Benefits of Rosehip oil for skin, hair and nails:

Rosehip Oil For Hair Rejuvenation

Rosehip Oil For Skin Rejuvenation

Rosehip Oil For Treating Scars

Rosehip Oil For Strengthening Nails

Rosehip Oil For Anti-Aging

Homemade Anti-Aging Serum With Rosehip Oil:

• 1tsp Jojoba oil.
• 1tsp Rosehip seed oil.
• 1tsp Pomegranate seed oil.
• 1tsp evening primrose oil.
• 20 drops frankincense essential oil.
• 10 drops carrot seed oil.
• 3 Vitamin E capsules.
• 1-ounce bottle with a dropper cap.

The post Benefits Of Rosehip Oil for Skin, Hair and Nails appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

The Best Vitamin C Serum for Face can be made in the comfort of your own home!

This is an easy home made skin care recipe – a serum or Vitamin C Cream using essential oils and optional beeswax as an emollient to combine the ingredients.

This natural recipe contains essential oils known to be super rich in not only vitamin C, but also essential fatty acids (EFA’s) which help to nourish and protect skin.

Rosehip and carrot seed oil are known for their renewing and repairing properties, they also help to soften and firm skin.

You can also include other essential oils renowned for their antiaging and repairing properties such as Tamanu oil, Frankincense oil, Sea Buckthorn and many others.

The recipe below is a good basic one to make at home with plenty of benefits. The oils we have suggested absorb quickly into skin, you can add 5% wheatgerm and/or avocado if you have drier or more mature skin.

6 drops carrot seed oil. Rich in beta carotene and skin regenerative properties. Carrot seed oil is great for evening out skin tone, softening and smoothing skin. The vitamin A works like commercial retinols to stimulate and rejuvenate your skin. At the same time it fights skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and other rashes. The formative action on the epidermal cells helps to keep wrinkles at bay and is also helpful for fighting liver (age) spots.

4 drops neroli or frankincense oil. These oils oil regenerate cells and speed up the cell renewal process for brighter younger looking skin. These oils also tighten and firm skin. You can add other oils to boost the serums effectiveness which you can read about on the second half of this post.

1 tsp rosehip oil. Rosehip oil is fast absorbing and is extremely rich in vitamin C helping to remove discoloration (age spots) or sun damage. Vitamin C rich rosehip oil is a luxurious treat for your skin.

8 tablespoons soybean, grape seed, almond or apricot kernel (apricot oil is the lightest followed by almond and soybean). Apricot oil is my favorite for it’s rapid absorption (I have oily skin even in my 40’s) and it leaves your skin feeling soft and youthful. It’s also rich in Vitamins A, C and E, all of which have anti-aging benefits for skin.

If making a lotion add 1 1/2 tablespoons beeswax (to make moisturizer instead of serum) and 1 tsp extra virgin coconut oil (optional)

Melt the last three ingredients together gently in a double boiler until just melted.  Stir together until well combined then allow to cool to room temperature before adding the essential oils.  You can add more or less beeswax depending on the thickness of the cream you like.  Adding two tablespoons would make it quite thick and creamy.

To make a diy vitamin serum

You don’t need to heat the mixture and also you can omit the beeswax – just mix the ingredients together and you’ll have an easy to make Vitamin C serum instead.

Store in a well washed container out of direct sunlight.  You can also add a pinch of ascorbic acid to the lotion mix if you like (not the serum) to give it some extra Vitamin C punch!

This recipe gives you approximately a 20% concentration of vitamin C in your serum anyhow which parallels many of the commercial brands vitamin serum C content. And that’s without the ascorbic acid!

Apply approximately 6 to 8 drops of this serum to your skin once to twice daily for smoother more even skin, and fewer wrinkles!

For more easy to make homemade skincare recipes and a comprehensive index ingredients and their uses check out: Natural Homemade Facemasks And Skincare Recipes

The post Best DIY Vitamin C Serum For Face appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

Looking for some easy facial masks for acne?

The recipes below are so simple but contain a range of antibacterial ingredients to combat acne bacteria. Many ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera soothe inflammation and help to calm redness.

Most of the ingredients in these facial acne masks you probably already have at home. Others are readily available online or at your local health store/supermarket.

Before you create your mask, wash your hands to remove any bacteria transfer from your fingers to your skin.

It’s also good to know what each ingredient does so you can adapt your acne recipe to make a mask that suits your situation and what you have on hand.

Green Tea

Studies have shown that green tea can reduce acne as much as benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient in acne products. It also reduces sebum and acne inflammation. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants, these help to repair and protect skin.

Strawberries (and Tomatoes)

Strawberries are rich in salicylic acid, a common ingredient in acne products. Use them mashed in acne masks.

Willow Bark

Willow bark is another very potent acne mask ingredient because of it’s high concentrations of salicylic acid, another common ingredient in acne products.

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Or Manuka – it’s more potent cousin)

Most essential oils have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, but some are more potent than others. Tea tree is particularly potent and therefore very effective for use in acne facial masks, cleansers and serums. Neem oil is another essential oil you can use in combination with or instead of tea tree oil.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is antibacterial (as are Basil and Rosemary oil), but Lavender is great for soothing red inflamed skin. It’s an excellent ingredient to drop into acne recipes.

Honey

Honey has been used for thousands of years to dress wounds and help heal skin. Honey is naturally antimicrobial – a natural antibiotic especially active “UMF” honey. It treats acne bacteria, soothes and heals skin.

Turmeric

Turmeric powder is naturally antibacterial and so is great to use in acne masks either as a main ingredient or combined with others in any facial masks for acne. It is high in antioxidants that slow down cell damage. Turmeric is widely used as a skin exfoliant and improves skin’s texture helping with inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, dry skin, psoriasis and eczema. Another benefit is to reduce pigmentation, even out skin tone and diminish wrinkles.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera’s healing properties have been known for thousands of years. Its wonderful for healing acne and soothing acne related inflammation.

