Our skin ages in two ways: the accumulated physical changes normally associated with the passage of time (chronological aging) and through the accumulated damage caused by exposure to environmental pollutants and UV radiation (accelerated aging).  Both of these types of aging can be slowed down with proper skin care and protection.

Your twenties could be considered the age of prevention, when most skin care issues start with lack of care. Forgetting to wash your face before bed can lead to clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads. Squinting in the sun and not using moisturizers can contribute to fine dry lines around the eyes. Too little sleep, too much alcohol and smoking can dull the complexion. Serious sunburn can now set the stage for age spots, and worse yet set the stage for some form of skin cancer including melanoma

The first step in developing the right skin care program to ward off premature aging is to determine your skin type.  Is your skin on the dry side, oily or a combination of both - knowing your skin type will ensure that you have selected the most beneficial skin care products.  Your beauty regimen should consist of daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing.  No matter what skin type you have (dry, oily, or combination) these steps are the key to great skin.  For those with dry skin, avoid lathering type cleansers, and toners that are alcohol based.  Your moisturizer should be rich in emollients.  For those with oily skin, do not over dry the skin with to harsh of skin care products, this only leads the skin to produce more oil to combat that “dry” skin feeling. 

Exfoliates and Masks:
A good exfoliate stimulates skin cells, cleans pores and sloughs off dead skin.  No matter what skin type, an exfoliate is recommended, and depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliate, they should be used as needed.  Additionally, facial masks do wonder to hydrate and nourish the skin.
 
Sunscreen - Although we hear it over and over again, don’t leave home without your sunscreen on.  Sunscreen will protect your skin from those age spots that will eventually show up later in life or worse yet development of some form of skin cancer.

On a personal note, look for products that contain natural ingredients such as green tea, jojoba oil, or aloe vera just to name a few. Better yet consider making your own toners, masks, and exfoliates.  By taking care of your skin in your twenties you will be rewarded in your 40’s by less wrinkles, age spots, and an overall beautiful complexion.

Honey is not anything new; it has been around for thousands of years! Honey has been and still is used in food products and in medicine. Honey is now emerging into the cosmetics industry which is really not new either. Honey has been used by women in the early days of the Roman Empire as facial masks, honey and milk baths, etc.

Honey is comprised of 98% sugar and 2% enzymes, vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals would include vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, and the mineral potassium. It is also rich in amino acids. This combination of natural ingredients offers a multitude of benefits when used in skin care products.

Properties of Honey:

Natural humectants - which makes it a superb moisturizing ingredient. Honey has the ability to bind moisture to the skin to help it stay hydrated. Additionally, it will smooth out rough, dry and wrinkled skin.

A natural antioxidant - which fights off free radical damage. Antioxidants are used in skin care products to fight free radicals and reverse the signs of aging.

Ant-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties - Honey also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These properties are beneficial for those with problems skin such as mild acne. Research has shown honey has shown to manage acne by attacking the bacteria which is causing the outbreaks. Because of its potent antibacterial properties, hospitals in Asia and Europe have used honey infused bandages to help heal infected wounds successfully

Below are some simple skin care recipes to enjoy the many benefits of honey. Although honey tends to be well tolerated by most skin types, a patch test is always recommended.

Easy Cleansing Scrub
Mix honey with ground almonds and scrub on face. Note: if allergic to nuts this would not be recommended. Try cornmeal instead.

Purifying Scrub

Mix 1 tbsp. of honey with 2 tbsp. finely ground almonds and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Massage gently onto face and rinse well with warm water. Follow with toner

Firming Facial mask
Whisk a tablespoon of honey together with an egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and about 1/4 cup of flour. Smooth on the face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

Moisturizing pack
Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and finish by splashing with cold water.

Moisturizing lotion
for dry patches such as elbows, mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, then apply. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Alpha and beta hydroxyl acids are similar to a microdermabrasion or exfoliate treatment. They slough off the top layers of the skin thus promoting new skin cell growth. Additionally they claim to stimulate the production of collagen and elasticity in the skin.

Alpha hydroxyl acids are derived from fruit, milk and sugars. They are represented on skin care labeling as:
Glycolic acid - sugar cane
Lactic acid - milk
Malic acid - apples and pears
Citric acid- oranges and lemons
Tartaric acid - grapes

Alpha hydroxyl acids are water soluble which makes them the choice for sun damaged skin in which skin sensitivity or breakouts are not a problem.

