Skin Care Recipes

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Natural Radiant

Beauty:

Rejuvenating Skin Care

Recipes

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Disclaimer

The recipes in this book are for informational use only.

Nothing in this book is a substitute for medical advice.

Nothing in this book is a substitute for medical advice. If

If

you have a skin condition or health problem

you have a skin condition or health problem,,,, consult your

consult your

personal health care provider.

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Introduction

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Chapter 1. The Problem:

Dangers of Commercial Skin Care

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Chapter 2. The Solution: Create Your Own Natural

Skin Care Treatments

19

19 Chapter 3. The Facial Recipes:

Chapter 3. The Facial Recipes:

Masks, Scrubs and More

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29 Chapter 4. The Moisturizing Recipes

Chapter 4. The Moisturizing Recipes

45

45 Chapter 5. The Recipes For Under Your Eyes

Chapter 5. The Recipes For Under Your Eyes

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55 Chapter 6. The Recipes: Massage Oils

Chapter 6. The Recipes: Massage Oils

65

65 Appendix: Glossary of Skin Care Terms

Appendix: Glossary of Skin Care Terms

73

73 References

References

85

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Introduction

ave

you noticed?

You continue to use cosmetics… products promising you an acne-free life, anti-aging results, smoother glowing skin….

But the more you use these products, the fewer results you see. If you're like millions of other people, you may begin to feel they only prove to be a waste of both your money (the best of these products come with a hefty price tag!) and your time.

There very well could be something else that is being "wasted," too… your very health. It's true!

Every year, Americans buy nearly 50 billion dollars worth of cosmetic products.

The cosmetic and skin care industry is definitely a huge market. It includes the soaps and gels we use every day, as well as acne treatments, anti-aging skin products, deodorants, moisturizers… well, you get the point.

From the looks of things, there appears to be no end in sight when it comes to market growth. Each and every year,

thousands of new treatments are created, tested, and brought to market.

But if they aren't improving your skin, reducing your acne symptoms, smoothing your skin, reducing or lessening the

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effects of wrinkles… then what’s the use of your skin care rituals?

Even the so-called natural and organic cosmetics seem to carry potential dangers -- despite the soothing assurances of

commercials and manufacturers.

Our largest o

Our largest organ:

rgan:

Barrier or sponge?

One of our misconceptions of our skin -- our body's largest organ -- is in the fundamental function it plays. Many of us (including me for the longest time) think of it as a barrier.

It keeps environmental toxins from entering our body. It

protects us in the winter from the effects of the cold. It guards us in the summer from the ravages of the UV rays of the sun. This is a misconception we need to correct.

Your skin acts more like a sponge, soaking up everything it comes in contact with.

If you put cosmetics on it with less than healthy -- even toxic -- ingredients, guess what happens?

All the potentially toxic items soak directly into your skin and into your system. Surely there must be a better way to make you look and feel better without putting your health on the line everyday!

Toxic free skin care

Right at your fingertips

What if I told you there were products available that are natural, and many times organic that wouldn’t harm your skin or

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What if I told you there were products you can use and be absolutely sure of the ingredients you were using?

What if I told you the ingredients for these outstanding skin care remedies are waiting for you right now in your very own kitchen? All you need to do is gather the items and make them.

Are you crazy, you ask? No, I'm not. They aren't difficult to create and the advantages of these treatments are huge!

What could homemade skin care recipes do for you? Consider these results, the very same ones that you see advertised on television and in magazine pages:

• Hasten collagen production

• Improve your skin's moisture content

• Boost your skin's ability to protect itself from environmental toxins

• Reduce the effects of free radicals that can damage your skin

• Encourage and stimulate the renewal and repair of your skin cells

If you believe you're incapable of making such therapies, think again. It doesn't take much time, it doesn't take any fancy equipment, and it doesn't take much space. You could even get started today!

Where

Where sh

sh

should you start?

ould you start?

With the recipes in this book!

Okay, you’re considering the health advantages and thinking about the relative ease of making your own skin care products. But even if it’s true, where should I start? I have no directions or recipes for such products.

That's where this book comes in. Now you do. This book is a compendium of some of the easiest and most effective skin care therapies around. They are easy to create and they all come

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handed down for generations from grandmother to mother to daughter.

Many of these recipes were created by professional herbalists who studied for years and put their wisdom to use devising the most effective remedies.

Imagine pulling honey and milk out of your kitchen cabinet, perhaps adding a smidgen of one or two other ingredients, and making a moisturizer that makes your skin radiantly beautiful and healthy.

That's what this book comes down to. It provides you with starter recipes for facial scrubs, moisturizers, and more! I say starter recipes because once you become experienced in creating these easy treatments, you'll experiment to find the perfect

proportions for your personal skin type.

As well you should. The number one advantage of making your own therapies is so your skin can receive the optimum beneficial effects possible.

More than just

A recipe book!

But this book is more than that! Chapter 1 discusses The Problem: the inherent dangers of the modern cosmetics industry. I provide you with only a handful of potentially dangerous and toxic ingredients included in almost every

commercially available treatment. Some of these items are even found in products proudly proclaiming their naturalness and their organic nature.

With a little more research of your own, you can discover even more dangers, deceits, and damages you can expect from these products.

In Chapter 2, I present you with The Solution: the inherent advantages of creating your own recipes, therapies, and

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masks, moisturizers, under eye treatments, and even soothing massage oils.

Many of these require only the items you probably have in your kitchen cabinets right now. Some of these treatments use natural herbs. If you grow an herb garden, you may be lucky enough to have these herbs right outside your kitchen door. If not, don't worry. Fresh herbs (which are highly recommended) can be found at local herbal shops and many health food stores.

But think about this. If you intend to create these treatments for the long term, you may want to consider growing your own herbs. You can start small with a windowsill garden. Then you can always expand to a small outside garden. But that's for later down the road.

