Face packs are softer and more porous types of face masks. Very similar in action, they improve circulation as well as cleanse and tauten the entire face. Because they are soft, they allow the skin to breathe more and are gentler than masks, they can be left on longer, even during a full body massage.
The face packs discussed here are made of a variety of fruits and vegetables. The juices of fresh fruits and vegetables tone and provide enzymes that help balance and cleanse the skin.Mash or pulp the fresh fruit and vegetables, then add fruit pectin, agar agar, clay or oat flour to firm the mixture so it does not slide off the face.
For NORMAL skin, use avocado, banana, cantaloupe, grape, peach, nectarine, or zucchini.
For DRY skin, try apple, avocado, banana, carrot, peat; melon, or nectarine.
For OILY skin, use cabbage, cucumber, lemon, peat; strawberry, or tomato.
For MATURE skin, choose apple, avocado, grape, or lemon. For BLEMISHED skin, try apple, cabbage, grape, or tomato.
Both masks or packs should be removed with cool water and a clean wash cloth.
TONERS
A good toner is a non-alcohol refresher that helps remove the residue of all the previous procedures. It refines the pores and tautens and tones the skin, making it ready for moisturizing treatment.
Aftershave is basically a toner. Howevelj because most aftershaves are primarily made of alcohol and perfume, they damage the skin by disturbing the recovery of the mantle which is destroyed by shaving soap and razor blade.
The alcohol will further dry the skin.Rather than such abrasive products, try using mild astringents or essential oil mists. Apply toner with a cotton ball or spray on with a hand pump mister.Try one of the following toners, selecting one on the basis of your skin condition.
For NORMAL skin, combine witch hazel with an equal amount of an herbal tea or floral water. Suitable herb teas include comfrey,elder flower; or rosemary. Nothing tops really high quality rose water.
For DRY skin, use pure rose water.
For OILY skin, use tulsi water or a mhrture of equal amounts of witch hazel with cilantro, fennel, dead nettle, or yarrow tea.
For MATURE skin, use pure rose water.
For BLEMISHED skin, use equal amounts of witch hazel with either tulsi or rose water.
MOISTURIZERS
All types of skin need moisturizer even those that are oily by nature. Moisturizers protect the skin from the elements by acting as physical barriers. It also protects the skin &om invasion by bacteria and keeps make-up out of the pores.
Moisturizing action is two fold. It plumps up the outer layers of the skin, making it soft, silky, and smooth, temporarily removing tiny wrinkles and disguising deeper ones. It also prevents dry air &om "pulling" moisture out of the skin. Glycerine is an ingredient of many moisturizers which works by drawing the skin's moisture to the surface. This is fine, so long as there is sufficient moisture in the body to replace it and keep the deeper layers of the skin well lubricated. If not, the long term effect will be a deep drying and loss of skin tone. Besides glycerine, many moisturizers and body lotions contain alcohol. Alcohol is drying in nature, so it is also not useful in the long run. Try to avoid moisturizers with these products unless you know that your skin has sufficient moisture within.
Moisturizers should be applied after every washing to help replace the skin's mantle (which takes approx. 20 minutes). Lighter moisturizer is best during the day, a heavier; more nourishing one at night when the skin is more receptive to nourishment.
The basic proportions for a moisturizer are:
2 Tablespoons aloe vera gel
3 ounces of oil
1 ounce of cocoa butter or lanolin
2 ounces of rose water
For NORMAL skin, use almond or jojoba oil.
For DRY skin, use sesame oil or lanolin.
For OILY or BLEMISHED skin, use jojoba oil or jojoba butter.
For MATURE skin, use rice bran oil or ghee.
To prepare, warm the oils an~ butter together and the floral water and aloe vera separately. Place all of the ingredients in a blender and whip. Add essential oils as used for the different massage oils discussed. To make a heavier night cream, decrease the amount of aloe vera gel and add Vitamin E and A or a little rosa mosquita oil. Keep in an air tight jar in a cool place.
The area around the eyes needs special care because the tissues around the eyes have no oil glands. This area is also tender and often sensitive. Avoid pulling on this area when massaging or applying make-up. It is easily stretched. Also avoid applying drying masks to this area. Dab pure rosa mosquita oil around the eyes at night time. This will prevent deepening of wrinkles that will naturally appear over time.
Wrinkles can be viewed in different ways. View them as signs of wisdom, showing a deepening of character. Let them also be laugh lines, evidence of a life full of joy and contentment rather than the fixed scowl of bitterness. Remember the body never lies-especially the face.
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