Gentle Exfoliating Daily vs. Extreme Exfoliating Sporadically
Peels can expose baby soft and radiant skin but it does more harm than good, especially when you weigh in recovery time. Think of exfoliating like exercise, a little every day is better than just a marathon once every six months.
By exfoliating gently daily, or every other day, you are able to reduce the amount of pore-clogging gunk that brings on blackheads and breakouts. You are also able to effectively remove all makeup and excess oils which allow your skin to breathe overnight while sleeping.
Using a daily mask that provides gentle exfoliation—along with nutritive botanicals and deeply moisturizing oils which help regulate your own oil production—can be a powerhouse for healthy skin.
Not All Moisturizers Are Created Equal
Natural moisturizers that are made in small, organic batches contain less or no synthetic chemicals. Make sure the moisturizer you use does not contain mineral oils or animal fats that can both be carcinogens. Parabins have also been shown to be a potent carcinogen better left off of our bodies.
Plant-based moisturizers, especially when organic and cold pressed or raw, are powerhouses of nutrition for the skin.
- Jojoba Oil most closely replicates our own skin oils, called sebum, and not only does it deeply moisturize and soften skin but it can help to regulate overly oily skin as well.
- Meadowfoam Seed Oil is known for its high amounts of anti-oxidants as well as the high amounts of fatty chain acids (98%) which help with long-term moisturizing and its shelf-stable properties for other oils.
- Safflower Oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and contains a high amount of vitamin E, also known as a powerful antioxidant which can aid in preventing low levels of UV damage.
- Evening Primrose Oil helps those with psoriasis and eczema, as well as ageing skin by balancing hormones in the skin and reducing inflammation.
- Shea & Cocoa Butters act as moisture barriers that both absorb and soften skin, as well as prevent moisture loss for an extended time.
To Each Person Their Own Skin Type
From oily skin, to dry cracked skin, and everything in between there is a combination of oils and botanicals to improving your complexion and showing others your radiant self.
Most of us know our skin type, using this knowledge you can formulate a daily routine which suits your needs.
For example, if you have oily skin you may want to use "dry oils" which absorb fast and don't leave your skin greasy.
If you have dry skin you may want to apply a body butter with shea and cocoa butter to help create a moisture barrier.
Last but not least, if you have flaky dry skin you may want to exfoliate daily and find a mineral balance that reduces powdery, flaky dry skin.
There is a solution to every skin type and problem, the trick is finding an herbalist or product specialist who can formulate something just for you.
Spa Time Daily Isn't Just For Fun
Taking time daily or weekly to treat yourself to a face mask or salt bath can go a long way to increase your health. From a physical standpoint, doing things in your regular routine helps to get extra nutrients into your skin and bloodstream.
Epsom salt baths, for example, help to increase circulation and decrease cortisol levels as well as detoxify your body.
Using a Clay Face Mask can help gently exfoliate routinely, and deposit much-needed minerals and nutrients to the delicate skin on your face.
Taking those very precious moments to pamper yourself also extends your healthy life by allowing yourself to focus on you. It gives you time to feel those achy knees you usually ignore, or that dry patch on your elbow you haven't gotten rid of yet.
You Are What You Eat & So Is Your Skin
Many of us who suffer from dry skin have two aspects of skin health to deal with. One is our environment, and the other is our diet. Long ago, fat-free diets were all the rage and many of us still think that this is the best type of diet to lose weight.
Many studies have shown that healthy fats are needed to make our bodies work optimally. Items like Avocado, Flax Seed Oil, Chia Seed, and a moderation of oils on a salad can actually help moisturize us from the inside out.
Taking heart-healthy oils orally helps to keep our joints and skin both functioning at their best. You can also get healthy fats from nuts, like walnut or cashew. Just know that eating greasy food is not the same, these oils come out of the pores of our skin and can cause oily skin and clogged pores.