Aloe vera plants, particularly aloe barbadensis miller plants, have been used for centuries to help burns, cuts, and other skin ailments. Perhaps your grandparents always had one of these unique, cactus-like plants nearby, just in case of an emergency. If someone got a cut or burn, they would break an aloe leaf apart to extract gel from inside the leaf. The aloe gel inside the leaf is used as a natural healing salve.

With the onset of commercialism and the recent boom in all-natural products, aloe has become the ingredient of choice in many skin care and health products. Commercial aloe products include everything from creams to lotions to nutritional supplements in pill or drink form. The products often combine aloe gel with other ingredients to enhance the gel’s natural healing components. For example, an aloe-based Hawaiian product, called AhVahleen, combines aloe with some natural extracts taken from organic honey and a Hawaiian Kalo herbal plant.

Natural Aloe-Based Solutions for Skin Care and Health

Aloe gel, especially when combined with other natural ingredients, can greatly enhance the skin and its ability to replenish skin cells. As skin cells die, new skin cells must replace the old to promote healthy skin. This also slows the aging process and helps keep the skin moist and beautiful. Aloe creams and gels on the market can help enhance this process. There are also creams and gels to help with itching, burns, cuts, psoriasis, shingles, and other skin conditions.

Aloe vera gel is also known to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which allow skin ailments to heal while reducing risk of infection. Some aloe-based products are said to help soothe and dry up chicken pox as well. Aloe gel can work as a natural anesthesia to reduce or alleviate pain caused by burns, cuts, and skin rashes. For severe sunburn and/or sun poison, aloe vera gel can cool the burning skin and speed up the healing process.

How to Buy Natural Aloe Products

Besides growing your own aloe vera plants, the next best thing is to buy natural aloe-based products. But before buying, be sure the products are all natural with few or no added ingredients that could decrease the aloe’s beneficial properties. Read the ingredients on each product and learn why the ingredients were added. You’ll find some products, such as AhVahleen, to have added natural ingredients to enhance the product’s skin care and health properties. These products often provide more benefits than even the actual aloe plant alone.

Shop online to find aloe-based products that are unique to your skin care and health needs. If you have psoriasis, for instance, look for creams, gels, or lotions to soothe this condition in particular. If you work in the sun or are outdoors a great deal, look for aloe products that can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If you have multiple needs for aloe, find a natural aloe product that offers many benefits in one. Start enjoying natural skin care and health today with the wonderful natural solution of aloe vera!

Natural skin care products provide an excellent alternative to many beauty and skin products found on the market. We often don’t realize how many chemicals and toxins are being absorbed into our bodies through skin care and hair care products. Shampoos, make-up, perfumes, facial cleansers, and even baby care products often contain harmful chemicals that can irritate our skin, dry it out, or cause premature aging. That’s why so many people are choosing natural skin care products.

Benefits of Natural Skin Care Products

There are many benefits of organic skin care because true all-natural products contain no harmful chemicals or additives. If you have allergies, recurring skin rashes (or eczema), itchy or dry skin, or even very oily skin, then you might be worsening the problem by using products with certain chemicals and additives. Organic skin care provides a natural way for you to cleanse your skin and hair, enhance your beauty with cosmetics, and even protect your skin from the sun. If you have very sensitive skin, natural hair care and skin care products might even help prevent outbreaks of rashes or skin redness and irritation.

The skin absorbs most anything that it comes in contact with, including any chemicals found in beauty products. With all-natural products, your skin will absorb the organic ingredients more quickly and with more positive results. Absorbing organic products can actually enhance your skin and health, and your body can process the ingredients in a more efficient way.

If you have a baby or small child, their skin is extremely delicate. You can select natural baby care products for their shampoos, lotions, powders, and soaps.

Ingredients found in Organic Products

Common ingredients found in natural skin care products include oatmeal, aloe vera, hemp seed, virgin olive oil, sunflower seed oil, primrose extract, essential oils, cucumber, shea butter, collagen, and many other natural ingredients and extracts. These all have different purposes such as adding moisture and much-needed minerals to your skin and hair, reducing wrinkles, stretch-mark reduction, dead skin removal, sun protection, and moisturizing the lips.