Beta hydroxyl acid is salicylic acid which is derived from aspirin and is oil soluble. Beta hydroxyl acid is best for oily skin that is prone to breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. The acid is able to penetrate deep into the pores to exfoliate and clean. Furthermore, because Beta-hydroxyl acids are derived from aspirin they retain anti-inflammatory properties.

The level of hydroxyl acids in skin-care products should be at a minimum concentration of 5% to 10% and at a pH of 3 to 4 for it to be effective. Cosmetologists are able to use a solution of 20% to 30% and physicians can use up to a 70% concentration. A concentration of 20% is much like a microdermabrasion treatment where it actually erases fine lines and smoothes out the complexion. Normally this can be achieved in one to three applications and last 3 to 6 months to maintain a smooth complexion. A concentration of 50% to 70% will remove surface scars and fine lines and winkles and last two to five years. However at this concentration you could expect severe redness, flaking, and weeping up to four weeks or so. Remember, the higher the level of concentration the longer the recovery period. Consider an hydroxl acid as a very mild chemical peel at 5% to an intense peel at a 50% concentration or higher.

Hydroxyl acids can do wonders in sloughing off the dead skin and promoting new skin cell growth, although they do have their drawbacks. The major side effects of these acids are skin irritation and sun sensitivity. Skin irritation can be mild to extreme causing redness, burning, itching and possible scarring, especially on dark skin people. While hydroxyl acids can reverse the signs of aging such as brown, age spots and fine lines, you skin is left very susceptible to sun burn and sun sensitivity.

When using hydroxyl acids allow the acid to penetrate the skin then apply a sunscreen that contains UVA and UVB protection if going outdoors.

Sunscreens that are mixed with hydroxyl acids are usually ineffective. Additionally, be wary of buying products that claim to have either alpha or beta hydroxyl acids, for these acids to work they must have a concentration of 5% to 10% and a pH of 3 to 4, however this information is rarely seen on the labels.

Below are a few tips when purchasing an alpha or beta hydroxyl acid:
Do not buy a hydroxyl acid combined with a sunscreen
Consider a hydroxyl acid that includes a moisturizer, or an exfoliate with hydroxyl acid. Only use one skin care product with an hydroxyl acid to avoid skin irritation.
If possible, test the product with a pH test strip, the acid must have at least 3 to 4 pH in order for it to be effective.
Do not purchase cleansers with hydroxyl acids. The hydroxyl acid must have time to penetrate the skin to be effective.

Easy exfoliation: Add a little sugar to your existing cleansing cream. A sugar scrub is ideal for sensitive skin. Another exfoliate is Epsom salts, mix some Epsom salts with your cleansing cream for a microdermabrasion treatment.

Under eye bags and circles - skip the expensive cream and try a tea bag. The main ingredient in a tea bag is tannin and it works naturally to reduce puffiness and dark circles. All tannins act as astringents, shrinking tissues and contracting structural proteins in the skin and mucus. So while sipping your tea, save that tea bag. Cool it in the refrigerator and apply the cooled tea bags to your eyes for about 10 minutes.

Customize your own lip tint - how fun! This lip tint will last longer than many lipsticks and so much fun to experiment with the colors. Select your favorite gelatin color then dampen a foam tipped applicator with water and dip into the gelatin powder. Apply the color directly to the lips. Add more than one coat to deepen the tone, if desired. For shine, add a touch of glycerin or lip balm on top.

Easy Skin Toner - a toner is used after cleansing to remove leftover residue and restore pH balance.
Anti-Aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

Green tea provides antioxidants and protects against free radicals here is a simple skin care recipe:
Moisturizing Mask for Hydration
2 Tbls plain yogurt
1 Tbls oatmeal, cooked and cooled
1 Tbl Honey
Mix all ingredients together, then let cool. Apply to face for 15 minutes. Yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while oatmeal and honey have moisturizer and hydrating properties.

Stretch your foundation:
Mix your foundation with your moisturizing cream. You will find the foundation is easier to apply and blend, and your foundation will last a lot longer. Usually it is 2 parts moisturizer to one part foundation but you can adjust as needed. The best part is you are sure not to neglect your moisturizer treatment, a very important step in a good skin care program.

Finally simple steps to finish off a beautiful you are:

Shape those eyebrows: Well shaped eyebrows accent the eyes and frame the face. If you can afford any beauty treatment, the eyebrows should be at the top of the list.

Hair shine - There are so many hair shine products on the market these days I get tired of reading all the labels. An easy hair shine recipe is to apply olive oil or glycerin onto freshly washed or dry hair. Also a milk or vinegar rinse will add vibrancy and shine.