Yogurt

Plain yogurt rich in probiotics (good bacteria) help to counteract bacteria we don’t want on our skin. The acids in yogurt also help to retard bacteria.

Banana

Bananas are naturally rich in potassium which is known to be a bacteria retardant, slowing its growth. Banana makes an excellent acne facial mask base. When you consider it’s other skin moisturizing benefits, banana is a fantastic ingredient for many face masks, not just for acne treatments.

Lemon Juice

The acids and vitamin C in lemon juice fight acne and dry out spots. Lemon is an excellent acne mask ingredient, especially if you have oily skin as it regulates sebum production. It can sting a little so should be used sparingly.

Cucumber

Cucumber is soothing and cooling for inflamed skin. Add the juice or flesh to your acne mask.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps balance your skins PH and helps combat acne bacteria. You can use it in facial acne masks but also  as a toner with Aloe Vera juice for a soothing rinse for your skin.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and iron, which help skin repair and regenerate skin. They are known to slow down ageing because of this. Pomegranate flesh and pomegranate juice (or essential oil) in acne masks for acne scars.

Rosehip and Carrot Seed Oil Blend

These oils are naturally healing and reduce scars due to their vitamin A and C content plus their high essential fatty acid content.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in vitamins, minerals and good oils. They also natural antibacterial so are excellent for acne masks and serums or cleansers. Coconut oil is very moisturizing and repairing for most skin types.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is soothing for itchy inflamed skin. Add ground oatmeal to an acne mask to soothe red inflamed skin. It is also moisturizing for drier skins.

Basil and Parsley Herbs

These two herbs are naturally antibacterial and can be added to your acne facial masks.

Green Clay

Green clay clears pores and dirt from skin. It is the strongest of all clays and is the best for removing impurities. You can also add lemon juice and other ingredients to this to make a potent acne facial treatment.

Acne Facial Mask Recipes

You can add herbs, essential oils or juices to any of these recipes if you wish.

Green Tea (Matcha) and Lemon Juice Acne Face Mask

This is a very easy recipe using green tea powder (matcha) which you can buy from many asian grocery stores or online. It is very good for acne prone skin. It clears pores, softens skin and reduces acne. The green tea is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals and the lemon fights acne. You can add a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil to this mask if you wish.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon high quality matcha

1 tablespoons lemon juice (amount can vary depending on how much you’re using!)

Instructions:

Combine these ingredients in a bowl, mix to the consistency of toothpaste (add more of either ingredient if it’s thicker or runnier than this). Apply for ten minutes then wash off with a warm cloth.

Soothing Oatmeal Green Tea Facial Acne Mask

This makes a delicious healthy mask for your skin (you can even eat this). Oatmeal has been known to reduce inflammation and redness of the skin. Studies have shown that green tea when applied topically may reduce acne by up to half, while reducing inflammation.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1 tablespoons matcha/green tea powder

2 cups water

1 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 mashed banana

Optional 4 drops of lavender essential oil to soothe and heal skin

Instructions: 

Blend thoroughly and apply to skin in a thick layer. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then wash off with warm water.

Lemon Yogurt Green Tea Acne Facial Mask

This recipes is both soothing and antibacterial. It is also very cleansing for blocked pores and blackheads.

Ingredients:

1 green tea bag just barely covered in boiling water and allowed to steep

1 tablespoons plain unsweetened yogurt

1 teaspoon lemon juice Lemon juice

Instructions:

Empty the tea leaves into the water, add yogurt and lemon juice and mix well together. Apply to your skin with clean fingertips or a cotton pad. Leave on for ten minutes then wash off.

Hormonal Acne Toner (For That Time Of The Month)

Ok so this is not actually an acne mask but rather a toner. For those hormonal times of the month it is a good preventive and treatment. It is balancing and dries up acne at the same time. You can leave this on allowing it to dry on your skin. It is very rich in vitamins, and hormone balancing properties.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons of pomegranate juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon of Green tea (matcha) powder

Instructions:

Mix well in a shaker. Apply to skin and allow to dry if possible, otherwise wash off after ten minutes.

Nutmeg Pimple Remedy For Acne

This is an easy recipe using

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon milk (milk is a naturally great treatment to reduce redness)

Instructions:

Mix the ingredients together and apply directly to infected area or pimple with a cotton ball. Either wash off after 20 minutes or apply before bed and rinse in the morning.

Tomato Acne Face Mask Recipe

Tomato contains fruit acids that combat acne. The other ingredients fight acne and/or soothe inflamed skin

1/4 of a tomato mashed and seeded

3 teaspoon of plain yogurt

1 teaspoon mashed cucumber

1 teaspoon aloe gel

3 teaspoon ground oatmeal

2 mint leaves (crushed)

Instructions:

Mix ingredients together, apply to face and leave on for about 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Controls Oily skin

Apple Oatmeal Acne Face Mask Recipe

Another simple yet effective facial acne treatment.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oatmeal, ground finely

Half a mashed apple

2 inches of peeled mashed cucumber

2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Blend well in blender to a puree. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. This mask will help to reduce redness, oil and blackheads.

Exfoliating Oily Skin Facial Cleanser Recipe

This is a very simple acne exfoliator. The milk contains acids that help to cleanse and clear skin.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon powdered skim milk

1 teaspoon honey

A few drops of apple vinegar or aloe vera juice.

Instructions:

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Apply to skin in a circular motion for two to three minutes. Rinse with a warm cloth and luke warm water.

Soothing Acne Facial Mask

This mask is calming and soothing for red angry acne welts.

Ingredients:

Half a peeled cucumber

2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal

A squeeze of lemon juice

1 tablespoon of honey

Instructions:

Blend well until it forms a fine puree. Massage gently to exfoliate and then leave on for 15 -20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Lemon Juice Facial Mask Recipe

The combination of these ingredients makes a mask that tightens the pores and lightens the skin. Tomato helps to reduce sebum and blackheads.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons oats

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tomato (peeled use the juice)

Instructions:

Cover the oats (until just covered) with water in a bowl overnight. The oats help to tighten pores and smooth the skin, reducing the signs of redness and age spots. Add the juice of the tomato to this mixture. Apply the mixture on the face and neck, leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Lemon Juice Anti Acne Facial Mask Recipe

Another simple recipe that uses lemon juice as the active ingredients. You can add essential oils, herbs or honey to this recipes for extra punch.

