Essential Oils and Herbal Skin Care

If you live in a harsh winter climate, it can take a toll on your tender skin causing it to flake and sometimes peel. You can overcome these problem and benefit by arming yourself with essential oils and herbal skin care products. Your skin can also benefit from extra care and attention while you lose weight to keep it looking healthy and taut.

Do you have dry skin? Aloe Vera is nature's best known moisturizer and it's a plant that grows easily indoors in a pot. You already know that most commercially prepared moisturizers have added chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and that can cause allergic reactions.

You can combine chamomile, elder flower and rose in oats to rejuvenate dry, tired skin, especially your face and if you suffer from sensitive skin, use calendula and chamomile instead.

You can make your own cosmetics from simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen cupboards. Mix an infusion of fennel with plain yogurt for a natural skin cleaner. If you want to revive dull skin make an infusion of chamomile and lavender flowers and rub it on your face and body.

Do you have oily skin? Try an infusion of lavender flowers, peppermint, rosemary and yarrow added to oatmeal or plain yogurt add to your bath water or rubbed on your skin before taking your bath or shower. The oatmeal will add extra skin softening properties without drying your skin.

Natural Facial

For years, I have used this simple facial made from 10-drops of peppermint oil in 2-quarts of hot water placed in a glass bowl which I would lean over while covering my head with a towel. This also has the added benefit of relaxation as it forces you to be calm and breathe deliberately. You can finish this up with a facial mask made from an infusion of fennel tea, lemon balm and a little plain yogurt. Make into a paste that you would apply to your face and throat and let it dry. After about 15-20 minutes, you can wash off with plain water and pat dry.

Home Spa Treatment

Everyone can use a little pampering from time to time but you may not be able to afford the expensive European spa treatments. This home spa treatment can be prepared from ingredients you either have at home or you can buy at your local health food store. On a Friday evening after a long day at work, you can retreat to your bathroom to some soft music, dim lights or candles and a good book. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add the following natural ingredients:

* 1 teaspoon oatmeal
* 1 cup of elder
* 1 cup of fennel
* 1 cup of sage
* 5-drops of lavender oil
* 1 cup of lemon balm
* 1-cup of sea salt

Use a Loofah sponge on a brush to rub your skin while it is still dry before entering the bath water - relax and enjoy while you soak. If you have a significant other, you can invite them to join you for even more fun and enjoyment. Towel-dry your skin and rub extra virgin olive oil on your skin while your body is still damp.