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Natural Skin Care
Our skin is the interface between us and the world, and skin care is an integral part of our well-being.
Skin is the organ responsible for the safety of all other organs. It is there to ward off harmful bacteria and micro-organisms, and to eliminate one quarter of the body's toxins. While playing such a central role for our health, this organ is subject to all sorts of negative factors. It weakens and thins from lack of nutrition and moisture, from poor circulation, from the toxins and UV rays that we expose it to, and simply, from age.
The solutions to skin problems are just as dynamic as the causes.
There are a number of skin care products to choose from. Many of them are useful to a point, but true skin care goes much deeper. It goes beyond anti-wrinkle creams and facial cleansers, to physical and mental well-being, to exercise, wise choices, and of course the plants and herbs that nature has provided us to heal. Approaching skin health holistically is the path to profound results. There are several skin conditions that affect most of us at some point in our life - blemishes, dry skin, wrinkles, and cellulite. Although the approach to each varies, there are essential issues that should be addressed as a foundation for any holistic skin care treatment. They are diet, hydration, circulation, detoxification, and UV protection.
Without a healthy diet, the skin will never completely have the opportunity to heal.
There are certain foods that will nourish aging or troubled skin, and others to avoid. First, be sure to eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. Raw foods are essential to clear skin, particularly those rich in oxalic acid, such as beets, spinach and swiss chard, and alpha-hydroxy acid rich fruits - pineapple, strawberries and grapes. Alpha-hydroxy acids are useful in removing dead skin cells which can clog oil glands. Fatty acids are important as well, so make sure to eat avocados, salmon, and fresh-water fish on a regular basis. Minimize processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and all forms of saturated fat. Herbs for nourishment include alfalfa, nettles, chamomile, oatstraw, and red raspberry. They can be drunk as an herbal infusion, alone, or in combination. Herbs are most effective for healing when taken over a long period of time, 1 to 3 cups a day depending on the desired results.
Always stay hydrated, both by drinking water - 8 glasses a day, and keeping dry skin moisturized.
Wrinkles form when the skin loses its suppleness. Use natural lotions, preferably with vitamin A or E. Aloe vera is also a nourishing moisturizer. Both sandalwood and linden essential oil can be used as well. Essential oils are highly concentrated, so they should be blended in a carrier oil or lotion - six drops for every ounce of jojoba, almond, or apricot oil.
Circulation is an important part of healthy skin, and necessary to keep connective tissue strong.
Proper blood flow keeps nutrients and oxygen flowing to cells throughout the body. It also helps the process of toxin elimination. Regular exercise, thirty minutes to an hour a day, will improve circulation. Massage therapy is another beneficial way to increase blood flow, and encourage the release of toxins. There are also herbs that will stimulate the circulatory system, such as ginger, cayenne, poke root, and rosemary. Beneficial essential oils are rosemary, thyme, and tea tree oil, and are highly recommended when treating cellulite.
For healthy skin, regular cleansing is of course recommended, but this will have little effect if the body is unable to eliminate toxins.
Detoxifying the body is an important step for healthy skin. Especially for people suffering from acne. For some, fasting is an option for detoxification. During a fast, the body burns stored fat, where toxins tend to build-up. There are several herbs which work by cleansing the blood - the alteratives. They will help restore balance in the entire body, including the skin. Common alterative herbs are burdock, golden seal, nettles, red clover, sarsaparilla, sassafras, and yellow dock. Anti-microbial herbs should also be integrated into an herbal treatment - try chickweed, echinacea, garlic, or marigold.
The easiest way to protect your skin, and probably the most important, is to avoid sun damage.
Aging, the environment, and a poor diet all contribute to skin problems, but UV rays are by far the most detrimental. First, sun exposure dries out the skin, but also it contributes to the production of free radicals which damage cells. Always wear sun block when going outside with an SPF of 15.
Once all the foundations for healthy, balanced skin are laid out, natural facial treatments are a great way to enhance your skin care regiment. To cleanse and nourish, steep dandelion blossoms in freshly boiled water for one hour. Separate the flowers from the liquid by straining. While lying down, place the flowers on your face for ten minutes. Rinse with the dandelion infusion. Another facial tonic can be made by simmering fresh nettles in water, and then spreading the warm, chopped leaves on a thin cloth. Apply the nettle pack on your face for ten minutes, then rinse with a water and fresh lemon juice solution. Use a fresh avocado for a simple facial mask. Smear the fruit on your face, and leave on until dry, then rinse with water. For wrinkles, rub the inside of a papaya skin into your face.
Just as skin problems are a sign of an internal imbalance, healthy skin is the first sign of a healthy body. Take the time to care for yourself holistically, and the rewards will far surpass supple, glowing skin.
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Sources:
Hoffmann, David. The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies (Element Books, 1996).
Weed, Susan S. Wise Woman Herbal: Healing Wise (Ash Tree Publishing, 1989).
Page, Linda Ph.D., N.D. Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, 11th Edition (Quality Books, Inc., March 2003).
Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition (Penguin Group, 2006).
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