Clay

Clay is one great natural option to try if you’re interested in all natural beauty skin care. Clay and mud are both well known for offering a deep clean to skin. When clay paste is used on the face, it helps to moisturize and eliminate impurities. Many natural skin care products that include clay can work well for people with any skin type, helping to absorb oil and offering a deep clean.

Herbs

If you’re looking for natural skin care remedies, you’ll find that many different herbs can be used to help treat skin. Some commonly used herbs for skin care include mint, chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and ginger. Often they are used in gels, creams, and lotions to help balance, sooth, and stimulate skin.

Salt

You may be surprised to find that salt can be used for natural beauty skin care as well. This natural remedy makes a wonderful salt scrub that helps eliminate dead skin while improving the circulation of blood in skin as well. Salt is a wonderful ingredient for exfoliation and can be added to baths to offer relief from aches and pains.

Seaweeds

Natural seaweeds are another of the natural skin care remedies that you may want to try for beautiful, healthy skin. Green, brown, blue, and red seaweeds are often used in body wraps, in bath products, and even in anti-cellulite products. They work to flush away toxins, cleanse skin, and refresh skin. Since they contain copper, they also help to repair skin cells that have been damaged.

No, acne is not contagious. This means that if you have a date, do not worry, you can still kiss or touch your partner without developing acne.

Q: If my parents suffered from acne, does this mean I will also suffer from it.

In a study published in the March 2009 issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the incidence of acne increased if the mother had acne at any point in her life.
Source: http://acne.about.com/od/acnedevelopment/f/AcneCausesHeredity.htm
Unfortunately, there is an increased chance in the child developing acne at a later stage in life.

Q: Does eating or drinking certain foods cause acne?

There are a whole range of factors which cause acne. This can be pollution, weather conditions and even food such as fried foods, sugars and oils. To be fair, you know your skin better than anyone. If you feel that your skin reacts in a bad way to certain foods or food groups avoid them.

Q: Skin Care Hygiene and Acne?

Healthy skin = Hygienic practices. There is no right or wrong in how many times a day you have to wash your face or how many showers you need a day. Again, it all depends on your body type. Some people who over wash end up irritating the skin and are then more prone to infection. It is all about finding the right balance.

Q: Acne and Stress?
If you are already suffering from acne, stress can certainly make it worse. We all get stressed from time to time but managing it is the key to not only keeping acne in control but also keeping your overall health in check.

Q: Can acne come back in the later/twilight years?

The answer to this is yes. It can come back in your 40s , 50 and even 60s.Therefore, looking after your health is vital throughout your life.

Q: Can sunscreen make acne worse?

If you are already prone to acne, it is recommended that you use oil free products and always try a little on a patch of skin to ensure that it does not cause a reaction to your skin.

Q: Can exercising affect my acne?

In certain people, the sweat produced from vigorous exercising does make the acne worse. It is important to be hydrated by drinking lots of water after exercising.

Q: Can a facial help reduce acne?

The bottom line here is that anything; whether a store bought product or a fancy facial at an expensive spa which can cause irritation on your skin can definitely make acne worse.

Q: When is acne classified serious?

For some teenagers and adults, acne comes and goes and leaves little scarring. For some, they develop acne and then severe scarring. At this time, it is strongly recommended to visit the GP for a full check-up as there may be other underlying problems.

Another cause of concern is when along with a severe case of acne, people also complain of lethargy and fever. This may indicate an infection which needs to be looked at immediately.

If you have any more inquire regarding skin care or need more tips for healthy skin you can check our Skin Care Tips Category for more information.

In the next few weeks, we will be providing more information on FAQ on acne skin care related matters. Watch this space.

A word of caution though, whilst eucalyptus oil is effective, bear in mind that it is a potent remedy and can cause severe side effects if used excessively or combined with the wrong types of oils.
Always read the brochure which comes with the product as there are clear instructions on what will and what will not work with the Eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus oil is an important component of aromatherapy treatments

Adding a few drops to your bath can be very relaxing and rejuvenating but some people have complained of drowsiness and difficulty in breathing. This could be a combination of factors such as taking a long, hot bath with the oil. Also, too much use of the oil can cause skin irritation.

It is best to start with a limited time in the bath with minimal Eucalyptus oil to ensure your safety.

Some people recommend that you should apply eucalyptus oil directly to the skin for a range of skin issues. Remember that Eucalyptus oil is very strong and can cause severe reactions especially if your skin is very sensitive or you are prone to eczema or even if your skin is blistered or burnt.

Skin care is important to everyone and especially if you are a fan of natural skin care, there is no denying that it is worth trying eucalyptus oil. However, try some on a healthy part of your skin first to ensure that you do not develop a rash.

Nutrition plays a large part in protecting the largest organ which covers your whole body. Below are a few things to consider stopping or reducing if you wish to protect your body from acne and enjoy smooth, glowing skin.

Natural Skin Care – Sugar, Oil and Fats Reduced or Made Redundant!!