Above are just a few skin care recipes and beauty tips to keep you looking beautiful even when budgets are tight. Also they are eco-friendly and require no animal testing or cruelty!

Here are a few skin care recipes to get you started:

Toner(s):

Soothing Toner Recipe
2 TBl. dried or 1 TBl. fresh herb depending on your skin type (see chart below)
2/3 cup milk
Boil milk and pour over herb. Cover and refrigerate. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer. The recipe should be stored in a sterilized bottle and will keep for approximately 5 days in your refrigerator.

Anti-Aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

Herbs used to make common toners are as follows:
Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers and marigold
Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley and rosemary.
Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.
Any of these herbs can be mixed with milk for soothing and nourishing dry skin as well as for sunburned or sensitive skin. Whole milk should be used for normal to dry skin, and skim milk for oily skin.

Exfoliate

Gentle Oatmeal Almond Facial Cleansing
2 Cups Rolled Oats
1/2 cup Almonds
2 Tbl. Dried rose petals
2 Tbl. Dried lavender flowers
Finely grind all ingredients separately in a grinder (a coffee grinder works). Mix all ingredients together, cover and store in a cool dry place.

For Dry Skin:
Mix 1 heaping teaspoon of cleansing grains with warm water to make a creamy paste and add 1/2 teaspoon almond oil.

For Normal to Oily Skin:
Mix 1 heaping teaspoon of cleansing grains with warm water to make a creamy paste, omit the almond oil.

With your fingertips and in an upward circular motion, gently massage the cleansing grains into your skin. Rinse with warm water and then apply a toner and moisturizer. Naturally if you are allergic to nuts,  substitute the almond oil with another.

Cleanser
Honey Cleanser (For Dry Skin)
*Castile soap
1 Teaspoon Honey

Wet face. Pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand, add honey. Mix honey and soap into a lather, wash face.

*Castile soap is made from vegetable oil as opposed to animal fat like other soaps. Oils used in castile soap include olive, coconut, almond, hemp, and jojoba

Well I hope you enjoy the recipes.  Just think - skin care products that are effective, low-cost, no animal testing or cruelty, fun to make, and not harmful to the environment. 

Here are a few skin care recipes to get you started:

Toner(s):

Soothing Toner Recipe
2 TBl. dried or 1 TBl. fresh herb depending on your skin type (see chart below)
2/3 cup milk
Boil milk and pour over herb. Cover and refrigerate. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer. The recipe should be stored in a sterilized bottle and will keep for approximately 5 days in your refrigerator.

Anti-Aging Toner
1/2 cup pure spring water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)
Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

Herbs used to make common toners are as follows:
Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers and marigold
Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley and rosemary.
Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, and peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.
Any of these herbs can be mixed with milk for soothing and nourishing dry skin as well as for sunburned or sensitive skin. Whole milk should be used for normal to dry skin, and skim milk for oily skin.

Exfoliate

Gentle Oatmeal Almond Facial Cleansing
2 Cups Rolled Oats
1/2 cup Almonds
2 Tbl. Dried rose petals
2 Tbl. Dried lavender flowers
Finely grind all ingredients separately in a grinder (a coffee grinder works). Mix all ingredients together, cover and store in a cool dry place.

For Dry Skin:
Mix 1 heaping teaspoon of cleansing grains with warm water to make a creamy paste and add 1/2 teaspoon almond oil.

For Normal to Oily Skin:
Mix 1 heaping teaspoon of cleansing grains with warm water to make a creamy paste, omit the almond oil.

With your fingertips and in an upward circular motion, gently massage the cleansing grains into your skin. Rinse with warm water and then apply a toner and moisturizer. Naturally if you are allergic to nuts,  substitute the almond oil with another.

Cleanser
Honey Cleanser (For Dry Skin)
*Castile soap
1 Teaspoon Honey

Wet face. Pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand, add honey. Mix honey and soap into a lather, wash face.

*Castile soap is made from vegetable oil as opposed to animal fat like other soaps. Oils used in castile soap include olive, coconut, almond, hemp, and jojoba

Well I hope you enjoy the recipes.  Just think - skin care products that are effective, low-cost, no animal testing or cruelty, fun to make, and not harmful to the environment. 

