Discover Your Skin Type and Beautify it Naturally

In my last post I discussed with you the simple steps to a quick and easy skin care routine, but this means nothing if you don't even know what your skin type is. Yes, it's true. If you didn't already know, every person has a specific type of skin. Some peoples skin is dry, some sensitive, some oily, some normal, and some are a combination of a few, but depending on this you need to treat your skin accordingly. It isn't hard to determine your skin type, you just need to know what to look for.

For those that never thought of it, I'm going to give you a simple explanation of each skin type and then a few easy skin care recipes that you can make at home. Enjoy!

Oily Skin

Oily skin tends to be shiny with enlarged pores and is prone to blackheads, blemishes, pimples and acne. If you have oily skin you need to be very gentle and do not treat it harshly. You need products that will gently cleanse the oils from the skins surface and unclog pores, but at the same time they should not damage the skin or cause it to dry out. Water is very important to keep oily skin supple and soft.


Thyme Cleanser

1 tbsp Milk
1 heaped tsp Wheatmeal Flour
1 level tsp Cornflour (cornstarch)
2 tbsp Thyme Infusion (An infusion is made just like making a cup of tea)

Put the milk, flour and cornflour into a glass jar standing in hot water, and stir until it begins to thicken. Add the thyme infusion and stir in well. Allow to cool and apply to your face in circular, gentle motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Buttermilk Toner 

Smooth the buttermilk over your face and neck, and allow to dry for ten to fifteen minutes. This toner is gently astringent and restores the acid mantle to the skin, which oily skin lacks. Rinse off with tepid water and blot dry.

Chamomile, Licorice and Fennel Mask

2 tbsp Fennel Seed Infusion
2 tbsp mild Chamomile Infusion
1 tsp Licorice Root Powder
1 tbsp Honey
Oatmeal Flour to thicken

To make a fennel seed infusion, infuse half a tablespoon of crushed fennel seeds in half a cup of boiling water until it cools completely. Combine the infusions, the licorice powder and the honey, then thicken to a soft paste with some oatmeal flour. Apply to your face and neck, and leave it on for fifteen to twenty minutes until it has set. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Dry Skin 

Dry skin usually feels tight, especially after cleansing and it has a tendency towards having fine wrinkles, flaking skin and red patches. The main focus if you are a sufferer of dry skin is to restore moisture. As with oily skin, use gentle products and avoid soaps and toner that dry your skin out even more.


Apricot and Avocado Cleanser

4 tbsp Apricot Oil
4 tbsp Avocado Oil
2 tbsp Mineral Water

Beat all the ingredients together with an electric beater, this should make the mixture light, white and creamy in texture. Transfer to a sterilised bottle or jar and shake well before use. Apply to you skin a circular motion, then rinse with tepid water, leaving some of the oils on your skin to nourish through the night. When stored properly, this cleanser can keep fresh and be used for up to two months.

Oatmeal and Yogurt Facial Scrub
 
2 tbsp fine Oatmeal
2 tbsp Plain Yogurt
1 tbsp Almond Oil

Place the oatmeal in a bowl and gradually mix in the yogurt and almond oil, then leave the oatmeal to soften for five minutes. Gently massage the mixture into your face and neck for about five minutes, avoiding the area directly around your eyes, then rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Cucumber and Coconut Moisturiser

7.5 cm (3 inch) piece Cucumber
Pinch Borax
1 tsp Lanolin
1 tsp Cocoa Butter
1 tbsp Beeswax
2 tbsp Coconut Oil

Finely chop the cucumber and press it in a sieve to extract the juice (there should be about two tablespoons worth). Warm the juice and dissolve the borax in it. Place the lanolin, cocoa butter, beeswax and coconut oil in a bowl set in a saucepan of water and melt on a low heat. Remove entirely from the heat and beat in the cucumber juice until the mixture has cooled down. Store in a sterilised jar and apply like in upward and outward motions, and continue use for up to six weeks.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin tends to be thin, delicate with fine pores, it flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries and is frequently allergic and rashy. If you have babies, or children, whether their skin is rashy or not, it is better to always consider their skin a sensitive. As with the above skin types, you need to be incredibly gentle. Avoid scented products and scents in general as they tend to cause itching and dryness as well as rashes, and moisturise skin thoroughly.

Olive Oil Cleanser

2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Honey

Mix the ingredients together and apply to your face and neck, rubbing in with the fingertips. Wash off with a mild chamomile infusion. It may be necessary to warm the oil and honey a little in cold weather as the honey tends to become rather granular.

