Many natural ingredients have special properties that help heal, soothe and rejuvenate the complexion. They can be made into effective facial recipes with little time and effort.
Jojoba Cleanser and Eye Makeup Remover
Jojoba is non-greasy and rich in antioxidant vitamin E (tocopherols) giving it natural moisturizing and healing properties. It is also resistant to oxidation and so very stable.
- Add 50ml jojoba oil to 6 drops of an essential oil or blend that suits your skin type.
Store in an airtight bottle and use within four weeks. (For treating eczema, psoriasis and acne prone skin- use hemp seed oil)
Vinegar Toner
Vinegar has a tonic action that promotes circulation in the tiny capillaries that nourish the skin. It is also antiseptic, dissolves excess fatty deposits on the skin surface, reduces scaly or peeling conditions, and regulates the skin’s pH.
Apple cider vinegar is rich in enzymes and organic acids and full of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly effective when used with lavender, rose or rosemary essential oils.
- Stir 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into 250ml of pure water and add up to 5 drops of an essential oil or blend that suits your skin type. Apply to your face after cleansing.
Keep refrigerated and use within four weeks.
Avocado Mask with Manuka Honey
Avocado is rich in vitamins A, D and E, beta-carotene, potassium (the ‘youth mineral’), proteins, lecithin, and essential fatty acids. It also contains plant steroids, called sterolins, which help soften and moisturize the skin, reduce age spots and heal sun damage and scars.
Avocado is a wonderful emollient and assists in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. It is ideal for mature, dehydrated and sun-or-climate-changed skin. It also helps relieve the dryness and itching of psoriasis and eczema.
All honey naturally attracts moisture and penetrates deeply, moisturizing and repairing the cracking or damage caused by dryness. Manuka honey is highly antibacterial and rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes and amino acids – all essential for healthy skin. Active manuka honey is unique to New Zealand and contains non-peroxide antibacterial agents that inhibit the bacteria that cause acne. It also helps treat slow-healing wounds such as eczema and burns.
FOR NORMAL SKIN
- Mash the flesh of half a medium-sized organic avocado into a creamy texture. Massage into the face and neck, leave on for 15-20 minutes. Gently rinse off with warm water, then, if you wish, dab your skin with cool green tea.
FOR VERY DRY SKIN AND MATURE SKIN TYPES
- Add 1 tablespoon of manuka honey to the mashed avocado
FOR OILY SKIN
- Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed organic lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of manuka honey to the mashed avocado. Use the same day.
Nourishing Banana Mask
This face mask will gently detoxify and rehydrate your skin, leaving it glowing. Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamins A, B6 and C – all are wonderfully effective at softening and hydrating the skin.
Our skin has a protective layer to keep water in and foreign substances out. Cold or hot weather, wind, air-conditioning and heating can all damage this layer, making it dry and flaky. When you smear this banana mixture on your face, oil molecules form a temporary waterproof layer over your face, giving your skin cells a chance to rebuild their moisture levels.
- Mash together half a small banana, 1 teaspoon of hemp oil and 1 teaspoon of manuka honey.
- Smooth the mixture over your skin and leave for 10 minutes before gently rinsing it off with warm water. This mask won’t keep, so make it fresh whenever you want to use it.
Green Tea Soothing Spray
Green tea (camellia sinensis) is a powerful antioxidant and inhibits bacterial growth. The leaves contain tannic acid which is cooling on the skin (especially for sunburn). It also contains catechins, which help prevent and can even repair skin damage.
- Steer 1 cup of organic green tea leaves in 1 liter of boiling, filtered water for 20 minutes.
- Cool and strain the liquid into a sterilized bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for eight days. If your skin is prone to blemishes, add 1 teaspoon of dried sage or basil before making the infusion.
In addition to making a refreshing facial mist or blemish remedy – splash on, do not rinse – this infusion can be used to freshen strained or tired eyes.
- Soak cotton pads in green tea solution, squeeze out excess, and lay gently on closed eyelids.
Leave on for 10 minutes. Repeat if necessary. It can also be used as a perk-up for tired feet or an anti-fungal foot soak, or to soothe minor sunburn: soak a cloth in the tea and place on the sunburned area for about 15 minutes.