Ingredients:

1 raw egg

Few drops of lemon juice

Instructions:

Separate the yolk and the egg white, then whisk the latter and add a few drops of lemon. Apply to skin for ten minutes then wash off.

Homemade Willow Bark Acne Mask

Willow bark powder is a potent ingredient especially when combined with honey and essential oils. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder if you wish.

Ingredients:

½ teaspoon of willow bark powder

1 teaspoon of honey or molasses

2 teaspoons of yogurt

2 drops tea tree oil and lavender oil

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients until smooth. Apply to skin and leave on for ten minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Face Mask Recipe For Blackheads

This mask helps to dissolve blackheads and reduce skin pores.

Ingredients:

1 egg white

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

½ teaspoon of turmeric powder

½ teaspoon of baking soda

Instructions: 

Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy, massage on the skin. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Egg, Tomato and Aloe Vera Acne Mask

This is a pore tightening mask that is also soothing for skin.

Ingredients:

1 egg white

½ teaspoon of turmeric powder

1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel

1 teaspoon of honey

1 tomato, peeled and chopped

2 drops of thyme essential oil, lavender oil or tea tree oil

Instructions: 

Blend all ingredients together well. Apply to skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Apple, Molasses and Baking Soda Acne Mask

This recipe reduces oily skin and blackheads. The acid in apples fights acne and reduces redness.

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized apple, peeled and cored

1 tablespoon molasses

1 tablespoon of baking soda

Instructions:

Blend in a blender and refrigerate for 15 minutes (or add an ice cube to the mix). Apply to skin for 10 to 15 minutes then wash off with warm water.

Yogurt, Egg white and Strawberry Acne Facial Mask

A soothing acne reducing mask that also firms and tightens skin and pores.

Ingredients:

¼ cup of yogurt

3-4 mashed strawberries

1 egg whisked white

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients together well. Apply to skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Cucumber, Lime, Lemon And Egg White Acne Facial Mask

This soothing cooling acne reducing mask firms and tightens skin and pores.

Ingredients:

½ peeled cucumber

1 egg white

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 drops of essential oil of lime

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients together well. Apply to skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

Green Tea, Egg White and Aloe Calming Acne Facial Mask

This recipe soothes acneic inflamed skin and helps to repair skin. All of these ingredients are very soothing and healing for acne prone skin.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of green tea powder

1 egg white

4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

2 drops of lavender or camomile essential oil

Instructions:

Blend ingredients together well. Apply the mask with fingertips or a cotton pad. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then wash off with warm water.

Turmeric, Rice Flour and Milk Acne Mask

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of flour (use rice flour or ground oats if your skin is dry)

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

3 tablespoons milk or yogurt

1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

Apply a thin layer to your face and let it dry for 20 minutes and leave on or wash off.

Strawberry Acne Cleanser Recipe

Ingredients:

strawberry yogurt or 1 strawberry

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

Instructions:

Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or so. Rinse with a warm water. Great for oily skin also.

Acne Face Toner Recipe

Ingredients:

4oz witch hazel or chamomile tea

10 drops Tea Tree essential oil

Instructions:

Mix ingredients well in a bottle. Shake before each Use. Apply to face with cotton ball after cleansing

Herbal Acne Face Cleanser Recipe

This is a very potent antibacterial cleanser. It is moisturizing and cleansing at the same time.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons coconut oil

2 tablespoons olive oil

5 drops myrrh essential oil to remove toxins balance skin and promote general tissue repair

5 drops patchouli to promote and stimulate new cell growth and calm inflamed skin

5 drops Tea Tree oil antibacterial and astringent

Instructions:

Mix ingredients well in a bottle. Shake before each Use. Apply to skin in a gentle circular motion then rinse off.  Great for oily skin as well.

Herbal Acne Face Lotion Recipe

A lovely  moisturizing lotion for acneic skin. It is not only good for treating acne but also for nourishing skin.

Ingredients:

1 oz. beeswax

4 oz. hazelnut oil

1 teaspoon coconut oil

15 drops tea tree essential oil

5 drops lavender oil

15 drops myrrh essential oil

Instructions:

Melt wax and oil together blending thoroughly. Allow to cool to about lukewarm, add essential oils and then allow to cool completely. Store in a glass jar.

Acne Serum Moisturizer Recipe

For a light repairing moisturizing serum that absorbs quickly and is easy to make try this recipe.

Ingredients:

1 oz. apricot kernel oil

12 drops lavender essential oil

7 drops tea tree essential oil

1 drop geranium essential oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a bottle. Shake for 2 minutes, apply 1-2 drops after washing.

Simple Pimple Remedy

Easy and quick to make and apply – and stimulating too.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of honey

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions:

Apply and leave on for an hour or so before washing off.

My Favorite Facial Mask For Acne (Honey, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree And Turmeric Mask)

This is a power packed recipe that treats acne, soothes redness and irritation, heals and prevents against scarring – I saved the best till last for you :)

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of honey

1 teaspoon of coconut oil

5 drops tea tree oil (add same amount of lavender oil if you wish)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon yogurt (optional)

1 teaspoon ground oatmeal (optional)

1 teaspoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (optional)

Instructions:

Blend in a blender or hand mix well. Apply to your skin for fifteen minutes then wash off with warm water. If you have oily skin add lemon, and you can omit the coconut oil if you have very oily skin.

The post 26 Facial Masks For Acne With All Natural Ingredients appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

Homemade face masks are the bees knees for healthy skin

Natural face masks offer so many benefits for skin. Adding ingredients rich in fatty acids, fruit acids and vitamins can repair sun damage, rehydrate skin by plumping out cells, and by stimulating the skins natural process of repair and renewal.

