Many of us would rather use natural skincare products than expensive store-bought products that may contain multiple harmful skin care ingredients. The challenge is finding natural skin treatments that are simple to make, easy to use and, most of all, effective.

1. Zap Blemishes

Tea’s tannic acid absorbs oils that lead to blemishes. Saturate a tea bag in warm water and press on the affected area for about 5 minutes. Rinse, then dab on a some eye redness remover to get the red out.

Herbal Acne Natural Skin Care Treatment

Adapted from Natural Beauty Basics, by Dorie Byers (Vital Health Publishers, 2005).

This easy, effective method uses one kitchen-cupboard herbal ingredient, and calls upon the power of a warm compress to open pores and allow the healing benefits of the herb to work on blemished skin. The compress method is more comforting and quicker to use than a facial steam, but is every bit as effective.

Here are the simple how-to instructions to help clear troubled skin:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 quart water
• 1/2 to 1 cup dried thyme leaves (for a VERY strong infusion)

1. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove it from the heat and add the thyme. Cover the pan and steep the mixture for 20 minutes, then strain out the herbs and discard them. Let the infusion cool to warm. (You should be able to put your hand in the infusion and keep it there for several minutes without discomfort.)

2. Soak a clean washcloth with the infusion and wring the excess from it. With your eyes closed, place the washcloth on your face for 15 minutes. Remove the washcloth from your face and apply an astringent.

2. Natural Cleansers

Natural Lavender Facial Cleanser

This recipe can be used on any skin type.

• 1 tablespoon betonite clay or green clay
• 1 tablespoon powdered oats
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 drop Lavender Oil

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Massage evenly and gently over face and neck, using upward, sweeping motions. Rinse well and follow with toner and moisturizer. Any leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, but it is better fresh.

This recipe is from “Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions” by Donna Maria

3. Facial Steams

Rose Petal Steam Facial

• 1 pot fresh water
• 1 handful rose petals

Boil the water, then remove from heat and toss in the rose petals. Steep 5 minutes, so rose oils diffuse into water. Lean over pot at least 10 inches from surface and drape towel over head. Close eyes; steam 5 minutes with breaks as needed. Rinse with cool water, then pat dry.

Combine 1 cup fresh rose petals with 2 cups boiling water. Tent a towel over your head and let steam penetrate face for 10 minutes. Stay several inches away from the bowl.

Combination Skin Steam Facial

• 3 d. lavender oil
• 3 d. geranium oil
• 2 d. lemon oil: in a bowl of hot water.

Very helpful for oily skin; astringent.

Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!

4. Homemade Exfoliators

Sea Salt Facial Exfoliator

Mix 1/8 cup of olive oil and 1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt. Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Honey Scrub

To make a good exfoliating scrub, mix a tsp. of warm runny honey with 1 tbsp. milk. Add sugar until you get it to a grainy consistency. Use immediately.

Lemon-Brown Sugar Body Scrub

• 1/4 cup coarse brown sugar (to gently exfoliate without drying)
• 1 cup grapeseed oil (to moisturize)
• 1/4 cup grated lemon peel (to invigorate your senses)

Directions

1. Mix together all ingredients.
2. Gently rub on your body in a circular motion. Concentrate on rough areas like elbows, knees and heels.
3. Rinse with water.

No Excuses Morning Exfoliator

No Excuses Morning Exfoliator is an exfoliator that leaves your skin soft and clean. Grind the oats and almonds ahead of time so you have no excuse not to enjoy this simple pleasure at least once a week.

This recipe makes one application

• 1/4 cup fresh whole milk
• 2 tablespoons finely powdered oats
• 1 tablespoon finely powdered almonds
• 1 drop Geranium Oil

Combine all ingredients. Mix well and massage over face and neck, using gentle circular movements. Massage your fingers, hands, and forearms with leftover cleanser. Rinse well and follow with toner and moisturizer.

5. Natural Skincare Facial Masks

DIY Clay Mask

Use 100 percent clay kitty litter (ground to a powder), mix with water, apply to face, let dry, then rinse.

Heavenly Mask

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon honey

Mix gently and let stand until paste reaches room temperature. Smooth mask onto clean face, and lie down for 20 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. Apply astringent and moisturizer.

Avocado Moisture Mask

(for dry skin)

• 1 ripe avocado
• 4 tablespoons plain yogurt

Purée avocado and blend with yogurt. Apply mixture to face. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Eye mask

Grate 1/4 of a apple and a small raw potato and combine. Apply mixture to eyes for 15 minutes, cover your eyes with a warm washcloth and relax with some soothing music.

6. Homemade Toners

Kiwi-Lime Toner

In a blender, blend 1 peeled kiwi and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lime juice. Add an equal amount of water and blend until smooth. Use a cotton ball to apply to face. Refrigerate any leftover toner in an airtight container.

Green Tea Toner

• 1 teaspoon powdered green tea
• 1/2 cup purified hot water

Mix green tea with hot water until thoroughly mixed. Cool to room temperature. Then apply to face with cotton pad.

