Body Scrub for Sun Damaged Skin

Summer is coming to its end. We love the idea of the sun soaked days but by this time of the year we can see the toll those days have had on our skin! Here is a recipe to rid our bodies of those uneven tan lines and fade sun spots and help improve sun damaged.

Yogurt Body Bliss • 1/4 cup rolled oats, ground fine • 1/4 cup organic corn meal (blue is my favorite, it’s a pretty purple color) • 1/2 cup full fat yogurt • 1 Tbs sweet almond oil • 1 Tbs honey • 8 drops lavender eo • 3 drops palmarosa eo • 2 drops geranium eo • 2 chamomile eo Grind oats into a fine powder and mix with corn meal in a glass bowl. Stir in wet ingredients and essential oils. To use Rinse skin with warm water. Turn off water and use scrub all over body making sure to get the few ignored parts~ feet, hands, and armpits! Yes armpits need some love too! Leave on skin for a few minutes. The key ingredient in this body scrub is the full fat yogurt. Yogurt is high in Lactic acid, which is a natural chemical exfoliator.

SCRUB A DUB DUB, YOU DON'T EVEN NEED A TUB!

With the tips previously covered you can now treat yourself to natural, healthy, easy treatments for your face, hair, hands, nails, and feet. You can even reduce your stress or wake yourself up with some great bathing tips, so what is left you may ask? Well, how about the complete, full-bodied spa treatment in the comfort of your own home? Try this. Turn the lights down low, light a candle or two, unplug the phone, shut off the computer, set some relaxing music on low and prepare to relax, soothe and rejuvenate your mind and body. With the following tips you can treat yourself like the queen you deserve to be! These treatments are more SPA like and definitely more time consuming than the ones for specific body parts, but YOU ARE WORTH IT! So schedule yourself a SPA DAY at HOME! General body treatments include scrubbing, wrapping, bathing, moisturizing, and massaging. So I will take these in order and offer you some tips and recipes for each. Let's begin with scrubbing. When you exfoliate, the fancy word for scrubbing, you rid the skin of dirt, oil residue, and dead skin cells. This is important because, with the layer of dead skin cells gone, your skin will better absorb the products used in the next steps of skin care. It also serves to stimulate and circulate lymph fluids, which help eliminate toxins in the system. The stimulating massage increases blood circulation and stimulate the production of the body's own natural oils. Full body exfoliation should be done daily for great body and skin health. When done properly, it is one of the easiest treatments to revitalize and energize your mind and body. *Tips for doing it properly*

• Do not abrade the skin. Be gentle, especially when first beginning. As you develop a rountine treatment, your skin will develop a resisitance and you will be able to apply more resistance without irritating your skin. Remember that the purpose is to affect the top most layer of skin, not the underlying tissue.
• Use the proper tools. This is body scrubbing, not face scrubbing. Use a mitt, a towel, a loofah sponge, or a stiff body brush.
• Use your tool in circular motions. Begin with the feet, ankles, then the legs. Then do the hands, arms, shoulders, and down your back. Then do your stomach and chest.
• Use a cool water rinse after you are finished and pat your skin dry.
• Use moisturizer after you finish.
• Be sure to clean your tool thoroughly with soap and water after each use. Hang to air dry where it will get plenty of air circulation. You do not want to grow bacteria!
• Exfoliate your body daily, spending at least 5 minutes on the process to obtain optimal benefits.
• Since this treatment is energizing and revitalizing, it is best performed in the mornings.

