Our skin produces sebum, a natural oil which helps protect the skin from moisture loss, but day to day actions — such as forgetting to put on moisturizer or washing your hands with harsh soap, not following daily skin care regime — can strip natural oils from your skin. But there are many ways of protecting your skin and keep it hydrated all day long in every season.
In this article I have mentioned few ways wherein you can reap the moisturizing benefits of oils, either on their own or by combining them with other ingredients, to make a natural nourishing mask or an exfoliating rub for a healthy, beautiful and vibrant skin.
Olive oil – Olive oil is a natural antioxidant and contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and even has antibacterial properties. When applied to the skin, antioxidants may prevent premature aging.
You can either apply it directly on your skin (as a moisturizing lotion) and drape a warm, damp cloth over your face or body until it cools down and then wipe away the excess oil
Mixing olive oil with sea salt makes an excellent face and body scrub. Make sure to use fine-grained salt on the face and other sensitive areas, and coarser grains on the rest of the body.
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is well known for its antibacterial, antifungal, moisturizing properties. Take a generous amount of coconut oil in your hand and massage it gently all over your face or body in a circular motion in an upward direction. When you’re done, drape a warm, damp cloth over your face or body until it cools down and then wipe away the excess oil.
Avocado Mask – Apply an avocado mask to soothe your dry skin. Take half of avocado and mix it with a teaspoon of olive oil, 1 tbsp of honey to form a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash it off. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin with a moisturizing body lotion or body butter.
Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub – Mix ½ cup of sugar with 2 tbsp of olive oil for a natural moisturizing exfoliating scrub.You can even add an essential oil like lavender for that soothing and relaxation effect. Gently rub the scrub into your skin, and then wash it off. Wind it up by using moisturizer to lock in the benefits of freshly exfoliated skin.
Oatmeal Honey Mask – Oatmeal makes a great exfoliator. Mix 2 tbsp of oats, 1 tbsp of honey and a dash of water to form a smooth paste and place it in a jar. Warm up the mixture a bit before applying it on your skin in a gentle circular motion. Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Aloe Vera – Aloe vera is also known as “Wonder Plant” , can be used both in winter and summer and by people of all skin types. It removes tan, treat sunburn and stretch marks. One way to use aloe vera is to apply the gel directly , leave it on for 15 minutes and wash it off with water, and another would be to mix half a cup of fresh aloe vera gel, a cup of sugar and two tbsp of lemon juice and form a smooth mixture. The sugar will exfoliate and scrub off dead skin, the aloe vera will deep clean the skin and the lemon will help get rid of scars and tan. You can even use this scrub for your entire body.
Milk – Milk makes up for a natural exfoliator. It has lactic acid and natural anti-inflammatory properties which help soften, tone, and exfoliate your skin. Simply soak a cotton pad in milk, and sweep it over your face and down your neck for 5 to 10 minutes.
The lactic acid present in milk helps treating acne. Mix milk with flour to create a thin paste. Apply it before bedtime, leave it on overnight, and rinse in the morning.
Yogurt – The lactic acid present in yogurt will help reduce fine lines and wrinkles,dissolve dead skin and tighten pores. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to 4 tbsp of yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face. Leave it on for about 30 minutes and then rinse it off .