Sensitive skin can also occur out of nowhere, by this I mean – you have been using a particular product for years and then all of a sudden you skin doesn’t seem to tolerate it anymore and reacts with redness, rashes or tiny bumps.  That is my story, I never had problems with household cleaners and skin care products but now I have to be extremely careful with what products I use and always read the label.  That is one of the reasons I have switched to non-toxic cleaners with safer ingredients and use skin care products that are more natural.  Additionally I do make my own skin care products and soaps which I just love.

So what exactly is sensitive skin?  My definition would be “any product when applied to the skin that makes the skin irritated, such as redness, tiny bumps, topical dermatitis, excessive dryness, etc”.

There are many products on the market today specifically for sensitive skin. These products have a reduced amount of chemicals, such as parabens, alcohols, fragrances, mineral oils and dioxanes which are usually known to be the culprit for skin sensitivity. The products although labeled for sensitive skin doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe for your skin. There are varying degrees of skin sensitivity too. Some may experience sensitivity to a whole lot of products while some are just sensitive to specific ingredients. It is important to read the label and determine and isolate the ingredient(s) that are causing the problem.

When selecting your skin care products for your sensitive skin look for natural ingredients such as green tea, avocado, chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, or sandalwood. Not only will these products be gentle on the skin, they offer anti-aging properties too. Better yet, why not consider making your own skin care products, the cost is minimal, the result is great, and you know exactly what you are putting on your skin.

Below are a couple of simple recipes for sensitive skin:

Gentle Toner
2 Tablespoons fresh herbs (avender, calendula, lemon balm)
2/3 cup boiling milk
Pour boiling milk over herbs, cover and let cool. Strain through a cheese cloth and store in sterilized bottle or jar in the refrigerator. A cooling and soothing toner.

Avocado Face Mask for Dry and Sensitive Skin
1 avocado
3-4 drops of almond oil
Preparation Peel and mash avocado and thoroughly mix in almond oil stirring till you get a consistent texture. Apply to face while massaging it gently. Let it rest for 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow with toner and moisturizer. Of course if you are allergic to nuts I would not use this recipe.

Whatever the cause of dry skin, there are simples remedies to nourish your skin and ward off premature lines and wrinkles.

The most effective treatment for dry skin is application of a moisturizer and following a good skin care routine such as cleansing, toning to restore pH balance and moisturizing..

Generally moisturizers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they provide or retain moisture to the skin. The first category is a moisturizer that retains and protects the moisture already in the skin. These products provide a covering over the skin and would include a product like Vaseline which seals in the moisture already in the skin.

The second category is humectants. They work by drawing moisture from the atmosphere; they pull in and hold water to keep the skin moist. Additionally they slow down the evaporation of moisture from the skin. A natural humectant is honey and glycerin and the synthetic ingredients would be propylene glycol and glyceryl triacetate.

To get the most benefit from your moisturizer a good skin care routine should be followed. Below are some tips to give your dry skin some relief.

First, cleansing the skin is a vital step in promoting healthy skin. Your cleanser should be mild and non-foaming. Foaming agents in cleansers have a tendency to dry out the skin even more. Furthermore, never use soap on the face or neck and water temperature should be mild and never hot.

Exfoliation does help with dry skin by removing the dead top layers of the skin. Additionally it promotes new cell growth and improves circulation. However, exfoliation should be minimal no more than once a week or even less if you suffer from extremely dry skin.

Toning is meant to restore pH balance and removing traces of cleanser left behind. Keeping your toner in the refrigerator adds a nice cool splash to your face and the cool toner will close pores. Avoid toners that are alcohol based better yet consider making your own toner. 

Moisturizer is the last step. If your facial moisturizer does not provide SPF protection then apply sun screen over your moisturizer. For total body moisture, after your shower or bath, apply a body moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

No matter what skin type you are, i.e. dry skin, oily skin, or combination skin, a good skin care program is about being gentle with your skin. To promote a healthy glow, be sure you are selecting the right products for your skin type.

The main ingredients in mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Ironically though these ingredients have been in cosmetics for years so what is the difference in today’s mineral makeup? The mineral makeup advertised today is (or supposed to be) free of fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes and preservatives thus they are considered to be purer and gentler to the skin than traditional cosmetics. Additionally, the titanium and zinc oxide in mineral makeup have anti-inflammatory properties which is useful for those suffering with problem skin such as acne or rosacea. Additionally, mineral makeup will not clog pores as it is non-comedongenic. True mineral makeup is also great for those that have sensitve skin as it is free of synthetic chemicals and perservatives, which are usually the cause of skin dermatis and rashes.

