Natural Skin Care Tips

The sheer number of skin care products available today is mind boggling. Which suits my skin? How effective is that lotion? How soon will I be cured of acne if I use this cream? All these questions tend to make you try one product after another, sometimes harming your skin in the process.

A smart way to tide over this problem is to stick to natural skin care and spend almost nothing in the process of making your skin look lovely and keeping it healthy.

Important basic ingredients for natural skin care are

Shea Butter: Shea butter is found in the nut inside the kernel of the fruit of a Karite tree. It is a slightly yellow-greenish or ivory colored natural fat that is rich in vitamin A. This butter is a natural moisturizer that can do wonders to the skin

Algae: Algae has the remarkable ability to emulsify oil. Because of this it is included in products that help fight acne and pimples

Jojoba: Simmondsia chinensis is the botanical name of Jojoba plant. American researchers found Jojoba an apt replacement for the banned whale oil. The beans in the pod of Jojoba are heated to release a kind of liquid wax (termed as oil). This liquid wax solidifies at subnormal temperatures and has excellent cosmetic properties for rejuvenating skin and maintaining the skin’s pH balance. It is included as an ingredient in hundreds of cosmetics. Jojoba oil softens the skin and is effective against certain skin problems like psoriasis.

Honey: Honey has both anti-microbial strength and is a natural antioxidant. Honey can also absorb moisture and hold on to it. These three properties makes it an indispensable beauty aid

The three crucial factors that help maintain a healthy skin naturally are


A well planned balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, besides fiber, whole grains and
Lots of fluid intake that includes freshly squeezed fruit juices sans sugar
Exercising at least for twenty minutes four times a week

Natural skin care regimen

Cleansing: use a mild soap or better still a facial cleanser formulated for your skin type to wash your face at least twice a day.
Remove all traces of make-up with cleansing before settling down for the night; this ensures that all dirt particles and clogged remnants of make-up are removed from the skin
Toning is recommended after cleansing because it completes the cleaning, and freshens the skin
Weekly exfoliation done without rubbing too hard gives you a glowing complexion and removes dead cells from the skin
Moisturizing the skin keeps it well hydrated. If you have an oily skin opt for water based moisturizer.
Occasional face masks rejuvenate the skin and keep it taut.

Some home made face masks

Carrot based: Mix a grated carrot with a spoon of honey and apply on face and neck mixture for 10 minutes before washing it off
Tomato based: To a well beaten egg (frozen for 15 minutes in the deep freezer) add grated tomato and squeeze one half of a lemon into it. Mix well and apply on face for 10 minutes before washing off
Yogurt based: Add yogurt to course rice flour and mix to form a smooth paste. Add the juice of half a lemon and mix again. Apply on face for 20 minutes before washing off. This mask is especially good for those with oily skin
To a teaspoon of hot milk add lemon juice drop by drop until the milk curdles. Apply this milk on face for 15 minutes every day before washing it off. Within a fortnight your skin attains a natural glow, no matter what type it is – oily, dry or combination type
Add a teaspoon of rosewater to sandal paste and apply on face and neck if you have oily skin. Regular application prevents pimples and acne