Right now, let's get started by arming you with vital information about the dangers of the state of the modern American

cosmetics industry. Then we'll talk about the ease and advantages of creating your own skin care items!

Follow me to Chapter 1. Together we'll discover some of the dirty little secrets to the cosmetics industry and its potential dangers to you and your family!

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Chapter 1

Chapter 1 The Problem:

The Problem:

Dangers of Commercial

Skin Care Products

Beauty may be only skin deep, but the items you use to make yourself beautiful soak into your skin creating potential -- and deadly serious -- health care problems.

Clearly more than beauty is at stake here.

ere's

a quick anatomy quiz…

What is the largest organ in your body? Believe it or not, it's your skin. Yep! It's definitely

considered an organ, ranking right up there with your liver, kidneys, and other organs vital to maintaining your health.

Did you ever really view your skin -- all 20 square feet of it, give or take some -- from that perspective? As one of the major lines of defense against infection? Well, it is. In fact, your skin is the major line of defense.

If you thought about your skin as protection before now, you may have envisioned it as a barrier. But that's not really an accurate perspective.

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Your skin acts more like a sponge, indiscriminately soaking up and transferring whatever you put on it. When it comes to commercial skin care products, this usually means "foreign substances." At least, that’s how your body views them.

Healthy skin is far more important than we realize. But yet few of us pay much notice to the commercial products we use to cleanse and moisturize with.

According to some health experts, our skin is attacked and stressed every day, barraged by the myriad of substances we use to clean and help it to look healthy. Most of which is performed in the name of beauty.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with striving to look as attractive as you can. But at what price are we, as a society, paying for this quest for beauty and youthfulness?

More than beauty

Is at stake!

As it turns out, the price could very well be our health. That's right! Consider this: we're putting substances on our skin that we would never dream of eating. (Not knowingly, at least!)

Are you aware that the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has a list that contains some 10,000 cosmetic and skin care ingredients that you can find right now in your bathroom? You take for granted that they've safe.

But more than a whopping 90% of them have never been tested for safety. Nope. Not by the FDA. Not by any other publically accountable institution.

Hmm. Makes you think, doesn't it?

The European Union

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By contrast, the European Union has already banned more than 1,000 ingredients used in personal and skin care products. Yes, 1,000!

How many ingredients has the FDA banned? Only 10! Just a one hundredth of those that Europe has found to be risky.

But the European organization is just beginning. It's still looking into potentially dangerous, damaging, and downright deadly ingredients.

If the substance is even suspected of causing cancer, birth defects, or other health problems, officials overseas challenge the ingredients' safety.

Commerci

Commercial skin care products:

al skin care products:

Improving or d

Improving or damaging?

amaging?

There's a bitter irony to all of this. It’s a proven fact that the greater quantity of synthetic, damaging ingredients in a skin care product -- from soap to moisturizers -- the less effective they actually are.

The greater the amount of non-natural substances in your bath scrub, for example, the less likely it is that it's actually providing you with cleaner, clearer, and healthier skin. And if you're

looking for that radiant glow, well, you can just forget about it.

Have you ever indulged yourself to a visit to an elite beauty spa? If you have, you've probably noticed that these establishments rarely -- if ever -- put any of the commercial, synthetic-based products on your skin. Instead, they often have their own private-label products. Or products they create especially for use at the spa.

What are these skin care products made of? You guessed it! All natural ingredients! Now that sets your mind thinking.

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12 What makes

What makes

Synthetic skin care

So dangero

So dangerous?

us?

Now that I've got you asking questions, you're no doubt

wondering exactly what it is that makes commercial synthetic skin care products so damaging. What do they possess that poses a health risk to us?

First, I'll give you a quick overview of a few of the ways

ordinary, seemingly harmless products are damaging your skin and your health. Then I'll dig into some of the more toxic specific ingredients.

Think acne medication

Think acne medication....

Harmless? Think again!

And again. Many acne treatments actually make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun. This in turn may cause

complications with sun overexposure while you or your teen is wearing them.

Studies have even showed these chemicals are present in the biopsies of breast cancer patients. This left many scientists wondering if the parabens actually caused the breast cancer. Of course, I need to add there is no proof of this!

The problems extend even to gels and soaps -- items we depend on everyday to clean us. Many commercial soaps contain

something called sodium laureth sulfate. You've probably never heard of it. But, nonetheless, it's irritating to your skin.

Many of these soaps also contain a substance called parabens (you may be more familiar with this) that actually penetrate the skin. Remember, we said the skin acts more like a sponge than

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a barrier! Once parabens get into your body, they stay there and slowly damage your system.

Actually, parabens are a chemical preservative in addition to being a fairly common additive in cosmetics and skin care products. They’re also (believe it or not!) found as a food additive as well!

Parabens: Found in more than

13,000 products!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that this class of chemical is the most widely used family of preservatives in cosmetics today.

It's found in some 13,200 skin care ingredients! And if you think that the products you're using are parabens-free because they're labeled "organic," think again.

Yep! Parabens have raised their ugly faces even here. All you need to confirm this is to read the labels on your shampoos, your makeup and hair care products, your moisturizers, and even your shaving products.

When you read the labels, though, be vigilant for prefixes before this word, especially methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl. They are all types of parabens.

Just how dangerous could this chemical preservative be?

Parabens are linked to a greater risk of breast cancer in women. These substances soak into your skin, lingering in your body and apparently setting into the breast tissue, according to the

Women's Community Cancer Project of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Once they’re in your system, parabens begin what's called "estrogenic activity." This means they mimic the hormone estrogen. And estrogen is believed to stimulate breast cancer activity.

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In a nutshell, the parabens actually fool your body into thinking there's more estrogen present than there really is. In the

process, they raises your risk of breast cancer.

