The skin is the largest organ in the human body and it provides protection from the elements. However, it also absorbs substances, including the estimated 12 personal care products that women use daily. Over-the-counter products might contain toxins, fragrances and color additives that irritate the skin, and fatty tissues accumulate these chemicals in the body. Using natural skin care products decreases these risks, giving the skin a natural, healthy appearance.
Cleansing
Throughout the day, dirt and oil build up on the surface of the skin, which leads to clogged pores, blackheads and dull skin. Instead of using the sudsiest, harshest soaps, go for the basics.
Olive oil, goat milk, or shea butter soaps that contain essential oils as active ingredients are kindest to the skin. Depending on the essential oils, they remedy various issues. Solid soaps have fewer ingredients than their liquid counterparts and can be mixed in the kitchen.
To cleanse the skin, use lukewarm water and work a small amount of soap into a lather, gently sloughing the dirt and dead skin cells from the surface. Scrubbing and using harsh chemicals is counterproductive, stimulating more oil production, which could cause breakouts and irritation.
A gentle toner applied with a cotton ball further exfoliates, preparing the skin for a moisturizer.
Moisturizing
Climate, weather, and age all affect the appearance of the skin, dulling its surface. Dull skin does not reflect the light, which makes people look older. Moisturizing protects the skin, increases elasticity and gives it vitality.
Beeswax, coconut oil, lanolin, jojoba oil and other base oils form a protective foundation, while essential oils are added to enhance the effectiveness of the oils. You can make these in the kitchen tailored to your individual skincare needs, or look for products with only these natural ingredients if you choose to buy from a drugstore.
Seek out products with very few ingredients that don't require a chemistry degree to decipher.
To moisturize the skin, first cleanse and tone. With clean fingers, dab moisturizer over the face and neck. Lightly work the moisturizer into the skin in outward circular movements until fully absorbed.
Nourishing
Stress, poor nutrition, and dehydration all affect the health and appearance of skin. Caring for yourself from the inside out will ensure that what you put on the outside of your body reflects the inside of your body.
Read the ingredient labels of cosmetics and seek out natural products, such as mineral and plant-based makeup. Avoid those with artificial colors, fragrances and those that contain phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, DMDM hydrantoin, triclosan and parabens.
Drink the recommended amount of water for your weight and activity level, and when preparing foods, create meals that have foods from all seven colors of the rainbow. Take care to manage stress, which can not only dull your appearance overall, but also lead to wrinkles and frown lines.
References
- "YOU: Being Beautiful"; Michael F. Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.; 2008
- "Organic Body Care Recipes"; Stephanie Tourles, 2007
- Cosmetic Database: Environmental Working Group's SKIN DEEP



Member Comments
youngde April 19
The author must listen to her own advice- she's a hottie!