Types of Natural Beauty Products

With the increasing demand for all-natural or organic products, there are now many companies that specialize in organic products, whether it’s food and beverages or natural hair care and skin care products. Some of the beauty products available include natural soaps for babies and adults, organic make-up foundation and finishing powders, all-natural shampoos and conditioners, facial cleansers and toners, bath salts, organic oils for skin, bath scrubs, facial masks, anti-wrinkle creams, shaving soaps, natural lotions, soothing gels, and even organic lamps for aromatherapy. There are also many natural men’s skin care products and natural baby care products.

How to Buy All-Natural Products

You can find organic skin and hair care products at your local herbal or organic store. But the easiest way to find specific products for your needs is to shop online. There are hundreds of organic skin care products online and you can often find these at very affordable prices. You can easily search for specific products that will help your skin and hair type. These products also make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or any occasion.

Your entire family from the youngest to the eldest can benefit from natural skin care products, and you’ll each enjoy healthier, more radiant skin and hair!

Who wouldn’t want to have a smooth, flawless skin features? Everyone, particularly women, is crazy about having a beautiful skin. That is why so many beauty treatments and products are widely available today to meet the increasing demand of beauty fanatics for means that can give or help them maintain their young and gorgeous skin.

However, beauty treatments and products do not always have the same effect on women and men. In fact, finding the best skin care treatment and product may take time. Skin experts also recommend the use of treatments and products based on a person’s skin type.

The five skin types, which are normal, oily, sensitive, dry, and combination of dry and oily skin, require proper skin care recommendations, as each type has different reactions with various skin enhancement treatments and products.

Below are professional skin care recommendations for each type of skin conditions that will best guide beauty-conscious individuals on choosing which beauty tips, treatments, and products will work best for their skin type:

1. Dry skin
When your skin is dry, it basically needs a lot of thorough care, for it is very sensitive to irritation, facial lines, and flaking. You should focus on keeping your face properly moisturized. Skin care products containing natural ingredients are the highly recommended product treatments for dry skin. Perfect examples of these natural skin care products are the ones with extra-virgin, coconut oil, and shea butter ingredients.

Washing the face with herbal infusion and cleansing milk is a better way of cleaning the face instead of using tap water. Remember that your dry skin will look smoother and healthier if proper care and maintenance are practiced.

2. Oily skin
Oily skin needs to be frequently hydrated and oil free. If you happen to have an oily skin, you must wash your face at least two to three times a day. Regular treatments for acne are also a must. As for recommended skin care products, a mild soap and moisturizer are perfect for oily skin. Masks are also great moisturizing options for their hydrating and drying ingredients. It is best to apply such facial mask once or twice a week to keep the face well hydrated.

3. Normal skin
Lucky are those gifted with normal skin as it is the least problematic type. However, a normal skin feature still needs to be regularly moisturized, nourished, and cleansed. Top recommended treatment for natural skin is washing the face with rose water or an alcohol-free astringents. Moisturizers for this type of skin condition should be mild and non-greasy. Always wash your face before going to bed, using a mild soap, then finishing it off with a nourishing cream.

4. Sensitive skin
A sensitive skin is probably the most complicated skin type. It needs constant and thorough care as it is always irritated and dry. If you have a sensitive skin, maintain a steady consumption of yogurt, protein, and fatty acids.

5. Combination skin
Having a combination skin type is difficult to manage as it requires two different skin care approaches. Properly maintaining skin care regimen for both dry and oily skin types is necessary to keep a healthy and smooth skin feature.

Most women expect to have beautiful and glowing skin when they become pregnant. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Since the glow often attributed to pregnancy is due to the hormonal changes a woman’s body undergoes, different reactions are to be expected. Some women may break out during the whole term of their pregnancies while others may have acne only during the first trimester. Some women also experience skin dryness and only a select few start and end their pregnancies all aglow. If you are pregnant and want to maintain great skin throughout your term, it is essential that you have a great skin care routine. The following tips can help you achieve that proverbial pregnant glow:

1. Update your skin care products.

Your skin has different needs compared to your skin before the pregnancy. Since hormonal changes can cause your skin to become oilier or drier, you may need to adjust and change the products you use. Some skin care products may also contain ingredients that are not suitable for pregnant women. Consult your doctor and dermatologist for skin care products that are safe for pregnant women.

