NaturalMedications

Your skin needs to completely dry, so do this before you get in the shower or bath!

Brush the skin vigorously in a circular or figure eight motion. Begin at the coutermost parts of the body and work towards the heart. Brush the entire body, including the palms of the hands and soles of

the feet. Give special attention to trouble-prone areas such as the thighs, buttocks, backs fo the arms and legs, and the chest. Do not use the brush on the face. Rather, use a dry wash cloth.

In additon to diet, exercise, dy skin brushing, and massage, you can support the skin by hydrating and nourishing it with external applications o natural plant-based healing agents. Aloe vera, herbs, seaweed, vegetable, nut, and seed oils, and essential oils are among the most natural, gentle and effective healing agents known for healing and maintaining

healthy skin. Insusion and plant oils like evening primerose, jojoba, hazelnut, almond, avocado, calendula, St. John’s Wort, borage and black currant are excellent in skin treatments as they are rich in nutrients specific to skin health.

The basic of any skin care regime will include cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, with

occassional “special” treatments such as facial steams, scrubs, and masks. Compressess

and poultices are typically used for first-aid teatments like abcesses and boils. To gently

cleanse the face use cleansing creams mild vegetarian-based soaps made with plant oils

like oilve. The best toners are the simplest ones made of floral waters, witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, or herbal infusions. Do not use alcohol as it is very drying and pulls moisture away form the skin as it evaporates. Apply essential oils with great care when

using them on damaged skin. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier base lotion or vegetable oil before applying to the skin ( unless directed to do so). Lavender and Tea Tree are tow essential oils that can be applied “neat” or straight on the skin safely. But these are exceptions to the rule.

The best times to apply essential oils are following a bath or facial steam, when the pores are open and circulation is increased, or during or following a massage when oils can be readily absorbed. Following exfoliation is also a beneficial time, since the skin pores have been cleaned and circulation is optimal. Examples of exfoliates are dry skin brushing, scrubs, clay masks, and baths. When applying to the skin vegetable oil blends that include

essential oils, it is best to warm them slightly to increase absorption into the skin. Use oils that are thinner in consistency for easiest penetration, or when you have an oily skin condition. The heavier oils take a bit longer to absorb, but offer more protection for dry skin types.