Facial Exercises Guide

Skin Care For Dry Skin

Cecil — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:02:14 +0000

Dry, Itchy Skin A Problem?

Do you suffer from rough patches on your skin?

Is your skin prone to flaking?

If your skin is dry you may be asking yourself what is the best skincare for dry skin?

First of all let’s look at the definition of dry skin.

Dry skin is usually characterized by the following traits:

Rough, dry patches of skin
Enhanced visibility of lines and wrinkles
Prone to premature aging
Peeling and flaking skin
Skin that appears to be scaly
Sensations of tightness and discomfort particularly after washing
Prone to itchiness and irritation

Dry skin is lacking in oil rather than water or moisture. It often feels tight, stretched and uncomfortable. In severe cases dry skin may peel, flake and even crack.

If dry skin is a problem for you, your main aim is to replenish the lost oil your skin is lacking and to keep the surface looking and feeling supple and smooth.

A diet that is high in oily fish, nuts and cold pressed oils such as olive oil can help you to combat the problem of dry skin from within.

It is also a good idea to make sure you are drinking enough water as this can help your skin from becoming too dehydrated.

What Makes Dry Skin Worse?

Dry skin is made worse by several factors including the weather, central heating and air conditioning, diet and exposure to the harsh chemicals found in many shop bought skin care products.

Basically anything that robs the skin of oil will result in skin that is over dry, rough and tight feeling.

Top Skin Care Tips For Dry Skin

• Avoid using soap

• Avoid skin care and beauty products that contain harsh chemicals, especially alcohol

• Choose skin care products that have been formulated for dry skin

• Protect your skin against harsh weather conditions by always using a sunscreen formulated for dry skin

• Avoid sunbathing as this will dry your skin out further

• Avoid having your central heating or air conditioning systems turned up too high

• Consider using a room humidifier if you need to use central heating for prolonged periods of time

• Eat foods such as oily fish and nuts that lubricate dry skin from within

The Best Skin Care For Dry Skin

When selecting skin care products for dry skin make sure that you carefully check the ingredients they contain.

Are they right for dry skin or could they be making your problem worse, drying your skin further and not supplying enough moisture?

A skin care routine for dry skin does not have to exclude the use of water as water itself will not dry out your skin, it is the inadequate rinsing of products from your face that can leave it feeling dry and tight.

A good splash of water to your face after cleansing will help to improve circulation to the facial skin and this in turn encourages any moisturizer you apply after cleansing to be absorbed more efficiently.

Winter skin care for dry skin may differ from your summer skin care routine.

This is because skin can become even drier than normal during the colder months. It may be necessary to use a richer cleanser and moisturizer during the winter.

Many people consider natural skin care for dry skin as the best solution to this problem. This involves using homemade skin care products created from the many skin-friendly natural ingredients to be found at home.

Making your own skin care products is the best way to ensure that anything you put onto your face is 100% natural and will not irritate your skin.

1. Cleanser For Dry Skin

Cleanse dry skin using a rich and creamy cleanser as opposed to a facial wash as these can be very drying. Your cleanser should remove all traces of makeup and clean away any skin impurities.

Try out the following recipe for a soothing and nourishing dry skin cleanser that is packed full of all-natural skin-friendly ingredients.

a) Boil 6 tablespoons of natural, unsalted almonds in water, cool and then remove the skins.

b) Mix together in a blender the almonds, 3 teaspoons of honey and 150 ml of pure mineral water. Leave the mixture to stand over night in a refrigerator.

c) The next day strain the mixture through a clean muslin cloth to gain as much ‘juice’ extract as possible. Squeeze the mixture over a bowl to strain.

d) Discard all the pulp and then add 4 tablespoons of rose water to the extracted liquid.

e) Apply to the face as a cleanser using a cotton wool ball and rinse away with tepid water.

f) This dry skin cleanser can be stored for up to 2 weeks in a refrigerator.

2. Toner For Dry Skin

If your skin is very dry you may choose to avoid toner altogether.

If you do use one make sure it does not contain alcohol and is specially formulated for dry skin. Orange flower water and rose water make good natural toners for dry skin.

3. Moisturizer For Dry Skin

Dry skin needs moisturizing more often than other skin types and richer creams may be more beneficial.

However you need to choose a moisturizer that is easily absorbed by your skin and doesn’t leave a greasy looking film on your face.

Aromatherapy essential oils can be used to help moisturize and hydrate dry skin.

You can make your own moisturizer by adding 2 drops of geranium, lavender or sandalwood oils to 10 ml of a base oil such as sweet almond, jojoba, wheat germ or avocado oil, applying both morning and night.

These essential oils combined with the rich base oils help to balance the skin’s sebum production encouraging dry skin to hold more of the skin’s natural oils.

4. Exfoliator For Dry Skin

Dry skin needs to be exfoliated gently, one to three times per week should be enough for this skin type.

However exfoliating is an important part of any dry skin care routine as it helps to rub off the top layer of dead skin cells and encourages the growth of healthy new skin cells.

Many shop bought exfoliators contain harsh ingredients that can aggravate dry skin, so it is better to make your own using natural ingredients if at all possible.

You can make your own by combining 12 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal and 2 tablespoons of rosewater.

Gently massage the grainy paste into your face concentrating on any dry patches, taking care not to rub too vigorously.

Finally rinse away thoroughly with tepid water.

5. Facemask For Dry Skin

If you want to give your dry skin an extra boost of moisture consider using a facemask that has been formulated for dry skin. Or better still make your own.

Mix together ½ a teaspoon of honey with an egg, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of plain natural yoghurt in a blender.

Apply to the face and relax for 10 – 15 minutes before rinsing away with tepid water.

Discover Natural Secrets For Beautiful Skin

The natural world has a lot to offer us when it comes to our skin.

Discover how to make your own skin care products with the Naturally Skinsational eBook.

Packed with recipes and helpful skin tips this book contains all you need to know if you want to have glowing, healthy, younger looking skin.

Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

Cecil — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:37:29 +0000

Soothe Away Your Skin Problems

Dry, itchy skin?

Prone to rashes and skin irritation?

If your skin is sensitive you may be wondering what the best skin care for sensitive skin is.

First of all let’s look at the definition of sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin is generally characterized by the following traits:

Prone to soreness, itchiness and irritation
Easily reddens, flushes or becomes blotchy
High coloring of the cheeks
Prone to broken capillaries and thread veins
Prone to sore, dry patches
Aggravated by soap and many shop bought skin care products
Reacts to certain foods or drinks, particularly alcohol
Reacts to the temperature i.e. to hot and cold weather

Skin sensitivity can apply to any of the other skin types, so it is possible to have dry sensitive skin, normal sensitive skin and even oily sensitive skin.

If sensitive skin is a problem for you, your main aim is to reduce irritation by strengthening and calming your skin from both the inside and the outside.

