SKIN CARE: THE BASICS

Whatever skin type you have, it benefits from regular attention, care, and a daily regime. The skin on your face is thin and delicate compared to the rest of your body, so be careful with it.

Cleanse

Cleanse your skin thoroughly, morning and night. Do not use harsh cleansers or scrub vigorously. Use certified organic products to ensure that your cleanser is free from many of the harsh detergents and preservatives that may irritate your skin, and rinse well. If you use an oil-based cleanser, try a washcloth to remove all traces of makeup and grime, as well as traces of cleanser. Gently pat the skin dry, rather than rubbing it.

Tone

Although many think that applying toner is optional, it is an important step, whether you use a simple herbal water or floral water, or something more complex. A good-quality organic toner—one rich in nourishing herbal extracts and antioxidants, and free from alcohol and harsh preservatives—helps to re-balance the skin after washing and prepares the skin for your moisturizer. If you exercise, refresh your face with toner afterward. Sweat can clog your pores, making your skin look blotchy and aggravating existing skin conditions, such as acne.

Moisturize

All skin types need moisture, even skin prone to oiliness and/or acne. A good moisturizer helps to keep skin healthy, toned, and supple. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin. Normal or combination skin only needs a light lotion, whereas skin prone to dryness benefits from a rich cream. Oily skin responds best to a gel-based product. Whatever your skin type, at night, you should use a nourishing serum to help restore skin as you sleep. Use certified organic products to ensure your skin gets everything that it needs, and none of the synthetic chemicals that it doesn't.

Apply a Mask

A good facial mask once or twice a week is more than just a treat. It can deep cleanse, rejuvenate, re-balance, and intensely nourish the skin, leaving it feeling bright and radiant. Avoid harsh or synthetic masks with colors and preservatives. Instead, make a simple mask yourself from mineral clays or choose products made from high-quality herbal extracts with antioxidant properties, as well as skin-loving ingredients like essential fatty acids that can help to reinforce the skin's natural defense and repair mechanisms.

Exfoliate

Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to lift dull, old skin cells and stimulate the production of new cells, mimicking the natural cycle of healthy skin. Exfoliating reveals skin that is softer and more radiant, making your moisturizer and masks more effective.

Use a good-quality scrub or polish that does not demand vigorous rubbing—this is counterproductive, especially for delicate facial skin. Avoid harsh chemical peels and opt for products that use natural ingredients, such as oats, crushed seeds, and clays.

Protect from the Sun

Many face moisturizers contain sunscreen.

If you spend most of your day indoors, this ingredient is not necessary—it simply adds to the chemicals on your skin. Most women apply their moisturizer only once in the morning.

If you are outside all day, this renders the sunscreen useless as you must reapply it regularly for it to be effective.

If you spend all day outdoors, a good-quality organic and mineral-based sunscreen is a must. This is the case even if it is cloudy or cold, as the sun's rays can reflect off water, sand, and snow. Far from a healthy glow, a tan is the skin's attempt to prevent sun damage. When a tan turns to a burn, that damage— which raises the risk of developing skin cancer—has been done.

Make your own Honey and oat scrub. It will exfoliate your face gently leaving the skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Natural Beauty