Glowing, supple, well-hydrated skin is integral to natural beauty. If your skin appears dull and flakey, and feels tight and itchy after washing, it may be excessively dry. Dry skin can be caused by many factors, including excessive sun, wind, extremes of temperature and poor diet; genetics also play a role. If your dry skin is chronic or severe, you should see a dermatologist. For ordinary, uncomplicated dry skin, however, you can make a moisturizing home treatment. Apply a small amount to your wrist 24 hours before using to make sure you're not allergic.
Step 1
Use an electric blender to grind 3 tbsp. dried lavender flowers into powder, stopping the blender at intervals and cleaning off the sides. Transfer the powdered lavender to a small bowl.
Step 2
Mix the fresh whole milk and honey into the powdered lavender to make a treatment suggested by the National Honey Board, by way of the All Natural Beauty website. Herbalists and natural beauty experts have long advised using milk to clean, nourish and rejuvenate dry skin. There is some scientific research supporting this practice. In a study titled "Topical 8% Glycolic Acid and 8% Lactic Acid Creams for the Treatment of Photodamaged Skin," conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital and published in the June 1996 issue of "Archives of Dermatology," researchers found that lactic acid, which is found in milk, helped to reduce the severity of damage caused by excessive sun exposure, and also improved texture and tone of skin. Honey, as well, has skin-pampering qualities; Health Issues declares that it is a natural humectant--helping to attract and preserve moisture--as well as an antioxidant.
Step 3
Put half of the mixture into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, and refrigerate it for later use. According to All Natural Beauty, you can store the lavender milk bath for up to one week.
Step 4
Pour the remaining half of the lavender milk bath under a running bath faucet of lukewarm water. Soak in the bath solution for 10 minutes to get the maximum benefit of both the natural moisturizers and the uplifting scent of lavender. According to Herbs 2000, lavender may be used to soothe headaches and reduce nervousness and depression (see References 3).
Step 5
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, and apply a good-quality commercial or natural moisturizer. Your skin should feel smoother, softer and more supple.
Tips and Warnings
- For a fresh, hydrated appearance, 1st Holistic recommends using a plastic mister to spritz your skin with mineral water each morning (see References 1). Use soaps with a neutral pH to clean your skin without leaving it dry.
- First Holistic warns against the use of cold creams and cleansing creams on your skin, stating that the hydrogenated oils in these products can actually worsen dryness and wrinkles.
Things You'll Need
- 3 tbsp Died lavender flowers, available at specialty stores
- 1 1/2 cup Fresh whole milk
- 1/3 cup Honey
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