Whether you were a sun-worshiping woman or shade-loving lady, it’s that time of year when we need to start preparing our skin for the cooler months ahead.
Think of your skin as your very own built-in weatherproof suit. Our skin is a complex, protective organ that covers our bodies from the tips of our toes to the top of our head. Just as we read ingredients for things we put into our bodies, we need to do the same for the things we put onto our bodies. Your skin absorbs approximately 60% of the materials that are applied to it. With all of the environmental toxins that our skin is subject to on a daily basis, it is so important to replenish your skin’s nutrients through a healthy diet, lots of water, and also by using the natural resources of the Earth. If you want healthier and younger-looking skin, feed your body nutrient-rich natural products instead of chemical products that introduce unwanted toxins into your system.
Here are three of my tips for a natural, clean, moisture-packing beauty regime:
- For Cleansing, Try an Organic Vegetable Glycerin- Based Soap: it quickly draws oxygen into the skin, which is very beneficial for anti-aging. Vegetable glycerin is full of excellent moisturizing properties. Vegetable glycerin is also antibacterial and aids in preventing breakouts and keeping pores clear while helping to heal existing eruptions. Avoid any alcohol based products: ethanol, denatured alcohol, ethyl alcohol, methanol or benzyl alcohol. These will strip your skin of its natural oils and leave skin cells dehydrated and susceptible to invading bacteria.
- Use a Witch Hazel & Aloe-Based Toner: it helps to refresh your skin, refine pores, and seal in the moisture – making it perfect for the winter months. Witch Hazel has amazing astringent properties meaning it won’t dry your skin but it will give it that “tightened” feel.
- The first documented use of Aloe Vera was by the ancient Egyptians, and they even called it “the plant of immortality”. How’s that for anti-aging?! Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for anyone with an oily or dry skin complexion. In Ayurvedic medicine, Aloe is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.
- Follow-up with a super rich, natural butter-based anti-aging cream: make sure that it is not petroleum-based as petrolatum or mineral oil jelly and mineral oils can cause skin photo-sensitivity or promote sun damage. According to tests done by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the use of petroleum-based products can increase free radicals that can cause the skin and organs to age at a rapid rate or wear prematurely. Petrolatum found in many cosmetics can cause skin irritations and rashes. It forms a non-breathable barrier on the skin, and prevents it from receiving sufficient oxygen (skin suffocation) which can cause the death of skin cells = premature aging.
Please remember, whichever products you choose to use on your skin, LESS IS MORE when it comes to ingredients! And it all starts with living mindfully in every aspect of your life. It’s a Practice.
Jennifer Sanjenko, PowHERhouse Natural Skincare Editor.
Visit Jennifer’s site here: www.lavenderlotus.ca
You can also connect with Jennifer and Lavender Lotus on Facebook.
- To see the soap I use on my face, check out my Skin Soother Bar. It is full of delicious organic butters and oils and is amazing for any skin type!
- There are also natural toners on my site. I use my own toner, and also have one for blemish-prone skin as well as a Bulgarian Rose-infused toner for anti-aging.
- My anti-aging cream is made with organic, unprocessed raw butters, pure botanicals and essential oils. It’s called Face Fuel, and I think you’ll love it.
