subject: Using All Natural Products And Ingredients For Skincare [print this page] A regular part of your skincare should include a facial scrub to remove dead skin cells that can cause your complexion to look dull and less than glowing. When we are very young our skin cells turn over very quickly, and this is why babies and young children have such gorgeous vibrant skin. As we age, the cells turn over at a slower rate. As the dead skin cells accumulate and sit on our face, the complexion can look dull and tired. Once the dead cells are sloughed off, the new and shiny "baby" skin that is just below the surface will emerge!
One way to help this process along is using a facial scrub with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) once per week. One "recipe" that I found uses sugar and orange. To make this at home you will need:
2 oz white sugar
5 to 6 drops of essential orange oil
1 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)
Enough *carrier oil to make a thick paste
*Carrier oil can be: olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil or apricot oil. NOTE: Use certified organic carrier oils. You can find these in a health food store or online. I am a big believer in only putting high quality ingredients on your skin!
Mix your essential orange oil and your carrier oil with the sugar to form a thick paste. If you are going to use glycerin, combine it with the sugar before adding the oils. Glycerin helps to moisturize your skin. You can also add honey to this mixture; it is a great moisturizing ingredient. Store your mixture in a clean glass jar with a tightly closed cover.
When you are ready to use the scrub, apply it all over your face and then gently scrub for about a minute or so. Rinse your face with warm water until all of the scrub is washed away, and then follow with a quick splash of cold water to close your pores. Blot your face dry with a clean cotton towel. Take a look in the mirror, and you should see a fresh and glowing face that is soft and nourished looking back at you.
I am a huge believer in using makeup and treatments containing natural and safe ingredients. This mixture contains ingredients that are good for your skin and not stripping and harsh, as can be the case with some artificial chemicals found in many commercial scrubs on the market.
Sugar is rich in AHAs, and orange refines and revitalizes skin with Vitamin C. What's not to love?