Okay, this seems a little harsh but this is your skin we are talking about. By reducing the intake of the above, it can visibly reduce acne on your skin. The thing to remember is that this is not an instant result and can take weeks or months to show

Natural Skin Care – Go organic

To change your diet also means that you alter what you eat and probably develop some new tastes along the way! The key to all of this is the addition of wholesome foods. For those who have run out of options for acne cure, try organic foods as they do not carry and preservative, chemicals or potential toxins that can affect your skin.

A diet which is surrounded by fresh fruits and vegetables is necessary as it contains vitamins which are essential for the well-being of your body and in turn, your skin.

Natural Skin Care – Hydration

A dehydrated body can lead to a lot of nasties and as such keeping your body hydrated should be on your high priority list every day. If you find that your skin is dry, flaky, itchy and dull looking; the answer is the lack of water.

Hydrated skin feels fresh and there is a glow on the face. Avoid sugary, syrup drinks which are a waste of time with their excessive sodium and sugar content. They may taste good on the palette for a few minutes but do not offer any real health benefits.

Try to follow the above guidelines to a clearer more natural looking skin which is acne free. From time to time, we all suffer from acne or other skin related ailments; this does not mean that we use chemicals all the time to solve it. Instead, keep hydrated and eat a well-balanced meal.

With any acne skin care routine, it is essential to have the right tools to perform the right function for the skin.

If this is the first time you are ever going to be removing blackheads, please consult with a dermatologist or a salesgirl at the beauty counter to demonstrate exactly what you should and should not attempt.

Blackheads to begin with are a mixture of not only dead skin cells but also oil and bacteria build up in the skin pores.

This is what it looks like.

Below is a simple technique for natural skin care, just using a simple blackhead extraction tool.

- First, lay a warm, wet wash cloth over your face for a few minutes. It is very important to note that you must use a fresh cloth. The hot water compress will make it easier to remove the blackhead.
- When you begin the extraction process, lay the looped side on top of the blackhead; basically encircling this area with the loop.
- Remember, you must apply slow and even pressure lightly until the trapped sebum is forced out of the follicle.
- If done correctly, the blackhead and oils will ooze up and out of the pore.
- If you apply to much force, it may cause infection and scarring.
- At the end of the process, always remember to disinfect your tool with alcohol or hot water.

If you have deep acne, please do not attempt to use the extraction tool but visit a dermatologist. Also, never use your finger to remove blackheads.

Acne skin care is not just about buying products off the shelf but understanding how to use the products effectively and correctly. Therefore, it is always recommended to put off buying cheap and lower quality implements but investing in a tool which will be safe on your skin if used properly

1. Oranges are high in vitamin C and when eaten helps to boost the immune system, especially from upper respiratory illnesses like colds and even allergies. The juice of oranges and dried orange peels can be used as a skin toner or a facial mask or scrub.  The blossoms makes a fragrant bath and helps control body odor.

2. Rosemary helps to lower blood pressure, and is good for the heart and liver.  Rosemary makes a great tonic for skin, and helps to get rid of wrinkles.  Rosemary flowers and leaves can be boiled in water to make an excellent facial cleanser.

3. Take beet root and cut up and grind into tiny bits.  Then squeeze the juice from the ground bits and use this as a facial massage / cleanser.  Rinse for around ten minutes in the shower.  Be careful not to stain clothing.

4. Roses make a wonderful fragrance to use in facial creams, lotions, masks and tonics.  Grind up rose petals and mix with milk cream as a nice moisturizing cleanser, rinse well in the shower.  Rose water can also be applied as a perfume.

5. Strawberries, in addition to being a good fruit to eat, are very good to treat serious skin conditions.  They can be very helpful in whitening teeth, just brush and clean the teeth with the strawberry juice.

6. Almonds are both good to eat and excellent as care for the skin.  Almonds can be used in creating facial packs.  Ground up it makes a good cleanser / scrub for the face.  The oil from almonds makes very good herbal skin care.

7. Lavender is widely known for its wonderful fragrance. Use it in a bath to open up the sinuses and ease stiff and sore muscles. It can be an effective mouthwash too. The oil can cure headaches.

Beauty Tips # 1 – Facial Mask from Food

Take egg whites, some honey and plain yogurt, and instead of eating it, paste it on your face as a mask.  Rinse with warm water.  These ingredients can be used mixed together or separately or in any combination.  This will tone the skin and after the skin will give a glowing complexion.

Beauty Tips #2 – All Natural Self-Tanner

Use either tea or cocoa. If you have a good all natural skin care lotion, you can add the color from the cocoa or from tea (boil the tea, allow steeping for about five minutes).  Alternatively you can add the tea to lanolin, sesame oil or even olive oil to create a nice safe self-tanner.

Beauty Tips #3 – Fruit as a Hair Conditioner

Mash up a banana and an avocado together.   Wash hair as normal, and then apply the fruit mixture to the wet hair.  Gently comb through and leave on for fifteen minutes.  Rinse.  Do this once or twice a week for shiny smooth healthy looking hair.