Sulfates: The most dangerous

Substance

Substancessss you've

you've

you've never heard of

you've

never heard of

You’ve probably heard of them, but I'm sure you never thought that this family of chemicals could have a very real effect on your health.

As the research unfolds, sulfates could be related to such health conditions as premature baldness, the formation of cataracts, and contact dermatitis. Some research even shows that

sulfates may be even responsible for the development of certain environmental cancers.

Now these chemical additives are hitting home -- and hard!

Scientists seem to agree. The most dangerous of this family is called sodium lauryl sufate. It's a detergent that is found in a whopping 90 percent all shampoos on the market today.

You may also see it listed as sodium docecyl or sodium laureth sulfate. Just one serious concern about this chemical is in its apparent association with the development of cancer.

In this case, the sulfate reacts with the ingredients in the cosmetic product, forming a potent carcinogen. Even if you're just shampooing with a product that contains this ingredient, it can be absorbed into your body.

Ironically, the use of skin care treatments with sulfates often end up irritating the skin you're trying to maintain and save. This occurs, according to researchers, because the sulfate can literally knock down your skin's barrier.

Not only that, but it also has the ability to enhance allergic responses to other toxins you may have, as well as damaging

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and altering skin cells. The end result? A roughness that ends up in a severe modification of the skin.

The alternative:

Buy natural brands?

That’s your first instinct. Normally, it's a great reaction. But there's only one problem: even brands labeled as "natural" may have this dangerous substance lurking inside. So there's no two ways about it. You have to become a vigilant label reader -- or dare I suggest it? -- make your own skin care treatments!

What the heck is

Propylene Glycol?

In a word: trouble. It's another ingredient that is both ubiquitous and dangerous. More dangerous than you may guess. And just as with the sodium lauryl sulfate, there's an irony to this chemical as well.

Look at just about any skin care treatment at your local drug store or grocery store. You'll see propylene glycol listed on a myriad of types of products: beauty creams, cleansers, makeup, and more!

It might give you a start to think that this same substance is also used in other industries as well. It's an ingredient in anti-freeze, airplane de-icer, and brake fluid. Hmm.

Here's the kicker. Every chemical comes with information that's commonly called a Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS. And one of the cautions listed on this sheet for propylene glycol is simply: "Avoid skin contact." Hmm. (Again!)

You've got to be kidding?!

How could this be?

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Okay, you say, how could a small amount of this chemical possibly affect my health? You’ve probably been using this

"small amount" of the chemical for most of your life. It was first added to many cosmetics more than 30 years ago!

This substance has been linked with not only contact dermatitis, but kidney damage and liver abnormalities in the latest research.

Not only that, but propylene glycol has been linked to triggering seizures in epileptics and to cardio-respiratory arrest.

Propylene glycol is also associated with premature aging of the skin. Scientists estimate that for every decade you actually use this product, your skin is aging 13 years! The very products you're depending on to help retain your youthful skin are causing it to age beyond its years.

Only two out of . . .

Who really knows?

These are only two substances that are linked with adverse

health conditions. There are many more out there. Far too many to relate in this format. But, I've listed another eight more

dangerous ingredients you may want to be alert to. These are found in nearly all skin care treatments and other cosmetics.

1. Phthalates.

Unpronounceable? Not quite, they're pronounced as THAY-lates. (Yes, both the initial "P" and "h" are silent!) This is a group of synthetic chemicals use to stabilize fragrances. These chemicals are also said to make plastic more pliable.

This substance has been linked to kidney damage, problems with the liver, and problems with the lungs. The sad statistic is that approximately 5 percent of women between the ages of 20 and 40 carry more than 45 times more phthalates in their bodies than previous thought. This statistic comes directly from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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2. Ureas.

These are preservatives and there are a variety of them lurking in your skin care treatments. They come in the form of diazolidninyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea. These preservatives can potentially release formaldehyde in small amounts. Researchers cite ureas as the major cause of contact dermatitis.

But more than that, high concentrations can produce joint pain, depression, headaches, chest pains, and ear infections as well as chronic fatigue, dizziness, and sleep problems. Some health experts estimate that up to 20 percent of individuals exposed to ureas experience some type of allergic reaction.

3. Petrochemicals

These, as the name implies, are derivatives of crude oil. They can come labeled as petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin. These petrochemicals basically suffocate your skin, not allowing it to breathe. The effect is the clogging of your pores.

4. MEA/DEA/TEA

These amines, or ammonia compounds, sound harmless in their abbreviated forms. But they're nothing of the sort. Once in your body, they have the potential to create harmful

nitrosamines. This occurs when they meet a nitrate. These ingredients are used as foaming agents and synthetic stabilizers. They are also used to adjust the pH level of many cosmetics.

So just how dangerous are they? They not only cause

allergic reactions, and eye irritation, but they can also dry out your hair and skin. I'm sure the irony isn't lost on you. Products you buy to soften your skin only end up drying it out more!

5. Chemical sunscreens

When you read the label on your cosmetics, you'll see these listed as oxybenzone and octylmethoxycinnamate. They're

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known to disturb your body's endocrine activity -- the functioning of your hormones!

6. Quats

Yes, it is a strange name. The name would even be funny, if the substances weren't so dangerous to your body! Examples of quats include benzalkonium choloride, steardimonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, and cetrimononium. Whew! These substances are definitely a mouthful. They are added to cosmetics to prevent static.

The chemical compounds can cause a spectrum of health problems, from skin and respiratory irritation to severe caustic burns on your skin and gastrointestinal lining. 7. Antibacterial compounds

These compounds include triclosan and chlorphenesin. There are two major problems with them. First, they don't break down in the environment. And second, continued use of these are known to contribute to the growing resistance of bacteria to treatment with antibiotics.

