Natural Skin Care - Ways to Pamper Your Complexion
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. It endures constant
exposure to toxins, free radicals and oxidation.
Since skin secretes oils and toxins during the night, cleansing
in the morning is necessary to prepare skin for moisturizer and
makeup. It is also very important to cleanse your face every
night, especially if you wear makeup. When you sleep, your pores
open and your skin breathes, so anything on your face will be
absorbed into your skin. In other words, everything that is on
your face - cosmetics and environmental pollutants - will be
absorbed into the deeper levels of your skin.
Using the proper cleansers and cleansing tools will keep your
skin fresh and youthful looking. It has been scientifically
confirmed that topical vitamin C and E help to protect skin
against free radicals which breakdown skin tissue and cause
premature signs of aging. It is important to know that the
benefit to your skin in performance and protection depends upon
the percentage and form of vitamin C and E in the skin care
formulas.
In Prevention Magazine's April 2002 issue, Amy Newburger, M.D.,
associate physician in clinical dermatology at Columbia
University College of Physicians and Surgeons states, in
reference to vitamin E, "You can find this antioxidant in just
about any beauty product. Unfortunately it usually isn't present
in high enough concentrations (5% or more according to a recent
study) to really do your skin any good."
Vitamin C, another vital antioxidant, also helps protect the
skin against free radical damage (oxidation). However, as Dr.
Newburger confirms, vitamin C is very unstable, breaks down
quickly, and must be stored correctly to remain potent. Her
recommendation, "Look for products in opaque airtight
containers. A pump dispenser is great for sealing out oxygen and
extending product life."
Be aware, just because vitamin C is included in an ingredient
list doesn't necessarily mean that it is in the proper form or
percentage ratio to achieve its' claims. The use of vitamins
(especially vitamin C) requires knowledge of the proper
percentages, pH, and the delivery system.
Choosing a cleanser is almost as important as the act of
cleansing. A product that is too harsh can strip skin of natural
oils, and leave it dry and irritated. Look for cleansers that
rejuvenate the skin at the same time they cleanse it. A gentle
goat milk soap and herbal glycerin can help remove excess oil as
long as they don't dry your skin. For most skin, soaps are
alkaline and can be irritating. It is best to use a cleanser
that's close to the skin's normal pH level, which is usually
around 4.5. Nourishing shea butter is useful for dry, wrinkled,
or irritated skin.
Also consider your skin type when choosing a cleanser. If your
skin is oily, avoid products that strip away all the oil as well
as those with added moisturizers. Look for ingredients that have
antiseptic properties like witch hazel and herbs and essential
oils like eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and peppermint.
For dry skin, a nonabrasive cleanser that contains nourishing
properties such as vegetable glycerin and olive and coconut oil,
can help keep the skin soft and dehydrated. Aloe vera and
balancing essential oils of chamomile, lavender, and rose are
useful for all skin types.
Washcloths and loofahs can damage delicate facial skin and are
known to harbor bacteria. It is recommended that you use a soft
cloth designed specifically for the face.
After your skin is clean, the next step is to use a toner. Using
a cleanser on your face will raise your pH level, even if you
use a cleanser that is pH balanced. It is important to use a
toner formulated to return the acid mantle (a natural layer that
covers the skin) to its normal level and help rebalance the skin
after washing.
Using a toner reduces pore size, so that fewer pollutants are
absorbed into the skin. Look for toners that contain aloe vera.
Aloe vera is one of the best skin nutrients available and you
can use pure aloe vera juice (found in most health food stores),
poured onto a cotton cosmetic round. Keep it in the refrigerator
for an invigorating experience! Aloe vera has an exceptional
ability to penetrate the skin. It is absorbed into the skin four
times faster than water and has a pH level nearly identical to
that of the skin.
If your skin is especially oily, an astringent (similar to a
toner, but with a high alcohol content) can help absorb excess
oil and kill bacteria. Extracts and essential oils including
camphor, menthol, tea tree, and citrus also help control oil.
EC Mode offers salon quality, vitamin based botanicals for the
hair, scalp and skin. I have been using their product line for
nearly three years with excellent results. My cleansing routine
is simple - Facial Cleanser, Vitamin C Serum, Eye Toner,
Hydro-Driver Moisturizer.
Their Vitamin C Serum is formulated with 12% fresh-dried,
naturally-derived L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) that becomes
active only when you are ready to use it. Other vitamin C skin
care products are in liquid form, often derivatives of vitamin
C, and require additional ingredients (and preservatives) to
attempt to stabilize the liquid. These ingredients can dilute
the potency of the vitamin C plus, given that it is already
premixed the vitamin begins breaking down from the time it is
formulated to the time you purchase the product and use it.
EC Mode Hydro-Driver Moisturizer is formulated with 5% vitamin E
to scavenge free radicals and prevent premature signs of aging,
stimulate natural hydration of skin, increase skin's smoothness
and help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also
reduce and prevent scar tissue, fade age spots and control
symptoms associated with skin conditions (rosacea, eczema,
dermatitis).
It is best to use botanical based and all-natural cleansers,
toners, moisturizers and cosmetics. Your complexion will love
you for it and your skin will be radiant.
http://bluemoondesigns.wellnesssalon.com ~ EC Mode Wellness
Collection includes vitamin-based botanicals for your hair,
scalp and skin. Available through a licensed professional or
online wellness salon store only.