Just as winter weather makes us pay special attention to our
skin, summer with its sun and heat has its requirements too.
SPF. SPF and more SPF. I know you heard a lot about it - but
talking about summer skin care, I just have to remind you
again.
However, SPF is only a small part of what you can do for your
smooth complexion and healthy glow.
People with dry sensitive skin may notice that sun causes more
dryness and irritation. In this case try to use herbal
infusions instead of tap water when cleansing your skin. The
best herbs are chamomile and sage - alone or in combination
with linden blossoms. They will calm and soothe your skin.
Having antibacterial properties, they will also prevent
infections. If you spend a lot of time outside and feel that
your skin is dry, soak cheesecloth in herbal infusion and leave
it on clean face for a few minutes.
To make an herbal infusion you will need:
3 parts of linden blossoms
2 parts of chamomile
1 part rose petals
1/2 part peppermint leaves
Take 2 tablespoons of the herbal mixture and cover with 1 cup
of boiling water.
In hot days when your face is sweating, do not rush to wash it
with water. First wipe it with a cotton ball soaked in sour
milk or sour cream. After 10-15 minutes rinse with sage
infusion or green tea. Then apply your favorite moisturizer.
Some women think there is no need to use creams during summer
since the skin sweats and already looks shiny. This is a big
mistake. Oil and sweat are two different things. Oil depletion
makes skin vulnerable to wind, sun, temperature contrast and
other environmental factors. In hot summer days sweat
evaporates from the skin surface making it even dryer and
prone to injury or infection (read: acne).
Wrong day cream can also cause sweatiness. Too much moisturizer
or night cream used during the day will make your skin feel hot
and look too shiny. Try to choose a light cream that makes your
skin feel comfortable without leaving an oily residue and
apply it to clean skin to ensure the best absorption.
Cold water is an excellent skin toner for summer. In the
morning apply fresh squeezed fruit or berry juice all over your
face and neck. If your skin is dry or irritated, follow with
sour cream or oil (olive, sunflower, almond). Now wash your
face with cold water. Ice cubes will feel great on normal and
oily skin, however if you have visible capillaries, ice can
make them worse.
Fruit masks is another easy summer treat. If you do not have
allergies, they can be used everyday. Active ingredients in
fruits will freshen and clean your skin. For the best result
use fresh fruits and berries and make just enough juice or
mixture for one application. There are some general guidelines
to follow:
1. Clean the skin first.
2. If your skin type is dry, apply a thin layer of light
cream while the skin is still wet.
3. Soak a piece of cheese cloth in mashed fruit or juice and
leave it on your face for 10-15 minutes (cut out holes for eyes
in the cheesecloth to avoid eye irritation caused by fruit
acids).
The mask can also be made with egg yolks, powdered oatmeal, or
sour cream. For oily skin mix fruits with egg whites. If your
mask has a thick consistency, you may not need a cheesecloth.
Fruits you can use:
- For dry skin - apricots, grapes, melon, plums, bananas. You
may add carrot juice to your mask, it is great for dry skin.
The orangy color will disappear pretty fast.
- For irritated skin or if you have visible capillaries -
parsley is the answer to your problems.
- For oily skin and enlarged pores - cabbage, cranberry, red
currant.
- Tomato, cucumber, watermelon and orange juices will do good
for any skin type.
After removing a fruit mask, it is not necessary to wash your
face with water - wipe it with a cotton ball soaked in tea,
herbal infusion or cucumber juice.
When using masks, don't forget about your neck - it needs just
the same attention as your face.
Have fun!
(C) Natalie Katsman, 2003
About the Author
Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of http://www.natural-aid.com,
where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty
and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled
with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing,
skin care and cosmetic chemistry.