Even some of the most simple ingredients in home made facial masks can repair damage and promote collagen production by invigorating your skin’s cells, waking them up and stimulating them into action.

Natural ingredients in homemade face masks:

Essential fatty acids:

Essential fatty acids or amino acids are the life preservers of the skincare world. They protect skin cell membranes, allow moisture to penetrate then lock it in for plumper dewier skin.

Using ingredients rich in fatty acids in your facial masks hydrate skin plus help to deliver other beneficial nutrients deeper into your skin’s layers. Many of these ingredients also contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant (see below) to protect against free radical damage.

Natural Face Mask Ingredients include:

• Many carrier oils
• Avocado and avocado oil
• Seeds and nuts
• Dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, spinach and seaweed (yum do I hear Sushi?)
• Coconut oil
• Essential oil blends
• Fish
• SOME cooking oils (olive, avocado, rape seed, flax seed, coconut oil)
• Coconut cream
• Dairy products

You can make many homemade face masks using these ingredients pureed or blended together. Consuming these foods in your diet is also important to support your skin from the inside.

Fruit and other acids:

Many fruits contain alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid (great for for acne), and other acids. These acids help to remove the surface layers of skin including dead skin cells, and stimulate the skin into repair and “remodelling mode”.

Natural Face Mask Ingredients include:

• Strawberries (high in acne fighting salicylic acid)
• Raspberries, blueberries and other berries
• Tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya
• Kiwifruit
• Pomegranate (also rich in antioxidants and other skin protective nutrients)
• Tomatoes (another good ingredient to use in acne masks)
• Cane sugar (ok it’s not actually a fruit, but cane sugar is naturally high in glycolic acid)
• Dairy food (again not fruit but can be high in malic and lactic acid, a good alternative to fruit acids)

Antioxidants:

Most fruit and vegetables contain some form of antioxidant. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals which degrade cells and cause premature ageing. A diet rich in antioxidants increases energy, helps alleviate all sorts of ailments and of course protects skin against free radical damage. Fruits contain vitamins A and sometimes E (a potent antioxidant).

Natural Face Mask Ingredients include:

• Most fruits and veggies but especially melons, green vegetables and carrots
• Carrot seed oil (derived from carrot seeds) is incredibly rich in skin transforming vitamins A and C
• Peppers
• Bananas

Enzymes:

Papain is an enzyme found in Papaya and Canteloupe. It has an amazing ability to dissolve dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth (and collagen production too). Homemade face masks made from melons work like a mini facial peel, lifting off flaky dull skin to reveal a soft dewy brighter complexion. The fact they contain high amounts of antioxidants and vitamins as well makes them fabulous for facial masks and scrubs!

Natural Face Mask Ingredients include:

• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Canteloupe or honey dew melons

Essential oils with renewing repairing anti-aging properties:

Essential oils are the secret ingredient in many of my homemade face mask recipes because they offer “miraculous” properties for skin. They can repair, plump and out tighten skin reducing wrinkles and signs of ageing. Because they are so concentrated, they are super rich in vitamins, acids and other “mysterious” compounds to deeply nourish and repair skin. You can read about these oils and how to use them in my book Natural Homemade Skin Care Recipes or a less comprehensive list can be found here

Natural Face Mask Essential Oil Ingredients include:

• Angelica oil
• Atlas Cedarwood oil
• Basil oil
• Bergamot oil
• Black Pepper oil
• Cajeput oil
• Calendula oil
• Camphor oil
• Caraway oil
• Carrot Seed oil
• Cedarwood oil
• Celery oil
• Chamomile oil
• Cinnamon Leaf oil
• Cistus oil
• Clary Sage oil
• Clove Bud oil
• Coriander oil
• Cranberry Seed oil
• Cypress oil
• Elemi oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Fennel oil
• Frankincense oil
• Frankincense oil
• Galbanum oil
• Geranium oil
• German Chamomile oil
• Ginger oil
• Grapefruit oil
• Helichrysum oil
• Jasmine oil
• Juniper oil
• Karanja Oil oil
• Laurel oil
• Lavandin oil
• Lavender oil
• Lemon oil
• Lemon Myrtle oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Lime Distilled oil
• Mandarine oil
• Manuka Oil oil
• Melissa oil
• Mints oil
• Myrrh oil
• Myrtle oil
• Neem oil
• Neroli oil
• Neroli oil
• Niaouli oil
• Orange oil
• Oregano oil
• Palma Rosa oil
• Parsley oil
• Patchouli oil
• Peppermint oil
• Petitgrain oil
• Pine oil
• Pomegranate oil
• Roman Chamomile oil
• Rosehip oil
• Rosemary oil
• Rosewood oil
• Sage oil
• Sandalwood oil
• Sea Buckthorn oil
• Spanish Marjoram oil
• Spanish Sage oil
• Spearmint oil
• Spike Lavender oil
• Spikenard oil
• St Johns Wort oil
• Sweet Basil oil
• Sweet Orange oil
• Tangerine oil
• Tea Tree oil
• Texas Geranium oil
• Thyme oil
• Thyme Linalool oil
• Thymus Vulgaris oil
• Vetiver oil
• Yarrow oil
• Ylang-ylang oil

Acne:

Acne is one of those problems you have to deal with on many levels to eliminate it for good. Acne bacteria starts in your pores and can be activated by hormonal, environmental or hereditary factors.

If you have oily skin for example, your skin may be more susceptible to blackheads and clogged pores. This can lead to bacteria collecting in those pores resulting in pimples.

Many natural ingredients have bacteria fighting properties, especially essential oils like tea tree, neem or lavender oils. Spices like turmeric are also naturally antibacterial as are fruits rich in salicylic acid. Honey is a “natural antibiotic” and is healing for skin. The following ingredients have naturally occurring antibacterial properties and many relieve redness or discomfort associated with acne.

