Last Updated on Thursday, 8 December 2011 04:27 Posted by Home Cure Wednesday, 13 April 2011 10:34

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Someone once said: “If you want beautiful skin, treat it as you would a cashmere sweater.” Healthy, radiant skin is a reflection of inner good health, and also lets you ’face” the world with greater confidence.

Your skin performs many roles, protecting you from wind, sun, cold, heat, and water while also providing the first line of defense against bacteria. Your skin is continuously at work renewing itself, sloughing off old cells and building new ones.

In order to achieve a radiant complexion, take some time every day – morning and night - to cleanse and nourish your skin with gentle and natural skincare products. If you would like to try your hand at making your own products, here are some great ideas to get you started:

Elder flowers have been used throughout the ages to cleanse the skin, clear the complexion of freckles, and to ease irritated skin. Pour one cup of boiling water over one tablespoon of elder flowers. Let it steep for about 20 minutes, then strain. Wash your face daily with this tea or simply splash on your face for a quick skin ‘pick-me-up’.

Jojoba oil nourishes and protects your skin from the elements and can be used by all skin types. This exceptional oil is very well-known in the cosmetic industry; you can find it in high-end skin care products. It penetrates more easily than other oils without leaving your skin oily. Jojoba oil possesses antibacterial properties, useful for the treatment of acne. Add 5 drops of mandarin essential oil, or your favorite essential oil, to one tablespoon of pure jojoba oil. Mandarin essential oil promotes the rejuvenation of dull and congested skin, and inhaling the scent encourages uplifted feelings, inspiration and tranquility.

To compliment your skin care routine, drink several cups of herbal tea every day to nourish and hydrate your skin and body. Drinking herbal teas can provide more value than just drinking water, because they deliver minerals (electrolytes) to your body so that you can absorb water more effectively.  A freshly made tea can be sipped warm or cold, and can also be applied to the skin.

Some of the best known herbs for promoting healthy and radiant skin are:

• Aloe Vera – deeply hydrating and cooling when applied to the skin
• Burdock root – clears the skin of impurities
• Calendula – promotes tissue repair
• Chamomile – calming to irritated skin
• Lavender – balancing to oily skin
• Linden – softens the skin
• Red Clover – clears skin of impurities
• Rose – for aging and dehydrated skin
• Rosemary – invigorating, and increases circulation to the skin
• Witch Hazel – tightens skin, for large pores
• Yarrow – clears the skin

Take some time to incorporate some of these natural solutions for beautiful skin into your daily routine - you’ll be glad you did!