we can all be natural beauties!

It has been said that we should not put on our skin what we would not eat. Many of the best beauty products can be found in our kitchen.

 

Here are a few tips, woman to woman or woman to men even, when changing cosmetics.

Our skin will need time to adapt. Many of us have been exposed to these ingredients since childhood and in teenage years exposed to even harsher products for “greasy skin”.  On average, expect a 28-­day cycle for your skin to adapt and sebum production to regulate. Many people who thought they had “greasy” skin, did not realise it was their body's reaction to the harsh removal of the naturally occurring oils, sebum. Actually over production of sebum can be a sign that you have very sensitive and dehydrated skin.

 

You will notice, that oil is the preferred cleaner and moisturizer for your skin. Different oils offer powerful nourishing properties that are beneficial to our skin. For those adverse to the “oily” sensation, this is usually the side-­effect of using silicone-containing products in your routine. 

These will cause oils to “sit” on the skin and inhibit their absorption.  Be aware of this in the beginning, once you have removed silicone items, your skin will absorb the oils very quickly. For brand recommendations, check out the Brand Directory and my social media.

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Until then here are a few ideas for items you may have already in your kitchen.

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cleansers

Oil is the best cleanser as oil removes oil, a well known fact in ancient times.

There are various oils out there – Coconut, Hemp, Grapeseed, Avocado, Sweet Almond, and Jojoba. Choose the one that suits your skin the best.

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Method – Cleansing and Make-­up removal

•  Use about a tablespoon or less of your chosen oil

•  Massage into your skin. This can also be used to remove eye make up.

•  Take a hot, wet, natural fibre cloth.

•  Use to remove the oil from you skin, rinse and repeat until clear.

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For those who are adverse to the oil method, milk is a very effective cleanser but, see reason below, will require further moisture after use.

Add a few drops of your essential oil, just one or two, to create a nicer smell and deliver the benefits of essential oils to your skins.

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facemasks

These are single item facemasks. There are literally thousands of facemask combinations, but when you are rushing and want to treat your skin, these recipes are quick and efficient.

 

Labneh or Sour cream or any fermented dairy products; These items contain lactic acid and good fats that will sooth the skin.

Lactic Acid will act as a very mild chemical exfoliant and will eat dead skin cells that may clog pours.

 

Honey is a humectant and will attract water to your skin rehydrating it. Honey, natural, organic and unprocessed, also has anti-­‐bacterial, anti-­‐fungal and anti-­‐inflammatory properties. It can relieve and reduce skin redness often seen in rosacea and acne.

 

Egg white may be the least tasty of the facemasks but highly efficient to tighten skin.

One egg white, slightly whipped, and apply to clean skin for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water to further enhance the effect.

 

Other ingredients can be combined with the above to make your own custom face treatment.

Examples can be avocado, banana, oats, organic sugar, argile clay, papaya.

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floral waters

These can then be used to tone and close your skin's pores. They can also be used through the day to rehydrate dry skin.

Rose water and orange flower water are so prevalent around the world, both offering benefits to your skincare.

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moisturising + facial oils

Creams, no matter the brand or expense, are inefficient in providing deep nourishment for our skin, although they do play a role in your routine.

Most facial creams, are a majority water (aqua), which means they quickly evaporate from our skin.

 

However use of organic moisturizers, free of toxic ingredients are beneficial during the day as they offer additional protection to our natural mantle against environmental effects. For the evening your skin needs to be nourished.

Oils are the ideal products that are absorbed deep enough into the skins layers to deliver their goodness as well as locking in vital hydration.

Find an oil that suits your skin type.

 

I recommended  •  Coconut Oil  •  Avocado Oil  •  Argan Oil  •  Cameilla Oil  •  Apricot Oil  •  Rosehip Oil

 

 

skincare for babies

Much of the information contained here is aimed at men, women and teenagers. However the type of products used on infants and toddlers are very important. More research has come to light showing that even in the womb, babies can absorb these chemicals and so over time from use since birth, toxins will build up in the babies system. As our skin can effectively “clean itself”, the need for harsh soaps and shampoos is not necessary to cleanse your baby.  This is not necessary until your little one is caught rolling in the mud and wonders why you are cross!

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Products to research and take into consideration; talc powder, nappy rash cream, diapers/nappies, cradle cap cream, baby massage oil,  most importantly, baby wipes. New products, which have recently come on the market, are washable diapers. These have come a long way since towel cloth and are highly effective and more cost efficient!