2. Switch to moisturizing body washes.

Aside from your facial skin, the skin on your body also needs extra care during the pregnancy. The stress and trauma caused by stretching due to your increasing bulk can make your skin dry and itch. Using soaps can strip your skin off its natural oils and reduce its suppleness. Switch to moisturizing body washes to restore moisture on your skin and prevent itching and dryness.

3. Load up on sun protection.

Your skin’s sensitivity will increase during pregnancy. This means that it can get irritated and damaged easier when exposed to the sun. Avoid skin discolorations, dryness, and irritations by applying sunscreen as part of your daily skin care routine.

4. Pamper your bump.

The skin on your abdominal area experiences continuous stretching throughout the whole term of your pregnancy. This stretching can result to unsightly stretch marks long after you have given birth. Prevent stretch marks by regularly massaging your tummy with a moisturizing pregnancy gel or cream.

5. Pay attention to your breasts.

Your tummy is not the only thing that enlarges during pregnancy. Your breasts also increase in size to prepare for lactation. The skin on your breasts and nipples will be particularly sensitive which can lead to itching and dryness. Applying nipple creams on your breasts can reduce the dryness while wearing cotton maternity bras can help reduce the itching.

6. Go easy on the makeup.

Less is more should be your motto when using makeup during your pregnancy. A foundation stick or concealer, loose powder, and a multipurpose color stick are all you need to put on a polished face. Since skin during pregnancy is sensitive and prone to irritations, choosing moisturizing, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic cosmetics is a must.

Following these tips can help you achieve great skin during your pregnancy. Aside from these, eating a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, and getting sufficient rest are still the most basic things you can do for a good pregnancy and even better skin.

As the cold weather approaches, it may be time to consider your skin care strategy for the winter months ahead. Dry air and cold wind can have a significant effect on the health of your skin, and you will want to do everything you can to protect your skin from the harsh winter elements. Give some serious consideration to the following information, and be proactive about the health of your skin.

Even though you will be bundled up in winter clothing, you should still consider using a sunscreen of some sort. For daily use, it may be a bit extreme to cover yourself in sunscreen in the winter months. Instead, try to use a moisturizer or makeup with an SPF of 15. If you are going to be out on the slopes, you ought to use a sunscreen with an SPF as high as you would use in the summer. The snow on the hills reflects an incredible amount of sunlight. Don’t forget to use a quality lip balm, too.

Try to avoid taking long, hot showers this winter. We all know how wonderful a hot shower can feel on a cold day, but try to resist the urge as best as you can. Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural moisturizers. Instead take a short, warm shower. Try to pat your skin almost dry, and apply a moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp. This is a great strategy to help you avoid dry skin.

Another thing to consider is your home heating system. As your furnace will be in constant use in the colder months, the air in your home can become extremely dry. If you do not have a humidifier built into your heating system, you should invest in a portable humidifier. Using a humidifier can prevent your skin from drying out, and it can help you avoid dry nasal cavities. If you do suffer from a dry or bleeding nose in the winter, apply some petroleum jelly for short-term relief.

In my opinion, the best way to deal with dry skin is to hydrate from the inside out. Drink as much water as you possibly can, regardless of the time of year. Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day, will flush countless toxins from your body and will help keep your skin healthy and fresh. By following these suggestions, you can have beautiful skin all year round.

Take a stroll along any beauty or skin care aisle and you will be bombarded by products claiming that they are “all-natural” or “organic.” The high demand for organic skin care products had drive major skin care product and cosmetic producers to mass-produce. Unfortunately, while this seems like a good news, mass producing skin care products and cosmetics is not practical unless manufacturers use preservatives and other chemicals to increase the shelf like of their supposedly “organic” products. As such, care must be taken in choosing organic skin care products to ensure authenticity and quality. Here is a guide to help you in choosing authentic organic skin care products:

1. Look for the USDA organic seal of approval.

The USDA has imposed several requirements for organic skin care products. Every product claiming to be organic must bear the USDA organic seal of approval. This means that the product has been tested and had met the quality standards set by the USDA for safety. The USDA sign means that the product and its components has passed tests conducted by the USDA for antibiotic and hormone use in livestock and crops.