Natural Acne Face Mask Ingredients In Acne Recipes include:

• Yogurt
• Clays
• Honey
• Tea tree oil
• Manuka oil
• Aloe vera
• Willow bark
• Bananas (the potassium retards acne bacteria)
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Aspirin (crushed)
• Basil herbs and parsley
• Extra virgin coconut oil

Humectants and healing:

Humectants are compounds that attract moisture. Many natural humectants are also healing for skin like honey for example and aloe vera. Use these in homemade face masks to aid healing and keep skin moist. Glycerin is a humectant that’s great for use in cleansers and moisturizers.

Natural Face Mask Ingredients include:

• Aloe vera
• Honey
• Beeswax
• Jojoba oil
• Vegetable glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid (manufactured)

These are the main groups of mask ingredients I use most frequently in my homemade face mask recipes.

You can mix and match ingredients here but I have found that using specific combinations of ingredients in your face masks can dramatically increase their benefits for your skin. Essential fatty acids in avocado for example, can deliver the benefits of vitamin rich ingredients like carrot seed oil much deeper into your skins layers.

Using oil blends and serums as cleansers and moisturisers, many of which you can make lotions and moisturizing creams with, boost the power of these masks giving you a full skincare regime that can give you even better results than some of the biggest brands.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and that this list has inspired you to create some of your own recipes. You can also try our wizards  as a guide to what ingredients to use for your skin type and condition.

• Serum Wizard
• Ingredient Wizard

For a list of Facial and Body Scrubs Click Here

The post Homemade Face Masks: The best ingredients for glowing skin appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

Allergies are very common and although most are mild and usually seasonal, they can be irritating and may impact on day to day life. In severe cases, allergies can be debilitating, affect where you can go and what you can eat. In extreme cases, allergies can be fatal.

Food is often associated with causing allergies. Some of the most common allergies are caused by particular foods, including:

• Nuts
• Fruit
• Shellfish

However, it can also worsen the impact of a different form of allergy. Some foods exasperate allergy symptoms, while others can help to relieve common skin allergies.

Below, are listed some of the best foods for skin allergies in particular:

1. Fish

Oily fish, which contain Omega-3 oils are said to reduce inflammatory symptoms and in some cases even reduce the risk of developing an allergy.

Good sources of Omega-3 include:

• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Nuts and seeds

Many popular fish dishes include steamed salmon, smoked mackerel and salmon en croute. Oily fish is also beneficial for heart health and is great for the skin and hair. Nutritional experts recommend eating at least 3 portions of oily fish per week.

2. Apples

An apple a day, as the saying goes, keeps the doctor away. While eating apples may not prevent you from getting an allergy, it may help to reduce your symptoms.

Apples are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Furthermore, the skin contains a type of antioxidant, which is called quercetin. This antioxidant is which is famous amongst scientists for improving lung function and blood circulation

3. Red grapes

 Red grapes contain resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, which is believed to have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Research showed that children living in Crete, who had a diet high in fruit and vegetables, were less likely to suffer from wheezing and respiratory symptoms associated with allergies.

Red grapes are also a good source of vitamin C, which serves a number of important roles in the body, including:

• Boosting the immune system
• Cell maintenance and repair

Other good sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits, particularly oranges and limes
• Berries
• Leafy green vegetables.

4. Herbal tea

Herbal tea contains antioxidants and antihistamines, which help to reduce symptoms caused by allergies. Histamine is chemical, which is released by the immune system as part of an allergic response.

Popular examples include:

• Green tea
• Peppermint tea
• Fruit tea

Green tea is noted to have a variety of health benefits, with studies suggesting that it reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

5. Oatmeal

It sounds odd, but oatmeal (porridge oats) can be a very beneficial natural remedy for skin allergies. Bathing in oats helps to relieve itching and irritation and can prevent you from scratching, as this worsens the symptoms.

Diet cannot prevent allergies, but it can go some way to reducing symptoms and helping to ease itchiness, inflammation and pain.

Often, making changes to your diet or including certain foods can work alongside medical treatments. Many of the foods that are listed above are also beneficial for general health because they are rich in vitamins and minerals and most contain antioxidants.

The post 5 Foods to Relieve Common Skin Allergies appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

Straightening my unruly frizzy hair

Sometimes I love my curls – other days I hate them especially on rainy days when the wild unruly frizz monster aka my curly mop buzzes with anticipation of it’s release form captivity!

If you also have curly, kinky or wavy hair with that halo of frizz and that UN-tameable mess that refuses to co-operate in any way shape of form, you know what I’m talking about!

You may be sitting there reading this nodding your head at this all too familiar scenario.

If you’ve always wished you could have silky straight locks, you’ll be happy to know I’m about to share a natural alternative for gorgeous straight hair without having to use damaging expensive chemical hair straightening treatments.

Curly, kinky or wavy hair is prone to being dry and brittle because the strands are separated by curls and so have more exposure to air and the environment than straight hair does.

When keeping your hair conditioned and frizz-free is already an issue, it’s understandable if you’ve been cautious about treating hair to drying damaging chemicals that leave the hair drier and duller than before.

Heat straightening also promotes moisture loss unless you are using the right products and treatments to maintain the right moisture and PH balance of hair strands. Heat opens hair cuticles, cooling closes them.

How Chemical Straighteners Work

Hair is made up of keratin bonds that form into different shaped cuticles: curved = curly hair, straight cuticles = straight hair. The matrix of keratin structures and bonds that make up your hair shaft are known as disulphide and cystine bridges. Chemical straighteners use alkalis and acids to break down and reform and restructure these molecular bonds.

Disulphide bonds are mostly found in the outer cuticle of the hair shaft (or epicuticle). Alkali perming and straightening solutions target these bonds initiating the de-structuring process. After a period of time (usually half an hour) these structures begin a process called “oxidisation” which start the formation of new bonds into the shape you desire. Acids then neutralise the whole process and close or seal cuticles.

A savvy salon owner in New York discovered a way to do this using fruit acids for perms and straightening instead of using chemical based products. The fruit acids in these natural hair straightening products nourish the hair with vitamins minerals and oils that chemical processes don’t.