Rose Skin Toner

• 3 1/2 cups witch hazel
• 1/2 cup dried rose petals
• 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Mix ingredients together making sure it is all blended well. Strain. Splash on your face after cleaning skin.

Egg White Toner

Clean face thoroughly using any natural cleanser. Apply raw egg whites to the skin and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water.

Lemon Toner

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup distilled water
• 2/3 cup witch hazel

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

7. Natural Skin Treatments to Seal, Minimize Pores

Egg White & Lemon Pore Sealer

Close your pores with a skin tightening all natural clay or mud mask, or try this recipe: Mix 1 egg white with a few drops of lemon juice. Using a brush, massage onto clean skin. Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Home Remedies for Large Pores

1) Mix almond meal with enough water to make a paste. Apply to pores for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then apply withch hazel or a solution of apple cider vinegar and water.

2) Mix table salt and buttermilk into a paste, apply on enlarged pores and massage well. Rinse with warm water.

Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!

8. DIY Beauty Treatments for Lips

Exfoliate Your Lips

Exfoliate your lips by using an old toothbrush and a menthol-based lip balm. Apply lip balm first, then brush gently with the toothbrush.

Honey Pot Lip Balm

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. beeswax
• 1/2 tsp. cocoa butter
• 1/2 tsp. honey
• 3 drops essential oil of orange
• 1 vitamin E capsule

Measure oil, beeswax and cocoa butter into a glass or enamel pan. Melt over low heat. A hotplate works well and reduces the risk of overheating the oils. I use a small glass jar to store my lip balm in so I just mix all the ingredients right in that jar then place it in a pan of water to melt the waxes.

Stir the mixture often until the wax is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the honey and essential oil. Pinch open the vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents into the mixture. Stir well. Pour the mixture into containers. Label after it has solidified. If you want your honey to be dispersed throughout the lip balm you will need to stir it as it is solidifying.

Variations:

Choose any essential oil that appeals to you. Tea Tree oil is good for cold sores and chapped lips.

Make your lip balm using an herbal oil in place of the olive oil. Melissa (lemon balm) and Calendula are two of many herbs that can add healing and soothing properties. Alkanet will make red lip balm. Start with one tablespoon to 1/2 cup oil. After heat extraction, check the color. If it is not dark enough for you add more Alkanet and go through the heat extraction process again. Your lip balm will turn out several shades lighter than the color of your oil.

9. Natural Skin Moisturizers

Moisturize the Air

To keep skin from drying use humidifiers and keep the room temperature moderate. Also, get some green plants; they add moisture to your room!

Rose, Neroli and Frankincense Face Elixer

This restorative elixir is one of the most effective natural skincare treatments and is intended for dry or aging skin. Rose soothes and moisturizes, Frankincense smooths Wrinkles and gives lift to the skin, and Neroli helps to regenerate cells. The Apricot Kernel oil, hemp oil, and rose hip seed oil are easily absorbed into the skin, and each emollient and rejuvenating qualities. Apply before going to bed.

• 10 milliliters Apricot Kernel oil
• 2 1/2 milliliters hemp oil
• 2 1/2 milliliters rose hip seed oil
• 8 drops Frankincense Oil
• 8 drops Rose Oil
• 4 drops Neroli Oil

Combine the Apricot Kernel oil with the squalene and rose hip seed oil. Stir with a stirring stick. Add the remaining essences. Store in an attractive small bottle and use within 3 months. Shake before using.

This recipe is from “Aroma” by Mandy Aftel and Daniel Patterson

Nourishing Dry Skin

To nourish and enrich dry skin for a face soft to the touch, even in texture and color, eased of stress, and freely expressing the woman’s unique beauty and multifaceted femininity…combine

• Neroli 2 drops
• Chamomile 1 drop
• Sweet almond oil or unperfumed moisturizer 1 tablespoon

One of the most costly and luxurious of oils, Neroli is also one of the most nourishing. Particularly when combined with healing Chamomile, this blend excels at restoring natural lubrication to dry skin. In addition, the delicate fragrance of orange blossoms and sunny Chamomile helps promote a state of inner calm where, with tenderness and patience, the character of the woman so finely etched in her face may be gracefully accepted.

Lecithin Moisturizer

Dissolve lecithing granules in jojoba or almond oil. Apply to face and throat as a day or night cream.

Avocado Moisturizer

(for dry skin)

• 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
• 1/2 mashed ripe avocado

Mix and apply to skin. After 20 minutes, remove with warm water.

10. Natural Skin Treatments for Wrinkles

Anti-Wrinkle Lotion

• 2 Tbsp.s Glycerine
• 2 Tbsp.s Rosewater
• 2 Tbsp.s Witch hazel
• 4Tbsp.s Honey

Mix together well in a small jar. Once blended, use morning and night.