2. Check beyond face-value.

Do not take the manufacturer’s word for what it is. Instead, read the label to get a thorough idea of the ingredients used for the manufacture of the product. When manufacturers put “organic” or “all-natural” labels on their products, they might be stretching the truth a bit. Some unscrupulous manufacturers may have used an organic ingredient but this does not make their products “organic.” Instead, check and read labels thoroughly to ensure that the product you are going to buy is indeed organic. Whenever possible, take note of some ingredients you don’t understand in the label and look it up online prior to your purchase to ensure that they are not preservatives or chemicals.

3. Be familiar with USDA organic ranking.

The USDA grants its organic seal of approval to products that passed its organic standards. In addition, the USDA also implements a system that designates a product as purely organic or not. Being familiar with this system ensures that you won’t be fooled when it comes to choosing an organic product. First, only products that used purely organic substances in their manufacture can be labeled “100% organic.” Second, products with 95% or more organic ingredients can be labeled “organic” in their primary label. Third, products with 70%-95% organic ingredients can only be described as “made with organic ingredients” with three of these organic ingredients listed on the label. Lastly, products with only 70% organic ingredients or less can only use the word “organic” in their ingredient section.

By understanding what the manufacturers mean when they label their products as organic, you can minimize the risk of purchasing scam products masquerading as organic skin care lines. Better yet, research on the Internet for reviews and recommendations on the best organic skin care products around to make your choice easier.

Wrinkles, facial lines, pouches, folds, and blemishes.

These are just to name a few of the many signs of aging in the face. Older people, most especially the women, dread these signs once they appear on the face. However, these changes in the skin and facial features cannot be avoided as these are inevitable part of aging.

Some adults falsely believe that wrinkles and other facial signs of aging only appear once they get older. Unknown to many, wrinkles begin to develop in a person’s face starting from birth. With this, many adults only begin taking care of their face when they are already in their 50s or 60s. Hence, it is highly recommended for everyone to start taking care of their skin when they are still young. Maintaining a sound anti-aging skin care regimen is also a must even for those who are only in their 20s.

Meanwhile, there are two best ways for one to take care of their aging facial features: One is through artificial options and the other by means of natural methods. In artificial options, the use of chemicals and surgical procedures are among the treatments to choose from. However, most of these treatments are only temporary and the effects will eventually wear off. When this happens, the person will then be forced to undergo the procedures and pay for the expensive fees again.

On the other hand, the natural anti-aging skin care methods are a lot safer and cheaper compared to the artificial options. Treatments, regimens, and products under the natural method also have lasting effects. With natural anti-aging skin care methods, one is sure to maintain a healthy physical and mental well-being.

Anti-aging treatments: keeping the skin healthy through natural ways

If a person decides to undergo any natural anti-aging skin care method, he needs to change the old lifestyle he’s used to and adapt to a new one. However, good results do not happen overnight. Better appreciate small changes, and in time, a more beautiful and vibrant skin will come out naturally.

The following are natural anti-aging therapies that are proven to give better results:

* Quit smoking.
Premature wrinkles are among the many side-effects of smoking. This bad habit also speeds up a smoker’s aging process, and what’s worst is that it dries the skin. Clearly, smoking is indeed a very harmful vice to one’s health and skin. A person should definitely avoid smoking if he wants to have or maintain a healthy and good-looking skin.

* Eat a lot of collagen-enriched foods.
Adding collagen-enriched foods in one’s diet helps keeps the skin healthy and vibrant. Collagen provides anti-oxidants in the body, thus, protecting the body system from free radicals. It is important to eliminate free radicals in the body for these can cause skin complications.

* Always equip the skin with sunscreen protection.
Perhaps the most essential anti-aging skin care method is to regularly apply sunscreen protection on the skin. Sunscreen skin care products not only protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but these also help keep the skin moisturized; preventing wrinkles, facial lines, and other premature aging signs.