*RECIPES*

*Irritated or Dry Skin Body Scrub Take 1 ripe avocado, peel it, pit it, and mash it. Set it aside. Take 1/2 cup of almonds and place them in a blender or coffee grinder. Grind them until they are course. Make sure they are not too fine this is not a face recipe! Once ground, mix 1 cup of oatmeal, old fashioned, not instant, and put them into a bath glove or muslin mitt. Scoop the avocado up and rub it over your body with the almond/oatmeal filled mitt. Rinse with tepid water and pat dry, then moisturize. Oatmeal is well known for its anti-inflammatory, skin soothing, and anti-puretic (anti-itch) properties. It is also very rich in vitamin E. Almonds are a natural emollient and make a great exfolient when they are ground. Avocado pulp contains vitamins A,D,and E and posesses collogen rebuilding properties. Not to mention that the pit of the avocado makes a great natural massage tool for sore muscles, so make sure to wash it and save it for use after your scrub! *Revitalizing Body Scrub, especially for Dry, Flaky Skin you will need; 1/2 cup of course sea salt 1/4 cup of rosemary oil body-scrub tool Dip your body scrub tool into the oil and then into the salt. Rub over your skin as described in the tips section. Continue to dip and scrub until you have covered your entire body, then rinse, pat dry and moisturize. Rosemary clears the mind and revives, as well as increases blood flow, while the sea salts work great to exfoliate the skin's surface.

*Body Scrub In a bowl, mix 2 cups of coarse sea salt with 1/4 cup of apricot kernal oil, making a paste. Gently smooth on body, in the mannor described in the tips section, being sure to use the palm of your hand, flattened, applying firm, but un-abbrasive pressure. When you have covered the whole body, rinse off, using a sponge or loofah, pat dry and moisturize. The apricot kernal oil is rich in natural emolients, as well as vitamin A adn B. It is easily absorbed by the skins' pores. It leaves the skin very smooth and well moisturized, while the salt is a natural exfolliant.

Putting Your Foot Down and Looking Good While Doing It!

Although your feet are often protected with socks and shoes, they still take take a lot of abuse. They often carry excess weight, pound pavement, walk on uneven surfaces, are shoved into high heels or ill-fitting shoes, and sweat throughout long work days, not to mention play days and nights. While your feet may not age as quickly as the hands do, they take nearly as much abuse, and are often forgotten about when providing daily skin care and maintenance.

Here are some TIPS for FOOT CARE;


*I know that it seems silly to say, but don't wear shoes that are too loose or too tight. Loose shoes may cause blisters, while shoes that are too tight reduce blood circulation, effectively starving the skin of your feet .

*Buying shoes in the middle of the day will help to ensure the proper fit, as feet tend to swell as the day goes on.

*Wear cotton socks to enable breathing of the skin, instead of nylon which traps heat and moisture.

*I know that I put this under all skin part tips, drink plenty of fluids to maintain proper hydration

*Don't forget your feet! Each time you put lotion on your hands, also put it on your feet. Whenever you perform a hand treatment, treat your feet too.

*Soak your feet in a warm water bath for 20 minutes before exfoliating.

*Encourage circulation and stimulation by adding 3 drops of peppermint essential oil to the soaking bath.

*Exfoliate your feet, just as you do your other skin.

*As with your other skin, moisturize after exfoliation.

*RECIPES*

EASY NATURAL EXFOLIATION-

The easiest, and probably the most enjoyable exfoliator, is a natural method. Take a long walk on a beach! While a great relaxation method for the mind, walking in sand provides a natural exfoliation method for the skin of the foot, while the friction caused by walking creates a great foot massage.

PUMICE FOOT SCRUB-

Mix 1/2 cup of dry cornmeal with 2 Tbs. of avocado oil. Spread this mixture all over the feet, then rub it in, in small circular movements, with a pumice stone. Make sure to rub over the heels and any callused areas. When finished, rinse with warm water and pat dry. This recipe exfoliates and smooths rough, dry skin.

SUGAR FOOT (and Hand) SCRUB-

Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 Tbs. apricot kernal oil, and the juice from 1/2 of a lemon. Once mixed, immediately rub over feet and hands. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry and then moisturize. This recipe is not as abrasive as some of the others, but it offers stimulation of the skin, while also providing it with a natural lubricant, moisturizer, and rejuvenator.


