Treating Problems of a Healthy Skin with Natural Skincare

Natural skincare

Scent has always played an important role in our lives. Even in early times, our predecessors wore herbs and flowers for feelings of well-being, creating plant potions and tinctures, utilising aromatherapy for protection, peace, health and happiness. Flowers, herbs and other such aromatic plants are used today for medicinal and holistic treatments.

The pure essential oils used in aromatherapy can be incorporated into skincare to directly fight bacterial invasions. When combined with massage, the immune system is revitalised, on a physical level and on an emotional plane by nurturing love, positive outlook and self-image. Using massage, reflexology and essential oils to strengthen the immune system, the skin improves while negativity is released, and toxins carried and stored in the lymph glands are stimulated, eliminated and replaced with fresh blood and nourishment. Relaxation and nutritious food are essential in the elimination of toxins, supplying healthy `skin food’, and the maintenance of good, healthy skin.

PROBLEMS OF HEALTHY SKIN
With the range of foundation and cosmetics available, the visible side of our persona looks better than ever, but is this merely masking the “too much coffee and too many late nights” that lies beneath? Even a healthy looking skin can suffer any one of a number of common minor dilemmas. Aromatherapy and natural remedies present one way to approach these with an alternative solution; however, if problems are the result of a serious condition, professional medical help can get to the bottom of the cause. It may be necessary to have food allergy testing or a blood test to check hormone and mineral levels, as any serious disharmony within the body can easily cause regular, repetitive skin conditions. As you gaze at your reflection with eyes that mirror your soul, and if the likeness that stares right back at you is reflecting a look that is grey and wilted, then your skin is sending a message from within, echoing the state of your inner being…

ENEMIES OF THE SKIN
We need to nourish and care for this amazing substance that holds our body together. Think of how your skin responds to: a lack of relaxation, irregular skin care and nourishment, chemical and synthetic products or ingredients, alcohol, cigarettes, stress, pollution… Are you contributing to your skins appearance through neglect or abuse?
Skin conditions menu:
Dark Circles
Pimples
Cold Sores
Blackheads
Milia
Enlarged Pores
Rough skin
Couperose
Pigmentation
Bruises