Honey Toning Lotion

Mix half a teaspoon of honey with one tablespoon of warmed, distilled water. Apply to your face and neck and leave to dry for half an hour. Gently rinse off and pat dry.

Chamomile and Honey Mask

2 tbsp Unprocessed Bran
3 tbsp Chamomile Flower Infusion
1 tsp melted Honey

Mix all the ingredients together. I will warn you, this mask is crumbly, but smooth it over your face and neck and leave for ten minutes. Wash off with a mild or diluted chamomile infusion and blot dry.

Calendula Oil

A very simple way of moisturising and healing rashy, sensitive skin is to just apply some calendula oil. Calendula oil is used in many healing balms and lotions in natural products. It is so gentle and it will leave your skin feel soft, supple and brand new.

Normal/Combination Skin

Normal or combination skin is the skin type if you don't already have it, that we dream about having. This skin type generally has medium pores, a smooth, even texture, good circulation and a healthy colour. If their are any problems, it is most likely to be dryness in the cheeks while it's oily in the T-zone. The main priority with normal or combination skin is to moisturise well to keep normals levels.



Mint Cleanser

2 tsp Coconut Oil
1 tsp Mint Infusion
1 drop Cider Vinegar

Melt the coconut oil, ass the mint infusion and vinegar and shake well. Apply to skin in circular motions then rinse with tepid water. This cleanser leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Ground Almond and Honey Facial Scrub

2 tbsp Ground Almonds
2 tsp Honey
4 tbsp Buttermilk or Plain Yogurt
2 drops Rose Oil

Place the ground almonds and honey in a bowl, then mix in the buttermilk to make a thick paste and beat in the rose oil. Gently massage the mixture into your face and neck for about two minutes, avoiding your eye area, and rinse off with tepid water, and pat dry.

 
Citrus Toner

Peel from 2 Lemons, 2 Oranges and 1 Grapefruit
300 ml Mineral Water

Place the citrus peels in a bowl and pour on the mineral water, then cover and leave for twelve hours. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter and into a sterilised bottle, and use within two weeks. To use, soak cotton buds in the mixture and apply to your face, then leave to dry. You can rinse it off, but it is perfectly safe to leave on your skin.

Witch Hazel and Rose Lotion

1 tsp Almond Oil
1 tsp Rosewater
1.5 tsp distilled Witch Hazel (Pharmacy)
1 tsp Honey 

Combine the ingredients in a small glass bottle. You may need to warm the honey if it needs softening. Screw on the lid and shake well before application. Apply in upward and outward motions.

I hope this skin type guide was simple enough to follow and even more importantly, that you love these skin care recipe's as much as I do. They are so simple, natural and beautiful, and all the ingredients are incredibly easy to get your hands on. Remember that you can also find me and some more goodies at www.facebook.com/thesixthscent. I am so excited about everyone starting their new skin care routines, and I hope to hear everyone's skin health progress. This is it everyone, we are well and truly beginning our skin health life! Enjoy it, appreciate it and Love it!

The Sixth Scent.

A Simple Routine for Sensational Skin

The word routine sends a lot of mixed messages, the main thought revolving around when you are going to be able to schedule the time to fit in a skin care routine. But it is that simple, that it should take no time at all, and the benefits in the long run make it totally worth while. All it takes is four simple steps.

Step 1: Cleanse

When it comes to cleansing, simple is the key, and even more importantly, when you find a cleanser that works for your skin, stick with it! I recommend not using any soap based cleansers as these tend to dry your skin out. The rule with soaps is that they are used from the neck down, never on the face, as skin on your face is much more delicate. Creamy cleansers are better for drier skin types and water based cleansers are better for oilier skin types. Cleansing your skin removes dirt and grime, it removes excess oil from the surface of your skin and from your pores, and it aids in the cell renewal process. However, don't cleanse too often. Cleansing at night is far more beneficial because when you go to sleep the body's rejuvenation process begins, so having clean skin aids that cell renewal process a lot more. All you need to do in the morning is splash some water on your face. First, splash warm water on your face to loosen dirt and unclog pores. Then, with a small amount of cleanser (a dollop the size of a fifty cent piece) rub into your skin in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with cool/lukewarm water. Remember, all make-up should be removed prior to cleansing and never use hot or cold water, as both can cause broken capillaries in your skin.

                                                                             Step 2: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the most commonly forgotten or missed step when it comes to skin care routines however, when brought into a routine properly, the differences in your skin are almost immediately noticeable. I know we always wonder why is it that men always look more youthful at older ages than women, and the simple answer is that when they shave, their skin is exfoliated in the process. Using scrubs removes the top layer of dead skin cells that dull your complexion and it also helps your skin to better absorb any moisturisers you use during the day. Make sure you use a gentle scrub or exfoliant, something with tiny grains, as large grains tear your skin and cause more harm than good. Apply your exfoliant gently and scrub in a circular motion, then rinse away thoroughly with lukewarm water. Scrub only once a week for glowing skin all year round.

