a part of your daily nutrition.
Drink Cranberry Juice to Fight Cellulite – Cranberries are a potent source of antioxidants and bioflavonoids, and can work wonders for helping eliminate cellulite. Mix 1 oz. 100% unsweetened cranberry juice with 1 cup water and sip throughout the day. This cellulite reducing concoction helps cleanse and emulsify fat in the lymphatic system, detoxifies the liver, improves blood circulation, and helps eliminate water retention. By drinking just 4 cups a day of this cranberry-water mixture, you should start seeing an improvement in your cellulite in as little as 2-3 weeks.
Bikram Yoga – Performed in a 100-110 degree yoga studio, bikram yoga is extremely detoxifying as it makes you sweat like no other, as you perform 90 minutes of 26 yoga poses. NOTE: For more information on bikram yoga—please refer to tip # 5.
WARNING! Consult with your doctor before starting Bikram yoga— especially if you’re a beginner.
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