Following a diet that is high in alkaline foods may help sensitive skin as will taking a good quality evening primrose or GLA supplement, which will help to calm, soothe and moisturize dry, sensitive skin from within.

What Aggravates Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin is most often irritated when it comes into contact with the fragrance, chemicals or preservatives found in many skin care preparations.

There are varying degrees of skin sensitivity and some people with the condition may only experience mild reactions with slight dryness and a stinging sensation.

Other people experience skin sensitivity more severely and this can result in obvious inflammation and redness and sometimes dryness and peeling of the skin.

The weather is one of the worst enemies of sensitive skin, with hot weather leading to redness and itching and cold or windy weather also aggravating this delicate skin type.

Extreme weather conditions at either end of the scale cause the tiny blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface to carry more blood than usual, which then results in red and blotchy skin.

Top Tips For Sensitive Skin:

• Avoid the use of soap

• Avoid skin care and beauty products that contain fragrance and harsh chemicals

• Choose skin care products for sensitive skin

• Choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin and always protect your skin from the sun – even when the weather is cooler

• Always do a patch test before trying out a new skin care product

• Avoid alcohol especially red wine, port, sherry, beer and lager

The Best Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

To look after sensitive skin you need to treat it with great care, you should always use skin care products that have been specially formulated for sensitive skin.

Try to avoid at all costs products that contain fragrance, alcohol, artificial coloring, soap or lanolin, as these are the most obvious skin irritants found in shop bought beauty products.

Natural skin care products really come into their own when used for sensitive skin and if you really want to have total control over what you put on your face, making your own beauty products is the way forward.

As long as you avoid using any ingredient you know irritates your skin – and it will be different irritants for different people – then you have a safe skin care system to hand that will work for you.

1. Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

Choose a cleansing milk or lotion if you have sensitive skin, as these are the most gentle – or better still make your own.

Aromatherapy essential oils are very useful when it comes to skin care for sensitive skin.

When using natural base oils make sure you are not allergic to them by doing a patch test first and checking for any skin reaction over the next 24 – 48 hours.

Add 1 drop of chamomile oil to 1 drop of a base oil such as sweet almond, grapeseed or jojoba. Chamomile essential oil is very soothing and will help to calm inflamed and irritated skin.

Apply to your face using a cotton ball. This will help to gently cleanse the skin and remove any bacteria, dirt and makeup.

2. Toner For Sensitive Skin

If you have very sensitive skin then it may be wise to skip toner completely.

If using a shop bought product make sure that it doesn’t contain alcohol and choose a toner that has been formulated specifically for sensitive skin.

Natural toners that work for this skin type include rose water, elderflower water and orange flower water.

3. Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

Again the power of aromatherapy oils can help to soothe and moisturize sensitive skin.

You can make your own moisturizer by adding 2 drops of chamomile, rose or neroli oils to 10 ml of any base oil and applying morning and evening.

If oil based moisturizers don’t suit your skin type then look for a light moisturizer that has been created for sensitive skin.

4. Exfoliator For Sensitive Skin

If your skin is sensitive then exfoliating can be a problem.

Many exfoliating ingredients are simply too harsh for sensitive skin and will aggravate the condition, leaving the skin red and inflamed.

However it is not impossible to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores if you have this skin type – just use the gentlest of ingredients and only exfoliate once or twice per week.

You can make your own gentle exfoliator by adding 1 teaspoon of oat bran and 1 teaspoon of finely ground almonds to 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil.

Massage the paste carefully into your skin for a few minutes and then simply rinse away with warm water.

5. Facemask For Sensitive Skin

A facemask is a wonderful way to pamper your skin, you can make your own, apply it to your face and then sit back and relax for 10 – 15 minutes.

To make your own mix together 1 tablespoon of natural plain yoghurt with 1 egg yolk and half a teaspoon of sesame oil.

As long as you are not allergic to any of the following ingredients this is a lovely, soothing natural facemask for sensitive skin.

Taking Control Of Your Sensitive Skin

Making your own home remedies is the easiest way to make sure that your sensitive skin is well cared for.

When you make your own skin care products you can be sure that the ingredients are 100% natural.

And, after performing a skin patch test, you will know for certain that the ingredients you are using won’t irritate your skin further.

The Naturally Skinsational eBook contains over 135 skin care recipes designed to suit all types of skin including sensitive skin.

These powerful homemade remedies can help you to achieve a healthy and glowing complexion without the use of the harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients that so often aggravate sensitive skin.

Face Lift Versus Facial Exercise – Why The Natural Way Is Better

Cecil — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:59:18 +0000

Want To Look Younger?

We all know that eventually the signs of aging will show up on our faces.

None of us can escape time and even those blessed with excellent genes or those who have meticulously followed all the anti-aging advice to the letter will end up with some degree of sagging and wrinkling somewhere along the line.

When faced with an aging reflection in the mirror one of the first solutions that will spring to mind is cosmetic surgery. Face lift surgery is surely the one, final answer to the problem of facial skin aging?

Well it is certainly one of the answers to the problems of an aging face, however as we all know it comes with a high price tag attached to it.

This not only refers to the financial cost but also to the price an individual pays in terms of surgery and satisfaction.

For many people the high cost of this cosmetic procedure immediately rules it out as a viable option. For others, who may have the money to pay for a face lift, different questions will come to mind.

For example some struggle with the idea of undergoing an unnecessary medical procedure all in the name of vanity.

Some will worry about the results and others may be concerned that by having a facelift they are setting themselves up for a future dedicated to the expense and pain of further cosmetic procedures to keep the original one looking good.

A Natural Face Lift?

Many people, due to their financial situation, simply cannot even consider face lift surgery. So what face lift alternatives are there for people who can’t afford cosmetic surgery but still want to look good as they age?

One of the easiest and most effective forms of non surgical face lift comes in the form of facial exercise.

These exercises target the muscles of the face and can help a person to restore the firmness of their skin, get back its glow, fill in lines and creases and address or prevent skin sagging.

So let’s take a look at the various pros and cons attached to face lift surgery and facial exercises – the non surgical face lift

Face Lift Surgery – Pros

1) If you have the money a face lift is a relatively quick way to improve the look of your face.

2) Many people who have face lift surgery do look younger than their years. However results can vary.

3) After the initial surgery recovery is relatively quick (around 2 weeks) although the full effects of your procedure may not be seen until around 6 – 9 months later.

4) Despite the physical discomfort involved, you will not have to make any ‘effort’ yourself to achieve this result.

You do not have to put time into maintaining the look at first, although many people who have a face lift in their 50s will have another in their 60s.

Face Lift Surgery – Cons

1) The cost – this is an expensive procedure and one face lift may not be enough. In 10 -15 years time you may begin to see skin sagging again and require another nip and tuck.

2) Side effects of a facelift include:

• Pain
• Swelling and bruising lasting up to a month after the procedure
• Altered skin sensations such as numbness
• Scarring
• Changes to your hairline.