Step 3: Tone
Toning is not a compulsory step in your skin care routine, but if it makes your skin feel good, then do it! Toning your skin can improve its texture, but if your skin is dry, make sure it's alcohol free otherwise just don't use it. Using a cotton ball, simply soak it in your preferred toner and apply to you skin in upward and outward motions, then just allow to dry and be absorbed into you skin. Tone after every cleanse or exfoliation and before moisturising if you want to include it in you skin care routine.

                                                                          Step 4: Moisturise

Some beauticians believe that moisturising is not a necessity, but in harsh climates, whether it's hot or cold, skin becomes dry and skin hydration is a must. Unlike some steps in a skin care routine, moisturising is a compulsory for all skin types however, if you are prone to acne outbreaks, moisturising is not always necessary for you. Put a small amount of moisturiser on your fingers and apply to your face in upward and outward strokes until almost absorbed. Remember, you can apply moisturiser as much as it's needed. If your skin is feeling tight, it needs to be moisturised, but try not to overdo it when you skin doesn't need it as this can clog up your pores. Use a water based moisturiser and combine this with drinking lots of water to hydrate skin from the inside.

Optional Extras: Masks

Face masks are a special little treat when you really want to pamper yourself. You do not need to include a face mask in your routine, but you can once a week after your weekly exfoliation if you like. Simple clay and mud based cleansing masks are very messy but are the most effective when trying to improve your skins condition, whereas cream masks moisturise after too much sun-exposure and if you have dry skin. Put the mask into your hands first, then stroke it over clean, exfoliated skin, avoiding eye area, and leave for at least 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with tepid or warm water. Just keep in mind that this is not always necessary, but it does give you an extra clean and hydration, and it sometimes just gives you that extra boost of confidence when you need it or want to simply spoil yourself.

                                          Winter Skin Care Must Knows

As it gets colder and windier your skin becomes drier which demands a change in your skin care routine to improve your moisture balance. Here are a few tips to help you through those freezing, unusually dry skinned times. Warm showers and baths improve your skins moisture intake and open your pores, but remember to always moisturise immediately after bathing. Also, regularly apply a good, moisturising lip balm. Exfoliation in winter is very important as it removes dead skin cells which are in much higher abundance throughout winter and combine this with plenty of sleep because that is the time when your body rejuvenates itself and your skin. Moisturise your hands on a regular basis as they tend to dry out, especially after household chores, and protect your skin against excessive sun exposure. Take care of your nails, hair and scalp as they all become brittle and dry in the winter season. And last but not least, drink lots of water.

These simples steps are so quick and easy, and you will thank me when your skin starts to glow. People are going to wonder what you're taking and they will be shocked when they discover how easy it is!

Tomorrow I will give you an easy guide to determining you skin type and tell you a few easy secrets on how to make your own cleansers, toners and masks at home. Enjoy and have a happy skin health day!

The Sixth Scent.

Quick and Easy After-Sun Tricks

Okay, so we all do it; spend way too much time roasting ourselves out in the sun for a good tan, or just because it's a nice day and we want to be outside, but what do you do when you burn? Of course the obvious solution is SLIP, SLOP, SLAP; that ridiculous saying we learnt as children to remind us that we need to slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. But sometimes we just don't remember, or we underestimate the suns intensity, or we even just forget how long it has been since out last slop.

As much as some people hate it and have heard it, this sun care routine is actually very important as the health risks of burning too often can be quick unpleasant. Statistics show that your chances of developing melanoma's or skin cancerous cells are doubled if you are sun burnt as little as five times, not to mention the premature ageing that coincides with the long hours some of us spend out in the sun just for a good tan.

Don't get me wrong, I am guilty of all these things and probably more, and it is only since having a child of my own that I have become more concerned with the suns risks. But, because nobody is perfect and we all forget from time to time, and it is incredibly important to still get that magnificent Vitamin D that keeps us looking beautiful, I want to give you some simple tips and tricks to help you through those hot summer days.

Aloe Vera; I can guarantee that everyone has either seen or heard of this plant at some point in their lives. You can find many products in supermarkets for after-sun skin care that contains Aloe Vera, but they generally contain other yucky ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate as discussed in my previous blog, and even things like benzocaine, lidocaine and petroleum jelly which are not only bad for your skin, but actually worsen the effects of your sunburns. I highly recommend investing in an Aloe Vera plant, as it naturally soothes inflammation and pain caused by sunburn and it's as simple as snap the spine in half and rub its jelly centre on the affected area.

