Optimal Skin Care

Keeping your skin fresh and beautiful is easier than you think.  The methods of how you clean your skin are fairly simple, but the products you use can make a big difference in the health of your skin.   There are traditionally three basic steps.  They are cleansing, toning and moisturizing.

Step one: cleansing.  The familiar stand by is soap and water is ok but not optimal unless you choose the right soap.  Most commercially made soaps contain detergents and foaming agents known as sulfates.  Sulfates also know as Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate can dry your skin and irritate sensitive skin.  Glycerin is also removed from commercial brands.  The big brands use the glycerin taken from the soap and put into higher end lotions.  Glycerin is a good moisturizer and it benefits big brands to separate them and sell two products. Look for an organic brand soap, one that does not have sulfates.  Soap makers who have any pride in their skill leave the glycerin in their products.  Handmade soaps are generally more gentle on your skin and won't dry you out.

Some choose to forgo soap and water and prefer a cream cleanser.  Cream cleansers use oils to clean your skin.  These oils act like magnets to the dirt on your face and are wiped or rinse away with the cream.  Creams are generally good for most skin types especially dry and mature skin.  Those with oily complexions should use with some care.   You may like a cream cleanser or you may not.  Personally, I have oily skin and I grew up on the strip down with soap and water then re-moisturize.  It's been hard to break me of that habit, even when the cleansers work.

Between step 1 and 2 there is astringent.  Some may consider this the final step of cleansing since it does wipe away any remaining oil and dirt on your face.  Others would consider this part of toning.  For those with oily skin, astringent is recommended because you want your face as clean as possible.  Dry skin people can opt out of this step.  It's a preference level.  No matter what you choose follow up with step two.

Step two: toning.  If you use soap and water to cleanse and then an astringent -  use a toner.  On all skin types, a toner will balance the ph level in your face.  After all that cleaning your face does not have a protective layer of oil, called sebum.  Stripping the oils will leave your face dry.  When your face is dry this leads to irritation or your skin producing too much sebum in an effort to protect itself. 

Finally, step three: moisturizing.  You can use a creme or a serum.  The goal is to hydrate your skin.  Cremes and serums can be worn under make-up and used at night.  Cremes may have the same nutrients content as serums but with a high amount of moisturizer.  The vitamins and minerals may be diluted more in a creme. Serums, on the other hand have a high amount of active ingredients; vitamins, minerals, etc. and less moisturizer.  Serums offer nourishment to the skin on a deeper level than a creme.If you have oily or acenic skin you may choose to use a serum more than a creme.  And keep the creme for your elbows, chest and heels.  If you have dry or mature skin you may choose a creme for the moisturizing benefit. 

Taking just these three steps everyday, morning and night will produce lovely healthy skin you are proud to show. There are two additional steps that done every week or every other week are not only a fun spa like activity in your own home but will leave you glowing and beautiful.  We will discuss those next month.

Product of the Month:

The product of the month is actually our collection of 100 % organic bar soaps.  As are all of our products, our bar soaps are paraben and phthalate free.  They are also sulfate free.  Sulfates known as Sodium Lauryl (Laureth) Sulfate (SLS) are chemical detergents, used as a foaming agent.  They also increase the skins permeability allowing other chemicals to be absorbed through the skin with the sulfates.

Wild Natural Beauty 100% organic bar soaps are mild and gentle on sensitive skin.  Our soaps are also facial quality.  They are cleansing without stripping your body and face of protective oils and drying out your skin.  Try it.  You'll be pleased by the feel and surprised by the suds organic soap can produce.

Relaxing Tip

Take a walk.  Walk on a hike and bike path, down the sidewalk or in your own back yard.  Taking the time to slow down and listen to the sounds around you bring you back to the present.  The stillness and slower tempo of walking quiets your brain and you'll feel less rushed when you return home.