Cleanse & Condition Your Complexion

Simple, natural cleansing creams, fruit pastes, and grain blends can be used to effectively and economically remove makeup and everday dirt and grime that collects in your pores. Unlike soap - which has a tendency to dry the skin's surface - these products are very gentle and nourishing and do a thorough job of cleansing without stripping your skin of its natural barrier of protective oils.

If you happen to wear liquid foundation or mineral powder makeup, or tinted moisturizers, you will probably need to wash your face twice. Once to initially remove the makeup and a 2nd time to thoroughly deep cleanse and condition using one of the following recipes. I like to use a super-fatted goat's milk soap or olive oil-based cleanser first to remove my makeup. Just make sure to use a natural product suited for your skin type and one that doesn't leave your skin "squeaky" clean. If it "squeaks", then it's been stripped of essential oils and will have a tendency to look and feel dehydrated on the surface.

Restore The Radiance

1. For smooth, soft skin, wash your face everyday with plain, organic yogurt or buttermilk. It can be the full-fat variety, low-fat, or skim. Use it as you would ordinary cold cream, avoiding the eye area. It's gentle enough for all skin types and as a bonus, it contains naturally occurring lactic acid. This acts as a mild exfoliant to remove dead skin buildup.

2. For positively glowing skin, mash a third of a very, very ripe banana in a small bowl. Use the pulp to wash your face and throat, avoiding the eye area. If your skin is especially dry or dehydrated, leave this on for approximately 5 minutes. Rinse, then pat dry.

3. To pamper mature, thin, dry skin, mix 1 tablespoon of heavy cream with 1 or 2 drops of essential oil of rose or rose geranium. Use as you would a cleansing lotion, massaging well into your face and throat. This can be used on the eye area to remove eye makeup and mascara. This blend smells exquisite and if a drop happens to drip into your mouth, it will taste like a rose shake!

4. Instant oatmeal makes a wonderful cleanser and gently bleaching facial scrub. Simply pour one-half of a packet of oatmeal into a small bowl. Add enough warm water to form a paste. Stir and let it set up in the bowl for a minute or two. If too thick, add a bit more water. Massage onto your skin in circular motions for 60 seconds. Rinse with warm water.

NOTE TO READERS: The above article was written by Stephanie Tourles, lic. holistic esthetician, certified aromatherapist, herbalist, nutritionist, and author of "Organic Body Care Recipes" plus many other books on natural skin and body care. The information is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee and are given as educational information only.