With a combination of the right steps, achieving healthy, glowing skin can be yours. Here are 6 easy ways to look after your skin.
Compressing
Warm water compresses relax the face, increase circulation, encourage glandular activity and hydrate the skin.
How to Compress?
Dip a clean washcloth into a basin of warm water once the washcloth is soaked ring it out a little and then hold the warm cloth to your face and neck. Hold it there for a minute. Repeat 5 times.
Avoid extreme water temperatures on the face. If the water is too hot it will strip away the natural skin oils. Cold water can suppress glandular functions in the skin.
Cleansing
If cleansing is done properly it will help prevent problems such as clogged pores, blemishes, skin irritations and premature ageing.
There are 2 rules for cleansing
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Never use soap
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Always treat your skin gently.
Recommended cleaners depend on your skin type (more info on this in upcoming blogs). I recommend a natural oil free cleanser preferably a gentle cleansing milk or cream.
After compressing apply your cleanser to dampened skin (face and neck) using a patting and pressing action. Do not scrub or use heavy pressure. Rinse in warm water until the cleaner has been totally removed. Follow with a cool water splash and then pat your skin dry with a towel. Do not pat completely dry.
Toning
The third step is toning. A good toner will remove any residue left by the cleanser. It should re- establish the acid pH of the skin. Toners condition the skin as well as prepare the skin for the next step.
Look for natural toners that are designed for your skin type. Make sure they do not include alcohol which is too drying for the skin. Look for natural ingredients like aloe or herbal extracts.
To tone your skin. Saturate a cotton ball and then gently wipe the face and the neck. Do not scrub and do not apply around the eyes or the mouth because these areas are prone to dryness. Be careful some very dry or sensitive skin may not be able to use a toner at all.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing provides hydration and protection. They are most effective when applied after the skin has been hydrated by water from a shower, bath, facial compresses, or facial misting. Moisturizers prevent moisture loss and guard the skin against the harsh environment, they also protect against the signs of aging.
Moisturizers can make the skin feel softer and smoother while nurturing it with active ingredients such as vitamins, herbal extracts, and essential oils.
Some moisturizers are formulated as night creams, which contain more active, nourishing ingredients to rejuvenate the skin while you sleep. While day creams tend to contain more protective ingredients to protect you from the environment. Whichever creams you use make sure they have natural ingredients and that they are not too thick to prevent the skin from breathing and excreting properly.
Use moisturizer sparingly and apply in a patting, pressing and smoothing technique. Avoid dragging or stretching the skin.
Steaming
Facial steaming serves a number of purposes for skin care. The warm moist vapor hydrates the skin, temporarily softening fine lines and wrinkles. It increases circulation, thereby increasing oxygen and nutrient supply and encouraging cellular rejuvenation. Steaming encourages the pores to clean from within, eliminating toxins. It also softens dead surface skin cells as well as oil, make-up, and dirt residue so that it can be more effectively cleansed.
Small facial steaming machines are inexpensive and available at most pharmacies.
To steam begin with a clean face and protect the delicate area around the eyes with an eye cream and wear a natural lip balm. Depending on your skin type you can steam for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a month.
After you have steamed your face rinse in warm water. Cleanse and then splash with cool water and pat dry.
Exfoliating
The purpose of exfoliating is to encourage the removal of dead cells to reveal a softer, smoother complexion. Do not use rough scrubs they can aggravate the skin. Green papaya and alpha- hdroxy acid are two types of exfoliants which are great for natural skin care. They can be used on all skin types except the most sensitive.
Green papaya is a gentle enzyme exfoliant that will help smooth and soften the skin by digesting dead skin cells.
You may choose to exfoliate your skin once a week or more as you age.
Don’t forget to always wash your hands first with soap before starting these steps.
Tell me about it
I would be really interested to hear about the skin issues you are having and what has and hasn’t worked for you. Leave a comment below.
Work with me
If you would like to discuss your skin issues with me directly to see how I can help, just send me a message via the contact form here on the website – https://judecorfield.com/contact/.
Jude Corfield R S Hom (NA) judehomeopath@live.ca
I'm Jude, a homeopath practising in Salmon Arm and online. Here you'll find articles about natural health, homeopathy, healing the skin from within and losing weight with whole foods. 