Natural Skin Care Monthly Newsletter
August, 2005
With featured articles on skin care, treating facial skin problems, and interviews with skin care practitioners, skin care product providers, and dermatologists.
Facial Skin Care
By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH
Because it is highly susceptible to exposure, your facial skin is the most delicate skin on your body. Your face needs special care to stay young, healthy, and vibrant. Here are five steps that will help you "put on a face" you are proud to be seen in every day.
Clean Your Face Gently
Splash your face with lukewarm, purified water and spread about a quarter-sized amount of a mild, natural cleanser on your face. You can use a washcloth or facial cloth if you choose, but your fingers are easier on the skin. Use a circular pattern to gently massage the cleanser into your skin. Rinse with lukewarm water, and dab your skin dry with a clean, soft cotton towel.
Another tip is to brush your teeth before you wash your face. Toothpaste can be very irritating to the skin around your mouth, especially if you don't use a natural toothpaste that is free of toxins like fluoride.
Use a Natural Skin Toner
Skin toners often contain chemicals such as alcohol or acetone which can irritate and dry out sensitive skin. Be sure to choose a natural skin toner product such as Hydra-Tone™ that will help bind natural moisture to the skin and provide extra cleansing as well. Make sure your skin is clean before using toner. Apply natural toner with a cotton ball; however if using a regular toner, apply with a tissue, as you will then end up exposing your face to less toner.
Apply Eye Cream
The skin under your eyes is the most fragile skin on your face. It is also typically the first skin to show the effects of aging. A natural eye cream or serum can help to protect this delicate area, and to improve skin tone, minimize dark circles under the eyes, and temporarily lessen fine lines and wrinkles. Apply a pea-sized amount of eye cream to the skin under your eyes using your middle finger. This finger tends to exert less pressure than your index finger. Smooth the cream in a clockwise motion from under your eyes to the skin near the eyebrows and over your eyelids.
Moisturize Liberally
A good moisturizer is a foundational part of a quality skin care regimen. Moisturizers are most effective just after bathing. Only use a facial moisturizer on your face as general skin moisturizers may be too heavy and possibly leave your face looking greasy.
Creams and lotions often make the best facial moisturizers for a couple of reasons. First, they are typically water-based, and are lighter on the face. Secondly, many creams and lotions are humectants, an oil-free type that seals natural moisture into the skin and tends to have a longer-lasting effect.
Massage a nickel-sized amount of facial moisturizer between your finger tips and then apply to your face and neck using an upward and outward pattern. Pulling down on your skin will only stimulate the negative effects of gravity.
Protect Your Face
Taking steps to protect your facial skin from sun damage is the most important skin care tip you could ever remember. Excessive sun exposure can result in freckles, roughness, age spots, wrinkles, and even cancer. Skin cells can repair themselves to some degree even after being sun damaged and we all need at least 30 minutes of sun every single day for Vitamin D production, but additional exposure should be monitored. Thus, natural sun protection is vital at any and all ages. Ultraviolet rays reach your face even on cloudy days.
Facial Skin Care Tips
Don't wait until bedtime to remove accumulated grime, cosmetics, dust, and pollutants from your face. If you are in for the night, cleanse your face as soon as you get home. Don't forget eye cream and moisturizer too.
Avoid soda, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages. Caffeine steals moisture from your skin. Get in the water habit, and drink ample amounts of clean, purified water throughout the day. Water makes your skin supple and hydrated, and improves your circulation too.
Get in the natural sunscreen habit when sun exposure will be maximum. It's never too late to start protecting your skin from sun damage. Use a quality natural sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. This can help your battle against wrinkles, premature aging, and sun spots.