The process involves washing with shampoo and a little lemon juice (to open cuticles and remove dirt oil and buildup). The next step is applying an alkali fruit rinse to hair, leaving it on for approximately 20 minutes to further open the cuticles and initiate the de structuring process.

Next you rinse your hair, remove excess water then apply an acid base fruit juice. The acids allows the hair bonds to form new structures. This process takes another 30 minutes before a quick rinse followed by a conditioning treatment made with a mixture of coconut milk or cream and coconut oil or wheatgerm oil (contains important proteins) and/or avocado to complete the process.

Finally rinse out the treatment then  brush or comb straight (or use Goody Quick Stylish Brush which removes up to 30% more water than towel drying). Use a blow drier to finish.

Natural Hair Straightening Product – Made At Home – Allow One Hour

Preparation:

Below you’ll find a recipe with a list of optional ingredients to straighten hair naturally at home. Before you go ahead and start making your home hair straightening product, here are some handy tips and items you can use to make the process cleaner and easier:

1. Grab a wide tooth comb or open wide bristle brush for combing your hair straight while wet. I LOVE the Goody quick style Goody Quick Stylish Brush – Absorbent microfiber bristles removes 30% of water for faster styling for drying hair faster but its also great for mess free straightening.
   
2. Towel for around your shoulders and floor (drips are inevitable in this process).
3. Squirty or spray bottle (optional but easier than trying to pour liquid over your head)

Wash your hair with a shampoo preferably with a squeeze of lemon juice added to your shampoo. This removes all excess dirt, oil and buildup but most importantly opens cuticles ready for the treatment. DO NOT condition your hair as conditioner closes cuticles.

Ingredients:

Step 1: Alkaline rinse

The following fruits are very alkaline and so are perfect for stage one of your straightening process.

• watermelon
• cantaloupe
• mangoes
• pears
• grapes
• passion fruit

Use a base of one cup of any of the juice of these fruits. Add to this a teaspoon of baking soda and mix well.

Step 2: Acid neutralizer rinse

The following fruits are very acidic and so are perfect for stage two of your straightening process.

• oranges
• apples
• berries
• blackberries
• blueberries
• cranberries
• peaches
• pears
• raspberries
• strawberries

Use a base of one cup of any of the juice of these fruits. Add to this a teaspoon of vinegar or strong coffee and mix well.

Step 3:

• 1 teaspoon of wheatgerm, olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 a mashed avocado or banana
• 1 tin of coconut milk or cream
• 3 drops of lavender oil (optional but beneficial)
• 1 teaspoon honey (moisturizing and smoothing)

Directions:

After washing hair with shampoo (without conditioning), towel dry.

Step 1: Apply the first rinse (alkaline) to your hair and brush or comb straight every five minutes for 20 minutes. Rinse out and squeeze dry.

Step 2: Apply the second (acid) rinse and repeat the same process combing or brushing straight every five minutes for 20 minutes. Rinse out and squeeze dry (you can shampoo if you wish but it is best not to).

Step 3: Next make a conditioner with lavender oil, honey, coconut oil, coconut milk and mashed avocado or banana. Leave on for 3 minutes then wash out. Alternatively use your usual conditioner and add a few drops of lavender oil and olive, coconut or wheatgerm oil.

Wheatgerm oil contains proteins that help to restructure hair cuticles. It closely resembles skin serum so is great for skin and hair. You can also use argan oil as it has similar properties.

After applying the straightening rinses to your hair, dry and blow dry straight to “set” your hair.

It’s best not to wash your hair for a few days.

So there you are, there’s the recipe. Check out our hair care recipes for easy luxurious conditioners and glossy locks!

So let us know how you go – and we’d LOVE to hear your comments :)

The post Fruity At Home All Natural Hair Straightening Treatment appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

We all love to have smooth soft glowing legs for the summer with no visible shaving stubble or rashiness!

Here are some easy natural ways you can get gorgeous pins for wearing those cute shorts, sexy dresses or summer skirts and swimsuits….

6 Tips For Sexy Legs

Tip 1 For Smooth Legs: Shaving

Nobody likes red shaving rash or ingrown hairs. You can prevent these annoying post shaving irritations by using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil with your shaving cream or soap – mixed half and half. Not only does it help to give you a closer smoother shave, but the natural essential fatty acids deeply lock in moisture in cells and protect against the sun. Natural antibacterial compounds in coconut oil also defend against bacteria that can invade hair follicles making them susceptible to pimples and infections around ingrown hairs. Coconut is also calming, so it helps to reduce redness after shaving. With the optional addition of a few drops of lavender oil – also calming and antibacterial – this make  a wonderful shaving balm.

Make your own shaving cream using two tablespoons Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 2 tablespoons lux soap flakes (washing powder isle of your supermarket) with a tablespoon of water and a teaspoon of honey or just mix the coconut oil with shower ready made wash/shaving cream. Add a few drops of lavender oil for added softening and soothing properties. Leave in the shower or bath. Coconut oil sets at temperatures under 76 degrees F so you may want to store your mixture in a warm place or run it under warm water for a few minutes and give it a shake before use.

Apply this while shaving and you’ll have gorgeous soft moisturized skin afterwards.

Tip 2 For Smooth Legs: Exfoliating

Scrubs and loofahs are oh so important for removing dead skin cells and flaky skin. Giving your skin a good rub to lift off old layers of skin with ingredients that also stimulate new cell growth is the optimum way to do this.

How? Make your own yummy scrummy bath and shower scrubs with moisturizing and healing honey, collagen and cell rejuvenating acids and enzymes in certain fruits, plus ground nuts like almond meal or ground macadamias which contain essential fatty acids to lock in moisture and rehydrate cells. For itchy or inflamed skin you can add a few drops of lavender oil, ground oatmeal, aloe vera juice or camomile tea.