If you have a dry skin and not too keen on having it look like a withered apple, then your only way out is to jump headlong into a dry skin care regimen. The dry skin is basically a dehydrated skin, very sensitive to the weather elements. So the dry skin care regimen is all about nourishing the skin and keeping it protected from external ravages.

Dry skin care involves getting to the roots of the problem. Apart from the intrinsically dry skin type, dryness can also be the result of taking drugs like diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines. Dry skin can also result from medical conditions like hypothyroidism, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea and diabetes. Excessive exposure to harsh weather elements like snow, sun and winds and the use of chemicals on the skin, Vitamin A and B deficiencies can lead to conditions of dryness too.

The essentially dry skin has a dull look about it especially around the mouth and the eyes and it feels taut and uncomfortable right after washing. Chapping and cracking are its severest symptoms.

Dry skin care primarily involves nourishing it with baby oil, gentle moisturizing creams and preferably, a non-detergent based, neutral-pH product to clean it. Dry skin needs an out-and-out cleaning but not with a commercial soap. After washing, always use a moisturizer to keep the skin looking and feeling soft and supple. It’s good if you apply the moisturizer over a damp skin.

You can also use oil for hydrating your dry skin, however while massaging, take care not to stretch your skin. Apply oil profusely around the eyes, because this is the area most prone to wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Dry skin care demands the application of only very gentle and preferably natural beauty care products. Thus when you retire for the night, massage yourself with a homemade nourishing cream. Or you can use a natural beauty mask consisting egg, honey, olive oil and rose water to provide your skin with all the nourishments.

A warm milk bath with a few drops of almond oil added to it will soften and hydrate your skin like nothing else. Dry, cracked lips respond well to a little milk cream mixed with rose water and lime juice, while style divas swear by the raw-beetroot-application-before-the-lipstick routine. Just a dab of Vaseline afterwards ensures that your lips remain pink and pretty.

Dry skin care also involves knowing what to stay away from. Overheated rooms, beauty care treatments that use steam and sudden changes of temperatures wreck havoc on a dry skin. While stepping out in the cold, liberally douse yourself with some kind of moisturizer, and pile on the sunscreen when you go out in the sun.

Your diet too plays an important role in containing the reverses of a dry skin. While smoking and fatty, oily foods are a definite no-no, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with copious quantities of water daily, improve the quality of your skin and they have also been proven to contain anti-ageing properties. Thus with such foods in your diet, you not only remain healthy, but look also good.

There are many herbs that can be directly applied to the skin or consumed to help your condition of dryness. Thus chamomile, lavender, calendula, comfrey, tea tree oil, aloe vera and peppermint used in herbal facials are good for dry skin and borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula tea can be had daily for a youthful looking skin.

Dry skin care actually means pampering your skin, for you have to always keep in mind that you are dealing with something very fragile.

Now that you have spent some time improving the health of your skin and giving it the tools it needs to rebuild itself, you can work on establishing the best possible maintenance routine. Remember that habits are made in three to four weeks. Start with what you know you can follow for those three weeks. If that means just working on establishing your skin maintenance routine for a month, then your hair routine, that’s fine. Just don’t forget your foundational routine improving your nutrition, hydration and rest!

FACIAL SKIN MAINTENANCE

Cleansing

All makeup should be removed before bed each evening. There are a countless number of products for cleaning your skin, with different formulas for each skin type. Unless you use heavy makeup, it’s easiest to pick a cleanser that also removes makeup. Another option is to just use makeup remover or oil on eye makeup, as foundations and blushers usually come off easily with most regular cleansers. Either way, clean your facial skin every evening before bed, and again in the morning. If you’ve cleaned your face properly in the evening, morning skin will just require a light washing to remove sebum and sweat and prepare your face for your makeup.

If using a water-based cleanser, wet your face with lukewarm water. If using an oil-based cleanser, apply directly to dry skin.

Using your fingers or a soft cloth, gently apply cleanser in small circles over your face, working from your nose to your hairline. Don’t forget to apply cleanser to your neck, using soft swipes upward towards the jaw line. Be careful not to pull or stretch the skin when cleansing.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. If you are planning to take a shower or bath, apply your cleanser before getting into the shower/tub to give it a few minutes to work on your skin.

