A Natural Guide to Everyday Beauty

Skin

As the skin is the largest organ in the body, it demands maintenance and care to keep it healthy and beautiful. The skin receives excessive exposure to all kinds of elements, including sun, wind, cold temperatures, dry conditions, and chemicals. The skin also serves as the first line of defense against germs and injury. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, and the dermis is the layer underneath. Pores in the skin enable the body to eliminate toxins and waste. To keep the epidermis layer fresh and healthy and to ensure that pores remain open, slough off old skin cells regularly. Lifestyle choices can also impact the skin’s appearance. For example, not getting enough sleep, skipping workouts, and overloading on unhealthy foods can show up in the skin with dark circles under the eyes, blemishes, and a sallow color.

Washing the skin with a gentle cleanser is important for removing tiny particles that can cause damage. Create a natural and moisturizing cleanser with two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Rub the mixture on your fingers for a moment, and then apply it to the face and neck. Leave the mixture on the skin until it dries, and then rinse it away gently with fresh water. If blemishes occur, don’t reach for harsh chemicals. Instead, apply a touch of tea tree oil directly to the breakout areas and allow it to dry. Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties. Instead of applying wrinkle creams that may contain questionable ingredients, keep the skin tight with simple exercises. Tilt the head back so the chin points toward the ceiling. Pucker the lips and kiss four times to keep the jaw and neck taut. And you can achieve a healthy glow without harsh makeup by mixing a teaspoon of sunscreen and a pinch of powdered mineral bronzer. Slather this mixture over the face liberally.

Hair

Keeping hair healthy and beautiful can be challenging, but it is possible to use more natural products for hair care. Make a homemade shampoo out of coconut milk, liquid Castile soap, and essential oils such as lavender or rosemary. When dry hair occurs, apply organic olive oil to it to moisturize naturally. Inject soft body and volume into hair by mixing a cup of warm water, a tablespoon of sea salt, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spritz the mixture over damp hair, scrunch with the fingers, and allow the tresses to air dry. When hair seems prone to breakage, apply about a half-cup of mayonnaise throughout the strands and comb it through for even coverage. Allow the mayonnaise to sit for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly. Shampoo and condition normally. The foods you eat can be beneficial to both the hair and nails. Vitamin H and zinc can help with split ends. Increasing your omega-3 intake can add extra shine to the hair. High-protein foods such as eggs, poultry, dairy, nuts, and lean meats can be nourishing for both hair and nails thanks to the keratin present in these foods.

Teeth

To keep teeth and gums healthy, see a dentist regularly for cleanings and preventative care. Many commercial toothpastes contain harsh chemicals and ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and artificial colors. You can purchase natural toothpaste products to use for brushing teeth. However, you can also make your own homemade toothpaste. One of the most simple and natural products you can use for brushing your teeth is plain baking soda. Baking soda helps neutralize acids in the mouth, and it cleans gently. Other homemade toothpaste recipes may contain bentonite clay, coconut oil, peppermint or cinnamon essential oil, and xylitol powder. Whiten teeth by mixing a paste of one part baking soda and two parts hydrogen peroxide. Brush the paste onto the teeth and allow it to stay on the surfaces for about one minute. Rinse the mouth with cool water to finish.

• Skin and Nail Care
• Skin-Savers 101: The Fundaments of Personal Skin Care
• Summer Hair Care Tips
• Techniques to Achieve Naturally Healthy Hair (PDF)
• Hair Care (PDF)
• Do's and Don'ts for DIY Skin Care
• Hair-Styling Essentials (PDF)
• Five Steps to Healthy Teeth
• Health: Taking Good Care of Your Teeth (PDF)
• Best Way to Brush Your Teeth
• Teeth Whitening: Effective or a Marketing Scam? (PDF)
• Plantation Cosmetic Dentists
• Plantation Periodontist