Mineral makeup also claims to provide sun protection with an average SPF rating of 15, however most experts agree that it is not enough sun protection and a sunscreen should still be applied for extra assurance against harmful UV rays.

Another advantage of mineral makeup is it long lasting wear and easy application.

So based on the above information, mineral makeup seems to be the best choice to create a beautiful complexion, but is it?

Not all mineral makeup is created the same, they generally fall into two categories - those that stay true to the origin of mineral makeup without the extra ingredients and those that add the synthetic fillers, fragrances and preservatives (such as parabens) just to name a few.

Unfortunately cosmetic manufacturers can claim their mineral makeup to be pure and/or natural, but that may not always be the case. There is no regulation for what constitutes a mineral makeup, which means any product containing minerals as a primary ingredient can be marketed as such, even if it contains a whole lot of other less natural ingredients.

Another ingredient to be wary of is bismuth oxycholoride, this ingredient gives the mineral makeup a candlelight glow. Bismuth oxycholoride is a byproduct of lead and copper processing. Although lead and copper are minerals the byproduct through processing is not found in the earth. This mineral is used as a fill product which is not found in the earth naturally. Bismuth oxycholoride is a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts can cause cystic acne. If you suffer from any skin irritation such as acne or rosacea or have sensitive skin, avoid any cosmetic that lists bismuth oxycholoride. However, some mineral makeup may contain just a small amount and may not cause a skin reaction, but you will never know until you try it. Again mineral makeup can be labeled pure and/or natural and contain the skin irritant bismuth oxycholoride.

Another factor that makes mineral makeup so popular is its long lasting wear, smooth finish and natural look. In order to make mineral makeup smooth manufacturers pulverize the minerals into microscopic or even nanoparticle size. Research studies have shown that that molecules that are dramatically reduced in size to a level of a nanoparticle will change the properties of that molecule leaving the nanoparticle with toxic properties. There is also concern about the health effects of inhalation of these nanoparticles. Zinc and titanium are safe when applied to healthy skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form; there remains a concern, particularly when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled according to the Environmental Working Group.

If considering a mineral makeup be sure to read the ingredient label, the ingredients at the top of the list are the most predominant. Also, as with any new skin care product, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist.

The skin produces melanin to absorb the UV rays from the sun and protect the underlying skin cells, thus this is how we get a suntan. However, melanin will not always be distributed evenly throughout the skin thus leaving darker areas or brown spots.

Preventing age spots is easy just by following these simple tips:

Apply a sunscreen faithfully everyday. It should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors and then reapply in two hours.

Wear a long sleeve shirt and hat if you are outdoors for an extended length of time

Try to avoid the strongest sunrays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Although you may be annoyed with the repeated advice of wearing sunscreen, there are numerous studies supporting that those people that use sunscreen regularly had the largest reduction in actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis also known as a solar keratosis, is a small, rough spot occurring on the skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. They measure anywhere from one-quarter to one-inch in diameter and are usually considered precancerous spots. These legions can appear years after sun damage so regular applications of sunscreen are important at all ages.

It is also important to note that overexposure to the sun while wearing sun-sensitive chemicals in cosmetics or perfume will produce poikiloderma which usually appears on the neck and checks. Poikiloderma: extra pigmentation of the skin demonstrating a variety of shades and associated with widened capillaries (telangiectasia) in the affected area.

Skin Care Remedies to reduce the appearance of age spots:

Diet - research studies have shown that a diet that includes flavanoids and antioxidants found in most vegetables, fruits, and grain has shown to reduce the appearance of age spots. Furthermore in animal laboratory testing flavanoids has prevented cancer formation

Kitchen recipes - Lemon juice has a bleaching agent that will lighten sunspots. Dab a cotton ball of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the brown spots in the morning and evening. Note - lemon juice is photo-sensitive so protect your skin with sunscreen.

Apply the fleshy side of a green papaya, right out of the fridge to reduce age spots. Just apply the papaya to the spots for 15-20 minutes daily and repeat until you attain the desire lightness.

Home remedies are inexpensive and offer a natural solution to reduce the appearance of age spots. Additionally, home skin care recipes are eco-friendly and there are no chemicals involved. However, for a natural skin lightening treatment a home remedy may require 6 to 8 weeks to see results.

As summer approaches we all like to get outdoors and enjoy the summer sun. However, please keep in mind the detrimental effect the sun can have on your skin without the proper protection. Additionally, if it is within your budget, visit a dermatologist yearly for a skin checkout.