Toning

Toning restores the skin’s natural pH and provides a protective acid mantle that makes the skin stronger. It helps remove any cleanser residue and reduces the size of pores. Depending on your skin type, toners will range from gentle acidic formulations to highly antiseptic formulas.

Soak a cosmetic pad liberally with your toner and gently wipe your face from your nose outward and over the forehead. Don’t forget your neck. You can use cotton balls, but cotton cosmetic pads are easier. You should avoid the delicate skin around your eyes unless using a very gentle toning formula that contains absolutely no alcohol or peroxide and only then to remove oil and dirt from the eyebrows.

Protecting

Your skin should be protected from harmful UV rays daily. “Protecting” is a two-step process. The first part of the process is providing your skin with antioxidants and ingredients that will help it protect itself by maintaining natural protective enzymes. The second part is providing it with sunscreen protection.

If you are going to use a vitamin/nutrient antioxidant solution or serum, you can soak a cotton ball with your solution and apply to face, patting your “problem areas” first, then gently wiping over the rest of your face. Apply to neck in upward motion. If using a commercial antioxidant serum, follow manufacturer’s directions.

Moisturizing

As women get older, their natural sebum production slows. Skin needs inner and outer hydration to maintain is strength, flexibility and integrity. Moisturizers also reduce the risk of mechanical damage to the skin, by reducing friction and reducing the chance the skin will be stretched or torn by contact.

You can protect and moisturize in one step, but use an all-inclusive skin lotion that provides vitamins C, E, and A, and oils to moisturize and a sun block. You can also provide your own antioxidant protection by applying solutions of nutrient vitamins/herbs to your skin, then using a moisturizing sunscreen. We’ll show you more about which ones to chose and how to apply them in later chapters.

Apply moisturizer lightly to face in outward motions. Apply to neck in upward motions. Be careful not to pull or stretch your skin. For daytime, if your moisturizer does not already contain sun protection, apply a grease-free sunscreen to your face, throat, as well as all body skin exposed to the sun.

Exfoliate

As your skin grows and repairs itself, the outer layer of dead cells slough off. To expedite this process and get to the fresher, newer cells below, it’s recommended that you exfoliate your skin at least once a week. There are basically two ways of doing this, mechanically and chemically. For mechanical exfoliation, you can use a good skin scrub, a microdermabrasion cream or a loufah pad. Chemically, you can use one of the common acidic exfoliating preparations, glycolic acid peels, lactic acid peels, alpha-hydroxy, etc. Some skin cleansers come with this step built right inside the formula. Your skin type will determine how often you should exfoliate and which method you should use. Irritated skin, like that with acne, eczema or rosacea will not appreciate the heavy scrubbing of mechanical exfoliants, and even a chemical formula may be too irritating for more than occasional use. Older skin that is highly sun-damaged may require either or both methods, perhaps more often, to remove the layers of damaged skin and help stimulate the production of healthy collagen structures in the deeper layers of the skin. Again, we’ll show you how to determine how often and which method of exfoliation will work best for you.

Whatever formula you plan to use, exfoliants should be applied similar to cleansers. If you are using a chemical peel, avoid “scrubbing” your skin, let the chemicals do the work. If using a scrub, apply VERY light pressure, and work in tiny circles. Again, be careful not to pull or stretch the skin.

Most exfoliants will require some time to “work”. Applying exfoliants right before showering is a good idea, because you can rinse them off under the shower, which helps in removing any residue.

Masks

Facial masks serve several purposes, the most important one being the deep cleaning of pores. Masks are also made for super-hydration, the increase of circulation and for sheer enjoyment. Which kind you use and how often will be determined by your skin type and your results using the P-Method. Generally, it is a good idea to use a deep cleansing clay-based mask at least once a week. Various cosmetic clays are used in these masks because they “pull” and absorb impurities, dirt and dried sebum out of your pores, allowing sebum to flow naturally and smoothly, brightening the appearance of the skin, helping to prevent acne infections, and improving the texture of your skin. Several types of clay masks are available for every skin moisture type.

