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Natural Skin Care - Ways to Pamper Your Complexion by Kathy Browning
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It
endures constant exposure to toxins, free radicals and oxidation.
Since skin secretes oils and toxins during the night, cleansing in the morning
is necessary to prepare skin for moisturizer and makeup. It is also very
important to cleanse your face every night, especially if you wear makeup. When
you sleep, your pores open and your skin breathes, so anything on your face will
be absorbed into your skin. In other words, everything that is on your face -
cosmetics and environmental pollutants - will be absorbed into the deeper levels
of your skin.
Using the proper cleansers and cleansing tools will keep your skin fresh and
youthful looking.
It has been scientifically confirmed that topical vitamin C and E help to
protect skin against free radicals which breakdown skin tissue and cause
premature signs of aging. It is important to know that the benefit to your skin
in performance and protection depends upon the percentage and form of vitamin C
and E in the skin care formulas.
In Prevention Magazine's April 2002 issue, Amy Newburger, M.D., associate
physician in clinical dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians
and Surgeons states, in reference to vitamin E, "You can find this antioxidant
in just about any beauty product. Unfortunately it usually isn't present in high
enough concentrations (5% or more according to a recent study) to really do your
skin any good."
Vitamin C, another vital antioxidant, also helps protect the skin against free
radical damage (oxidation). However, as Dr. Newburger confirms, vitamin C is
very unstable, breaks down quickly, and must be stored correctly to remain
potent. Her recommendation, "Look for products in opaque airtight containers. A
pump dispenser is great for sealing out oxygen and extending product life."
Be aware, just because vitamin C is included in an ingredient list doesn't
necessarily mean that it is in the proper form or percentage ratio to achieve
its' claims. The use of vitamins (especially vitamin C) requires knowledge of
the proper percentages, pH, and the delivery system.
Choosing a cleanser is almost as important as the act of cleansing. A product
that is too harsh can strip skin of natural oils, and leave it dry and
irritated. Look for cleansers that rejuvenate the skin at the same time they
cleanse it. A gentle goat milk soap and herbal glycerin can help remove excess
oil as long as they don't dry your skin. For most skin, soaps are alkaline and
can be irritating. It is best to use a cleanser that's close to the skin's
normal pH level, which is usually around 4.5. Nourishing shea butter is useful
for dry, wrinkled, or irritated skin.
Also consider your skin type when choosing a cleanser. If your skin is oily,
avoid products that strip away all the oil as well as those with added
moisturizers. Look for ingredients that have antiseptic properties like witch
hazel and herbs and essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and
peppermint.
For dry skin, a nonabrasive cleanser that contains nourishing properties such as
vegetable glycerin and olive and coconut oil, can help keep the skin soft and
dehydrated. Aloe vera and balancing essential oils of chamomile, lavender, and
rose are useful for all skin types.
Washcloths and loofahs can damage delicate facial skin and are known to harbor
bacteria. It is recommended that you use a soft cloth designed specifically for
the face.
After your skin is clean, the next step is to use a toner. Using a cleanser on
your face will raise your pH level, even if you use a cleanser that is pH
balanced. It is important to use a toner formulated to return the acid mantle (a
natural layer that covers the skin) to its normal level and help rebalance the
skin after washing.
Using a toner reduces pore size, so that fewer pollutants are absorbed into the
skin. Look for toners that contain aloe vera. Aloe vera is one of the best skin
nutrients available and you can use pure aloe vera juice (found in most health
food stores), poured onto a cotton cosmetic round. Keep it in the refrigerator
for an invigorating experience! Aloe vera has an exceptional ability to
penetrate the skin. It is absorbed into the skin four times faster than water
and has a pH level nearly identical to that of the skin.
If your skin is especially oily, an astringent (similar to a toner, but with a
high alcohol content) can help absorb excess oil and kill bacteria. Extracts and
essential oils including camphor, menthol, tea tree, and citrus also help
control oil.
EC Mode offers salon quality, vitamin based botanicals for the hair, scalp and
skin. I have been using their product line for nearly three years with excellent
results. My cleansing routine is simple - Facial Cleanser, Vitamin C Serum, Eye
Toner, Hydro-Driver Moisturizer.
Their Vitamin C Serum is formulated with 12% fresh-dried, naturally-derived
L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that becomes active only when you are ready to use
it. Other vitamin C skin care products are in liquid form, often derivatives of
vitamin C, and require additional ingredients (and preservatives) to attempt to
stabilize the liquid. These ingredients can dilute the potency of the vitamin C
plus, given that it is already premixed the vitamin begins breaking down from
the time it is formulated to the time you purchase the product and use it.
EC Mode Hydro-Driver Moisturizer is formulated with 5% vitamin E to scavenge
free radicals and prevent premature signs of aging, stimulate natural hydration
of skin, increase skin's smoothness and help reduce the look of fine lines and
wrinkles. It can also reduce and prevent scar tissue, fade age spots and control
symptoms associated with skin conditions (rosacea, eczema, dermatitis).
It is best to use botanical based and all-natural cleansers, toners,
moisturizers and cosmetics. Your complexion will love you for it and your skin
will be radiant.
http://bluemoondesigns.wellnesssalon.com ~ EC Mode Wellness Collection includes
vitamin-based botanicals for your hair, scalp and skin. Available through a
licensed professional or online wellness salon store only.
About the author – Kathy Browning is a healing arts practitioner and wellness coach. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of “The Art of Living Well”, an ezine focused on the mind, body, spirit connection and the author of “Feng Shui for Abundant Living”. Be sure to visit http://www.cancercomfort.com for more information.
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