Essential Oils for Wrinkles

All of the following essential oils combat wrinkles: Clary-sage, Neroli, Rose, Lavender, Thyme, Patchouli, Frankincense, Myrrh, Lemon, and Rosemary.

You can use any of these oils on their own or combine two or more to make some amazing natural skin treatments. Use the oils in a bath, as a face oil, or body rub, and remember to treat the bit you don’t see in the mirror as often as the face-your body!

Because every one’s skin regenerates at a different rate, allow at least 30 days before expecting to see outward signs of improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.

This information is from “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy.

Anti-Wrinkle Natural Skin Treatments for Various Age Groups

Use these essential oil natural skin treatments every night on the face and, if you wish, on the neck and chest, as far as the collar bone to combat fine lines and wrinkles.

Wrinkle Preventative for Over-20s

• Neroli 8 drops
• Lavender 5 drops
• Fennel 5 drops
• Chamomile German 3 drops
• Geranium 8 drops
• Carrot 1 drop

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut, Almond or Apricot Kernel oil

Anti-Wrinkle Oil for the Over-30s

• Yarrow 10 drops
• Patchouli 2 drops
• Palmarosa 10 drops
• Clary-Sage 8 drops
• Fennel 7 drops
• Rose 8 drops
• Carrot 5 drops
• Borage seed 5 drops
• Jojoba 5 drops

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut or Apricot Kernel oil

Anti-Wrinkle Oil for the Over-40s

• Neroli 10 drops
• Lavender 10 drops
• Frankincense 10 drops
• Rosemary 2 drops
• Fennel 10 drops
• Lemon 3 drops
• Carrot 10 drops
• Evening Primrose 10 drops

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut, Almond or Apricot Kernel oil

Anti-Wrinkle Oil for the Over-50s

• Violet leaf 5 drops
• Galbanum 5 drops
• Rose 5 drops
• Neroli 10 drops
• Lavender 3 drops
• Myrrh 2 drops
• Carrot 10 drops
• Bois de rose 10 drops
• Evening Primrose 10 drops
• Borage seed 10 drops

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut or Apricot Kernel oil

11. Protecting Your Skin

Photo-aging is responsible for as much as 80 percent of skin damage — wrinkling, sagging, and discoloration or age spots. Although all of these natural skin treatments will help improve the health and appearance of your skin, you must also use a safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it before exposing your skin to the elements.

Homemade Sunscreen

• 10 drops lavender
• 1 tbsp pomegranate oil
• 3/4 C coconut oil
• 2 tbsp Zinc Oxide
• 2 tbsp shea butter
• Glass Jar

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except zinc oxide in a jar.
2. Place a saucepan with 2 inches of water on stove over medium/low heat.
3. Place jar in saucepan and stir contents until ingredients start to melt.
4. Once all ingredients are combined, add in zinc oxide and stir well. Store in a cool place.

(Source: DrAxe.com)

Marine Collagen for Younger-Looking Skin

Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Fast growing, thicker hair
Healthier, stronger nails

Dual Action Performance for Skin

Skin-Support is our exclusive collagen supplement for skin nutrition that works to promote smooth, youthful looking skin, aiding with issues such as the appearance of spots, dryness, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles. It is comprised of two key ingredients. The first is COLLACTIVE, our collagen supplement that is a special form of marine collagen and elastin polypeptides with the same ratios of collagen and elastin found in the dermis. The other gradient is a very special form of New Zealand grape seed extract.

Users of Skin-Support can expect:

• Smoother, youthful skin
• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduced appearance of cellulite
• Reduced appearance of stretch marks
• Faster growing thicker, stronger hair
• Healthier, stronger nails

Grape Seed Extract

Antioxidants help to fight free radical damage in the dermis and grape seed extract is one of nature’s best anti-aging antioxidants, and the perfect partner to collagen supplementation. Grape seed extract is especially beneficial because they are such a good source of oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs). OPCs are a type of flavonoid that binds with free oxygen radicals in the human system. They have been shown to have 50 times more antioxidant power than even the well-known abilities of vitamin E.

COLLACTIVE Marine Collagen and Elastin Polypeptides

From the age of 25, your body depletes collagen at approximately 1.5 percent each year. By the time you reach 45, you will have lost 30 percent of your body’s collagen.

COLLACTIVE is a clinically-proven, highly purified, non GMO form of collagen and elastin polypeptides that exist in the same ratio as found in the human dermis – a combination of predominantly type 1 collagen (85 to 90 percent) and type 3 collagen.

How do wrinkles form?

As we get older, the matrix of collagen and elastin in the dermis is damaged by free radicals. As a result of this the matrix shrinks which results in the skin folding…thus creating wrinkles and a need for collagen support. To avoid this happening you must supplement the collagen and elastin matrix by ‘topping up’ these components, PLUS provide potent antioxidants to reduce the damage from free radicals. This is why we have added a potent antioxidant in the form of grape seed extract in addition to the collagen and elastin complex in Skin-Support.

Learn more about Skin-Support now.
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