Make a simple scrub using:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of honey (healing and a natural humectant meaning it draws moisture to your skin)

2-3 tablespoons brown or demerara sugar (contains glycolic acid to remove old skin cells)

1 tablespoon orange, carrot, aloe or lemon juice (can also use apple cider vinegar)

Optional add a teaspoon grated ginger for an extra zingy skin sensation

Optionally add a tablespoon of ground almonds or oatmeal for extra exfoliation

1 tablespoon of yogurt or milk (contains natural fruit acids and moisture)

pinch of salt

Optional 1 tablespoon of pureed or mashed pineapple or payapa (this is a kick butt ingredient to lift off dead skin and stimulate new cell growth)

1 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut, olive or avocado oil (can use other oils but these are recommended)

Directions:

Mix together well and apply just before you get in the shower to your whole body, rubbing gently all over for about 5 minutes before washing off.

This is a simple scrub but like many of the recipes you’ll find in our Natural Home Made Skin Care Recipes: Rejuvenating Renewing Masks & Treatments For Beautiful Skin (Book), with recipes that contain many beneficial nutrients that work synergistically to enliven and rejuvenate your skin.

Tip 3 For Smooth Legs: Silly Squats

Oh NO I hear your say – not exercise? Well yes – and no. I’m not suggesting you do 200 sit-ups or any agonising sounding regime to enhance your legs, but studies show, doing just small 10 small squats a day, can make a HUGE difference to your basic muscle tone. Simple tricks like bending your knees (but not your back) to pick stuff up off the floor or doing another simple exercise that involves spreading your legs wide while standing watching tv and lowering your body to half way and lifting back up again can give just enough toning to make your legs that much sexier! Try it for a week and you’ll notice. 5 or ten squats and the wide squat exercise below standing with your legs apart is a real gem for firmer “short worthy” inner thighs!

Tip 4 For Smooth Legs: Baby Soft Feet

Your feet are an often overlooked but very important leg sexiness aspect to work on.

Try a peppermint foot soak as a zesty treat for your feet!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup real or kosher salt

1 tbsp table salt

1 tsp Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or olive oil

squeeze of lemon or lime juice

2 tbsp olive oil

4 drops peppermint oil (NOW Foods Peppermint Oil, 1 ounce)
3 drops rosemary (optional NOW Foods Rosemary Oil, 4 ounce)

Directions:

Fill a small tub with hot water and add the ingredients to it. Soak your feet for as long as you like (about 30 minutes is good) and then pat dry. The coconut oil moisturises your feet after the other ingredients have gently softened them.

Tip 5 For Smooth Legs: Tidy Toenails and Toes

This tip is very straight forward – wax any “fluff” off your toes and trim your toenails. For an added subtle but effective trick paint your toenails with a clear or very light sparkle free polish. This “prettifies” your toes in a subtle sneaky way (if there is such a thing as pretty toes of course).

Tip 6 For Smooth Legs: Moisturize Over Night

Use your favourite moisturizer – a shea butter, kokum or olive butter lotion is perfect with a little extra virgin coconut oil added. Alternatively  you can make your own luxurious version of these recipes using one of the rich recipes on this page: Natural Homemade Body Lotion Recipes: Creams, lotions, body oil recipes

Try applying moisturizer before bed and wearing socks, or tights while you sleep. These will keep in moisture and give your skin a silky soft treatment. Also try applying coconut oil in the shower, then rinsing it off, even if you aren’t shaving, this leaves your skin hydrated locking in moisture for hours afterwards.

One extra sneaky trick:

Drop a few tea bags in your bath for a light tanning effect (it’s a time tested body building trick) just don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with a Lisa Simpson tan!

Give these tips a try and enjoy feeling confident stepping out with your lovely legs.

The post 6 Tips For Naturally Gorgeous Sexy Summer Legs appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

Apples are great for skin.

Glycolic acids in apples help to exfoliate dead skin cells, reduce scarring and stimulate new cell growth. They are also loaded with antioxidants as are Almonds both of which help to fight free radicals and premature ageing.

The glycolic acid also releases oil and bacteria from pores and the skin’s surface which is why it has been so popular in skin care products.

Bananas are rich in potassium and Vitamin C helping to improve skin texture, retard acne bacteria, and helps to fight acne. Raw almond butter contains a high level of Vitamin E, a vitamin known to repair skin from sun damage, scarring and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Yogurt helps reduce redness or irritation caused by acne or other skin issues including psoriasis, eczema, and dry skin. Orange juice is packed with Vitamin C is also a rich antioxidant to rejuvenate skin.

Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to regulate the body’s oil production helping to unclog pores and clear blackheads.

Sour Apple Smoothie For Skin

Ingredients:

1 Granny Smith green apple (remove core, don’t peel but chop)

1 banana

1 cup orange juice or carrot juice

1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

½ cup fat-free milk

1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil or avocado oil (or coconut oil)

Blend all the products together until smooth and enjoy as a refreshing drink and as a face mask!

Apply to your skin twice over a week for a refreshing mask.

The post Sour Apple Smoothie And Face Mask appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

Smoothies for seriously smoothielicious skin

If you love drinking refreshing smoothies and want to feed your skin at the same time these recipes will put a very big smile on your dial!

Smoothies made from oh so healthy juices are loaded with antioxidants that flight free radicals that cause those pesky lines and wrinkles. Protein rich probiotic ingredients like yogurt & coconut milk help with improving digestion and reducing belatedness (who doesn’t love a flatter belly and relief from indigestion?). Tropical fruits like papaya and cantaloupe contain enzymes like papain that break down food and aid digestion as well as offering antioxidant and vitamin benefits for skin.

Adding fruits and oils like avocado, olive oil, coconut oil or flax seed boost your “good fat” amino acid levels helping to lubricate skin sebum helping to lift away blackheads and unclog pores. These oils are rich in fatty acids which help to lock in moisture in skin cells protecting against dehydration and wrinkles.

The following recipes are not only delicious, but jam packed with skin pampering repairing nutrients. You can even splodge the creamy mixture on your face for an extra decadent (albeit messy) skin treat!

For an extra healthy smoothie add a teaspoon of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
to these recipes (can also be used as as a moisturizer).

Here we go..some skin luscious recipes

Berrylicious Antioxidant Smoothie

This smoothie is high in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, this creamy berry smoothie is delicious and nourishing for breakfast or an easy snack and it’s quick and easy to make.

