Herbal Remedies for a Lifetime of Healthy Skin

Herbal Remedies for a Lifetime of Healthy Skin

Excerpted from Naturally Healthy Skin, by Stephanie Tourles

Introduction

“Smoother, younger-looking skin in seven days. Guaranteed or your money back.” How many times have you fallen for that marketing ploy? Most cosmetic companies are adept at knowing which buttons to push to entice you to purchase their merchandise and empty your wallet in a flash, with promises of restored youth. These companies prey on your emotions and insecurities, all in the guise of making you look and feel better about yourself. But the cosmetics and body-care industry is in business solely to make money — and skin-care products have one of the highest price markups of any commodity on the market.

In contrast, Herbal Remedies for a Lifetime of Healthy Skin takes a holistic approach to skin care. Healthy skin is directly related to proper skin care, sound nutrition, and a sensible wellness program. While we often don’t consider our skin as a functioning part of our bodies, it is in fact the body’s largest organ. Your skin is constantly transmitting and receiving information. If something is amiss, your skin displays signs of distress. If all is well, it displays radiance. Natural and herbal remedies can enhance your overall health as well as treat the more specific conditions of the skin. However, you must keep in mind that at any age, health within is reflected by beautiful skin without. To age gracefully, you must first live healthfully.

Super Foods and Other Essentials for a Fabulous Face and Body

Good skin care begins with good nutrition — what you put in your body is reflected on your face. The following information explains how to nourish the very foundation of your skin and improve your well-being with the essential vitamins and minerals most important for healthy, vibrant skin.

Essential Vitamins

Powerhouse vitamins provide a potent combination of antioxidants and healing agents that boost your skin’s ability to make you look your glowing best.

Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)

Description: Fat-soluble antioxidant

Skin-Care Benefits: Essential for growth and maintenance of epithelial (skin) tissue and proper functioning of mucous membranes. Helps prevent dry, rough skin and premature aging. Speeds healing, especially of acne, impetigo, and vision problems. Boosts immunity. Aids against premature wrinkles, acne, blackheads, psoriasis, and dry, rough, thick, itchy, scaly, cracked skin.

Outstanding Sources: Liver (fish liver oil, especially), blue-green algae, pumpkins and winter squashes, alfalfa, carrots, cayenne pepper, dandelion greens, parsley, spinach, apricots, beet greens, broccoli, sweet potatoes, kale, lettuce, endive, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes.

(375 ML) SERVINGS, OR 1 LARGE MEAL

Five Daily Rituals for Beautiful Skin

Skin care shouldn’t be a complex chore. It should be simple, natural, and basic. And if a few of these straightforward skin-care rituals are free for the asking, then so much the better! I’ve outlined five of my favorite simple yet effective treatments below.

1. Institute a cleansing routine. This is a beauty must! Cleanse your skin twice daily (only once if your skin is dry) using a mild, natural, inexpensive cleanser designed for your skin type. Cleansing your skin is especially important before going to bed because your body excretes toxins through your skin as you sleep. If facial pores are clogged with makeup and dirt, breakouts can occur. If you perspire a lot in your line of work or you exercise heavily, rinse off and massage your body with a coarse cloth or loofah before retiring to remove salt and dead-skin buildup. Your skin needs to breathe while you sleep!