Skin cells regenerate every twenty-one days, so a monthly facial is essential for maintaining a healthy and glowing complexion. A complete facial involves a six-step process: analyzing, steaming, massaging the skin, applying the mask, rinsing the face and moisturizing the skin with a strong protective cream. Facials may take up to an hour to complete, but they're worth the effort. Not only your skin but your whole body will feel refreshed and clean.
Six steps to beautiful skin:
1. Analyze: Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Pull your hair back from your face and secure. Examine your skin carefully in the mirror using a good strong light. Is it dry, oily? Take note of blackheads or blemishes and pluck any stray facial hair with tweezers.
2. Steam: Fill your bathroom sink with hot water, then make a tent with a towel and lean forward over the basin. Let the steam envelop your face for 5-10 minutes. Steam baths help soften the skin, opening pores and extracting impurities. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the hot water will enhance your steam "session".
Calming Scents
Basil
Chamomile
Jasmine
Rose
Lavender
Marjoram
Energizing Scents
Sage
Eucalyptus (good for breathing issues too)
Orange
Lemon
Peppermint
Rosemary
**Note: If you have severe acne, skip this step. Steaming is not recommended for badly broken-out skin, since it can aggravate the condition by stimulating blood vessels and activating oil glands.
3. Massage: Using your fingertips, gently massage your face in smooth upward strokes. The length of the facial massage depends on your skin type: twelve to fifteen minutes for dry skin and as little as five minutes for oily skin, to avoid producing more oil.
4. Facial mask: This is the most relaxing part of the facial process. Create a fresh mask based on your skin analysis: for dry skin, a moisturizing mask containing egg yolk or banana; for oily skin, an astringent mask using egg whites or aloe vera gel. Using your fingers or a small pastry brush, spread the mask onto your face and neck. Create a thin even layer, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes. Leave the mask on for fifteen to twenty minutes to dry thoroughly.
5. Rinse: Rinse your face with warm water. Follow with a cool-water rinse for at least one minute, then pat your skin dry.
6. Moisturize: Using your favorite facial moisturizer, massage the cream or lotion onto your face and neck, and allow it to soak in. Your skin will look radiant, and your body will feel recuperated and revitalized.
In honor of our last "Humpday Hottie" and video by RayneAtTwilight....
Black Velvet Hair Rinse
A Black Velvet is a popular English drink, but few people realize that it also makes a great finishing hair rinse and will give your hair extra body and bounce. Don't worry if the spirits have gone flat; the alcohol's effect will leave your hair feeling healthy and vibrant.
1/2 cup champagne
1/2 cup stout beer
Mix together the champagne and stout beer. Pour the mixture over just-shampooed hair and style as usual. Any extra beer or champagne may be kept in the refrigerator for other rinses.
Yield: 8 ounces, enough for 1 rinse.
*source text: Natural Beauty for All Seasons by Janice Cox
*source photos: Various web
Scuttlebutt and Prattle, at your service.
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