3) You will be putting your body through an unnecessary anesthetic and medical procedure. Complications can occur such as:

• Infection
• Skin numbness
• Damage to facial nerves
• Hair loss around the scars created by the procedure
• Deep vein thrombosis or blood clot brought on by the anesthetic

4) A surprising number of people are dissatisfied with the results. While they may feel that their sagging skin has been corrected many feel that their skin now looks pulled, stretched and unnatural.

This can be a particularly common problem around the eyes.

5) A facelift can address sagging skin however it can’t alter the loss of fat and collagen under the skin.

Costly facial fillers and wrinkle removing injections may still be required to achieve the desired look.

6) Face lifts unfortunately do not look natural. It is easy to tell who has had one and this becomes more evident the older you are.

You may have a tight, smooth face but your hands, neck and chest will give you away. Is it maybe better to age well in a more natural way?

Facial Exercises – Pros

1) Facial exercises help you to address the problems of skin aging naturally.

This may not give the immediate dramatic results of a cosmetic face lift but you will improve the tone and texture of your facial skin in the way that works best for the face you have been born with.

You’ll look younger but still look like yourself.

2) Facial exercises are simple and easy to perform; what’s more you do not have to spend a lot of money to learn how to do them.

Once you have learned a facial exercise program you have a powerful anti-aging system for life under your belt.

3) Facial exercise not only tighten sagging skin they help to improve the appearance of the skin. Renewed blood flow and oxygen reach your skin when you exercise and this includes when you exercise the face.

Facial exercises address firmness, wrinkles, sagging and the color and tone of your complexion all in one go.

4) There’s no need for any pain! Facial exercises can be performed safely in the comfort of your own home. No knives, no stitches, no anesthetic just a little effort on your part each day.

5) Some facial exercises target the loss of fat and collagen from beneath your skin that occurs as a part of the aging process.

It is possible to plump up hollow cheeks, plump up lips that have thinned with age and fill out the nasal-labial lines that occur from nose to mouth.

6) Facial exercises encourage you to accept the aging process rather than fight against it totally.

None of us can win the war against aging, even the best face lifts look somewhat unnatural, but with facial exercises you can look your very best whatever your age in a way that suits your face.

Facial Exercises – Cons

1) A natural face lift does not come without some effort on your part. You will need to be patient and spend time learning and performing the exercises.

2) Facial exercises have a cumulative effect. This means that unlike a cosmetic face lift you won’t see the results of your efforts immediately.

With time however the changes to your face and skin tone can be quite dramatic.

Naturally Younger Looking Without The Pain

Many people who practice facial exercises successfully are regularly told they look younger than their age.

A facial exercise program encourages you to work with the face you have, rather than try to stretch it beyond all recognition in a flawed attempt to look younger.

Facial exercises = more beautiful, graceful aging.

At only a fraction of the price of a cosmetic face lift, the 30 Day Face Fitness Formula gives you all the exercises you’ll need to know to tighten up your skin and gain a healthy, younger-looking glow.

Lymph Massage For A Glowing Complexion

Cecil — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:06:11 +0000

Want To Regain Your Glow?

If your skin has been looking a bit dull or gray lately or you suffer from facial ’puffiness’ then lymph massage is an excellent way to refresh your skin and bring back its healthy glow.

What’s more you don’t need to set aside time to do it, you can simply massage your face when watching television, whilst relaxing in the bath or when moisturizing your face as part of your morning or evening skin care regimen.

Lymph massage is a wonderful way to rejuvenate your complexion and it’s not as difficult as it may sound. You simply need to understand the basics of lymphatic massage and you’ll soon be on the way to achieving beautiful skin that glows…

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic System

Your body has a network of vessels, similar to blood vessels, known as lymph vessels.

Lymph vessels allow lymph fluid to pass through, carrying with it wastage such as dead cells and other unwanted substances.

Lymph fluid removes toxins, waste products and other foreign bodies via lymph nodes that are located at various points throughout your body.

The lymphatic system does not have a ‘pump’ as the circulatory system does – it relies on muscle movement.

So for example when you are active muscles contract and squeeze lymph along the lymphatic vessels.

If this flow becomes sluggish then your skin will start to look tired, puffy and dull.

Why Is Lymph Massage Beneficial For My Skin?

Think of the lymph system as your internal cleansing system, the part that drains away waste from the tissues.

If it is working efficiently then you will experience good, clear skin and a bright complexion.

If not and the system becomes overloaded you may experience dull gray skin, facial puffiness, dry patches, spots and blackheads.

When you sleep the flow of lymph slows down and this is why your face may look especially puffy or bloated in the mornings upon waking.

Other factors that can affect lymph drainage include:

Lack of physical exercise
Poor diet
Shallow breathing
Pollution

Lymph Massage Benefits

Manual lymph drainage massage is a method of enhancing the mechanisms of your lymphatic system.

If the flow of lymph within your body is impeded or sluggish, toxins are allowed to build up. This can lead to bloating and puffiness of the face.

Manual lymphatic drainage massage helps you to counteract and reverse this process by draining the toxins into the lymph nodes where it can be eliminated – thus detoxifying the body.

Basically this is deep cleansing and its very best.

When you perform lymph massage on your face you are working towards a better complexion by flushing away all those built up toxins and impurities and directing them to where they need to go to be processed – the lymph nodes.

This simple, extra addition to your skin care routine can make all the difference when it comes to a tighter and brighter complexion.

Locating The Lymph Nodes

Your entire body has lymph nodes however for facial massage the following nodes are the most important:

1) Paratoid Lymph Nodes

These are located around the base of the ears, starting just in front of the ear and going back to the hollow point just behind the ears.

If you trace a semi-circle with your fingers from the front of the ear to the hollow behind you will have located the area correctly.

These nodes are a part of the parotoid glands and working this area can help to increase tightness and reduce puffiness in the face.

2) Cervical Lymph Nodes

These nodes can be found extending downwards from the bottom of the ears at the sides of the neck.

3) Supraclavicular Lymph Nodes

You will find these lymph nodes in the hollow area just above the collar bone on the front of the body.

4) Axillary Lymph Nodes

You may be surprised to know that lymph nodes in the armpits are a part of manual lymphatic drainage massage for the face.

However these nodes, located in the armpits are where the waste and toxins from the face, neck and collar bones need to be drained to.

Lymph Massage For Vibrant, Younger Looking Skin

Massaging the face to help speed up the lymph drainage process is not difficult to perform and as many lymph vessels are located just below the skin you will find that a little effort goes a long way.

If you practice facial lymph massage regularly you’ll soon notice the difference to your complexion in terms of color and vibrancy.

What’s more you’ll be giving your whole immune system a boost by speeding up the drainage process.

The Basics

When performing facial lymphatic drainage massage make sure you use a facial oil or cleanser to enable your fingers to glide over your skin rather than drag it.