The quantities below make one large glass or two smaller glasses.

• 1 cup coconut water or almond milk
• 1 ripe banana
• 3/4 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey, coconut sugar or 1/2 tsp stevia powder
• 1 heaped teaspoon maca or carob powder (available in health stores), alternatively use a handful of goji or cranberries
• Optionally add 1/2 a teaspoon avocado or flax seed oil

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for a minute or two until smooth and creamy. Can be smeared on your skin and left on for ten minutes before washing off.

Mango Papaya Coconut Smoothie

• 3/4 pineapple juice
• 3 tbsp natural yogurt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen berries
• 1 banana

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for a minute or two until smooth and creamy. This recipe can also be applied to skin and left on for ten minutes before washing off.

Avocado Raspberry Blend Smoothie (For dry skin and clears kidneys)

• 3/4 cup of raspberry or cranberry juice
• 1 cup chopped pineapple (or use half papaya/pawpaw and pineapple)
• 1 ripe avocado

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for a minute or two until smooth and creamy. This is a very creamy essential fatty acid rich smoothie for dry skin. The pineapple and papaya is very good for dissolving dead skin cells, you can add 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, almond meal or shredded coconut as an edible facial or body exfoliator.

Stimulating Ginger Sensation Smoothie For Digestion and Skin Circulation

This is a tangy “out there” smoothie that tantalises the senses and will get your circulation moving.

• 1/2 cup of orange or pineapple juice (can also use carrot juice as an extra antioxidant)
• 1 ripe mango
• 1 cup of grapes, or other fresh fruit (papaya is nice)
• 1/4 cup coconut or almond milk or yogurt
• 1 banana
• 1/4 inch of ginger root
• pinch of cinnamon

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for a minute or two until smooth. Can be applied to skin for a rich antioxidant boost and that will also help stimulate cell renewal.

Tropical Goddess Smoothie

Love Pina Coladas? Love this!

• 1 cup coconut milk
• squeeze of lime juice
• 1/2 cup chopped pineapple chunks
• 1/2 mango or banana
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for a minute or two until smooth. Can also be applied to skin for a rich antioxidant boost and that will also help stimulate cell renewal.

Arabian Sunset Skin Smoothie

Naturally sweetened with dates and yogurt, this is a very rich drink. You’ll need to soak the dates for an hour or two beforehand.

• 6 chopped dates
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 3/4 cup yogurt
• pinch of mixed spice

Soak dates in orange juice for an hour or two. Then blend orange juice, spice and dates in a blender for a couple of minutes. Next layer the yogurt with orange juice for an interesting and delicious smoothie. Dates are a natural source of sugar and this is a warming stimulating drink.

Brain Wave Antioxidant Facial Smoothie

With the addition of spinach this is a vitamin packed antioxidant smoothie which charges your skin with beneficial nutrients from the inside out!

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup berries (blueberries preferably)
• 1/2 cup seedless grapes
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds or flax seed oil (can use avocado oil)
• 1 tablespoon wheat flakes or oatmeal

Blend well together for two minutes to three and pour into glasses. Rich and filling, this is great for skin and body in general.

These are just some of the delicious skin food recipes get your started, there’s many more to come :)

The post 6 Delicious Smoothies To Feed Your Skin appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.

Applying a home made face mask once a week can drastically improve your skin’s health and appearance. A facemask combined in the right way can also help prevent premature aging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, especially when you use ingredients rich in essential fatty acids.

A good daily skin care routine is the starting basis for radiant looking skin, but with the regular application of a face mask, with pure rich concentrations of active ingredients, is an excellent way to boost the health and vitality of your skin.

Making and using face masks regularly also helps to refine the skin’s texture and gently minimize pores.

Clay and mud masks contains very concentrated levels of beneficial minerals. Use them once a week for maximum benefit.

Using them in combination with facial serums make from fast absorbing beneficial oils help to nourish and rehydrate skin.

Homemade face masks can make a dramatic difference to the appearance and texture of your skin.

You’ll notice after a softer clearer complexion after using a rejuvenating face mask, your skin will feel softer, toned and refreshed.

Using mask recipes like avocado, coconut oil, banana with a few drops of essential oils added will not only help with the tone and pigmentation of your skin but can also smooth out lines and wrinkles.

How to apply a face mask:

Step 1. Organization is the key to making the least amount of mess. Use bowls and spatulas to mix your mask and a small short bristled paint brush is best for application of your mask.

Wear clothes you are happy to get messy – homemade facial masks with colored ingredients or even banana can stain clothes.

Most people like using the bathroom with a mirror to apply masks with their hair tied back with a hair band or hair clips.

2. Rinse your face with warm water to remove any oil or dirt residue.

An important step to remove any makeup, dirt, and oil which could hinder absorption of beneficial ingredients into your skin.

Washing with warm water or with a soft warm face cloth also helps to open pores. Pat dry after washing.

3. Apply your facial mask.

Apply the mask with makeup brush or fingertips in a consistent thickness over the face and neck. Use upward strokes taking care to avoid the delicate eye areas.

4. Sit and relax.

Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes or more to allow the minerals to draw out impurities, and the beneficial nutrients to absorb into your deeper layers of skin.

If you are using a Papaya mask, leave on for no more than 15 minutes as the enzymes in this fruit are very potent.

5. Remove the mask with warm water and a little cleanser.

Gently wash off in an upward movement. Use cooler water than what you used to rinse your face to close pores but not too cold.

Extra Tips:

• For an extra pore cleanse warm the mask first
• Do not apply the mask too thickly so the air can help draw out dirt.
• Don’r move your facial muscles in possible to avoid cracking.

So go and try some masks on this website…and follow up with serums and moisturizers to really lock in the beneficial nutrients from using the masks. Using the recipes here and in the books (below) you can repair and rejuvenate skin helping to slow the signs of aging and even reverse lines and discoloration.

The post How to apply a facial mask appeared first on Natural Skin Care Recipes.