Apply the mask gently and allow it to dry. Most clay masks will require 10-15 minutes to absorb all the impurities and wastes from your pores. Rinse the mask off gently with fingertips – don’t pull. Again, it’s a good idea to apply these before getting into the shower.

After exfoliating or using a mask, tone, protect and moisturize your skin.

Example Routines

MORNING:
Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any sweat or sebum from your skin.
Tone: Use the proper toner for your skin type. Using toner will help your makeup go on smoother.
Moisturize: Use a non-oily moisturizer if wearing makeup. The combination of an oily moisturizer and foundation can make a made up face look cakey and greasy within a few hours – even on dry aged skin. If you don’t wear makeup, you can use an oilier moisturizer.
Protect: Absolutely necessary – use a sunblock of at least 15 SPF daily (unless you work the graveyard shift). Even the darkest skin should be protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Sun protection can also be found in some commercial foundation formulas. If you use a moisturizer or foundation with a built-in sunblock of at least 15 SPF, you do not need to add a separate sunblock, though you should reapply these throughout the day.

EVENING:
Cleanse: Cleanse your skin thoroughly before bed at night. Remove all makeup and use a cleanser that is right for your skin type.
Tone: Use a toner to remove cleanser reside and restore pH balance.
Protect: Add any anti-oxidant serum to your skin and allow to soak in (may be combined with your moisturizer.
Moisturizer: Add any special eye cream plus skin moisturizers gently to your skin.

Once you have spent some time improving the health of your skin and giving it the tools it needs to rebuild itself, you can work on establishing the best possible maintenance routine. Remember that habits are made in three to four weeks. Start with what you know you can follow for those three weeks. If that means just working on establishing your skin maintenance routine for a month, then your hair routine, that’s fine. Just don’t forget your foundational routine improving your nutrition, hydration and rest!

FACIAL SKIN MAINTENANCE

Cleansing

All makeup should be removed before bed each evening. There are a countless number of products for cleaning your skin, with different formulas for each skin type. Unless you use heavy makeup, it’s easiest to pick a cleanser that also removes makeup. Another option is to just use makeup remover or oil on eye makeup, as foundations and blushers usually come off easily with most regular cleansers. Either way, clean your facial skin every evening before bed, and again in the morning. If you’ve cleaned your face properly in the evening, morning skin will just require a light washing to remove sebum and sweat and prepare your face for your makeup.

If using a water-based cleanser, wet your face with lukewarm water. If using an oil-based cleanser, apply directly to dry skin.

Using your fingers or a soft cloth, gently apply cleanser in small circles over your face, working from your nose to your hairline. Don’t forget to apply cleanser to your neck, using soft swipes upward towards the jaw line. Be careful not to pull or stretch the skin when cleansing.

Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. If you are planning to take a shower or bath, apply your cleanser before getting into the shower/tub to give it a few minutes to work on your skin.

Toning

Toning restores the skin’s natural pH and provides a protective acid mantle that makes the skin stronger. It helps remove any cleanser residue and reduces the size of pores. Depending on your skin type, toners will range from gentle acidic formulations to highly antiseptic formulas.

Soak a cosmetic pad liberally with your toner and gently wipe your face from your nose outward and over the forehead. Don’t forget your neck. You can use cotton balls, but cotton cosmetic pads are easier. You should avoid the delicate skin around your eyes unless using a very gentle toning formula that contains absolutely no alcohol or peroxide and only then to remove oil and dirt from the eyebrows.

Protecting

Your skin should be protected from harmful UV rays daily. “Protecting” is a two-step process. The first part of the process is providing your skin with antioxidants and ingredients that will help it protect itself by maintaining natural protective enzymes. The second part is providing it with sunscreen protection.

If you are going to use a vitamin/nutrient antioxidant solution or serum, you can soak a cotton ball with your solution and apply to face, patting your “problem areas” first, then gently wiping over the rest of your face. Apply to neck in upward motion. If using a commercial antioxidant serum, follow manufacturer’s directions.

Moisturizing

As women get older, their natural sebum production slows. Skin needs inner and outer hydration to maintain is strength, flexibility and integrity. Moisturizers also reduce the risk of mechanical damage to the skin, by reducing friction and reducing the chance the skin will be stretched or torn by contact.