Some nodes may feel slightly swollen after or during massage but this is just a sign that the massage has worked.

Toxins have been directed to the lymph nodes where they can be processed effectively.

Lymph Massage 1

This massage works with the lymph nodes around the face and will also help to target a sagging jaw line and double chin.

If lymph flow is sluggish the facial contours around your neck may start to sag.

The following massage can help to keep this area toned and prevent a double chin from forming in the first place.

You can perform this massage easily whenever you have the time.

1. Place both thumbs under the chin

2. Slide each thumb along the underside of the jaw line out towards the ears

3. When you reach the ears press firmly into the lymph nodes located in the hollow dent just behind each ear

4. Next press the lymph nodes behind one ear with the fingers of your other hand, keeping the palm flat (press right hand fingers to left ear or vice versa)

5. Then glide the flat of your hand downwards towards the collar bones to drain the lymph to this area

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other side

Lymph Massage 2

Caring for the skin of the neck to avoid it becoming wrinkled and saggy is important because the neck is one of the parts of the body that can give away our true age.

1. Using neck cream press down firmly on the lymph nodes behind the ears with the middle fingers of each hand and hold for a count of 10 or more

2. Glide the flats of your hands down along the sides of the neck to the collar bone to push along those trapped toxins

3. Next place your fingers into the hollow areas above the collar bone on either side and glide your hands along the length of this bone, pushing waste out towards the shoulders

4. Continue to glide the fingers downwards moving the waste along to lymph nodes under the arms

5. Finally press the armpits with a gentle squeezing action and hold for a count of 5

An Easy But Powerful Way To Better Skin

Lymph drainage massage is much simpler than it sounds – as you now know!

This simple process can really help to speed up the removal of unwanted waste and toxins from your body and give you a brighter, firmer complexion that suggests health, vitality and youth.

Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods

Cecil — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:18:35 +0000

The Best Anti Aging Foods For Youthful Skin

Want younger looking skin? Want to feel healthy on the inside and look good on the outside?

Then check out the top anti aging foods that will help to fight off the wrinkles and keep you looking and feeling younger inside and out!

1. Artichoke

Artichokes for clear complexion

Artichokes are an excellent anti aging food because they contain high levels of vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, calcium, iron and dietary fiber.

They also have powerful diuretic properties and act as an internal cleanser for your liver and kidneys. This in turn benefits your skin by encouraging a healthy, clear complexion.

2. Avocado

Avocado for skin regeneration

One of the best anti aging foods you can get is the humble avocado.

Avocadoes are in fact a fruit but they go well with a variety of savory foods and really are a power-packed source of nutrients when it comes to your skin.

Easy to digest, so helpful for anyone who suffers from digestion problems, avocadoes are rich in vitamins A, C and E and monounsaturated oils.

Monounsaturates provide an excellent form of conditioning for your skin, hair and nails alike.

The wonderful avocado also contains high levels of folates, which play an important role in skin cell regeneration, giving your skin a more youthful glow.

What more evidence do you need to include these wonder fruits in your everyday anti aging diet?

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in anti-aging properties

Another of the best anti aging foods you can get your hands on is the simple blueberry. Blueberries are so packed full with health benefits its difficult to know where to begin!

Rich in antioxidant vitamin C, blueberries can help skin to fight off the aging process.

They work as a powerful blood cleanser and have antiseptic properties so if you suffer from acne or pimples your skin may also benefit from the addition of this anti aging food to your diet.

4. Broccoli

Broccoli - rich in essential nutrients

Broccoli is another one of the best anti aging foods you can get your hands on.

Not only is it packed to bursting with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, iron, folic acid, fiber and calcium – it also contains a cancer-fighting chemical known as sulphoraphane.

Steaming or stir-frying broccoli is the best way to cook it as this way its nutrients are preserved. You can also it eat raw for a crunchy addition to a salad.

5. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolates improve blood flow to your skin

It’s not all about the fruit and vegetables and anyone with a sweet tooth will be pleased to hear that not all sweet treats are bad for you.

In moderation dark chocolate contains many anti aging properties that will benefit your skin.

Dark chocolate contains B vitamins, protein and flavanoids that improve your skin’s hydration levels and give the complexion a glowing boost by increasing blood flow to your skin.

But it’s only chocolate that contains a minimum of 70% cocoa solids that has this beneficial effect so make sure you choose this type, otherwise you could do your skin more harm than good.

And dark chocolate is still a high calorie food so if you don’t want to pile on the pounds enjoy its health giving benefits in moderation.

6. Nuts

Nuts for smooth and supple skin

Nuts are sometimes avoided by slimmer’s but incorporated into your anti aging diet, they can give your skin a much needed boost.

They are filled to bursting with skin friendly vitamins and minerals and provide a valuable source of mono and polyunsaturated fats that help to keep your skin smooth and supple.

Unblanched and unsalted almonds, brazil nuts, macadamia and pine nuts are the best for your skin.

Enjoy in moderation to avoid taking in too many calories and avoid completely if you have a known nut allergy.

7. Oily Fish

Oily fish contains EPA and DHA for smoother skin

All fish is good for us as it is high in protein and low in harmful fats however oily fish contains high levels of essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which will help your skin remain smooth and supple as you age.

Oily fish include mackerel, sardines, salmon and trout. If you really don’t like the taste of fish you can take fish oil supplements.

Many people with dry skin conditions such as psoriasis report improvements to their skin when they include oily fish as a part of their diet.

Try to eat oily fish twice a week or more and if you do there’s no need for a supplement!

8. Red Wine

1 small glass of red wine a day can benefit your health

Another surprising entry on the top 10 list of the best anti aging foods is red wine, we are often warned about the aging effects of alcohol but enjoyed in moderation red wine has many benefits for your skin and for your health in general.

Red wine contains high levels of an antioxidant known as resveratrol that can help to protect your heart from heart disease.

However it is the skin of the red grapes used to make red wine that contribute to its status as an anti aging food.

Enjoy in moderation, one small glass of red wine per day maximum.

9. Seeds

Small quantities of seeds for energy

Like nuts, seeds provide your body with a concentrated form of energy and nutrients – so again they are something to enjoy in small quantities.

Seeds contain the valuable unsaturated fats known as essential fatty acids (EFAs) and vitamin E that help to keep your skin smooth and young looking.

Take your pick from sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, caraway, dill, fennel, poppy and linseeds.

Sprinkled over salads or steamed vegetables seeds can add a delicious and nutritious crunch to your anti aging diet.

10. Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin olive oil has skin moisturizing properties

Virgin olive oil sometimes called extra virgin olive oil is one of the ultimate anti aging foods you can include in your diet.

Adding the cold pressed variety to your meals is a great way to moisturize your skin from the inside and will help to improve the texture of your skin.