Beauty Tips #4 – Baking Soda Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is all the rage these days.  But you have to wonder how harsh the chemical ingredients are in the ones you purchase at a department store.  All you need is some baking soda.  Simply wet the face with warm water.  Place a couple spoonful of baking soda into the palm of your hand then work it over the face.  Baking soda is a natural abrasive that is way gentler than those found at retail stores.  Rinse well.  If you feel the sting, you will know it’s working!

Beauty Tips #5 – Natural Teeth Whitener

Good old baking soda again.  And this is something that has been taught for years, brushing your teeth with baking soda will help to whiten them.  This is a lot safer than using those teeth whiteners you can buy from retail, and it’s lot more cost effective.  Add baking soda to a wet toothbrush and spend a good minute going over the teeth.  Rinse with water.  Do this a couple times a week for a whiter smile.

The last two tips are self-explanatory:

Beauty Tips # 6 – Drink Plenty of Water

Beauty Tips # 7 – Nutrition

Simply put; eat healthy well-balanced meals, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low fat dairy.   Avoid junk food.

It’s not fun having to visit the doctor to try to get over some rash that formed when a preservative filled cream was applied to the face.  Avoid this by using fresh all natural ingredients that you can trust to treat your skin right.

Skin care product companies claim that the preservatives and chemicals are needed to keep the product fresh and free from bacteria and funguses.  Many natural ingredients will act as a natural preservative.  Even the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) warns that over-using the cosmetics on the market today will cause an adverse reaction with many at some point in their lives.

To see if an all natural product will cause an allergic or adverse reaction, it would be wise to test a small area on the wrist or underside of arm or even on the belly where it won’t be seen, to see if it will cause a reaction.  Apply it and give it a few hours to make sure it doesn’t cause itching or a rash.  If it doesn’t, then you will know it’s perfectly safe to use.

Many people are allergic to the fragrances added to products.  Fragrances in conventional products are normally made from chemicals.  Most natural products won’t have added fragrances in the ingredients.  Normally the natural smell is either barely there or it is a fresh scent.

Many natural ingredients found in all natural products like coenzyme Q10, grape extracts, vitamin E, etc will not cause an allergic reaction.  These antioxidants are very good for the skin.  You may end up paying more for all natural skin care over chemical laden products, but it is an investment into the health of your skin and worth the price paid.  You will look and feel better for it.

In recent times, people are slowly switching to the use of natural skin care products as they realise that cosmetic products contain chemicals that produce side effects such as inflammation, dryness and irritations.

The greatest benefit of organic products is the fact that they work to get deep down into the skin layers and as such actually stimulate the cells to generate collagen and elastin. This means that the skin is better able to retain moisture and pores are much cleaner.

Organic natural skin care is all about using ingredients such as herbs and flowers, roots and essential oils. It is all about using botanical ingredients which are sourced in their natural form by nature.

Below, are a few tips to keep in mind whenever you are about to purchase a skin care product:

• Ensure you read product labels of any product you buy which you are going to use for your skin. You need to know what you are applying and whether it is really good for your skin.
• Just because a tag proclaims that the product is natural does not mean it really is. This is where it gets controversial as the dictionary meaning and what a cosmetic manufacturer defines natural as, are two very different things. Tread carefully as some the “natural ingredients” can prove to be very dangerous.
• The same thing will apply for organic products. It is best to look for certified logos that will guarantee the product is genuinely organic.

If you feel that you want to give skin care products a break for a while; which may also include organic products ,then ensure that you keep a healthy diet by drinking lots of water and eating green leafy vegetables as well as eating fruits regularly.

Also, use sunscreen regularly as well as take multivitamins and food rich in Vitamin C. If you have the time, even if it is 10 minutes a day, exercise as this opens up your pores when you sweat.

For truly everlasting good skin, use a variety of measures such as organic skin care products as well as natural skin care products. You will need to decide what works for your skin type and what does not.

Below, are a few ways of using honey as a natural skin care remedy.

Honey Bath

A honey bath can do wonders for the skin and leave it feeling soft and supple. Fill your bathtub with hot water and add 1/3 to 2/3 of honey and a cup of milk. Soak in this luxurious bath for at least 20 minutes.  Feel the tensions leave your body but this is also a great way for a natural skin care solution compared to expensive treatments using all sorts of chemicals.

Honey Facial Mask

Like any facial routine, first wash your face with warm water (not hot water) and then add a thin layer of honey. (Organic, if possible). Leave the honey mask on for a few minutes. (At least 30 minutes) and then rinse with warm water. The secret to getting it right is the final step which is rinsing with cold water so that you can tighten the pores. Try this on a weekly basis for a month and see the difference.

Honey Facial Scrub

Mix 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of coarse salt and ½ a cup of olive oil. Apply this mixture in a circular motion and rinse thoroughly. There you have it, another natural skin care remedy using honey.

Honey Lip Balm

If you have ever wanted to make your very own honey lip balm, now you can. All you have to do is mix ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of honey and apply to your lips before going to bed. This is a great help for the winter months where there are the highest chances of cracked and sore lips.

Honey is an ingredient which is readily available plus most of us have it in our pantry. There are many ideas out there on how to make natural skin care recipes using honey. Try the above and share them with your friends.