NAIL-HARDENING SCRUB (for hands and feet)-

Take 1/2 cup of shelled walnuts and grind into a course powder. Add 1 Tbs. olive oil, 1 TBS. caster oil, and 1 tsp. honey. Stir until you make a thick paste. Take the paste and vigorously rub into the skin. Once finished, rinse with warm water, pat dry and moisturize. Repeat this treatment twice weekly for optimal benefits.

Castor oil is particularly beneficial for hair, nails, and lips. When combined with olive oil, it enhances the nails' flexibility and makes them less prone to chipping and breakage.
Honey is a natural antiseptic and bacteria inhibitor.

Ground walnuts act as an exfoliator. They provide enough friction to remove surface (dead) skin cells, while replenishing the skin's moisture.

FOOT MASK-

Mix 1/2 cup of green (powdered) clay with 1/2 cup of distilled water. Stir it into a thick paste, then coat the feet with it, then allow to dry. Once dry, rinse off with warm, soapy water, pat dry and moisturize. The clay will pull impurities from the skin and exfoliate while restoring minerals directly into the skin. Clay also serves to conduct heat, which in turn, serves to sooth tired, achy muscles and feet. Not to mention, green clay is is rich in magnesium and silica, is highly absorbant, and is a good deodorizer.

HERBAL SOAKS-

Steep 2 cups of fresh herbs (or 1 cup of dried) in two gallons of boiling water for 20 minutes. Then pour through a strainer, throwing out the solids and pouring the liquid into a basin large enough to accomodate your feet. Allow the water to cool enough to put your feet in without burning them. Soak for about 20 minutes, then pat dry. Then don't forget to moisturize.

Different herbs are good for different things. You can use one or more of the following herbs to create a great foot soak. Try; comfrey, elderberry, lavender, pine, rosemary, sage or horsetail.
If you want to use another, be sure to look at the medicinal uses for herbs in order to help you choose an appropriate one. Also check to make sure that the chosen herb is appropriate for use with any medical condition you may have. Speak to your physician or pharmacist prior to use if you have any conditions or take any medications.

FOOT COOLER & DEODORIZER-

Add 1/4 cup distilled water, 1/4 cup witch hazel, 3 drops lemon fragrance oil, 3 drops grapefruit fragrance oil, 2 drops wintergreen essential oil, and 2 drops peppermint essential oil. Stir well, then place in a spray bottle and store in the refrigerator. Remember to shake well before using. This mixture deodorizer as it works against bacteria. It helps to cool down and refresh hot, sweaty feet (it also works well when spraryed on sore leg muscles). This is an excellent spray for athletes, especially runners. This spray will remain fresh for approx. 3 weeks when refrigerated, less if kept on the counter.


*REMEMBER; when using new ingredients, especially essential oils, try on a small area of skin first to test for potential reaction. If redness or swelling occur, discontinue use. I do not suggest or represent any information as anything but educational. The information may be inaccurate or incomplete. It is NOT meant to prescribe or diagnose and should not replace medical advice or attention. If you have any questions seek a physicians help and guidance.

HANDS DOWN this is the BEST WAY TO CARE for YOUR HANDS!