You can protect and moisturize in one step, but use an all-inclusive skin lotion that provides vitamins C, E, and A, and oils to moisturize and a sun block. You can also provide your own antioxidant protection by applying solutions of nutrient vitamins/herbs to your skin, then using a moisturizing sunscreen. We’ll show you more about which ones to chose and how to apply them in later chapters.

Apply moisturizer lightly to face in outward motions. Apply to neck in upward motions. Be careful not to pull or stretch your skin. For daytime, if your moisturizer does not already contain sun protection, apply a grease-free sunscreen to your face, throat, as well as all body skin exposed to the sun.

Exfoliate

As your skin grows and repairs itself, the outer layer of dead cells slough off. To expedite this process and get to the fresher, newer cells below, it’s recommended that you exfoliate your skin at least once a week. There are basically two ways of doing this, mechanically and chemically. For mechanical exfoliation, you can use a good skin scrub, a microdermabrasion cream or a loufah pad. Chemically, you can use one of the common acidic exfoliating preparations, glycolic acid peels, lactic acid peels, alpha-hydroxy, etc. Some skin cleansers come with this step built right inside the formula. Your skin type will determine how often you should exfoliate and which method you should use. Irritated skin, like that with acne, eczema or rosacea will not appreciate the heavy scrubbing of mechanical exfoliants, and even a chemical formula may be too irritating for more than occasional use. Older skin that is highly sun-damaged may require either or both methods, perhaps more often, to remove the layers of damaged skin and help stimulate the production of healthy collagen structures in the deeper layers of the skin. Again, we’ll show you how to determine how often and which method of exfoliation will work best for you.

Whatever formula you plan to use, exfoliants should be applied similar to cleansers. If you are using a chemical peel, avoid “scrubbing” your skin, let the chemicals do the work. If using a scrub, apply VERY light pressure, and work in tiny circles. Again, be careful not to pull or stretch the skin.

Most exfoliants will require some time to “work”. Applying exfoliants right before showering is a good idea, because you can rinse them off under the shower, which helps in removing any residue.

Masks

Facial masks serve several purposes, the most important one being the deep cleaning of pores. Masks are also made for super-hydration, the increase of circulation and for sheer enjoyment. Which kind you use and how often will be determined by your skin type and your results using the P-Method. Generally, it is a good idea to use a deep cleansing clay-based mask at least once a week. Various cosmetic clays are used in these masks because they “pull” and absorb impurities, dirt and dried sebum out of your pores, allowing sebum to flow naturally and smoothly, brightening the appearance of the skin, helping to prevent acne infections, and improving the texture of your skin. Several types of clay masks are available for every skin moisture type.

Apply the mask gently and allow it to dry. Most clay masks will require 10-15 minutes to absorb all the impurities and wastes from your pores. Rinse the mask off gently with fingertips – don’t pull. Again, it’s a good idea to apply these before getting into the shower.

After exfoliating or using a mask, tone, protect and moisturize your skin.

Example Routines

MORNING:
Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any sweat or sebum from your skin.
Tone: Use the proper toner for your skin type. Using toner will help your makeup go on smoother.
Moisturize: Use a non-oily moisturizer if wearing makeup. The combination of an oily moisturizer and foundation can make a made up face look cakey and greasy within a few hours – even on dry aged skin. If you don’t wear makeup, you can use an oilier moisturizer.
Protect: Absolutely necessary – use a sunblock of at least 15 SPF daily (unless you work the graveyard shift). Even the darkest skin should be protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Sun protection can also be found in some commercial foundation formulas. If you use a moisturizer or foundation with a built-in sunblock of at least 15 SPF, you do not need to add a separate sunblock, though you should reapply these throughout the day.

EVENING:
Cleanse: Cleanse your skin thoroughly before bed at night. Remove all makeup and use a cleanser that is right for your skin type.
Tone: Use a toner to remove cleanser reside and restore pH balance.
Protect: Add any anti-oxidant serum to your skin and allow to soak in (may be combined with your moisturizer.
Moisturizer: Add any special eye cream plus skin moisturizers gently to your skin.