Nurturing Our Skin
By Brenda Hyde
Pampering our skin is something we should learn to do for
our health and well being. Many of the commercially made
soaps, lotions, and bath products are actually harsh on
our skin, despite what they claim. However, there are some
simple things you can do to nurture your skin without buying
expensive spa products.
Do not over wash your face or body. A gentle rinse in the morning
is often all you need for your face and neck area. Avoid scrubbing
with the abrasive cleaners that are available or harsh soaps. I
have found that a good quality handmade soap works well. When
washing use warm water and finally, pat your face dry gently with
a soft towel. The key to pampering your skin is to be as gentle
as possible.
In "Age Erasers for Women" (Rodale Press, 1994) the editors of
Prevention Magazine recommend this quick home facial.
Grind 2 cups of dry red beans in a food processor or grinder. Mix
1/2 cup of the powder with a little water to form a paste. Spread on
your face, avoiding your eye area, and leave on for about 5 minutes.
Rinse with warm water. Save the remainder of the powder in a
covered container. After this cleaning mask, you can follow with a
hydration mask as follows:
Mix together:
1 tsp. honey
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. half-and-half or heavy cream
Apply to your face, including your eye area, and leave
on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
I have found that the best moisturizers are fragrance
and color free. The simpler, the better. It's important
that you do not towel dry your face or body completely
before adding a moisturizer. They do not ADD moisture,
but instead they help retain the moisture from your bath
or shower. If you do want to add fragrance, try adding
a few drops of essential oil such as calendula, which
has skin soothing properties.
Pampering in the Bath
Many of us have always loved hot baths, unfortunately
soaking in hot steaming water is not good for your skin.
Soothing baths should be warm and comforting. Many
bath products on the market are very harsh on your
body. The more perfume and chemicals in the product,
the worse it is for your skin. You can however, add
scent to your bath without using commercial products.
The following herbal bath treats are relaxing and soothing
to your skin:
Chamomile Foam Bath
You will need:
4 tablespoons dried Chamomile
2/3 cup boiling water
4 tablespoons grated soap (a gentle variety)
Crush the chamomile and mix with the
water and soap. You can also stir in a
teaspoonful of oil, such as almond oil.
Pour into a running bath.
Lavender and Milk Bath Sachet
You will need:
1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
1/4 cup instant powdered whole milk
1/4 cup oatmeal.
Place into a muslin drawstring bag. Toss the bag
into the bath water as it's running. You can also use
the bag to rub your skin as you bathe.
You can also make your own variations of bath tea with
assorted fresh or dried herbs. Place a cup or so of assorted
herbs into a bowl and add 2 cups of boiling water. Let this
steep for 10 minutes, strain and add to your bath as it runs.
These amounts are estimates; feel free to experiment until
you find a combination that works for you.
Learning to nurture your skin is important for men, women
and children. The earlier you start pampering yourself the
better your skin will feel and look. We are exposed to so
many destructive elements on a daily basis from the sun,
the wind and air around us that our skin needs a little
help to feel it's best.
About the Author
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer, editor, herb gardener
and mother to three children. For more herb recipes and
tips visit
The Garden Path
