SCRUBS AND EXFOLIANTS

The old fashioned term 'scrub' has been largely replaced with new concepts cosmetic science, such as bio-active peeling substances, specialized masks, vegetal extracts, glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acids and a host of other exotic products and methods promising spectacular results.

The basic concept behind all these treatments is the same - the mechanical removal of dead or damaged skin cells from the uppermost layer of the skin. Our facial skin is being endlessly renewed in this cycle, which takes approximately 28 days.

Scrubs, exfoliants and the newer cosmetic treatments provide a physical means to assist the skin in sloughing off the dead skin cells, clarifying the complexion and stimulating new cell growth. Care should always be taken, though, to ensure that the exfoliation process is not as extreme as to damage the skin during its natural cycle of regeneration.


NATURAL EXFOLIATING MATERIALS
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For normal to dry skin :

• ground oatmeal
• oat bran
• ground almonds
• cornmeal
• wheatgerm
• powdered milk
• rice bran
• strawberries
• grain flours
• ground herbs and herbal powders

For oily or problem skin :

• ground orange peel
• ground lemon peel
• sugar
• oatmeal
• lecithin granules
• fine-ground coffee
• psyllium husks
• small-textured cereal grains, eg. amaranth
• fibrous fruit, eg. pineapple

NATURAL CARRIER MATERIALS
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For normal to dry skin :

• distilled/ spring water
• mineral water
• milk
• cream
• honey
• vegetable glycerin glycerin
• floral hydrosols
• rose water
• cooled herbal teas
• cold-pressed oil eg. sweet almond oil and wheatgerm oil

For oily or problem skin :

• yogurt
• buttermilk
• apple cider vinegar
• witch hazel
• vodkha
• honey
• orange flower water
• herbal vinegar
• aloe vera gel

To exfoliate , cleanse skin thoroughly with warm water and pat dry, then proceed with :

• Mix one tbsp of your selected natural exfoliating material in a small bowl with one tbsp of natural carrier.
• Add a little unpasteurized honey to the mixture to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Apply the mixture to the skin with fingertips, working over the nose, chin, jawline, cheekbones and forehead with small , firm and circular motions. After massaging for several minutes, rinse off all traces of exfoliating material with warm water, pat skin dry and moisturize lightly.

CLASSIC ORANGE / ALMOND/ HONEY SCRUB

A fresh, home-made alternative to commercial scrub products. The orange peel contains citric acid and Vitamin C and the ground almond meal and honey are excellent for softening the skin. For all skin types.

• 1 tbsp fresh grated orange peel
• 1 tbsp ground almond meal
• 1 tbsp unpasteurized honey
• 10 drops sweet orange of Pure Essential Oil
• distilled water (as needed)

Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl and apply to damp face and neck. Use small circular motions and then rinse thoroughly. Pat dry and follow tih a ligh moisturizer. In addition to exfoliation with scrubs, an excellent regenerator is papaya, which contains papain, a potent enzyme which 'digests' dead skin cells while leaving live ones untouched. Bromelain, the enzyme in pineapple , performs a similar function. By combining these two powerful fruit enzymes, you can make a bio-active peeling mask at home.

PAPAYA AND PINEAPPLE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT

A natural fruit mixture with Vitamin C to remove dead skin cells, lighten age spots and reveal younger skin with a healthy glow. For all skin types.

• 2 tbsp mashed papaya
• 2 tbsp mashed fresh pineapple
• 1tbsp unpasteurized honey
• 1/2 tsp Vitamin C powder
• 6 drops sweet orange Pure Essential Oil

Select under ripe papaya and over ripe pineapple for the highest enzyme activity. Combine the mashed fruits and other ingredients in a small bowl. Work mixture gently over the skin for one minute, then apply a layer and leave for 3-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and splash with cool water.