Water is the secret ingredient for dewy-fresh skin. Well-moisturized
skin is soft and supple, reflects a healthy glow and ages less quickly.
They prevent the skin from drying and chapping, thus slowing the
aging process.
Water moves through the body to the surface in a process called
"transepidermal water loss" leaving skin pleasingly plump
and firm. If your system is deficient in water, the skin's upper
layers become dry and brittle.
Drinking at least six glasses of water daily and eating fluid-rich
fruits and vegetables help normalize dry or oily conditions, and
is essential for preventing your body from robbing its necessary
moisture at the expense of your skin.
In addition to internal liquid refreshment, skin requires external
water replenishing. Moisturizers or humectants attract moisture
to the skin's surface and hold it there.
Younger skin only needs light conditioning whereas older skin needs
specific nourishing treatments.
A wide variety of moisturizers are available that range from very
inexpensive to very expensive. Examples are: vegetable glycerin,
rose water, jojoba oil, vitamin E oils, sorbitol (derived from plants),
honey, aloe vera, and iris.
Aloe vera is very good for skin care. Since ancient times, it has
been used effectively to treat everything from dry skin, burns,
and insect bites to skin irritations, acne, cuts, and abrasions.
Mineral oil, used in many skin care products, can dry the skin,
block pores, and prevent it from breathing and eliminating waste.
Most moisturizers soothe and sit on the surface of the skin, but
essential oils, with their fine molecular structure, work their
way through from the surface to the inner dermis. Mixed with the
correct amount of base oil, these pure essentials do not clog up
pores on lubrication. They are light enough to be absorbed spontaneously
by skin.
Use 30 ml (2 tbsp) of base oil and add 6 drops of essential oil
(maximum of 3 different oils) to suit individual needs. (See individual
skin type description for recommendations on type of essential oil
to use.)
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