The skin is the body's first line of defense. It keeps out many would be attackers, just as it protects delicate organs. Breaks in the skin, the largest body system, put the entire body and all of its systems at risk. A simple cut in the skin can result in body wide infection, potentially leading to death. Therefore the proper care and the maintenance of its health is of great importance, yet we often forget to provide that care in a meaningful way or on a regular basis. Now that you've faced your face care needs and managed the five steps that will help you maintain your lovely face, it's time to move on to your hands. The hands are often the first skin part to express the signs of everyday wear and tear. They take a beating daily as they are exposed to heat, cold, sun, wind, harsh detergents, soaps, and water, so it should not come as a surprise that they tend to exhibit signs of aging faster than any other skin on the body. *CARE TIPS* First and foremost, it is very important to replenish the skin's surface with moisture and nutrients, from both the inside and the outside. Dehydration depletes the skin's elasticity and compromises its integrity, not to mention the effects on other bodily systems. It is important to drink plenty of water (limit caffeine intake, as it is a diuretic) and use a moisturizing lotion, oil or cream daily, at minimum. When your skin is chapped, irritated, or suffering from over-exposure it may be necessary to apply a moisturizing treatment multiple times in a day. Beside frequently moisturizing, be sure to cover exposed skin, including the hands, with an adequate sun screen when venturing outs of doors. UV rays damage and burn skin, not to mention the fact that they are a leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer. A sunscreen with a spf of 20 or more is a simple, yet effective way to protect your skin and your life! Use protective gear as much as possible. In other words, use gloves in the cold, gloves when using cleaning solvents, gloves when submersing your hands in water, and gloves when peeling citrus fruits. To avoid the potential rash, use gloves with natural fiber lining rather than those with synthetic liners. Because we use our hands so much during the course of the day, night time is the best time for hand treatments. Applying a moisturizing lotion or cream on your hands, then immediately covering them with gloves, either before going into the cold, or before cotton gloves for best results. You may also apply a rich moisturizer to your hands, then cover with plastic wrap for 30 min. for a deep treatment. Make sure to clean your rings frequently. Using a solution of white vinegar with distilled water will not only work well , but will keep you from exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. Use a hand mask one time a week. Massage hands once a day. Use your fingers, a commercial massager or an avocado pit. Make sure you exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize.

*Recipes for you to make at home*________________________________

*HAND EXFOLIATOR*

1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh is best) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 Tbs. apricot kernal oil Combine all of the ingredients and immediately rub the mixture on the hands. Be sure not to press too hard. Instead, rub in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. The apricot kernal oil serves as a natural lubricant, moisturizer and skin rejuvenator, while the sugar is abrasive and cleanses the skin as it stimulates.

*CUCUMBER WASH*

This mild wash works well for irritated skin, as cucumber juice is a mild astringent and relieves puffiness and helps to heal abrasions. 1 small cucumber, peeled 1 Tbs. witch hazel After you peel the cucumber, put in the blender and blend until it is liquefied. Add the witch hazel to the the cucumber juice, then wash your hands in the liquid and pat dry, the moisturize.

*LAVENDER HAND WASH* also can be used as a foot wash

Works great to relieve reddened and inflammed hands and feet. 1/2 cup dried lavender flower buds 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage 2 cups water 8 drops lavender essential oil Place the lavender and sage in a saucepan and cover with the water. Simmer, covered, on a low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a cheesecloth . Save the liquid and throw out the solids. Allow the liquid to cool. After the mixture is cool, add teh lavender essential oil., then put on the hands and feet with a wash cloth. Repeat as neccessary.

*AVOCODO HAND RUB*

This recipe will deep cleanse, exfoliiate, and moisturize the hands. 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted (remember to keep the pit for a massage tool) 3/4 cup oatmeal (old fashioned kind not instant) 1/4 cup almond oil 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup water (or less) Place the avocado, oatmeal, almond , and olive oil in the blender, blending until smooth. Put the blender on low and, while it's still running, remove the lid and add the water slowly, until the mixture becomes a thick pudding consistancy. You may not need all of the water. Once you have the thick pudding consistancy, rub over, and massage into your hands in circular motions. Rinse off with tepid water and pat dry. Using this formula twice a week will help to maintain optimal results.

*HEALING HAND TREATMENT*

This recipe works well for irritated hands, especially those with paper cuts or ones that are itchy. 1 cup fresh chickweed, crushed 1 cup grapeseed oil 30 drops lavender essential oil

Place the crushed chikweed in a glass jar and cover with the grapeseed oil. Store this in a dark place for three weeks, occasionally rolling jar around in your hands, then returning to the dark place (see May post on how to make your own essential oils). After the three weeks, strain oil and throw out the chickweed pieces. Add the lavender essential oil and stir. Then apply to affected areas with a cotton ball as needed.