Rich in skin-kind monounsaturated fats add virgin olive oil to salads as a dressing or toss steamed or stir fried vegetables in a light dressing containing olive oil and some seeds for a power packed anti aging boost for your skin.

Naturally Beautiful Inside And Out

Some of these anti aging foods will also benefit your skin when applied externally.

Find out all the secrets to making natural skin care products from nature’s bounty and learn how certain anti aging foods can benefit your skin from the outside with the Naturally Skinsational eBook.

Recipes For Beauty – Homemade Facials

Cecil — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 02:04:56 +0000

Homemade Facials – The Natural Way To Beautiful Skin

Facials are a wonderful way to pamper your skin and give it an anti-aging boost all that same time.

What’s more homemade facials are easy to make and apply yourself saving you valuable time and money.

There are all kinds of ingredients found in the fridge and in your kitchen cupboards that will benefit your skin and keep it glowing and healthy looking.

And don’t forget that when you create ‘at home face masks’ you’ll know exactly what you are putting on to your skin.

The following are some recipes for face masks that you can make yourself easily at home.

Homemade Face Mask Recipes

Homemade face masks are useful for revitalizing the complexion and nourishing your skin.

By using certain ingredients you can soothe and moisturize your skin, even out your skin tone or even help to heal scarring.

The best homemade facial masks cleanse the skin thoroughly, extracting deeply embedded dirt and grime from the skin’s pores while also stimulating the growth of healthy new skin cells.

You may be considering how to make homemade face masks or wondering if it is worth the effort but the truth is, making your own face masks is a cheap and healthy alternative to shop bought, chemically ‘enhanced’ products.

1. Homemade Facial Mask For Dry And Mature Skin

This mask will help to keep your skin feeling smooth and supple.

Ingredients:

1 banana
1 tbsp rosewater
½ tsp glycerin

a) Peel and mash the banana in a bowl.

b) Add the rosewater and glycerin and mix well.

c) Apply to your face (first thing in the morning before applying makeup is ideal).

d) Leave for 20 – 30 minutes.

e) Rinse away with warm water.

2. Homemade Facial Mask For Normal To Oily Skin / Combination Skin

Clay is a deep cleanser that helps to life dirt from the pores and cleanses the skin thoroughly. You can buy it from health food shops.

Ingredients:

4 tsp clay or Fuller’s earth (green clay is best but any will do)
2 tsp brewer’s yeast
5 cm chunk of cucumber (unpeeled)

a) Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until you have a smooth paste.

b) Add more clay to the mixture gradually if your paste is too thin.

c) Apply to the face and leave for 15 minutes.

d) Wash off with warm water.

3. Homemade Facial Mask For Problem Skin

If you suffer from acne or acne scarring try this facial mask for blemished skin.

Ingredients:

2 tsp jojoba oil
4 – 6 tsp clay
1 tsp live natural yoghurt
1 drop lavender essential oil

a) Mix all ingredients together well in a bowl.

b) Apply to the face for 15 minutes.

c) Rinse away with warm water.

Homemade Facial Cleanser

Homemade facial cleansers can also be made simply and naturally with ingredients that are easy to find.

Cleansers clean the skin and prepare it for the next step of a skin care routine – moisturizer.

1. Homemade Facial Cleanser For Dry / Mature Skin

This recipe will hydrate dry skin, cleanse deep down and tighten the skin all in one go.

Ingredients:

1/2 tbsp honey
1 egg
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp live natural yoghurt

a) Combine all the ingredients together well in a bowl.

b) Apply to the skin using your fingertips in small circular upwards strokes.

c) Wash away excess using warm water.

2. Homemade Facial Cleanser For Combination Skin

This face cleanser has the added benefit of providing exfoliation as well as deep cleansing.

The texture of the corn meal will leave your face feeling smooth, invigorated and glowing.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp polenta (ground corn meal)
2 tbsp live natural yoghurt

a) Combine the ingredients in a bowl to form a paste.

b) Gently rub into the skin in small circular movements starting from the chin moving up towards the forehead.

c) After a few minutes wash away any excess with warm water.

3. Homemade Facial Cleanser For Oily Skin

This cleanser will help to regulate an oily complexion and can be kept in your fridge for up to 3 days after making.

Ingredients:

½ cup milk
3 tsp mint leaves finely chopped
3 tsp sage finely chopped
3 tsp lemon peel finely chopped

a) Soak the fresh herbs in the milk in a cool, dark place for at least 4 hours. Your fridge is ideal.

b) Strain the mixture through a sieve.

c) Try to extract as much liquid as possible from the soaked herbs in the sieve by pressing down hard with the flat of a spoon.

d) Discard the herbs.

e) Apply the herb-infused milk to the skin using cotton wool pads.

f) Wash your face with warm water after application.

Homemade Facial Scrub

If you want to exfoliate your skin gently and naturally, homemade face scrubs are an easy and effective way to do so and get smooth, soft skin.

Exfoliators gently rub away the upper layer of dead skin cells and also boost circulation to your facial skin.

This leaves the skin feeling smooth and looking brighter but also encourages the growth of new skin cells – essential for younger looking skin.

1. Homemade Facial Scrub For Dry Skin

Ingredients:

1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp rose water
1 tsp honey

a) Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to form a grainy paste.

b) Apply the scrub with your fingertips using small circular movements. Take care not to rub too vigorously or drag the skin and concentrate on the nose, forehead and chin.

c) Leave for 5 minutes.

d) Rinse away with warm water.

2. Homemade Facial Scrub For Normal And Combination Skin

Ingredients:

1 tbsp dry corn kernel
1 tbsp ground rice powder
1 tbsp cucumber juice (for normal/oily combination skin)
1 tbsp carrot juice (for normal/dry combination skin)

a) Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl to form a grainy paste.

b) Apply the scrub with your fingertips using small circular movements. Take care not to rub too vigorously or drag the skin.

c) Leave the mixture on the face for 5 minutes.

d) Rinse away with warm water.

3. Homemade Facial Scrub For Oily Skin

Ingredients:

1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp pure water, witch hazel or orange flower water
1 drop tea tree or lavender essential oil

a) Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to form a grainy paste.

b) Apply the scrub with your fingertips using small circular movements. Take care not to rub too vigorously or drag the skin and concentrate on the nose, forehead and chin.

c) Leave for 5 minutes.

d) Rinse away with cool to warm water.

Skin Care Made Easy

Homemade face masks and other skin care products are easy and inexpensive to make yourself.

If you are interested in finding out more about the natural way to get healthy, vibrant and younger looking skin the Naturally Skinsational eBook is filled with homemade natural skin care recipes that will help to keep your skin naturally healthy, glowing and beautiful.

How To Choose A Moisturizer Depending On Your Skin Type

Cecil — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:23:15 +0000

Why Choose The Best Moisturizer For The Face That You Can?

