MUCH ADO ABOUT MOISTURIZER

After a long, therapeutic soak in the tub, or even after a quick daily shower, you need to moisturize the skin. Your skin is constantly exposed to sun, wind, heat, cold, water and, if not cared for, will break down. Apply an appropriate moisturizer to your skin every day after your shower or bath. When finished bathing, never rub your skin dry, rather pat it. This avoids abrasion and allows some moisture to remain on the skin. Since it is better to apply the moisturizer while your skin is still warm and slightly damp, this works out great! Make sure that you use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin. That is to say, one that has ingredients that are suitable for your skin type. You may need to try several before you find one that does not feel greasy to you and will not clog your pores, but experimentation is the only way to know for sure! Rich, heavy oils are best for dry skin. Think olive oil, caster oil, hazel nut oil, and sesame oil. Lighter, finer oils or gels are better for normal to oily skin. Think sunflower oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, apricot kernal oil, and grapeseed oil. Everyone should stay away from petroleum based and animal fat products (such as baby oil), as these are not easily absorbed by the skin and they tend to form a greasy layer on top of the skin which can cause irritation.

----MAKE YOUR OWN MOISTURIZERS---

*Dry Skin Moisturizer Recipe* 2 Tbs. grated beeswax 2 tsp. distilled water 1/2 cup cocoa butter 3 Tbs. sesame oil 2 Tbs. coconut oil 1 Tbs. olive oil Over a low heat, in a small saucepan, melt the grated bees wax with the water. Once melted, spoon in the cocoa butter and stir. Once the cocoa butter is melted, gradually add in the remaining oils, blending well. Then pour into a glass jar and allow to cool. The lotion will thicken as it cools. Once cooled, apply liberally over your body! Sesame oil is one of the few natural oils that contains sun-screening properties. Olive oil is very nourishing externally, is very lubricating, and relieves the effects of stings or burns. Coconut oil is high in vitamins, minerals, and saturated fats. Both the coconut oil and the cocoa butter coat the skin's surface with a thin layer that locks in the skin's natural moisture, effectively protecting it from nature's damaging elements. All of these ingredients combined make this recipe great for over-exposed, dried skin, even sun or wind burnt skin. *Normal to Oily Skin Body Softener* 2 Tbs. grated beeswax 1/4 cup distilled water 1/2 cup sweet almond oil OR apricot seed oil 1/4 cup rose water (see http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/2008/06/step-two-to-facial-care-is-steam.html for instructions on how to make rose water yourself) 5 drops galbanum essential oil 4 drops rose essential oil Over low heat, in a small saucepan, melt the grated beeswax. After it is melted, pour it into a blender and blend on low speed. While the blender is running, pour in the sweet almond oil (or apricot seed oil if this was your choice), rose water, and essential oils. The mixture should have the consistency of frosting. Pour into a glass jar and allow to cool. This is a very thick and rich lotion, so you will not need to use very much when applying. It should remain good for 3-5 months. Galbanum is a sap from the Ferula plant from Southern Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. When applied to the skin it is a peticularly effective skin regenerator. Rose oil, which is known to heal dry skin, help with circulation, prevent scarring and fight wrinkles and broken capillaries in the skin. Mixing these two main ingredients makes this recipe especially great for face and hands care, but is also good as an all over moisturizer! *Cooling Moisturizer* 2 Tbs. grated beeswax 2 Tbs. distilled water 1/4 cup wheat germ oil 2 Tbs. whitch hazel 2 drops lemon essential oil Over a low heat, in a small saucepan, melt the grated beeswax with the water. Once melted, pour into a blender and blend on low speed. While still blending, pour in the wheat germ oil and the witch hazel. Blend until smooth, then add the essential oils, stir to mix, then pour into a jar fro storage. The recipe will thicken upon cooling. Witch hazel is very cooling and posesses cleansing properties. Wheat germ is very high in vitamin E and is a very effective antioxidant. Lemon oil adds a very cool, refreshing scent. Add these all together and you have a moisturizer perfect any time, but especially in the hot summer months! *Dry Climate (or dry skin) Moisturizer* 1/4 cup aloe vera gel 1/4 cup cocoa butter (may sub 1/8c shea butter and 1/8c cocoa butter if desired) 1 Tbs. olive oil 4 drops essential oil (your choice of lavender, rose, chamomile) Over a low heat, in a small saucepan, melt the butter and the olive together. Once melted, remove from the heat and add the aloe gel and essential oil. Stir to mix well for at least a full minute or two, then pour into a jar for storage. The shelf life on this mixture is 3-6 months.

