Our skin is the largest organ in the body and the first line of defense in our immune systems making skin health important for our protection. Having healthy, glowing skin also affects what we see when we look in the mirror or what others see when they look at us which can affect how we feel about ourselves. Summertime with all its fun outside activities can take a toll on our skin though. Using some simple natural solutions for skin care can help you keep your skin healthy and protecting you even with summer challenges.
Natural Care For Your Skin From the Outside
We are constantly producing new skin cells to replace the ones that die off. As new skin cells are formed at the lowest skin level, they push their way up to the surface and most of the dead skin cells fall off. Exfoliating the skin gets rid of the dead skin found on the surface which helps keep skin pores clear keeping away blackheads and other small bumps on your face and letting the new radiant skin shine through. When exfoliating be gentle. There are natural substances that make good exfoliates such as clays, lemon juice or papaya that has enzymes that exfoliate naturally. Julie Gabriel also advises herbal steam baths with a clay mask afterwards to help keep pores clean. Dry skin should only need exfoliating once a week whereas oily skin may need it more.
Keeping our skin clean is another important part of skincare on the outside. Your cleanser should be a gentle one and different ones work better for different skin types. In general, if you have dry skin you’ll want to use a cleanser that is creamy and if you have oily skin, a foamy, oil-free cleanser is better. Also be sure not to use hot water when cleansing as it can destroy the natural moisture in your skin. It is also better to pat the skin to dry it instead of rubbing it. In the aging process your skin naturally gets drier. Dry skin can benefit from moisturizing to naturally protect it. I like using this antioxidant lotion fortified with high-performance levels of WGP beta glucan, wild bluegreen algae, and aloe vera, as well as vitamins A, C, and E and other key ingredients that nourish your skin while leaving it soft without an oily feel. It is particularly effective for dry, damaged, or more mature skin and is full of food-grade nutrients and antioxidants your skin craves and that help protect against the effects of free radicals.
Sunscreen is another important component in caring for your skin. Over time exposure to sun brings on wrinkles, age spots and can even lead to skin cancer. No matter how much sun exposure you have already had it’s never too late to start using sunscreen to protect your skin. Make sure you use a sunscreen with a SPF of a minimum of 30 and that protects against UVA and UVB light. Sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days or when you are outside either. Sunlight can still affect you even on a cloudy day or when coming in through windows.
Natural Care For Your Skin From the Inside
What you put on the inside of your body is just as important as what you put on the outside of your body when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. Fruits and vegetables with antioxidants are great for fighting off free radical damage and repairing damaged cells. If you don’t get enough antioxidants in your diet, this antioxidant filled stem cell support supplement can help. Adult stem cells occurring naturally in your body maintain and renew body tissue. The older we get, the less of these stem cells we produce. Nourishing them and providing antioxidants can help protect your existing stem cells from damage of free radicals. Adding soy to your diet can help plump up skin that is lacking in collagen as it has lots of isoflavones. Eating foods rich in essential fatty acids helps skin stay elastic rather than sagging. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are the most important essential fatty acids for our skin. Dehydration is another of the major causes of aging skin. If you want healthy skin, drink plenty of water.
At Home Skin Care Recipes
If the heat, sun exposure, and dry summer air is making your skin look like a piece of parchment, don’t panic. You can take some simple steps at home to transform your skin from a piece of parchment to skin with a healthy glow. Here are three simple recipes to exfoliate, cleanse, and nourish your skin.
Healthy Skin Recipe #1: Exfoliant
One of the keys to having glowing healthy skin is to remove all the dead or sun-damaged cells that have accumulated on your skin. You can make this simple skin scrub with ingredients you will find in your kitchen cupboard.
Mix 1 part cornmeal with 1 part organic oatmeal, and store in a sealed container. (If you have sensitive skin, mix 1 part cornmeal with 2 parts organic oatmeal for a softer scrub.)
To use this mix, dampen your face (or any part of your skin you want to exfoliate) with warm water. Pour a handful of the mixture in your palm and gently rub it your skin. If the mixture starts to feel too dry, just add more warm water. After you are done scrubbing, rinse the area with warm water, and then pat dry. Moisturize with an antioxidant lotion such as this amazing restorative lotion. Burt’s Bees products are also wonderful.
Healthy Skin Recipe #2: Cleansing Mask
Another key to having glowing skin, especially on your face, is to cleanse and tighten your pores. A mask is the perfect way to do this. This simple recipe works well, and gives you that requisite salon “funny green face” look.
Mix 2 capsules of acidophilus, 2 capsules of enzymes, and 2 capsules of blue-green algae with spring water to form a paste.
To use this recipe, apply it evenly over your face, paying special attention to any problematic areas, such as the oily T-zone. Avoid putting this paste around your eyes. Allow the paste to dry, and then rinse with warm water. Pat dry and moisturize. The acidophilus and enzymes will pull toxins and other pore-cloggers out of your skin, while the blue-green algae provides direct nourishment to your skin cells. This formula also works well on skin problems elsewhere on the body, including feet that feel itchy foot fungus.
Healthy Skin Recipe #3: Moisturizing and Soothing Mask
If you have dry skin, this cooling mask is perfect for you. It will soothe and moisturize your face, and is simple to use.
Mix the whites from 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Be sure to mix well.
To use this mixture, apply it to your face and leave it on for 2-4 minutes. Rinse well afterwards with warm water, and then pat dry with a soft washcloth. Moisturize as needed.
Relax and have fun this summer knowing that you have a plan to help keep your skin protected and looking good.
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Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/summer-skin-makeover#1