All skin types need moisture, even oily skin, and choosing the best facial moisturizer for you will largely depend on your skin type.

Face moisturizer helps to improve the appearance of the outer layer of your skin, known in skin science as the ‘cornified’ layer (stratum corneum) which acts as a barrier protecting the skin from moisture loss, light, infection and pollution.

Moisturizer hydrates this layer of skin helping it to feel softer and smoother to the touch.

A good moisturizer that allows your skin to breathe will also help to prevent dry air from sapping the natural moisture from your skin.

When applied moisturizers sit on the top layer of your skin providing an invisible protective barrier.

Tinted moisturizer has the same hydrating effects as regular moisturizer but has color added to it to act as a light foundation and to help regulate uneven skin tone.

The Best Moisturizer For Dry Skin

Dry Skin - Dry patches and pronounced wrinkles

Dry and mature skin needs to be regularly moisturized perhaps more often than other skin types and younger skin.

It is best to apply your moisturizer after thoroughly cleansing the skin.

With dry and maturing skin you will notice that your skin does not produce as much natural oil as other skin types or as it did in the past.

This can lead to dry patches, wrinkles that seem more visible or pronounced and a dull texture.

The best facial moisturizer for dry skin or mature skin is absorbed easily by the skin and does not leave a shiny film on the face.

Why not try making your own to ensure 100% natural ingredients, no harsh additives and to save yourself some money?

Dry Skin Moisturizer Recipes

All you need to do is mix the ingredients together in a bowl or in a blender and then apply to the skin.

You can store these preparations in the fridge for up to a week (slightly less longer if they include cream, milk or yoghurt – up to 3 days is recommended) but remember to warm the moisturizer thoroughly in your hands before applying it to your face.

Honey And Olive Oil Moisturizer

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp honey
1 tsp castor oil

Avocado And Honey Moisturizer

1 Avocado
1 tbsp honey
½ tbsp sour cream

The Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin

Oily skin - "Who says you don't need a moisturizer?"

When it comes to choosing the best facial moisturizer for oily skin, lighter is better.

Some people mistakenly believe that oily skin does not need a moisturizer but this is not true.

You just need to choose your ingredients carefully and apply to skin that has been thoroughly, albeit gently, cleansed.

Oily Skin Moisturizer Recipes

Witch Hazel And Mint Moisturizer For Oily Skin

6 tbsp pure filtered water
2 tbsp with hazel
2 tsp chopped mint leaves
50 ml or ½ cup rose water
2 tbsp glycerin

Add the mint and water to a pan, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

Leave to cool and the sieve through muslin cloth or a sieve to remove the mint leaves.

Add the witch hazel, rosewater and glycerin. Put into a watertight container and shake well.

Shake well before each use. You can store the remaining mixture in your fridge for up to 4 days.

Honey And Apple Moisturizer

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, all you need to do is blend 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of 100% pure apple juice and then apply to your skin.

It is better if you can make the apple juice yourself in a blender or juicer rather than buying shop bought apple juice.

The Best Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin requires products that work with it rather than against it and this is where nature’s ingredients can really hold their own.

Many people with sensitive skin find that shop bought moisturizers contain ingredients that are simply too harsh for their delicate complexions, leading to redness and irritation.

Sensitive Skin Moisturizer Recipes

Soothing Yoghurt Moisturizer

All you need to do is blend the following ingredients together, you can then store any remaining mixture in your fridge for up to 24 hours.

1 tbsp plain yoghurt
1 egg yolk
½ tbsp sesame oil

Aromatherapy Oil Blend For Sensitive Skin

Mix together 10 ml of any carrier oil with 10 drops of Roman chamomile, neroli or rose oil. Shake well and store in a cool dark place.

Shake again before using.

The Best Moisturizer For Combination Skin

Combination skin requires a moisturizer that contains active ingredients that suit both oily and normal/dry skin types.

Fortunately nature has taken care of this dilemma and there are many natural ingredients that work well for both skin types.

Combination Skin Moisturizer Recipes

Strawberry Surprise Moisturizing Face Mask

It may sound a bit strange but mashing a handful of strawberries together with a whole egg will work wonderfully for combination skin!

This recipe provides a moisturizing boost in the form of a facial mask rather than a moisturizing salve or cream.

For a longer lasting moisturizer you could make a combination skin friendly aromatherapy oil preparation.

Simply add 4 drops of bergamot oil and 6 drops of rose geranium oil to 10 ml of jojoba oil to an airtight container.

Shake well and again before each use.

These oils have antiseptic properties but will also help to maintain your skins moisture levels.

Bergamot oil is photosensitive however so do not go out in the sun directly after applying this blend and when you do go outdoors make sure you have applied a sunscreen with a high SPF once the oil has blended in thoroughly.

Skin Care The Easy Way

So as you can see it is easy to make moisturizers using all natural ingredients you can find at home.

If you want to find out more about making your own 100% natural skin care products then the Naturally Skinsational eBook shows you how.

Packed full of recipes for all skin types this ebook is a treasure trove of information for natural skin aficionados.

The Benefits Of Green Tea For Skin

Cecil — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:55:03 +0000

Go Green!

It’s the drink of choice for some of the world’s top supermodels and with little wonder! The benefits of green tea for skin are numerous.

You may have heard how green tea benefits your health but this potent brew doesn’t just stop with the body, it can have a protective and anti aging influence on your skin.

Green tea has been a popular health drink of choice for centuries in the Far East and has become popular in the West in recent years.

What’s more the skin enhancing properties of green tea are now be used in a whole range of new beauty products.

So why is green tea good for your skin? Let’s look at the Top 3 Green Tea Skin Benefits…

1. Green Tea Promotes Youthful Looking Skin

Green tea is packed with skin-friendly antioxidants. But why are antioxidants so beneficial for the skin and for holding back the aging process?

Simply put, antioxidants are a group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that protect the body’s cells from the degenerative process of oxidation by harmful free radicals.

Free radicals within the body damage skin cells by starving them of oxygen, which in turn breaks down collagen levels.

Collagen is an essential part of your skin’s structure and is responsible for keeping skin supple, smooth and young looking.

Of course aging is a natural process and inevitable but it is possible to slow the process down by making certain lifestyle choices.

Skin cell oxidation can be accelerated by a number of skin-aging factors such as exposure to the sun, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and poor diet.

However by increasing your intake of antioxidant rich foods, such as green tea, you can contain and control this degeneration.

Green tea contains high levels of the extremely powerful antioxidants OPCs (oligomeric proanthrocyanidins) and this is one of the most important reasons as to why we should drink green tea for skin health.

2. Green Tea Can Reduce The Damaging Effects Of Ultraviolet Sunlight

In 2009 scientists at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio revealed that a green tea skin spray could help to boost the skin’s integral immune system and ward off damage from the sun’s harmful rays.

This has led to further research in the area and now there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that green tea’s powerful antioxidants could help to prevent skin cancer.

