PROBLEM SOLVERS AND SKIN SAVERS. !

Photo by Fleur Kaan on Unsplash

All skin types will benefit from a special treatment once in a while. Face masks and skin scrubs are the fastest way to get the complexion glowing and they are quick and easy to make. The following recipes are split into sections according to skin type.

                                  Herbal Steams 

15 ml (1tbsp) fresh or dried herb mixture: 

Normal skin: lavender and sage 

Dry skin: chamomile and basil 

Oily/combination skin: mint and lemon peel, bowl of hot water, large towel 

 

A weekly herbal steam is a useful skin treatment for all skin types. It is suitable for dry and sensitive complexions as the moisturizer from the stem helps plump up dehydrated skin cells. It is also good treatment for oily and combination skins, as the heat from the steam gently softens blackheads or hardened plugs of sebum that can clog the pores and cause spots.

Simply fill a large bowl with water which has been boiled and cooled slightly. Stir in the herbs and allow to infuse for a few minutes (you can use herbal tea bags if fresh or dried herbs are not available).

 

• Place large towel around your head and neck so that it forms a tent and lean over the bowl. Close the eyes and allow the steam to work on the skin for 1-3 minutes. 

• 
  

• Do not have the water so hot that the steam scalds the skin, a gentle heat is all that is required.  

• 
  

• Pat the skin dry with a cool, clean cloth and apply a light moisturizer. 

• 
  

• Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
  
  
  

Re-Moisturizing Mask 

15 ml (1 tbsp) buttermilk or plain, live yogurt  

1 egg yolk  

2.5 ml (½ tsp) honey 

5 ml (1 tsp) mayonnaise  

 

This rich, fluid moisturizing mask contains natural lecithin from the egg yolk, which helps lock moisture into the skin. In addition, the buttermilk or yogurt contains lactic acid which is natural AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). This means it gently loosens the cellular cement between surface skin cells and can help the skin appear refresher. Lactic acid also has a good moisturizing property for the face for the face neck and hands and with regular use can help fade brown ‘age’ spots. 

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to foam a smooth paste. Apply to clean, dry skin on the face and neck and leave for 15-20 minutes.

• 
  

• Rinse thoroughly with plenty of warm water and pat dry. 

• 
  

• A simpler version of this emollient may be made by mixing 2.5ml (½ tsp) honey with one egg yolk is also deeply nourishing and helps bind moisture on to the skin.

• 
  

• Photo by Işıl on Unsplash

•  
• 
  
•   Oatmeal and Mint Refresher
•                                      

60 ml (4tbsp) finely ground oatmeal  

50 ml (2 oz) hot water  

15 ml (1tbsp) fresh mint leaves 

 

This refreshingly fragrant face mask contains fresh peppermint to pep up the skin and oatmeal to gently soothe minor irritations. This amount will make enough for two masks, or the remainder can be used on the body before shower. 

• 
  

• Mix the oatmeal with hot water until it forms a rich, thick paste.

• 
  

• Wash and finely chop mint leaves and add to the oatmeal. Leave for a few minutes for the oatmeal to absorb the water and mint extracts before applying to fresh and cleansed skin on the face and neck.

• Relax for 20 minutes before rinsing away with warm water and damp cotton cloth wool or muslin cloth. Gently pat the skin dry and apply a light moisturizer.

• 
  
  Photo by Olga Kudriavtseva on Unsplash

  Photo by Shaun Meintjes
  
  

•           Queen Victoria's Face Pack

• 50g (2 oz) barley flour 
• or brown rice
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) runny honey
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 
  
• This recipe is similar to one used by the Royal Court during Queen Victoria's region. It has firm texture with an attractive soft scent and is excellent for refining and moisturizing the complexion while tightening slack skin tissues.

      In a small bowl, gradually mix the flour with the runny honey and the egg white                until the mixture forms the stiff paste.

• Smooth on to the clean skin over the face and neck. Relax for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. 

• Gently pat the skin dry and apply a light moisturizer. 
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Photo by Gaelle Marcel 

  
       

• 

  
  
•                                                                         Photo by Danika Perkinson
• 
  
• 
  

-Liz Earle . ' New Natural Beauty'  (1996).