*HAND MOISTURIZER*

This is especially good for dry, sensitive, inflamed, and prematurely aged skin. 6 dried apricots 2 cups distilled water 1 ounce grated beeswax 1 cup apricot kernal oil 1/2 cup coconut oil 1/2 cup aloe vera gel 6 vitamin E capsules Put the dried apricots in a saucepan and cover with the water.Bring to a boil over a medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool. In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt the beeswax and coconut oil. Add the apricot oil. Make sure to stir constantly, cooking for 10 minutes.When finished, set aside. Take the now cooled apricot water and pour it into the blender and blend until smooth. Then strain through a piece of cheesecloth, throwing away the solids and putting the liquid back into the blender. Take the vitamin E capsuls and break them open. Add this liquid and the aloe vera to the liquid in the blender. Blend at low speed. While the blender is still running, slowly drizzle the beeswax misture previously set aside, into the blender, continuing to blend until the mixture is the consistancy of frosting. You may not need all of the beeswax mixture. When the mixture is the correct consistancy, pour it into a jar (you may need more than one, depending upon size) and store in a cool spot. The mixture will thicken as it cools. Apply it to your hands each and every time after you wash them.

Mask and Peel Your Face to Beautiful Skin

So now that we've cleansed and the steamed the face, step three, the next step is to mask and peel. This is a necessary step to further remove residue deep within the pores of the skin. It also nourishes the skin as it replenishes essential vitamins and minerals. -----Quick Skin Tightening Mask----- Beat an egg white until it is frothy. Apply to the face. The mask will tighten as it dries. After five minutes, rinse off thoroughly, first with warm water, then with cool. Pat skin dry. -----Soothing Mask Peel----- Ingredients: 1 small cucumber, 2 oz green tea (steeped and strained), 2 oz chamomile tea (steeped and strained), 1 packet unflavored gelatin, 1 oz aloe vera gel In a blender puree a peeled and seeded cucumber, then run the puree through a sieve (you can use a coffee filter or cheesecloth if you don't have a sieve), reserve the juice. In a small sauce pan, combine the green tea, gelatin, and chamomile tea. Heat on low, stirring until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and pour contents into a glass bowl. Add the cucumber juice and aloe gel to this mixture, then place into the refrigerator until it starts to thicken, approx. 25 minutes. When it is ready, spread mixture over your neck and face with your fingers. Allow to dry for 20 minutes, then peel off the mask. Rinse with warm water then pat dry. You can use this mask every morning, or if you are suffering from a sunburned face, you can use it three times a day. This mask is especially good for irritated skin. The cucumber is cool and soothing, and a mild astringent. The chamomile and green tea help to alleviate puffiness. The aloe vera will help to heal sunburned skin and to maintain the moisture balance of the facial skin. -----Protein Mask----- Ingredients: 4 Tbs. chickpea flour, 1 ripe banana, 1 egg Peel and mash the banana. In a bowl, combine the flour and the banana. Blend into a paste. Beat the egg, then add to the flour banana mixture. Once combined, apply to your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse well with warm water, and pat dry. Chickpea is a great skin-softening exfoliator. It stimulates circulation while rejuvenating the facial tissues. Bananas are rich in vitamin A and potassium. They are a natural emollient and help to reduce puffiness and redness. The egg tightens skin pores to leave your skin feeling fresh and revitalized. ----- Restorative Mask------ Ingredients: 4 large pineapple chunks or 1/2 cup canned, drained pineapple, 3 Tbs. cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil Put the pineapple and oil into the blender, blending until almost smooth. Apply the mixture to the face with your fingers. Leave on for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Pineapple is a mild astringent and skin freshener. It contains bromelain, an enzyme which helps rid the skin of dirt and dead cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps to counteract histamines. Olive oil is a good source of natural vitamin E and has excellent healing properties. It will help to restore the skin 's surface. -------Nourishing Mask ------ Ingredients: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 carrot, 1 avocado, 3 Tbs. honey Cook and mash the carrot. Peel, pit and mash the avocado. Then combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well, then spread over face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat dry. Carrots are high in anti-oxidant vitamins and beta-carotene. Heavy cream is high in calcium and protein. Avocados are a natural and rich source of vitamin E . When you add these all together you get a facial mask that, when used regularly, will improve skin texture, rebuild collagen and diminish age spots. ----- Cleansing Peel----- Ingredients: 1 packet unflavored gelatin, 3 Tbs. distilled water, 1 papaya Peel and seed the papaya, then place in the blender and blend thoroughly. Then strain it and save the liquid. Combine the gelatin and water in a small saucepan, and dissolve over a low heat. Once dissolved, put gelatin in a small bowl. Add the papaya juice and place in the refrigerator until the mixture begins to set, approx. 20 minutes. Spread the mixture over your face and neck and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in warm water, then pat dry. The natural enzyme papain is found in the papaya. It effectively removes dead skin cells.