Cucumber; this is a little green vegetable that everyone has in their fridge or garden. We all know how good cucumbers taste and how refreshing they are, and we've all heard of it as a dark-eye-circle cure, but did you ever think of how cooling and sensational it was. All it takes is to cut fresh cucumber into slices and rub it on your burns, or simply place it on the affected area and leave.

Baking Powder is another ingredient we all have in our pantries and it has proven to be incredibly soothing on sunburns. Just add baking powder to a bath and soak.

Chamomile and Lavender are both beautifully moisturising and refreshing. So after a long day in the sun, what better way to stop your skin from feeling dry and peeling than this. Either put a few drop of chamomile and lavender essential oils in a luke warm bath or put fresh flowers in a warm bath and soak in it's goodness.

Potatoes; as unusual as it seems, are fantastic soothers of that awful heat you feel after getting too much sun because of its high starch content. Simply grate potatoes and apply to burnt skin.

Yogurt is an amazing relief for nasty sunburns. It contains enzymes and acids that help soothe and relieve the affected skin quickly however, a natural yogurt is more likely to help than highly processed yogurts. I recommend soaking a cloth in yogurt, applying to skin and leaving until it has dried, then rinse with cool water.

 Honey is sensational. It has so many uses, including many medicinal as it is an antibacterial remedy, but it is also very moisturising. You can either mix honey with yogurt and apply to area, add to your bath and soak, or  apply directly on the skin.



Now, last but not least..

 
Water! There is not much I need to say about this as we all know how important it is. All I will tell you is keep hydrated at all times, whether in the sun or not. It is so important, as good hydration means beautiful, soft, glowing skin, and will take away that awful dry feeling after being in the sun.




Well that's it for now, I hope you take care in that hot sun, but otherwise, I'm always here to help! Have a happy, healthy skin day!

The Sixth Scent.

That Bubbly Stuff

We have all heard it before, but it is true. What we put on our skin is just as important as what we eat! But have you ever noticed how rare it is that we actually take that advice on. We shrug off the thought that these store bought products could actually be harmful, even dangerous. Unfortunately, we are rarely taught about the effects of harmful chemicals found in today's everyday products, and it is so common that young teenagers that are told of these dangers associate the meaning of natural with 'hippies' and think that it's not important. But it is.

The most commonly used chemicals seen in everyday skin care products is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and it's close relative sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These surfactants, or foaming agents are commonly used in many shampoo's, soaps, detergents and toothpastes, but not many people know of their actual dangers.

SLS is used in many clinical studies, which I'm sure gives you the immediate sense that it must be okay to use, but the sole purpose of using SLS in clinical studies is to cause skin irritation. So why would they use it in skin products? Because it adds that beautiful foam in all our products and it's CHEAP! The sodium lauryl sulfate found in our soaps is exactly the same as that found in car washes and even garages, where it is used to degrease car engines. In the same ways that SLS dissolves the grease in car engines, it also dissolves the oils on your skin. This is one of the main causes of that awful dry feeling you get after using even a moisturiser that has SLS within it's ingredients.

A report published in the Journal of the American College of Toxicology in 1983 showed that a concentration as low as 0.5% could cause skin irritation and 10-30% caused skin corrosion and severe irritation. Now I will tell you that most soaps have a concentration of up to 30% of sodium lauryl sulfate, which has been called highly irritating and even dangerous. 

Not only is this external irritation dangerous, but SLS is also absorbed into the body. When it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of sodium lauryl sulfate is to mimic the activity of the hormone, Oestrogen. This has many health implication including a variety of problems ranging from PMS and menopausal symptoms to male infertility. Absorbed SLS has also been associated with the casue of female cancers such as breast cancer, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved.

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), a close relative of SLS, is somewhat less irritating to the skin but cannot be metabolised by the liver, so its effects are much longer-lasting, making it just as detrimental to your well being.

Okay, enough of the horror stories. I am not telling you this to scare you, rather to make you aware of what you have been putting on your skin. Even I have used these products, but that is how we learn. Now, after all my skin dramas and allergies, I can sit back and tell you with personal experience why it is not in your best interest to use these chemicals on your skin. It is so important and easy to find and even make your own skin care products that contain none of these nasties. I am here to show and guide you into your new and healthy skin life. You can find my products at http://www.facebook.com/thesixthscent and you can email me at thesixthscentskincare@gmail.com for any personal enquiries you have about anything.

The Sixth Scent.