Making your own skin care

Ingredients from mother nature are becoming more and more popular in healthy skin preparations and for good reason. They are rich in essential ingredients for skin health without containing any of the hidden (or not so hidden) nasty chemicals that are commonly used in the beauty industry. Here are a few base ingredients that can be used alongside herbs and nutrition for maintaining vital healthy skin.

Cocoa Butter is made from cocoa nuts. It helps to keep skin soft acting as a barrier to prevent water loss and keep skin soft. It supports collagen production improving skin tone and elasticity. It is a natural softener for skin with great moisturising properties.

Shea Butter is also soothing and moisturising to the skin. It contains vitamin A which is helpful in soothing various skin conditions including dry and damaged skin. It contains oleic acid which is readily absorbed, phytosterols which stimulate cell growth and vitamin E which protects the skin from free radical damage.

Avocado Oil is highly moisturising and revitalising for the skin. The dark green oil s pressed from the fleshy part of the fruit. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E, pantothenic acid, lecithin, antioxidants and fatty acids. It helps to hydrate skin and regenerate skin cells. Great for those rough spots on elbows and feet. Using it diluted with a lighter oil (like almond) can be hydrating for mature skin.

Jojoba Oil is made from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. It is protective and moisturising for all skin types. It makes a great make-up remover. It is a deeply penetrating oil that can be used on any dry skin condition. It is easily absorbed and has a very similar structure to the natural sebum oils produced by our own skin.

Coconut oil is moisturising and nourishing. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling lovely and smooth. It can be used as a make-up remover, cleanser and moisturiser all in one. It can be used all over the body for skin, lips, nails and feet.

Witch hazel is cooling, refreshing and has astringent properties. It can be used to cleanse or tone the skin and is calming in inflamed conditions. Distilled witch hazel is great for balancing oily skin used neat or in products you make. Its astringent properties are also useful on spider or varicose veins. For minor skin injuries it can be used as a disinfectant.

Oats from the Avena sativa plant have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are protecting, soothing and nourishing and can be used in skin treatments where the skin is itchy, sunburned or allergy prone. It can be used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.

Bentonite clay is a mixture of montmorillonite and volcanic ash. It is high in minerals and very absorbent. Clay in skin preparations can assist in stimulating circulation and drawing out toxins and impurities. They have a deeply cleansing, toning and tightening effect.

If you want to know more about formulating your own skin care stay tuned for our upcoming recipe eBook or contact us at Vital Living Natural Health and Nutrition for more information.