Facing your Face Care, natural recipes for facial cleansing

Here are some recipes for the first step in facial care, cleansing. Tomato Rub for normal to oily skin:

• Take a slice of ripe tomato and rub it over your face and neck. Allow the juices to soak into your skin for five minutes. The mild acid in the tomato will bring dirt and impurities to the skins surface. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water, pat dry.

Daily Cleanser for normal skin:

• Take 2 sprigs of fresh thyme & crush it (fresh is best, but you can use 1/2 TBS. dried thyme) and mix in a bowl with 2 tsp. of crushed fennel seed. Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over the fennel seeds and thyme. Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture (called an infusion), throw out the plant material, and store the liquid in a jar in the refrigerator. To use, simply dab onto face and neck with a cotton ball.

As an infusion, fennel seeds can be gently cleansing and toning. They help reduce puffiness and superficial irritations. Thyme is used in antiseptic preparations and is a good natural astringent. This recipe is very gentle, so it makes a great daily morning cleanser. Oily skin cleanser:

• 2 TBS apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 TBS distilled water. Being careful to avoid the eyes, apply mixture to the face with a cotton ball. Rinse with tepid water and pat dry.

This is a fast, effective way to remove dirt and residue from the face. If you have normal skin, use this recipe only for those times when you are short on time and need a quick cleansing. For oily skin, use daily, or alternate with another recipe. As you begin to experiment with the various recipes, you will learn which recipes you prefer and what combination works best for your skin care. Everyday Cleanser:

• Take 1/2 cup of old fashioned (not quickoats) oatmeal and grind it in the blender or food processor. In a small bowl combine 2 TBS. honey, 1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk, and the ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until it has the consistency of paste. Smooth over face and neck, then leave on for 15 minutes. When time is up rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This can be used daily, but it is best as a morning treatment.

Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliator that removes dead surface cells and residue. It helps restore the skin's moisture. Also, it can be used as a mild cleanser instead of soap. Yogurt softens the skin, and honey is a natural humectant (meaning it draws moisture to itself). Altogether, these ingredients make this this a great daily cleansing moisturizer. Facial cleanser for everyone:

• Mix 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (this is the purest, most mild, natural soap available), 1/8 cup distilled water, 3-4 drops of chamomile essential oil, and 1 TBS. orange or lemon juice. Place in jar and store in the refrigerator. This should last about 1-2 months. Wash your face with this daily, rinse with tepid water, pat dry and complete your routine care.

Next post will give recipes for step two of the facial care regimen, toners. Bibliography: The Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun, The Herbal Home Spa, by Greta Breedlove, Nature's Beauty Kit, by Deb Carpenter, and Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox.