Originally published January 22 2011
Try these recipes and keep skin hydrated, smooth and glowing in winter
by Fleur Hupston
(NaturalNews) A common complaint in winter is that skin reddens, chaps, dries out and/or flakes. Try some natural solutions to hydrate the skin and keep it moist and supple. Natural, home-made cleansers and moisturizers are wonderful for the face, can prevent pre-mature aging and are surprisingly inexpensive to make.
A first step in treating dehydrated skin is to remember that good skin care starts with good nutrition. Drink plenty of pure water and add fresh vegetable and fruit juice to the diet on a daily basis. Superfoods and ocean-derived omega-3 oils will contribute to healthy, glowing skin. Shellfish and pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, which is particularly important for healthy skin.
Recipes for dry-skin cleansers and night-care treatments
Dirt and/or make-up can be removed from the face using a simple solution of a carrier oil such as jojoba and almond oil (75ml each) and 10 drops of carrot-seed essential oil. Apply with a cotton pad to gently remove dirt.
Try an ultra moisturizing, anti-aging night oil for dry skin. Avocado oil is one of the best carrier oils for dehydrated and/or mature skin. It is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. Try blending it with other carrier oils such as sweet almond, jojoba or sunflower.
Cleanser for Mature, Dry Skin
This cleanser rejuvenates and nourishes dry skin. The aloe vera gel heals and soothes, while the palmarosa and rose oils are excellent emollients. Palmarosa essential oil is especially useful when fighting dry skin and is considered a non-toxic and non-sensitizing essential oil. It is not recommended, however, to use palmarosa oil directly on the skin.
Blend 100ml rose water, 90ml vegetable glycerin, 90ml aloe vera gel, 8 drops of palmarosa essential oil and 5 drops of rose essential oil. Bottle the mixture, shake before use and massage about 20ml at a time into the skin. Rinse with tepid water.
Tips to prevent dry winter skin
Bathing or showering in water that is too hot can strip the skin of moisture and leave it feeling dry. The same applies to excessive heat in the home. Turn down the heat as much as possible.
Don't exfoliate or scrub skin and avoid rough towel drying after showering.
Rub the whole body with coconut oil after a bath for its super-moisturizing effect on the skin.
Try an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal has been used for thousands of years as a folk cure for dry skin. Simply pour a cup full of raw oats into a bathtub of lukewarm water and soak.
Skin regenerates while you sleep so be sure to moisturize before going to bed with anti-aging night oils.
Don't use commercially produced soaps, cleansers and toners as many of these products do the opposite of what they are advertised to do - many actually strip the skin of its natural moisture. Petrochemicals and emulsifiers are found in many lip balms and moisturizers, which have a drying and damaging effect on the skin.
Sources:
http://www.naturalnews.com/024654_health_foo...
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oil...
http://www.suite101.com/content/essential-oi...
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
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