In fact it is thought that drinking just 2 cups of green tea per day could lower the risk of developing the type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma by 65%.

Of course it is vital that if you spend time in the sun you should also use a high factor sunscreen at all times but the news that green tea may help to prevent cellular damage to the skin and offer the skin some protection from the sun is very encouraging.

3. Green Tea Can Help To Soothe Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Green tea when applied topically has been shown to reduce redness and itching in conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea and dandruff. Drinking green tea may also help with these conditions.

Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties come from polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant found in plant-based foods.

If you suffer from any skin conditions that cause inflammation and redness using green tea skin products and drinking green tea may benefit your skin.

How To Incorporate Green Tea Into Your Anti Aging Skin Care Regime

The following are some tips to show you how you can utilize the powerful benefits of green tea in your skin care plan.

1) The first tip is obvious – drink green tea! Between 2 – 5 cups per day is good amount and what’s more it’s not just your skin that will benefit from these daily tea breaks.

Green tea has numerous health benefits and it can help to control the appetite, which is why it is often recommended for dieters.

If you really don’t enjoy the taste of green tea then it is possible to take it in the form of supplements or powder, however it is important to only buy high quality green tea products that do not contain additives and contain good levels of green tea.

2) Make yourself a green tea toner by steeping teabags or loose leaf tea in water and letting it cool. Bottle and keep in a cool dark place.

You can use this each day applied to cotton wool to remove all traces of cleanser morning and night or simply when you feel your face needs refreshing.

You can also make a skin-boosting and soothing green tea facemask by using green tea powder mixed with water to form a paste.

Apply the green tea mask to your face and leave for 10 – 15 minutes while you relax. Rinse away with tepid water and, after patting the skin dry, apply your regular moisturizer.

3) Rid yourself of puffy eyes or treat tired, sore eyes by applying 2 moist, infused green tea bags that have been left too cool down to your eyes.

Lie down for 10 to 15 minutes and take some time to relax!

Green tea contains tannins that may help to constrict the skin’s blood vessels and have a temporary but very soothing and tightening effect on the skin.

How To Drink Green Tea

In many green-tea drinking cultures the following ‘brewing’ advice is the norm:

● Tea should be allowed to steep for three to five minutes to enable the release of the powerful skin friendly antioxidants

● It should then be drunk immediately to make full use of these anti aging properties

● Drinking any kind of tea can interfere with the absorption of iron from other food sources but you can counteract this by adding milk or lemon to your tea

● Another way to avoid this is to drink tea in between meals

So what are you waiting for… let’s put the kettle on!

7 Ways You Could Be Sabotaging Your Skin

Cecil — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:56:32 +0000

Want To Find Out 7 Deadly Skin Care Sins?

We all know that smoking, alcohol and the sun can cause our skin to age prematurely.

But there are plenty of other skin sins that you might be guilty of committing without even realizing it…

So let’s take a look at 7 skin saboteurs and how you can avoid them to keep your skin looking healthy, vibrant and young.

Skin Sin # 1 – Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliating your skin should be a regular part of your beauty routine – it helps to keep skin smooth by sloughing away dead skin cells and encourages the growth of healthy new cells.

However exfoliating the skin too often can encourage excessive oil production and this may result in spot and pimple breakouts.

What’s more the action of exfoliating (i.e. applying the exfoliating product over your whole face) can make breakouts worse by spreading existing bacteria around your face.

Exfoliating only once a week or less is recommended if you have oily or sensitive skin.

Skin Sin # 2 – Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

If you don’t keep your makeup brushes, sponges or applicators clean you run the risk of bacterial infections and clogged pores that can lead to spot and pimple breakouts.

Try to clean your makeup brushes once every fortnight using a gentle, 100% natural shampoo or soap to avoid irritating your skin on future contact.

Rinse with tepid water thoroughly and then leave to dry overnight.

Skin Sin # 3 – Giving Up Or Not Even Trying!

One skin mistake younger people make is thinking that they don’t need to prepare their skin for the aging process just yet.

When you’re in your 20s it’s easy to think that you can put in more effort later on in life and that you don’t need to even consider skin aging at this point in your life.

It is never too early to start a skin care regime that is designed to preserve your skin as best as possible.

If you can pick up good skin care habits now you will really be glad you did once you get to your late 30s when fine lines and wrinkles begin to show.

Likewise some older people think that it’s just too late to even be bothered with their skin – they wrongly think the damage is done so they neglect the skin further.

Even if your skin is lined or wrinkled as a result of earlier bad habits it’s never too late to start a skin care regime.

It’s possible to see great improvements to your complexion, skin tone and skin pallor by following good skin care habits at any age.

Skin Sin # 4 – Following All The Latest Skin Care Trends

We know it can be tempting to try out exciting new products especially if you’re a beauty addict who just can’t resist the lure and promises of all that is new, however some products may not be suitable for your skin type.

Just because a skin care product is new, or promises advanced skin technology it doesn’t mean that you need it.

It’s certainly better to assess new products by your skin type and stick to what you know will work best for you.

Skin Sin # 5 – Over-Using Your Mobile Phone

This may come as a surprise but your mobile phone can sabotage your skin.

If you’re prone to breakouts down one side of your face then consider that it could be your mobile phone causing the problem.

Even if your phones and hands are completely clean and bacteria free the fact is that the phone is in constant contact with the side of your face.

This causes heat build up and friction that can block pores and encourage the appearance of spots and pimples.

If this is a problem for you or you use your mobile phone a lot, then you may need to consider investing in a headset.

Skin Sin # 6 – Ignoring Your Neck And Décolletage

Beautiful skin doesn’t stop with your face.

If you concentrate on your facial skin in the hope of holding off the years but ignore the surrounding skin of your neck and décolletage (chest) they will ultimately give your true age away.

The neck and chest are often left exposed so are susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun and what’s more the skin in these areas is extra delicate.

This makes it doubly important for you to protect the skin of the neck and décolletage from the sun’s harmful UV rays and to keep it hydrated with moisturizer as part of your daily morning and evening skin care routine.

Skin Sin # 7 – Product Overload

Overloading your skin with beauty products, no matter what they promise, can have a detrimental effect on your skin.

There’s literally too much information out there on what the best products are for holding off the years or preventing this and that – it’s no wonder we’re all confused!

Some products that have been formulated in the beauty labs are not compatible with each other and many contain chemicals and additives that are simply too harsh for many skin types.

You may be duplicating active ingredients inadvertently which can cause skin irritation or you could be combining your products in such a way that they cancel out the active effects of the added ingredients.

For example if you are trying to combine adult acne products with products that aim to address sun damage you could be submitting your skin to an incompatible and harsh overload of ingredients.

Products containing AHA’s (glycolic acid), benzoyl peroxide, retinol or vitamin C need particular care and should always be used on their own rather than in layers.