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.

Face Off and Put This On.....

Now you are the final step of a perfect face care regimen. You've cleansed, steamed, masked or peeled, and toned, so now it is time for the final step of moisturizing. Moisturizing is important in order to replenish the skin with fluid, and to finely coat it with a protective film barrier. *ROSE MOISTURIZER* Rosewater is the byproduct of rose essential oil. It takes 5,000 pounds of rose petals, as many as 100 million, to produce one pound of rose oil. The rose, its steam distilled oil, and the byproduct rose water, have many therapeutic properties. They are used in treating respiratory coughs to ulcers. In beauty treatments rose oil is effective for treating wrinkles, puffiness and dry skin. Rosewater has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and toning properties. Combined with the aloe gel, this lotion will leave skin moist and supple. 1/2 cup virgin olive oil 2 Tbs. aloe vera gel 3 Tbs. lanolin 4 Tbs. beeswax, grated 4 Tbs. rosewater (see previous posts for recipe) Blend the olive oil and the aloe vera gel together in a small bowl and set aside. Melt the beeswax and the lanolin together, over low heat, in a small saucepan, stirring constantly. When melted remove from heat. Gradually pour in the olive oil lanolin blend, while continuing to stir. Then pour this mixture and the rosewater into a blender and blend until very smooth. Once blended, pour into a glass or plastic jar and place into the refrigerator. This blend will solidify as it cools. After it sets it is ready for use. *SENSITIVE SKIN COLD CREAM* This recipe has cucumber juice which is excellent for cleansing sensitive skin. It is a mild astringent and is very soothing. The lanolin absorbs water and holds holds it next to the skin. 2 small cucumbers peeled and halved 1 cup lanolin 1/4 cup almond oil 1/2 cup boiling water Using a blender thoroughly liquefy the cucumber halves, then slowly add the boiling water to the cucumber liquid. When added, set aside to cool. In a saucepan melt the lanolin over low heat. After it is melted, remove from heat and, while stirring continuously, add the almond oil to it gradually. Now strain the cucumber pulp through a piece of cheesecloth or a strainer (you can also use a coffee filter if you don't have cheesecloth). Throw away the pulp and preserve the juice. Gradually add the cucumber juice to the lanolin and oil mixture, all the while stirring. When completely mixed, put into a jar (can be glass or plastic) and store in the refrigerator. *DRY SKIN NIGHT CREAM* This skin cream contains ingredients with properties to rebuild and regenerate cell tissue, while killing bacteria on the skin surface. They also offer some sun-screen properties, and will help seal in the skin's moisture, leaving the face feeling incredibly smooth. 1 egg 1/4 cup sesame oil 1/4 cup sunflower oil 1 Tbs. liquid lecithin 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup coconut oil Crack the egg and drop the white and yolk into a blender. Add the sesame oil and blend. While the blender is still running, slowly add the sunflower oil, lecithin and lemon juice. Add in the coconut oil gradually, until the mixture is thick. Refrigerate the mixture fro one hour, then blend again, on low speed. You may now apply the cream to your face and neck. Store the remainder in a jar, plastic or glass, in the refrigerator. Because of the egg, this cream will only be good for approx. 2 weeks. *EYELASH CONDITIONER* If you frequently wear mascara, your eyelashes will get dried out. The tiny hairs of your eyelashes look best when they are not brittle and broken. Natural oils can be used to lubricate and condition your eyelashes. Just take a 50/50 blend of apricot kernel oil and sweet oil (sweet oil is extra, extra virgin olive oil. Ask your pharmacist for some). After mixing the two oils, lightly coat your eyelashes with it, using a clean eye wand. Leave it on overnight. In the morning, wash it off before applying your mascara.

