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Papaya is a natural for incorporating into your skin care regime. The fruit offers anti-oxidants and are rich in essential enzymes. Papaya has both preventative and restorative properties when used in skin care. Papaya's powerful fruit enzymes are known to aid and accelerate healing in skin disorders such as acne. In addition, the fruit enzymes gently exfoliate the skin.

The yellow fruit is usually available all year long, however it is more easily found in the super markets between April and October. Papaya offers extensive benefits in skin care therapy. When applied to the face, it reduces wrinkles, nourishes the skin with Vitamin A which accelerates the formation of new skin cells, and exfoliates the skin. In addition, it is loaded with Vitamin C, which is an anti-oxidant. The beta-carotene in this fruit protects the skin and promotes elasticity.

Papaya is used is many skin care products today and provides a "natural" face lift and rejuvenation brings a wonderful and natural glow to the skin. It is commonly seen in toners, moisturizers, and facial peels. In addition, it is gentle enough for all skin types.




An occasional facial peel is a great way to loosen dead skin cells, which improve the texture of the skin while restoring elasticity. In addition, it reduces pore size, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and helps with blotchiness and stimulates collage production.

To effectively use this recipe, cleanse face and steam to open pores. The skin will be moist and receptive to the peel.

Papaya Peel

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh pineapple
Half-a-cup fresh papaya
1 tablespoon honey

Puree fruit together. Add honey and mix into a smooth paste.

Pineapple and papaya contain natural enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids that remove dead skin cells while the honey moisturizes the skin. Leave mask on 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse completely.

For more wonderful skin care recipes and products, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The major factors responsible for lines and wrinkles are mostly due to over-exposed skin to the sun. In addition, stress, hormones, heredity, and environmental factors also play a significant part.



In order to reduce more fine lines and wrinkles from forming and diminishing the ones you have, exfoliation is recommended as well as a rich moisturizing cream. In addition, to eliminate additional fine lines and wrinkles from forming, you should wear a sun screen of SPF 15 or higher everyday.

Enlarged or Distended Pores
Enlarged or distended pores (blackheads) are due to trapped debris in the pores. The debris is a combination of dead skin cells and sebum (oil). The debris causes the pore to stretch or buildup and produce blackheads. Facial cleansers with an exfoliate are recommended for enlarged or distended pores. The exfoliating ingredient will open the pore and the cleanser will clean out the pore(s).

Brown Spots aka Age Spots
Brown spots are caused from over exposure to the sun. The sun causes the cells that produce melanin to react and protect the inner layers of the skin. Melanin is the product that the body produces to get a tan. Natural ingredients such as lemon or other fruit juices will lighten brown spots and at a fraction of the cost of lasers and over the counter products.

Blemishes
Blemishes are usually due in part to the over production of sebum (oil) which can be attributed to stress and hormonal changes. Mild to moderate breakouts, characterized by less than seven pimples a month, can be treated with over the counter products. There is one specific ingredient that is particularly effective in treating blemishes - salicylic acid. This is actually an efficient exfoliate that dissolves skin oil. In addition to over the counter remedies for blemishes there are a number of natural make at home products that are quite beneficial and not as harsh.



Redness on the Skin
Rosacea is a condition that first appears as a flushing or subtle redness on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. It then progresses from intermittent mild redness to persistent ruddiness as well as permanent, dilated blood vessels and acne-like bumps. Rosacea is not curable, but it responds well to treatment. Furthermore, there are over-the-counter treatments available and natural home remedies.

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Exfoliation is a method of removing the dead skin cells on the upper layer of your skin and increasing circulation to promote new skin cells. Once used only in exclusive spas at a costly amount, exfoliation is a simple technique that you can do at home.

When using a store bought exfoliate (or commonly called body scrub), do not overdue. Store bought exfoliates have chemical ingredients that may cause irritation if used to often. Many store bought body scrubs include petrochemical-based agents, such as mineral oil, and potential carcinogens, like parabens. Natural or homemade scrubs use ingredients such as sea salt, sugar, and nutshells to exfoliate. Additionally, in choosing the right exfoliate, it is important that your scrub contain moisturizing ingredients, such as honey or oatmeal, to protect and hydrate the newly exposed cells.

Body scrubs are usually made up of two properties: one for the scrubbing ability and one to soothe and smooth. Below are common ingredients and their properties that are commonly used in making at home body scrubs.

Exfoliates (scrubbers)

Sea salt is a natural for normal skin. It contains marine extracts and minerals that help revitalize the skin.

Apricot kernels are rich in vitamin A, which is vital for healthy skin. Additionally it is perfect for rough spots, elbows, backs, heels and thicker skins. Note: Nutshells and fruit kernels can have jagged edges so they are not ideal for sensitive skin.

Sugar is a gentle exfoliate ideal for sensitive skin since the grains have smoother edges than salt grains.

Soothes, Smoothes and Moisturizes

Honey moisturizers, softens, nourishes, and heals normal skin.

Nut and seed oils such as almond, hazelnut and sunflower oils are often used to soften and hydrate skin: ideal for dry skin.

