Back to basics

Could there be a simpler, easier, safer way to a healthy and beautiful skin? Yes, yes and yes. Stop spending a fortune and take your skin-care regime right back to basics: thorough cleansing and nourishing plus a great, healthy lifestyle. Remember that beauty does come from within. People with great skin really take care of themselves. They have a good diet, they drink plenty of water, they have a massage and they do everything that promotes good skin.

Given the right raw ingredients, our bodies have the power to heal themselves. This doesn't just apply to our internal organs but also to what we often forget is our largest organ - the skin. Nowadays, of course, natural healing is a tough job for the body: however healthy we try to make our lifestyle, we are battling against an over-polluted environment and polluted air and food. Our skin needs extra help in sloughing off toxins, gaining essential nutrients and protecting itself against the ravages of modern living. Unfortunately, as we've seen, many of the high-tech, highly expensive beauty products are not helping the skin but actually hindering it. Skin-care products are essentially food and nourishment for the skin; so, why not treat the skin, our largest organ, with the same care that we give to the inside of our bodies?

It's time to detox your bathroom shelf.
By following this list, you can minimize the dangers of store-bought skin care.

• Look carefully at the products you use, particularly if you have "sensitive" or problem skin. If you do have sensitive/problem skin, you definitely have to take a look at your diet. Bad eating habits is an immediate reflection on your food choices. And it won't go unnoticed. People can tell right away when you are eating/drinking bad.
• If the product does not list all its components, ask the company for full label disclosure. A reputable company will happily tell you precisely what is in its creams or lotions. If you are not sure what an ingredient is, ask. Cosmetic language is designed to confuse - for instance, they use "aqua" instead of water. However, in general, if its too long and difficult to pronounce, it's probably to unpleasant to put on your skin.
• Be particularly wary of highly perfumed or colored products. The chemicals used to make products look and smell nice are often the most problematic. Remember, too, that lots of bubbles means lots of chemicals.
• Be wary of products that offer a quick fix, If you force your skin to do anything fast, it will undoubtedly rebound on you. And beware of products that claim to be able to "force" or "push: wonder ingredients such as Vitamin C or collagen into your skin. You get Vitamin C for your face if you EAT an orange. 
• If you regularly dye your hair, use natural hair colorings - e.g. henna. Dark hair dyes, in particular, have been linked with increased cancer risk. Highlights are safer than all-over dyes because they don't soak the scalp.
• Be gentle with your skin: don't rub it and don't vigorously exfoliate it. The outer layer of the skin is there for a reason. Treat it carefully. A gentle, once-a-week exfoliation is fine.
• Make sure your skin is really clean. Adopt a thorough but gentle cleansing routine morning and night. Avoid products that strip the skin from its natural oils.
• Don't use a heavy moisturizer at night (throw that heavy night cream out!). It won't allow the skin to carry out its natural nightly detox, rest and repair. Use a light cream or herbal gel.
• Moisturize your skin from the inside by drinking water (10 8oz glasses a day), it also helps the skin eliminate toxins. Caffeine dehydrates the skin - instead, drink green tea (packed with antioxidants) or fresh squeezed juices. Juices are Skin Boosters! For more info about juicing click here.
• Of course, make-up is equally full of chemicals. Holistic skin-care ranges do exist but don't usually have the high performance of high-tech make-ups. Try limit the amount you wear foundation, in particular, and make sure you take all make-up off thoroughly.
• Exercise regularly: lack of exercise can lead to your muscles deteriorating which, in turn, can affect the tone and firmness of your skin. Yoga poses, in particular, take blood all round the body that nourishes your skin and hair. In addition, sweating helps to unblock your pores, cleanse the skin and rid the body of toxins.
• Stress, tension and tiredness all take their toll on your skin. By adding a quick meditation routine during your day, you'll help your skin recover.

Here are a few simple facial treatments you can do at home, and they are completely natural!

Egg White Face Mask

An egg white face mask is a wonderful way to tighten your pores and give your face a temporary lift. Many swear that it is a miracle treatment for acne, blackheads, and other skin ailments. Though some say that it can be a little smelly, it is easy, inexpensive, and an excellent way to help you feel as though you've been treated at a spa.

• Crack one egg and separate the yolk from the white. Some prefer to whip the egg white to a light foam, but this is not necessary.
• Using your fingers or a makeup brush, gently rub the egg white over your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes. It will start feel very tight as it dries.
• An egg white mask cannot be peeled off so you must rinse the face mask off with warm water.

Some prefer to do the mask right before a shower and rinse it off while in the shower. Use organic eggs if you want to avoid any chemicals that might be found in eggs. Add a tablespoon of honey if you want to add a moisturizing element to your egg white face mask. Do not use an egg white face mask if you are allergic to eggs.

Strawberry Face Mask

If you have oily skin and are looking for an alternative to costly skin care products, make your own strawberry face mask at home. This recipe not only smells and tastes great; it's also natural, effective and less expensive than anything you can find in a bottle.

1. Mash 9 large strawberries in a small bowl until they are smooth. Strawberries are rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps clear acne and reduce oil. Strawberries also reduce puffiness and circles beneath the eyes.
2. Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to the berries. Olive oil helps moisturize and clean the skin but doesn't clog pores, leaving your skin clean, supple and glowing.
3. Stir in 2 tbsp. all natural honey. Honey kills bacteria and reduces swelling and inflammation, giving the skin a taught, youthful appearance.
4. Squeeze a few drops of lemon into the mixture and stir until creamy. Lemon is a natural astringent and will help to eliminate oil from the skin. The amount of lemon you add will depend on your skin type. If your skin tends toward dryness, add only 8 to 10 drops. If your skin tends to be oily, you can add up to 1 tbsp. lemon juice.
5. This recipe makes enough for two face masks. Store the extra strawberry face mask in the refrigerator for up to a week in an air-tight container.