The simplest solution to this problem is to say goodbye to harsh chemicals. Natural ingredients found at home in your own kitchen have proven just as effective in helping to maintain youthful skin.

What’s more you can be absolutely sure that you aren’t adding any nasty chemicals to your body through your skin. Natural is better, safer and just as effective.

Care For Your Skin The Natural Way

If you’re interested in finding out more about 100% natural skin preparations the Naturally Skinsational eBook shows you how to create your own highly effective skin care products easily and simply at home.

A Daily Skin Care Routine For Skin That Glows

Cecil — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:54:24 +0000

Beautiful Skin Everyday

The simple fact remains that if you want good skin you have to work at it.

Ask anybody over a certain age who has beautiful, glowing skin what their secret is and they will tell you that they have worked hard to achieve their good looks.

A healthy diet, regular moderate exercise and protection from the sun will go a long way to helping you maintain vibrant, beautiful skin as you age however this goes hand in hand with a daily skin care routine designed to keep the skin looking good.

There are so many different skin care products on the market today that it can be confusing as to what to use and when.

All products claim to have their own specific benefits and then you have to wade through the ranges of products designed for the different skin types.

Here we give you the low down on how to understand the skin care basics and create a daily skin care regimen that will work for you.

Skin Care Essentials

Whatever type of skin you have, whatever your age or whatever your skin concern there are 4 top products that should make up the basis of your regular daily skin care routine.

Once you have the basics taken care of you can tailor your products towards your specific skin type or skin concern whether that be blemishes, sensitivity or wrinkles!

1. Cleanser

This is the staple of any skin care regime and is used to clean your face. Cleansers can be shop-bought or created simply and easily at home with natural ingredients.

You should use cleanser at the beginning of your day as part of your morning skin care routine in order to prepare and protect your skin from the daily onslaught of pollution, UV rays and/or computer screen glare.

Cleanser is also used at night as part of the evening skin routine to remove the dirt and grime we all pick up from modern day life.

Cleansers come in a wide range of formulas specific to the different skin types.

Thicker, milky cleansers work well on dry or sensitive skin as they add much needed hydration to the skin, while lighter gel formulas work well for those who have oily skin.

Cleansers that contain a gentle exfoliating ingredients work well on all skin types as they help to slough away dead skin cells and ‘brighten’ the complexion.

2. Toner

The next staple in your skin care toolbox is toner. Toner clears away excess cleanser preparing your skin for the next step – moisturizer. Cleansers can also help to clarify and tighten skin.

Alcohol-free toners are the best and this is one product you may want to make yourself at home, as toners that are too harsh can strip the skin of its natural oils.

This can have a negative effect and cause more skin problems for both oily and dry/sensitive skin types.

Natural toners are however extremely beneficial for those who have oily skin as they clean the skins pores deep down and help to tighten the appearance of enlarged or open pores.

3. Daytime Moisturizer

Moisturizer used for the daytime is usually lighter than the moisturizer you should use at night.

It is useful to choose a daytime moisturizer that also includes an SPF of 15 or higher to help protect your skin from the damaging and aging effects of the sun’s rays.

A good daytime moisturizer will help your skin to stay smooth and supple all day and should provide a good base for make-up, if worn.

● Oily skin – choose a moisturizer that is light and mattifying, if you are prone to spots, blemishes or acne choose one that has sebum regulating properties.

● Dry/sensitive skin – your moisturizer will need to be richer than one chosen for oily or normal skin. If your daytime moisturizer is too light skin may flake and your makeup will not blend in smoothly.

● Mature skin – choose a moisturizer infused has anti-aging properties such as high SPF and antioxidants.

4. Nighttime Moisturizer

You may be thinking that you can use the same moisturizer for both day and night but there is a good reason why it is recommended using different moisturizers at different times of the day.

For one, during the day your moisturizer should contain SPF to protect your skin from the sun.

However at night you do not need sun protection and therefore do not need to add an additional hit of these chemicals to your body via your skin.

Nighttime moisturizers tend to be formulated towards skin cell renewal while you sleep.

Your skin renews and rejuvenates itself as you sleep so you want to choose a richer moisturizer that can take advantage of this process.

Your daily skin care routine therefore needs to include twice per day, everyday:

Cleansing
Toning
Moisturizing (for day or for night)

Other Skin Care Staples

Along with the 4 basics the following products can be added to your daily skin care routine on a daily basis or less frequently depending on your needs.

5. Eye Creams/Gels

As skin ages collagen fibers become weaker and skin starts to lose its elasticity. This can be particularly noticeable around the eyes.

Skin around the eyes is very delicate and susceptible to noticeable lines and wrinkles so great care needs to be taken when applying products to this area.

It is important not to drag the skin when applying creams or gels to the eyes.

Some eye creams have anti-aging properties while others, particularly the gels, aim to tighten the skin in this area and reduce puffiness.

Eye creams that have protective, anti-aging properties are recommended after the age of 30 to help prevent premature aging of the delicate skin in this area.

6. Facemask

Facemasks give you the chance to pamper your skin and take some time out for yourself all at the same time.

Depending on your skin type there is a face mask to suit everyone and this is one product that you can have fun with making yourself with ingredients found in most kitchens!

Facemasks are usually left to soak into the skin for 10 – 15 minutes while you relax to make full use of their skin-friendly properties.

7. Exfoliator

One to three times per week, depending on your skin type (less often for sensitive skin types) your skin requires exfoliation.

Exfoliators can make a great difference to the texture of your complexion and revitalize the skin.

Most exfoliators contain minute grains or beads that scrub away the top layer of dead skin cells, encouraging the growth of healthy new skin cells, keeping skin supple and improving your skin’s brightness.

Exfoliators are beneficial for all skin types but need to be suited to your skin type.

Sensitive skins need the most gentle of formulas and a homemade preparation may be the wisest choice if you have this type of skin. For example raw oatmeal makes for a very gentle, natural exfoliator.

8. Lip Care

As we age the lips lose some of their plumpness and fine lines can appear around the mouth as skin elasticity diminishes.

If your lip area is a concern for you it may be wise to invest in a product that has been specially formulated for this area.

9. Neck Care

The neck is another area that betrays our true age as there are very few oil-producing glands in the skin here.

To keep your neck looking supple and smooth as you age, and to avoid the appearance of crepe-like skin, a rich neck cream is recommended.

Some creams for the neck area have added firming properties that help to keep the skin looking toned and tight. Other neck creams target the age spots that can also show up on this part of the body.

Daily Skin Care The Natural Way

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of products you need to use to maintain younger looking, healthy skin.

However caring for your skin doesn’t have to be costly as it’s possible to make all of the above mentioned products yourself, at home, using all-natural ingredients.

The Naturally Skinsational eBook shows you how to make 100% natural and inexpensive products using easy to find ingredients.

It’s never been easier to achieve beautiful, glowing skin everyday!