Natural Beauty and You!

What is the largest organ of the human body? Well it's the skin of course! Our skin is sensitive to many external factors. Some of these are dirt, cold weather and ultraviolet radiation. They all have an adverse effect on both the skin and hair. But since the skin produces about several million new cells per day, proper maintenance and care can prevent most problems. Facial masks, sunscreen lotions, toners, and hair rinses all can help greatly with the protection and beauty preservation of your skin and hair.

Facial masks are both stimulating and relaxing. As you might guess, stimulating masks will stimulate your skin by promoting blood flow and smooth and firm the skin, while relaxing masks will moisturize and refresh the complexion.

Before using a mask, make sure that your skin is clean by using a natural facial toner with lemon balm or witch hazel. A strawberry mask will help to stimulate the skin, and since it contains vitamin C, it will give the skin a fresh, perky look. You can make this mask by using 5 very ripe medium strawberries, 2 tsp. of heavy cream and 1 tsp. of honey. Mash the berries to a pulpy consistency, and add the cream and honey. Mix well. Apply to your face and leave on for about 30 minutes. You will feel stimulated and wonderful!

A honey-wheat mask will relax and renew the skin. Make this mask by using 1 quart of water, 3 tablespoons of fresh rose petals, ½ cup of orange zest, 2 tsp. honey, 3 tablespoons both of milk and rosewater, and ¼ cup of whole-wheat flour. Boil the water, and then take it off of the heat. Add the orange zest and rose petals and cover. Steep the brew until cool. Then, in another saucepan heat the milk, rosewater and honey until just warm. Add the flour and stir to make a paste. Apply the mask and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then wash it off with the cooled orange-rose petal water. Dry your face and then smooth on your moisturizing cream. Try using either one of these masks! You'll love what it does for your skin!