• DARK CIRCLES may be hereditary or due to irregular sleep patterns, diet and lifestyle. If the body hasn’t had enough rest, the toxins that are dispersed during the night reduce the oxygen in the blood, making it appear darker and visible in areas where the skin is the thinnest (under the eye!).
  Exercise and fresh air help to eliminate toxins, or you can treat this delicate area to reduce the blood vessels, thereby removing some of the dark colour with one of the following methods
  1. Cold tea bag compresses for 15 minutes (chamomile tea is excellent).
  2. Potato compresses (gauze filled with grated potato) for 15 minutes.
  3. Hold an icecube wrapped in a soft cloth on the area for a few as long as you can stand (also removes redness + swelling).
  4. Place thinly slice cucumber on the eyes for 15 minutes.
  5. Start your day with a warm water + lemon juice tonic, for optimal skin cleansing.
  6. A hydrating eye oil containing chamomile.
  7. Concealing is a topical cosmetic "remedy", use in conjunction with the home remedies.
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• PIMPLES appear as inflamed, hardened lumps (papule), which may later develop pus (pustule).
  If left alone (i.e. not squeezed) then the healing process should dissipate the pimple, without any damage or scarring. In more serious cases, the pimple may rupture and damage the dermal layer of the skin, or spread infection creating further problems.
  ¤ Tea tree or lavender oil neat – unless sensitivity is known. Dip a cotton tip into either one or a mixture and apply directly to affected area. It is preferable to use a cotton tip, to minimise spreading bacteria from fingertips by touching acne / pimples. Be aware not to keep touching the area, as sweat, dirt and bacteria transfers from your fingers, and will discourage the healing process.
  For the spot that crashes your party - just when you want to look your best!! With a nose that can sense the anticipation of a big event from a day away, and you are in a quandary with no other option left to salvage you in time, try one of these little ‘rescue remedies’.
  ¤ Once your face is thoroughly clean - with clean hands, gently, but firmly massage the spot in a circular motion for about 20 minutes. This will help to stimulate the elimination of any infection into the bloodstream. Finish with a dab of tea tree or lavender oil on the spot, and most small, newly formed pimples clear up with this treatment.
  ¤ Hold a piece of ice (wrapped in gauze) on the blemish for as long as you can - repeat a few times. If any stinging occurs discontinue. The ice helps to shrink the small blood vessels, as the blood drains from the spot it removes infection. If prone to broken capillaries do not apply ice.
  MaQ has a few little makeup tips + tricks for covering pimples.
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• COLD SORES (fever blisters), CANKER SORES (aphthous ulcers) - oral herpes.
  While canker sores are not contagious, cold sores are highly contagious - it is imperative that the area is NOT touched (spreading to other parts of the mouth/ body), and is kept clean and dry - kissing should be avoided!! The virus remains in a nerve near the cheekbone and can be triggered by emotional trauma, illness, accidents and overexposure to the sun. To minimise irritation to sores, try a soft, bland diet, and exclude any spicy or acidic foods with both canker sores and cold sores.
  Apply tea tree directly as soon as that tingling feeling starts, or mix a blend of bergamot (de-stressing / antiseptic), eucalyptus (antibiotic / anti-inflammatory) and tea tree (antiviral / antibacterial) into a teaspoon of pure alcohol and dab onto affected area. If the cold sore blisters, then apply lavender directly. To increase the healing process, dab Melissa onto the area several times daily.
  *It is essentially important for suffers of herpes to avoid strong UV light, and take extra care to use preventative solar protection to minimise severity of flare-ups.
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• BLACKHEADS (COMEDONES) blocked oil glands (sebaceous)
  are an accumulation of dead cells and hardened excess oil that blocks the hair follicle.
  Scrupulous cleaning, exfoliating and regular treatments are necessary, removal may be required, but only under the most sanitary conditions and by a professional. Removal of blackheads at home is not recommended, as permanent scarring is likely to occur.
  Honey mixed into a clay mask is smoothing and nurturing and is a gentle way to draw out impurities. A mild exfoliation, massaged in circular motion, made up of almond meal, honey, yoghurt, with a few drops of lavender and tea tree essential oil, after cleansing, will gently cleanse the skin and help to soften and dislodge blocked pores.
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• MILIA (whiteheads) pearl-like grains, of dead cells and sebum obstructed beneath the epidermis. Related to the liver and gall bladder, which break down fats - look into dietary causes. Do not attempt to remove these yourself.
  A gentle method of dissolving the top layer of skin (so that the hardened granule that is trapped beneath this film of skin can escape) is to apply honey. Tea tree applied neat helps to break down the blocked oil deposit. Although neither of these methods will work overnight, milia removal that may cause scarring is best avoided.
  For more information on Milia: MaQ .
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• ENLARGED PORES due to natural ageing process and / or oily skin that has been over dried, forcing dead skin cells to harden in the pores and stretch them.
  If enlarged pores are due to blackheads stretching the entrance of the pore, then firstly remove blackheads using one of the above methods, then to contract pores, blend (one or your preferred mixture) of camphor, sage and / or thyme in a base of jojoba oil. Use as a compress or mix in with your moisturiser and apply to affected areas. Jojoba is easily absorbed into the skin and balances oil levels (which may assist in reducing blackheads as sebum production is regulated).
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• ROUGH SKIN build up of dead skin cells, exfoliating treatments combined with massage will remove excess congregation.
  For FACE: apply a blend of lavender, geranium + sandalwood, in wheatgerm oil, morning and evening, until skin texture becomes smooth and pliable.
  For BODY: bathe in a blend of rosewood, geranium + neroli, or massage into dry patches in a base of avocado oil (smoothes scaly, dry skin) and aloe vera (regenerative properties, prevents premature ageing).
  For HANDS (and nails): rub olive oil into cuticles; add lavender, rose and geranium to a moisturising cream, and neglected hands will benefit from this kind treatment after washing, using harsh chemicals or whenever they feel dry.
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• COUPEROSE visible redness under the skin due to tiny dilated and / or broken capillaries on the nose, chin and cheeks. Easily aggravated by harsh products, massage, climate - sun, wind, heat to cold (and visa versa), smoking, alcohol, hot and tangy foods
  Circulation needs to be balanced – juniper will assist in regulating circulation; weak blood vessels need to be strengthened, as broken capillaries are easily inflamed. In some cases it is possible to contract visible blood vessels [over a period of time], try a blend of neroli, Roman chamomile + rose in a base oil of Vitamin E, under a mask, or into your moisturiser. Oils such as chamomile and rose contain vasoconstriction properties to assist the narrowing and contraction of small blood vessels and decreasing blood flow in that area. Avoid known irritants; increase vitamin C (esp. if a deficiency is contributing to condition) and eat foods that are easy to digest, protect skin from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
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• PIGMENTATION yellow, brown, red, pink, white or dark red/purple discolouration of the skin due to hormones, pregnancy, the pill, or sun damage. Most commonly occurring in the form of freckles.
  Although age spots occur naturally in maturing skin, long-term treatment with lemon oil will provide visible improvement when applied topically, as it works to gradually lighten age spots. This blend may also lightly bleach pigmentation and freckles.
  *Have all moles checked regularly by your doctor, and any changes in freckle colour or size should be monitored.
  For makeup tips on covering pigmentation and more skincare tips: MaQ .
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• BRUISES (contusions) are the result of tissue damage and bleeding beneath the skin caused by severe pressure or direct force.
  Immediately apply ice to reduce swelling and minimise bruising by slowing the blood flow and activating coagulation. To alleviate pain after initial icing, add a blend of rosemary, geranium and lavender to an icy cold compress. As the bruise is healing, use this blend of oils (in an arnica tincture or cream) to massage the area and dissipate the bruise by stimulating circulation and fresh blood flow to the area.
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