8. Coal tar

Coal tar? Even the name sounds bad! Why in the world would they be in cosmetics. They're needed in commercial cosmetics to help create synthetic colors. Coal tar contains heavy metal salts that can be deposited into your skin. The result can be skin sensitivity and irritation. Studies on animals show that they can be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing.

You probably won't see the word coal tar on the label of your store-bought skin care product, but you'll know, without a doubt,

it's included if you find "FD&C" or "D&C" followed by a color and a number on the label!

Yes, you'll even find some of these ingredients in so-called natural products. So what are you supposed to do? Why not

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make your own skin care products. It's much easier than you think.

Banish all doubt about

Banish all doubt about safety!

safety!

When you create your recipes you also have the peace of mind of knowing full well what your treatment is made from. Never thought about? Read on to the next chapter to learn a little more about the process.

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Chapter 2

Chapter 2 The Solution:

The Solution:

Create

Create Your Own

Your Own

Natural Skin Care Treatments

How do you avoid the potentially dangerous products? By making your own, of course. It's easier than you

think. You may even have many of the necessary ingredients already in your kitchen!

oooo

how do you avoid all these potentially dangerous synthetic ingredients? You could become a diligent label reader, but you'd no doubt find there are few products on the shelves today that are fully natural -- despite the advertising hype surrounding them.

More people than ever before are solving this problem by creating their own skin care products. Yes! Perhaps you've never considered this before. You're probably thinking right now that you're no chemist.

Actually, you don't need a doctorate in chemistry to create your own natural skin care treatments. After all, you're not going to use any of those chemicals that commercial manufacturers use.

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No, when you create your own recipes, you use nothing but natural ingredients. And when we say natural, we mean it. In fact, many of the ingredients in these recipes can be found right now on your kitchen shelves.

Why make your

Own skin care treatments?

There are really two reasons for you to consider creating your own treatments to pamper your skin -- and believe me, you really will feel a wondrous difference from the commercial produced items you've been using!

First is the fact that the treatments, lotions, and cosmetics you buy in the store are far more dangerous to not only the health of your skin, but to your entire system.

Natural is

Better than synthetic

But there's a second reason as well. All commercially derived products contain sophisticated and complex substances that are actually beneficial to your skin. They include antioxidants,

proteins, vitamins, enzymes as well as a host of phytochemicals.

Well, you say, that's a good thing. Right? Well, it would be but…

….when they are duplicated synthetically, as they more often than not are in these store-bought products, they are far less effective than the natural versions.

Ask any professional herbalist and he'll tell you the same thing. The chemical ingredients in herbs actually work in harmony to create an amazing ability to actually rejuvenate your skin. Herbal-based treatments are far more effective than the ones the cosmetic companies churn out.

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When you pluck out certain substances which have been identified as the active ingredients and then create them

synthetically instead of using natural ingredients, you lose quite a bit of the effectiveness.

Think of it as using vitamins or eating healthy. It's always better to have a good diet than to rely solely on vitamin tablets -- especially synthetic vitamins -- for your nourishment.

An ancient art

Being revived

Homemade skin care therapies are more popular than ever. But few people think about the history of such treatments. You can trace naturally made cosmetics as far back as ancient

civilizations. The ancient Greeks, for example, used honey as a moisturizer, keeping their skin soft and youthful.

But more than that, honey acts as a natural antibacterial agent. How cool is that?

It's believed that the Egyptian ruler -- and beauty -- Cleopatra routinely soaked in a rose petal and milk bath to soften her skin. By the way, scientific research has recently confirmed her

wisdom. Studies have proved the astounding rejuvenating properties of rose petals, along with rose hips.

But honey and milk aren't the only items that can soften the skin. For example, Italians have been known for centuries to soften their skin with olive oil.

Getting started

Is easier than you think!

Interested in creating a few recipes of your own to see how they work? If you make one recipe, I guarantee that you'll soon be

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skin will be healthier and more radiant than ever before. I wouldn't be surprised if friends and family comment on your "new look."

In fact, your entire family can benefit from these amazing homemade recipes. The therapies range from moisturizers to soaps to deodorants.

I wouldn't be surprised if you started giving some of your favorite skin-care treatments to friends and family as gifts! Wouldn't that be a unique present?

Getting started

Is a breeze!

So, just how do you get started? First, to make the most effective treatments, you'll need to use fresh ingredients. Since many of these therapies involve herbs, stock your kitchen up with fresh, potted herbs. You may even already be growing some in your garden now. If so, that's great.

You'll also want to stock your kitchen shelves with the most popular skin care ingredients. Now you're ready to mix your own skin care products.

Don't worry, you don't have to run out to the grocery store and buy every item immediately. Take an inventory of the

ingredients you already have, then slowly stock up on the ones you'll need in the future.

You can simply add several items to your grocery list on a weekly basis. Some of the most common items used in homemade cosmetics include:

• Aspirin (Yes, Aspirin! The uncoated type.) • Citrus fruits

• Dairy products • Eggs

• Honey • Oatmeal

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• Olive oil • Sugar • Salt • Tea bags • Vinegars

In addition to these ingredients, you'd be wise to buy a funnel

for your recipes -- it makes the process a lot easier -- and a

small colander or strainer.

You'll also want several small glass or plastic containers for your new treatments. Also a small spray bottle for facial mists and a bottle for toners.

Benefits of

Specific,

Specific, n

n

natural

atural

atural i

i

ingredients

i

ngredients

Individually, the specific ingredients these recipes are made with do more than merely counter the adverse effects of synthetic contents of commercially made products. They provide your skin with vitamins and minerals needed for radiant beauty and robust health.

Let's just look at a few of these items. From this short review, you'll get a good idea of how making your own cosmetics can improve your long-term beauty and health.

Green Tea:

More than just a beverage!

We'll start with green tea. We all know that drinking several cups a day can help reduce your risk factor of developing many degenerative diseases -- that is, diseases associated with the aging process.

But few of us give green tea much if any thought as an aid for skin care treatments. But it's true! Here's why.

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First, green tea contains potent antioxidants. These substances are known to help battle "free radicals" in your system, which are responsible for the aging process. But antioxidants contain antiseptic qualities, anti-inflammatory abilities, as well as the capability of fighting viral and fungal infections.

But green tea can do even more than that as part of a

homemade skin care remedy. Just look at the following health, beauty, and skin care benefits of green tea:

• Lowers your risk of acquiring rheumatoid arthritis

• Heals minor cuts, rashes, spots, and other blemishes

• Reduces acne

• Provides a youthful appearance • Treats sunburn

• Slows the signs of gaining

Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals to nourish your skin. It also gently cleanses and heals the skin. It's a natural aid in relieving dry skin by adjusting your skin's natural moisture.

This particular natural ingredient is also used in skin-care treatments as a natural exfoliate, helping to clear dead skin cells from your body. You'll also discover oatmeal in some facial masks. It helps to clean out your pores without irritating or drying your skin.

Banana

The television commercial tells us the banana is the perfect food. It's not just for eating, though. The same vitamins that make it a potent health food also make it an amazing skin care tool. The

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fruit contains vitamin A among other antioxidants and is rich in potassium.

You'll find plenty of recipes in this book that employ bananas as a vital ingredient. There's good reason for that. The inclusion of this fruit helps to soften your skin. It's also been used as an aid in clearing acne.

Eggs

From the ancient Chinese to modern celebrity use, the

incredible, edible egg is also an incredible skin care ingredient as well.

The egg, as you may already be aware, contains lecithin. Among its health benefits is the fact that it’s a natural skin emollient, which works at softening your skin. But that's just a small portion of how eggs can improve the health of your skin.

Many individuals have that discovered facial masks using eggs are wonderful at reducing acne. The egg also helps to firm your skin, reduce any redness and inflammation.

Honey

This natural sweetener is sweet for your skin! It helps to

maintain its natural acid mantle. In addition to containing sugar, it also is possesses necessary enzymes and an abundance of health-giving vitamins and minerals. It's rich in amino acids to help improve the health of your skin.

Consider also that honey is a natural antiseptic, which gives it

astounding healing properties. It's also an amazing natural cleansing agent.

7 Vital Skin Care Tips

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Now that you're considering making your own homemade skin care remedies, here are just a few tips on how to use them. It's always best to get into a routine when it comes to any health issue.

It's just as important that you develop definite habits when it comes to personal skin remedies. You can start with a few of the easier ones. As you go along, you may develop a more specific routine that suits you better.

Homemade Skin Care Tip #1

Exfoliate Every Evening

Once you wash your face at night, exfoliate! Be sure to use a delicate scrub. If you haven't yet made an exfoliating recipe or are temporarily out, you can easily exfoliate with just sugar or oatmeal. It's as easy as that!

Homemade Skin Care Tip #2

Use Facial Masks

This step many of us (including myself) are guilty of ignoring. Perhaps it's the image television shows portray of women who practice this. Perhaps we don't want to look silly in front of spouses or endure the endless kidding of our children.

Well, just forget about those possible consequences and employ masks anyway! It's a marvelous tool to keep your skin looking beautiful. I've even written one chapter dedicated to mask recipes. So, indulge! You deserve it!

Homemade Skin Care Tip #3

Use Moisturizer and Plenty of It

I didn't learn the benefits of moisturizer until I was older. Fortunate are the women who start using them when they're younger. Why? Mostly because your skin actually craves moisturizers.

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Many skin care experts recommend you use moisturizers at night, so they can penetrate your skin undisturbed. These same experts suggest that you "treat" your skin to applications of alpha hydroxyl acids, vitamins A or C, and then put on the moisturizer. In this way these treatments are sure to be absorbed into your skin.

Homemade Skin Care Tip #4

Treat Your Skin with Care

Even though you're using natural homemade ingredients, treat your skin gently. Don't act roughly when you clean your skin. Just because we call them facial scrubs, doesn't mean you should be scrubbing your skin the way you do the kitchen floor!

If you treat your skin gently, you'll decrease the odds of

damaging it and acquiring wrinkles. Seems like an easy thing to do considering the consequences.

Homemade Skin Tip #5

Protect Your Skin From Direct Sunlight

I'm not saying you need to shirk the sun like a vampire. But you definitely need to take precautions, especially when you

sunbathe. (Yes, I know you're going to do it!) Before you

venture outside, for example, cover your skin with all the proper lotions.

You may also want to avoid the tanning booths. Far too many individuals get addicted to this method. Their skin gets golden brown, yes, but it also gets dried out and it increases their

chances of developing wrinkles. Worse yet, it still comes with all the dangers of real sunlight, including that of skin cancer!

Homemade Skin Care Tip #6

Eat Fresh Foods

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What you put into your system shows up in the health of your skin. But you probably already know that in a limited way. Many individuals avoid chocolate because it worsens their acne.

It should come as no surprise, then, that proper nutrition should help improve the appearance of your skin. This tip may be one of the most important suggestions you'll ever receive!

Homemade Skin Tip #7

Drink Plenty of Water

Keeping your skin hydrated goes a long way toward maintaining healthy skin. You've already been told that it improves the functioning of all of your cells and your organs. Well? Your skin is your largest organ, so this only makes sense!

Most health experts say you need to drink a minimum of eight to 10 glasses of water a day. If you can do this, then you're doing your skin a big favor!

Now that you're armed with the benefits of natural skin care, you're ready to take the plunge. You're ready and even eager to make your own treatments. You'll discover it’s exciting. But more than that, you'll notice an immense improvement in your skin -- and your overall health.

The following chapter provides you with plenty of starter recipes for facial scrubs and masks. But don't limit yourself to these recipes. Before long, you'll be adjusting these to suit your specific skin characteristics. You may be even creating recipes of your own!

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Chapter 3

Chapter 3 The Facial Recipes:

The Facial Recipes:

Masks, Scrubs

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31 Now we get to the portion of the book you've

been waiting for. Maybe you've even jumped

ahead. Here are some easy, healthy homemade

skin care recipes for masks and scrubs. Enjoy!

or

the most part, the following recipes are short and concise. They contain only a very few ingredients. Similarly, the instructions for creating them are simple. And as an added bonus, many of them use ingredients you may already have around the house.

You simply gather your ingredients, combine them and poof! You have natural homemade skin care products that aren't going to irritate, damage, or destroy your health. Amazing!

Recipes for facial scrubs provide you with a perfect opportunity to exfoliate and condition your skin with just a small effort and practically no expense.

While the term exfoliation may sound like it's beyond your capacity to carry out at home, you'll find the concept is

amazingly simple. There's two ways you can do it. The first is achieved through what many call a mechanical means, as in a scrub. Or it may be achieved through a chemically based

method by using alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) or beta hydroxyl acid (BHA).

The aim of exfoliation is two-fold. First, the process aids in the removal of old, dead skin cells. These linger on the surface of your skin. Second, it actually stimulates the creation of new collagen.

Exfoliation?

What's the big deal?

F

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You'd be surprised by the importance of the exfoliation process in your skin care regimen. It helps the skin to become softer and more supple. It’s also vital in helping to decrease those fine lines and wrinkles.

Exfoliating regularly can actually firm your sagging skin and even out a mottled skin tone. (I knew you'd be impressed!)

Many of the recipes in this book, you'll soon discover, use that so-called mechanical means to create an exfoliating effect. That's the reason such ingredients like salt, sugar, or even aspirin are used.

Some of the recipes use a chemical approach. Before you start wondering if I threw the natural part of this book out the

window, rest assured. No harsh chemicals are called for.

You can achieve a "chemical" exfoliate simply by using freshly squeezed citrus fruit juice. The abrasive nature of the juice is amazingly effective at dislodging your dead skin cells.

Another important aspect of facial scrubs is their marvelous ability to help to clean pores. This is important if you're attempting to avoid or reduce outbreaks of acne and the recurrence of blackheads.

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33 Using scrubs

Using scrubs

Properly

Oh yes, there's a certain routine in applying facial scrubs to your face in order to receive their maximum beneficial effects. Before you place the recipe on your face, ensure that you've already applied a warm face cloth to your skin first.

Then, using gentle circular motions, massage the scrub lightly onto your skin. After that, rinse and dry. I guarantee you'll feel an incredible

difference in your skin.

Now, here a few recipes - not only for facial scrubs, but other skin care

treatments for your face as well. By the way, don't be afraid to alter these instructions. You may find you need a little less

of one ingredient and a little more of another to create the perfect therapy for your skin. If that's the case, then do it!

That's another great benefit of making your own skin care treatments. And remember: Always have fun!

Before you begin . . .

I know you're enthusiastic, but

let me give you some advice.

Don't jump in by making large

batches of the recipe. You may

not be entirely satisfied with

the recipe as written, and

you'll want to improve on it. In

fact, I encourage you to take

these recipes and make them

your own by adjusting them.

Know the purpose of each

ingredient. In this way you can

substitute a similar ingredient

you may find is better suited to

you and your skin.

By all means, keep a collection

of your favorite recipes -- and

make sure you note any

adjustments you've made that

puts your personal signature

on them.

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34 Aspirin

Aspirin

Aspirin----Citrus Facial Scrub

Citrus Facial Scrub

You'll love this recipe. It's versatile. You can adapt it to suit your personal skin type.

Ingredients:

5 to 10 plain aspirin: generic brand is fine, non-coated

1 to 2 tsp freshly squeezed citrus fruit: lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit

Instructions:

Crush aspirin tablets into a fine powder. You'll find a small coffee grinder is perfect -- especially if you're making a large amount of this.

Add juice one teaspoon at a time to crushed aspirin. Mix well. Use this recipe before you cleanse and tone your face in the morning.

Honey

Honey----Almond Scrub

Almond Scrub

Ingredients: 1 Tbsp honey 2 tsp almonds ½ orange 1 mint leaf Instructions:

Finely grind almonds in small food processor or coffee grinder. Finely chop mint. Squeeze juice from orange. Mix these, along with honey together.

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Use as facial scrub, rinsing well with warm water. Store unused portion for up to a week in your refrigerator.

Acne Scrub

Ingredients: 1 Tbsp Epsom salts 1 tsp sage leaves 2 tsp fresh thyme

1/8 cup mango, ripened

Instructions:

Remove sage from stem. Peel and chop mango. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until you have a paste.

Use to gently scrub your face. Afterward, rinse well using warm water.

Lavender Scrub

Lavender is legendary in healing the body. It also carries a delightful fragrance. You'll feel as if you're pampering yourself when you use this therapy!

Ingredients:

1/8 cup lavender petals 2 Tbsp brown sugar, dark 2 Tbsp grapefruit juice, fresh

Instructions:

Finely chop lavender. Squeeze the grapefruit juice to attain 1/8 cup. Mix both ingredients together with brown sugar until you acquire a smooth mixture.

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Gentle scrub your face, rinsing well afterward.

No

No----F

F

Frrrrills Cleansing Scrub

ills Cleansing Scrub

Ingredients:

5 to 8 tablets of aspirin (no coating, generic brand works well) 1 tsp vitamin water

Crush aspirin creating a fine powder. Adding only several drops at a time, add grapefruit juice. Mix this into a thin paste.

Gently massage this mixture into your face, rinsing well afterward.

Amazing Olive Oil Sea Salt S

Amazing Olive Oil Sea Salt Scrub

crub

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp coarse sea salt 1 Tbsp honey

Olive Oil (as much as needed)

Instructions:

Mix salt and honey together. Slowly add oil, one drop at time. Stir well. You should get a thick paste.

Use this to scrub your skin. This rinse well with warm water.

Softer Skin Scrub

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Trust me, you'll love this recipe. Cornmeal, believe it or not, has been an ingredient in homemade skin recipes for generations. It receives its best results when used with dairy products or fresh citrus fruit. You're in for a real treat!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp cornmeal 2 to 3 tsp buttermilk 1 tsp coconut oil

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients to form a thick paste. (Yep! That's all there is to this one. Easy, isn't it?)

Gently massage into your skin. Rinse well afterward using warm water.

Simple Herbal Scrub

Ingredients:

1 tsp oregano, fresh 2 tsp parsley fresh 1 tsp marjoram, fresh

2 Tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed

Instructions:

Using a food processor, pulse herbs and juice together. The mixture should not only be mixed well, but the herbs should be finely chopped.

Use this mixture to gently scrub your skin. Rinse afterward with warm water.

Grape Facial Scrub

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This recipe works as an effective exfoliate due to the presence of the grapes. Grapes contain a substance called tartaric acid. This is a natural form of alpha hydroxyl acid, which we've already mentioned as a "chemical" exfoliate.

Ingredients:

¼ cup cornmeal 1 Tbsp ginger root Dash of light cream 5 grapes

Instructions:

Finely grate the ginger. Combine all ingredients in food processor. Pulse until they are well mixed.

Gently massage mixture into skin. Rinse well afterwards with warm water.

Lime Scrub

Ingredients:

1/8 cup rolled oats 1 lime

2 Tbsp honey

Instructions:

Grate the rind of the lime, putting it into a small bowl. Squeeze all the juice from fruit into the same bowl. Combine this with oats and honey. Mix well together.

Gently cleanse your skin with it, rinsing well after with warm water.

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39 Indulge yourself

Indulge yourself

With an herbal facial steam

Have you ever experienced the decadent delight of an herbal facial steam? If you haven't, now is the perfect time to start. Here's all you need to do.

To create a facial steam, place two to three quarts of water in a large pot. Bring this to a boil. Toss in the following ingredients (as you become addicted…uhm…more familiar with this process, you'll adjust and create your own combinations):

3 parts comfrey leaf 2 parts calendula 1 part raspberry leaf 1 part sage

¼ part rosemary

Combine these, then place a large handful of them in the heated water. Cover this and allow it to simmer for several minutes. Remove the pot from the heat source. Place it on a heatproof surface at a height you can sit and place your face over the pot.

Taking a towel, lean over the pot and drape the towel over your head and pot. In this way, you'll be capturing the steaming herbal water.

Use caution because it will get very hot under there. You can easily adjust the heat by simply raising or lowering your head. Another method you can use is to lift a corner of the towel slightly to allow some cool air to enter.

Don't be afraid to emerge from underneath the pot occasionally if you need to. Steam in this way for about five to eight

minutes.

Yes, you can make

Your own fac

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Of course you can create your own facial masks using simple everyday ingredients. It's just as easy as making your facial scrubs.

Here are just a few masks. Don't be afraid, as you go along, to tweak these recipes to bring out the best in your skin. After all, every person is an individual with specific needs.

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41 A Mask for Any Skin Type

A Mask for Any Skin Type

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp honey, preferably raw 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

Mix the two ingredients together well. Dampen your face with warm water, smooth the mixture on your face. Leave this on for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

I told you it was easy!

Honey and Banana Mask

This facial mask is especially beneficial for those of you with sensitive skin. Enjoy its soothing benefits!

Ingredients:

½ banana, mashed

¼ cup oatmeal, cooked with milk 1 egg

½ Tbsp honey, raw if possible

Instructions:

Mix the four ingredients together. Using slow, circular motions, massage onto your face. Leave it there for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse it off with tepid water.

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42 Soothing Carrot Mask

Soothing Carrot Mask

Yes, carrots! If you've got oily skin, you'll want to definitely test this recipe. You'll be amazed at its effectiveness and you'll love the way it pampers your skin.

Ingredients:

2 to 3 carrots

4½ Tbsp honey, raw if possible

Instructions:

Cook the carrots. Mash them. Mix the carrot with the honey. Refrigerate this mixture of about 10 minutes.

Gently apply the mixture to your skin. Leave it on for about 10 minutes. Then, gently rinse with cool water.

Refreshing Papaya Mask

This mask is made especially for individuals with oily skin. But more than that, this recipe is a great tool to help reduce the aging process of your skin. It'll help dry your skin, while refreshing it at the same time!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup cocoa

3 Tbsp heavy cream 1/3 cup papaya, ripe

¼ cup honey, raw if possible 3 tsp oatmeal powder

Instructions:

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Apply to your face. Leave it on approximately 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water.

The Amazing Apple Mask

Oh, yes! A facial mask made with apples. And why not? You already know how incredibly healthy apples are. It's only sensible this delicious fruit holds the same health benefits for your skin.

Ingredients:

1 apple, cored and quartered 2 Tbsp honey, raw if possible

Instructions:

Put the apples in a food processor. Chop them. Add the honey. Refrigerate this mixture for about 10 minutes.

Gently pat this onto your skin using a light tapping motion. Do this until the honey feels tacky. Leave this on your face for about 30 minutes. Rinse.

The Amazing Banana Mask

Ingredients:

1 egg yolk

2 tsp almond oil 1 ripe banana

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Crush this, using a fork, until it acquires a paste-like quality.

Apply this to your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes. Remove it with cool water. Pat your face dry.

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45

45 Facial Toner Recipes

Facial Toner Recipes

Why use a toner? Toners help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your face. So if you're at the age when their presence make your cringe, then give toners a try.

The same toners can also help reduce the presence of acne. Who knew?

Before you start in on these recipes, here are just a few tips on how to apply toners properly.

Your skin should always be cleansed before applying a toner. Not only that, but use toners in conjunction with skin masks for the best effects. It really doesn't matter the order in which you use them. You can use the toner before or after the mask.

When applying this skin care tool, use a cotton ball. Apply the toner in sweeping gentle motions across your face.

Green Tea Toner

Ingredients:

2 tsp, powdered green tea ½ cup of boiling water

Instructions

Steep the tea in boiling water for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool. Then apply it to your face with cotton balls.

Mint Toner

Ingredients:

1 peppermint tea bag ¼ cup witch hazel

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1 Tbsp lemon juice, fresh 1 cup boiling water

Instructions:

Steep the peppermint tea in water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bag and allow the tea to cool. Mix in the lemon juice and witch hazel. Refrigerate in a glass jar.

Lavender Toner

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose. The witch hazel acts as a gentle astringent. The apple cider vinegar aids in restoring your skin's natural pH balance. And the

lavender soothes your skin.

Ingredients:

2/3 cup witch hazel

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

3 or 4 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients together. Place in a clean bottle. Shake the bottle well before using the toner. Saturate a cotton ball with this mixture. Using a sweeping motion, apply to your skin.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal----Yogurt Toner

Yogurt Toner

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp oatmeal 4 Tbsp yogurt, plain 1 Tbsp lemon juice, fresh 1 Tbsp parsley, chopped 1 tsp olive oil

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47

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients into a paste-like consistency.

Massage this into your skin. Allow it to soak in for 5 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Lemon

Lemon----Honey Toner

Honey Toner

Ingredients:

1 egg white

1 tsp lemon juice, fresh

1 tsp honey, dark organic if possible

Instructions:

Whisk the egg white until it begins to thicken. Stir in honey and lemon juice.

Apply it to your skin, being careful not to get it too close to your eyes or lips. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Wash it off with warm water. Then splash a bit of cold water on your face.

Rosemary Toner

The rosemary in this recipe stimulates cell removal as well as helps to eliminate blemishes. It also helps to improve the appearance of spider veins. The orange is a gentle exfoliate.

Ingredients:

1 orange -- use entire fruit, including peel 1 Tbsp rosemary, preferably fresh

1 cup boiling water

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Boil these ingredients for several minutes. Allow the mixture to cool. Strain. Refrigerate.

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49

49 Aloe Ver

Aloe Ver

Aloe Veraaaa----Citrus Toner

Citrus Toner

Ingredients:

1 small aloe vera leaf -- peeled and mashed 1 tsp citrus juice -- lemon, lime, or orange

Instructions:

Mix these ingredients thoroughly. Then apply the mixture to your skin in gentle sweeping motions. Rinse your face well.

Cucumber Toner

Ingredients:

5 tsp cucumber juice, freshly squeezed 1 tsp distilled water

2 tsp mint hydrosol 2 tsp yarrow tincture

1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Ingredients:

Combine all the ingredients. Pour the liquid into a glass bottle. When not in use, store it in refrigerator. Shake well before using. It can be stored for up to a week.

Scrubs, masks and toners are only part of a skin care routine. If you use homemade masks and scrubs but continue to buy

commercially made moisturizers, you're defeating the purpose.

The next chapter provides you with some homemade recipes to moisturize your skin.

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Chapter 4

Chapter 4 The Moisturizing Recipes

The Moisturizing Recipes

Skin that's properly moisturized slows signs of

aging. You'll find some familiar ingredients in

these recipes, including honey and citrus.

Indulge yourself in soft, hydrated skin!

oisturizing

your skin is an important part of any skin care regimen. It's not only vital in maintaining a youthful appearance, but it's

actually good for your skin and your overall health.

This vital step actually protects your skin. It acts as a barrier from wrinkles and dead skin cells.

No wonder that this specific skin care product is one of the most common over-the-counter items sold -- not only in this country, but all over the world.

There are several reasons for this explosive growth in sales. I've already mentioned the role moisturizers play as a protective

Skin Care Recipes

Natural Radiant

Natural Radiant

Natural Radiant

Natural Radiant

Beauty:

Beauty:

Beauty:

Beauty:

Rejuvenating Skin Care

Rejuvenating Skin Care

Rejuvenating Skin Care

Rejuvenating Skin Care

Recipes

Recipes

Recipes

Recipes

2222

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

The recipes in this book are for informational use only.

The recipes in this book are for informational use only.

The recipes in this book are for informational use only.

The recipes in this book are for informational use only.

Nothing in this book is a substitute for medical advice.

Nothing in this book is a substitute for medical advice.

Nothing in this book is a substitute for medical advice.

Nothing in this book is a substitute for medical advice. If

If

If

If

you have a skin condition or health problem

you have a skin condition or health problem

you have a skin condition or health problem

you have a skin condition or health problem,,,, consult your

consult your

consult your

consult your

personal health care provider.

personal health care provider.

personal health care provider.

personal health care provider.

3333

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

4444

Chapter 1. The Problem:

Chapter 1. The Problem:

Chapter 1. The Problem:

Chapter 1. The Problem:

Dangers of Commercial Skin Care

Dangers of Commercial Skin Care

Dangers of Commercial Skin Care

Dangers of Commercial Skin Care

9999

Chapter 2. The Solution: Create Your Own Natural

Chapter 2. The Solution: Create Your Own Natural

Chapter 2. The Solution: Create Your Own Natural

Chapter 2. The Solution: Create Your Own Natural

Skin Care Treatments

Skin Care Treatments

Skin Care Treatments

Skin Care Treatments

19

19

19

19

Chapter 3. The Facial Recipes:

Chapter 3. The Facial Recipes:

Chapter 3. The Facial Recipes:

Chapter 3. The Facial Recipes:

Masks, Scrubs and More