Oatmeal is a gentle grain that moisturizes skin, soothes, and reduces inflammation for sensitive skin types.

Exfoliation of the face and body as part of your skin care regime will result in improving your skin's appearance and bring about a natural glow.

For skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy


Additionally, the Skinstore has great prices and a variety of products for all skin types. Just click on the picture.

A body wrap is a spa method used to melt away inches, reduce cellulite , smooth the skin, and reduce toxins in the body. In addition it will tone and tighten the skin and is especially useful after weight loss or pregnancy.

A body wrap consists of wrapping the body in hot cloths soaked in herbal essences and/or mineral oils and spirits or applying a paste to the skin. Once wrapped you are in your body wrap about 60 minutes. Learn how to make your own body wrap Complete Skin Care Therapy

Or order a body wrap kit, just click on the picture below

Epsom salts are named for the mineral rich waters of Epsom, England, where they were known at least as far back as Shakespeare's day. When bathing, the magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin and is an inexpensive and natural way to reduce stress, treat skin problems, and draw toxins from the body.

Epson salt has been a long time remedy natural remedy for a number of ailments. An Epson salt bath is known to relieve aching limbs, muscle strain and back pain. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts, reduce soreness from childbirth and relieves colds and congestion. Furthermore, Epson salt will flush toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Epson Salt is a natural stress reliever too. Stress drains the body of magnesium. An Epson salt bath absorbs magnesium into our body thus helping to relieve stress. The magnesium helps to produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation.

Epson salt has many uses, as an all body exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation, as a foot soaking agent to smooth, relax and refreshes your feet and neutralize odors, and as a facial exfoliate.

For Epson salts skin care recipes Complete Skin Care Therapy

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Naturally Skinsational is an ebook written for those who are interested in natural organic products and would like to learn, in the simplest and easiest way possible, how to make their own rejuvenating skin care treatments.

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All too often, we neglect our hands as part of our skin care regime. The hands, just like the face, age with lines, wrinkles, and brown spots. Additionally, as we age the skin on the back of your hands looses elasticity and the skin becomes thinner. Furthermore, the hands can be a real distraction when neglected, (dirty fingernails, coarse cuticles, calluses, etc.). Your hands are part of your first impression in when meeting new people. Are you ever taken aback by someone's hand when they shake yours?

As with the face, your hands and nails need exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation. Additionally, your hands need moisturizing to hydrate and soften. Furthermore, hands should be protected from sun damage. Below are some tips to promote youthful hands and a well manicure look:

Hand Care

I personally encourage the use of rubber gloves when cleaning or doing dishes. The anti-bacterial soaps and other cleaning products are detrimental to the hands. They extract all the natural oils from the hands and leave them dry and vulnerable to wrinkles. In addition, harsh soaps can cause contact dermatitis.

Clean, soft, and smooth hands can be easily accomplished with the right cleansing products. An exfoliate to remove calluses can be easily made with natural ingredients already in your kitchen, such as oatmeal, cornmeal or even sugar. After exfoliation, rinse and apply a moisturizing hand cream. Below is a simple exfoliating recipe for the hands or for all over the body.

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup canola oil

Mix ingredients and rub into hands. Feel the granules of the sugar smooth out rough spots and the oil moisturize the skin. A simple but effective recipe.

Finally, always protect your hands with a sunscreen.

Look at your hands now. Are they soft, supple, and feeling great or are they dry, cracked and need a little TLC? Following the easy steps listed above you will see a remarkable improvement in the appearance of your hands.

The Burt's Bees Hand Care Kit

Our hands take a beating, so it's nice to pamper them once in a while. This nifty little Burt Bees kit contains a 32-page book on restorative hand care, plus a tin of Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme and a jar of Almond Milk BeeswaxHand Creme from Burt's Bees, the respected Durham, North Carolina-based producer of earth-friendly natural personal care products, and a pair of washable cotton treatment gloves. Just click on the picture above to treat your hands to a spa!

For more wonderful skin care recipes and products, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Green tea offers so many benefits to the skin and to the body. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-bacterial properties. It is not a mystery green tea is so popular in the cosmetic industry. Loaded with Vitamin E and C, the antioxidant agents slow the signs of aging externally and provide beneficial vitamins for overall health when taken internally.

Furthermore, recent research has concluded that green tea can prevent cancer. The death rate in Japan from cancer is significantly lower than that in the States. In Japan, green tea is part of their daily staple and consumed as much as 5 to 6 cups a day. This suggests that the main ingredients in green tea (*tannin, **catechin-see definition below) in sufficient amounts can lower the mortality rates of cancer patients.

Additionally, green tea can lower high blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels for those suffering with diabetes or the onset thereof. Caffeinated tea refreshes the body when taken internally; it stimulates the body's organs and clears the mind. Green tea can lower cholesterol by restricting the excessive buildup of (LDL) cholesterol. Research has also suggested that green tea can inhibit skin cancer due to its protective properties.

Overall, green tea drinkers seem to enjoy better health. The vital ingredient Catechin is 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E.

