Facial moisturizer
Our facial skin puts up with a lot of stressors—makeup; loss of sleep; alcohol; the heat from hair dryers; cold, windy winters; dry central heating; and pollution. So give your face a replenishing treat at least once a day.
FACE FORWARD:
The point of moisturizing is not just to relieve dry skin. Hydrating the skin properly with natural ingredients also provides key nutrients to enhance the skin and leave it more elastic and resilient. Many of the ingredients in the moisturizers below are items you already have in your refrigerator or pantry.
Facial moisturizer
Vitamin C Brightener: This treatment provides a fresh glow to tired-looking skin. Start with 1 teaspoon vitamin C powder, 1 teaspoon spring water, 11/2 tablespoons aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil, and 5 drops frankincense essential oil. Briskly blend vitamin C powder with water, then add aloe and blend again. Then mix in all other ingredients. Place liquid in a small, colored bottle to reduce light deterioration. Massage onto your face every other night, but be sure to remove it in the morning—vitamin C can cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Therapeutic Lip Balm: To make a healing balm for chapped skin or lips, combine 5 tablespoons Saint-John’s-wort oil with 2 teaspoons beeswax in the top of a double boiler. Add 3 drops vitamin E oil and 5 drops of an essential oil. Melt over heat, then quickly transfer the mixture to a covered tin or container before it thickens.
Egg Facial: To alleviate dry skin, beat an egg yolk lightly and apply it to the face. Wait 30 minutes before rinsing. Your skin will be fresh and supple. For oily skin, use only the egg white; use the entire egg on normal skin.
Banana Mash: For a rejuvenating treatment, mash up a small banana and blend it with 1/4 cup plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons honey. Apply the mixture to your face and neckline and wait 20 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
The Lush Touch: This recipe does require several essential oils, but it may be the ultimate face softener. You will need 3 ounces argan oil, 1 ounce shea butter, 1 ounce carrot seed oil, 5 drops lemongrass oil, 10 drops lavender oil, and 6 drops chamomile oil. Place the argan and shea oil in a glass or aluminum bowl and place the bowl in a pan of warm water. Once the shea butter has melted, blend the two oils. Add the carrot oil and blend, then add the remaining oils and blend again. Store in a glass jar in a cool dark place.
Face mask with honey, egg yolk, and powdered milk