The key to an effective cure is pinpointing the cause of the problem. Prior to proceeding with a herbal skin care, you must know what your skin problems are and what could be causing them. Skin problems arise due to various factors. You could be lacking essential vitamins in your daily diet, which is having repercussions on your skin. Or possibly, your skin care products might contain harsh synthetic ingredients that are putting a reaction on your skin.

Moreover, experts have especially warned against the use of bar soaps on the face. Soaps usually have a high pH (alkaline), mostly 7-10. High pH cleansers deplete the skin’s moisture and natural defenses making it prone to irritation and other skin problems. Prolonged use of high pH cleansers or bar soaps can be a factor of premature aging and fine wrinkles at an early age.

The philosophy of herbal skin care is avoiding substances that do harm on the skin. And for skin to be beautiful inside and out, experts advise three simple steps: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. Herbal skin care can come up with these steps using purely herbal ingredients. Coconut virgin oil, sesame, and palm oil are effective skin cleansers when combined with water.

Water dissolves dirt and also acts as a moisturizer. Water movement from the body is a process known as “transepidermal water loss”. If your body has a water deficiency, your skin’s top layer will become dry, ultimately resulting in flaking. Examples of moisturizers for your herbal skin care are: vegetable glycerin, rose water, jojoba oil, vitamin E oils, sorbitol (from plants), honey, aloe vera, and iris.

These natural moisturizers contain essential oils that are able to penetrate the skin, nourish it from within, resulting with a healthy glow. A combination of the correct amount of base oil and essential oils is an excellent moisturizer for your herbal skin care. As a guide, 30ml of base oil can be added to 6 drops of essential oil (mix in at most 3 different oils) to make a good moisturizer.

It’s equally important to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. Oatmeal, ground shells of apricot, almond and walnuts are excellent scrubbing agents.

For an efficient herbal skin care, natural ingredients are of utmost importance. There are various treatments that employ formulations from herbal ingredients. Examples are: lime juice formula, peach treatment, facial masks, and even whitening lotions.

A healthy skin is a beautiful skin. Nourish your skin with your herbal skin care. Your skin will tell you the results.

So you want to look and feel healthy but have recurring acne, eczema, pimples or perhaps dry cracking heels and elbows? Or maybe it?s those wrinkles and fine lines that have begun to appear. Now is the time for a serious skin care routine because there?s help for all.

No two people are alike so no one method of skincare is right for everyone. You have to do the research for yourself.

Some of the most common skin dilemmas come from diet, hormonal and seasonal changes; from stress, sun damage or using the wrong skin care or makeup. Getting serious about identifying the problem means knowing some things about yourself.

Products for Anti Aging
Are you plagued by skin discoloration, dry skin, age spots or other age related problems? If so, there are many sites that offer a full line of products to counter the aging process. They may include a Cleanser, Toner, Anti-Aging Serum and Toner. Look for products that are recommended for sun damaged skin as well.

Acne Products
The first serious step to a clear skin is a clean skin. There are rich, gentle cleansers, soap-free and packed with skin clearing ingredients. Oil and dirt are removed while penetrating the pores to kill acne causing bacteria. This is an important step in the a proactive acne treatment system.

A pore clearing tonic eliminates harmful contaminants and clears any clogged pores to return the skin to a natural healthy balance.

Foundation Products
Good foundation products are the easiest way to get the look of an even, perfect skin. Begin around the nose and mouth to cover then blend outward. Cover any blemishes with a shade that matches, not your hair but your skin. Follow with powder to set the foundation and to get rid of shine.

Hands and Feet
There are lotions, creams and salves that promote a natural healing for chapped rough skin and cracked heels. The product should smooth, moisturize and protect and be mild enough for man, woman and child.

Hands are used in everyday activity. They take a lot of abuse and need a lot of attention.

Tips and Treatments
1. Soften by adding a teaspoon of almond oil to dishwater.
2. Slough off dead cells with a solution of sea salt and lemon.
3. Brush on with an old toothbrush twice a week to soften and remove discoloration.
4. Microwave a cup of milk for thirty seconds and soak hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin.
5. For softer skin lavish on Vaseline and then put on a pair of cotton gloves.

Nails
Wash hands thoroughly with warm water, using a coarse washcloth, rub briskly. While skin is slightly damp, apply a mixture of one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon olive oil. Place hands in small plastic bags and then into a pair of cotton gloves for thirty minutes while the mixture penetrates.

To Remove Stains
? mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water
? soak nails in the liquid for a few minutes

To Harden Soft Nails
? soak in warm olive oil for 20 minutes every second day

Tips for Serious Care
? manicure after doing dishes or following a shower or bath
? don?t use polish remover more than once a week ? dries the nails
? will crack and split when not well hydrated
? clear polish will minimize chipping or cracking
? keep cuticles well lubricated with a moisturizer

Feet
Dry skin may result in deep painful cracks in the feet. Approximately 60 percent of those with diabetes suffer from nerve damage, and may not feel the sores on the soles of their feet. If left untreated, they may become infected and create serious complications.

Honey Foot Bath
Honey is a great anti bacterial agent that contains antioxidants and is a great moisturizer.
Recipe
1. 1 tablespoon honey
2. 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
Mix together in a bowl that will fit the feet. Add mixture and warm water and soak 10 minutes

Elbows, Knees and Heel Care
There are great creams available that specifically targets these often neglected areas of the body. Due to their location they are candidates for dryness, roughness and cracking.

The immediate application of the product will provide hydration, softness and increased skin tone. Use generously with a gentle massage to any rough spot - morning and evening and reapply throughout the day.

Get serious with a total skin care routine that provides for a healthy body. Cleanse properly and on a regular basis. Know your skin type and know your needs then find the skin care product to do the job.

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