Tips to Soak in about Moisturizing Your Skin

You should care for your skin by moisturizing it daily, immediately after your shower or bath, so that the skin is still warm and moist while applying. This facilitates a deeper penetration of the oils, as the skin's pores are open.
Be sure to choose a product that is suitable for your skin type, that doesn't make you feel greasy, and that will not clog your pores. To accomplish these goals you will need to stay away from petroleum based oils (such as baby oils) and ones that contain animal fat. These type oils are not absorbed by the skin and may irritate the skin as it forms a greasy layer on top it. In other words, the natural, earthy oils, ones that are plant and vegetable derived (warning, shameless company plug coming) such as the ones I make, are the best for your comfort and your skins' health.

Although there are variables, and certainly more to take into account when creating a recipe, there a really only two basic categories of oil to look at for your moisturizing needs. If your skin is dry or damaged, choose a rich, heavy oil, and if you have normal to oily skin, choose a lighter oil. It is probably best to try pure oils first, but you can always experiment by mixing two or more oils. Gels, such as aloe vera, are water based and do not blend well with oils. They are better used alone, on normal to oily skin.

Some rich, heavy oils are; olive, sesame, and safflowers.

Some finer, lighter oils are; jojoba, grapeseed, and avocados.

-Sunflower Oil is lightweight, but it has a slower absorption rate and may feel a bit oily on the skin as it soaks in. It is, however, very high in fatty acids and natural vitamin E, so it is a great product for your skin. You may want to use it in a bath, as a massage oil, or mixed.
-Sweet Almond Oil is also a light oil. It penetrates well, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is very rich in oleic and linoleic (essential) fatty acids, making it a great oil for damaged skin. It also happens to be cholesterol free, and great to use for cooking. The flashpoint of this oil is high, so it is great to use when cooking stir fry!
-Jojoba oil is really a liquid wax, rather than a true oil. But it is excellent as a moisturizer, and is readily absorbed by the skin.
-Hazelnut Oil is gentle and non-greasy and is highly recommended for extremely dry skin. The only draw back to this oil is that is best kept refrigerated and only has about a three month shelf-life. Good news though, it is also a great oil to cook with.
-Caster Oil is a thick, viscous oil, and is also a humectant. This means that the oil actually acts to draws moisture to the skin. That more than makes up for the natural odor of the oil., if you have very dry skin.

Aside from oils, you can also use butters to moisturize. Probably one of the best known, Cocoa Butter is an edible vegetable fat, coming from the seeds/beans of the cacao plant. It has a mild chocolate flavor but the chocolate aroma is very intense. It is solid at room temperature and melts when it comes in contact with the heat from your skin.
-Shea Butter also presents as a solid and melts as it heats. It is obtained from the seed of the Shea Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii), which is common to west Africa. From these seeds a soft, pliant "butter" is expeller pressed without the use of chemical solvents. It is high in vitamin E and well known for its skin softening and moisture retaining abilities.
-Mango Butter, another solid until heated butter, is obtained from the fruit seed of the Mango Tree. It is an excellent skin lubricator and moisturizer, and counters the drying effects of commercial bar soaps and cleansers.

Wether you use a butter or an oil is a matter of personal preferance. The important thing is that you USE one, and do so as part of a daily regimine. Caring for your skin will not only make you look and feel better, but it will help to protect you against premature aging and disease. Your skin is the largest system of the body (the integamentary) and it is your bodys' first line of defense against destructive organisms. Protecting and maintaining the health and elasticity of your skin benefits your over-all health.

Reference materials; The World Beauty Book, by Jessica Harris, Readers Digest Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation, by Eva Gizowska, Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox, and Nature's Beauty Kit, by Deb Carpenter.