Green Tea Facial Toner

5 green tea bags or several heaping teaspoons of green tea leaves
1/3 to ½ cup fresh herb, chopped (see list below for your specific skin type)
2 cups mineral water or vitamin water

Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Strain if necessary. Apply with cotton ball. The toner will keep for at least one week in the refrigerator.

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.

*Definition of catechin: The antioxidant activity about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40mg of polyphenols and can have an antioxidant activity greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. A catechin is effective because it sticks to proteins easily and blocks bacteria from adhering to cell walls. This disrupts their ability to destroy them. The catechin in green tea also prevents viruses from adhering to cell walls and causing harm.

**Definition of Tannin: All tannins act as astringents, shrinking tissues and contracting structural proteins in the skin and mucus.

For more information about the benefits of green tea, Complete Guide to Green Tea

Eyeliner, eye shadow, eye pencils, etc., are meant to make the eyes more attractive and alluring. Additionally, eye make up removers are meant to cleanse the eyes without harsh ingredients. The majority of eye cosmetics are safe when used properly, however there are some general Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines when purchasing and using eye cosmetics.

To read more about the general guidelines for eye cosmetic safety Complete Skin Care Therapy

More great products, click on the picture below:

Cleansing is a vital step in your skin care regime. Proper cleansing with products specific for your skin type will improve your overall appearance. Daily cleansing is important to remove dirt and bacteria, sweat, air pollution, excess oils and in addition cleansing exfoliates the skin surface to promote circulation.


Proper cleansing starts with clean hands. This prevents the transfer of bacteria to your face. Apply your cleansing cream at the forehead and then sweep the cleanser over the face, lips, and neck. Massage the cleanser into your skin in a gentle circular motion. Eye make up can be removed with specially formulated eye creams, as some facial cleansers are not suited to be applied to the eye area. Thoroughly rinse your face with cool or tepid water (not to hot or to cold). Extreme hot or cold water can cause flushing and break sensitive capillaries in the skin. Hot water will open the pores and expose these pores to environmental pollution and dirt.

The best cleanser is those that clean the skin without stripping them of the natural fatty oils that protect and waterproof the skin. Removing excess oils in the skin can be accomplished without harsh soaps and strong cleansing creams that dry out the skin. This drying affect leaves the skin exposed to bacteria, cellular damage, and prone to fine lines and wrinkles due to lack of moisture.

Below are easy recipes for various skin types:

Normal Skin
No matter what skin type, choose mild liquid or soap gels for cleansing your face. Soaps made for bath, body and hands tend to be drying no matter what skin type and should be avoided on the face and neck. When buying store bought cleansing creams look for avocado, coconut, or wheat germ. These natural ingredients are suitable for normal skin types. In addition, below is a facial cleanser for normal skin types:

Gentle Facial Cleanser

1/2 cup oatmeal or cornmeal
plain yogurt (add enough yogurt to form a paste)
Mix ingredients to form a paste. With your fingertips and in an upward circular motion, gently massage the paste into your skin. Rinse with warm water and then apply a toner and moisturizer.

Dry skin
First, stay away from hot water when cleansing the face and neck. The hot water opens the pores and extracts the natural moisture quickly. Your cleansing creams should contain non-detergent ingredients that will rinse off easily. When selecting your cleansing cream look for products that contain natural ingredients such as almond, olive or jojoba oils. Below is an easy cleansing recipe for dry skin types:

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

Oily skin
Avoid wax-based cleansers, as they are prone to clog pores. An easy recipe for oily skin is as follows:

3 tablespoons oatmeal
2 teaspoons witch hazel
a few drops of water

Dampen oatmeal with few drops of water then add the witch hazel. Apply to your face with an upward and outward circular motion. Rinse with lots of warm water. This recipe is good for all kinds of skin. If you have dry skin add a little oil such as olive oil.

Combination skin
Use a foaming face wash in the morning to keep oily areas at bay. Your evening skin care regime you should use a cream cleanser to soothe the dry areas. The oatmeal recipe above is suited for all skin types and would be useful for combination skin types.

Sensitive skin
Cleanse with gentle, milky, water-soluble lotions and tepid water. Avoid gels or soaps that contain drying alcohol, preservatives, or strong-acting acids. Avoid exfoliating scrubs or astringents, which can cause inflammation.

1 cup dried chamomile
4 tablespoons honey
1 cup milk
8 teaspoons wheat germ

Steep chamomile in milk for a few hours. Strain, keeping liquid. Add honey and wheat germ to liquid mixture. Blend well. Place in a bottle. Refrigerate any used portions. Keeps up to a week.

The ingredients in this recipe add a variety of benefits to your skin. The Chamomile is one of the most used herbs in the cosmetic industry. It is used in soaps and cleansing creams to soothe and soften the skin. The milk a natural alpha hydroxyl acid that helps the skin exfoliates and removes dead skin cells off the surface of the skin. It is very hydrating and soothing to the complexion. The wheat germ contains vitamin E and B, which makes this ingredient nourishing and very soothing. In addition, the granular texture gently sloughs off dead skin cells, which makes it a perfect ingredient for sensitive skin.

For more homemade skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy