When it comes to repairing the appearance of damaged skin or to treating acne breakouts, wrinkles, or age spots on your face, there are several natural approaches known to be effective and to give great results fast. Read on for: the best essential oils for treating blemished, pimpled, tired, dry or saggy skin; recommendations for natural vegetable, nut and seed oils that restore skin’s moisture, youth and beauty; and the best whole-body skin scrub made with almond oil, peppermint essential oil and mineral-rich sea salt.
Why should we indulge in natural skin care?
Your skin looks after you, from the inside and out. It is part of the body’s detoxification system, as well as the face you show the world and your body’s first defense from the elements, bacteria and viruses, and the wear of stress and strain.
Most cleansers, makeup, and other beauty products are full of harsh synthetic chemicals that may be harmful to skin. Natural solutions for healthy skin care are better for you, support a cleaner environment (some of the chemicals in hair care and cosmetic products, that we wash down the drain daily, have been linked to infertility and other health problems in whales), and natural techniques work at least as well as drug store skin care options.
Essential oils that nourish and cleanse the skin
Essential oils are some of nature’s best helpers in almost every aspect of health. Many times more potent than dried herbs, essential oils contain all the healing properties of a plant in a very concentrated form. For this reason, they are best used in tiny amounts and are often diluted for skin care - though dilution is not necessary if you know your source well and are using certified therapeutic-grade essential oils.
For some of the most popular essential oils to restore skin’s health and beauty, read Essential Oils for Beautiful Skin.
Sea salt, the world’s most mineral-rich exfoliant
The minerals in sea water are known to nourish and heal skin. The same minerals can be found in unprocessed (non-iodized) mineral-rich sea salt, and the coarseness of salt makes it a perfect exfoliant. Try the following whole-body sea salt rub and you’ll never look back!
From the prepublication edition of Saving Face: The Scents-able Way to Wrinkle-Free Skin (Dr. Sabina DeVita, 2002):
Salt Rub:
- 1 cup sea salt
- 2 tablespoons apricot or almond oil
- 5-6 drops peppermint essential oil
“Put salt in bowl and add the oils. Mix with hands. Store in covered container until ready to use.”
This recipe is best used in the shower after washing. “Rub small handful of the salt [mixture] all over your body in brisk circular motions - spend extra time on elbows and heels.... No moisturizer needed!” (Dr. S. DeVita, 2002)
Fatty oils to restore skin’s moisture and flexibility
Part of the beauty of the salt rub recipe is the apricot or almond oil it contains, which leaves behind a glow and moisture in the skin where the salt scrub has been used.
Some of the healthiest oils for external skin care use include:
- almond oil
- avocado oil
- castor oil
- coconut oil
- hemp seed oil
- jojoba oil
- olive oil (virgin or extra virgin is best)
- rosehip seed oil
- shea butter
- walnut oil
Ordinary “fatty oils” (as opposed to essential oils) have been used by cultures around the world to cleanse and nourish the skin - often as effectively as our scientifically-formulated moisturizers.
OCM or the oil cleansing method, for instance, is a surprisingly simple and effective way to clean your face, using only olive oil, castor oil and hot water, and leaves a lasting glow. Fatty vegetable oils can be used as moisturizers, makeup remover, cleansers and more.
For more information on natural skin care, read Beautiful Skin from the Inside Out and Essential Oils for Beautiful Skin.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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