Beauty from the Earth

by Lisa Berry

Q. I’m looking for recipes to make my own skin care products, using organic ingredients whenever possible. As my skin ages I find that moisturizers are even more important and, yet, as my body chemistry changes with age, my skin seems to be getting even fussier about what I put on it! The need to exfoliate has increased, but also the need for a more gentle approach for finer, more sensitive skin. —J.F., Grand Rapids

A.
Dear Reader,

If you are like the rest of us, once you start getting a little older not only are you dealing with this aspect of your skin, but all the things that go with it.

Midlife hormones wreak havoc on our skin. This could be one reason why your skin is becoming more fussy. As you age, your skin tone, once taut and lively, begins to show signs of wear and tear. Your muscle fibers are aging and become more relaxed, the elastin and collagen fibers beneath the surface begin to diminish. There are nutritional deficiencies and dehydration that come into play. The loss of support in the skin occurs first in the forehead and progresses downward. The superficial layer becomes thinner while the lower layers produce fewer new cells.

A good antioxidant moisturizer is a necessity. You need a protective layer over the skin’s surface to preserve the moisture that you still have. Exposure to harsh elements breaks down the skin’s natural defenses.

Below is a recipe for a moisturizer that I chose for your skin—which sounds like it could be sensitive. It is also good for wrinkles and will keep the skin supple and help prevent the signs of further aging.

All the ingredients should be available in your local health food store.

Evening Primrose contains a rare fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid which is needed for the formation of prostaglandins in the body. These are hormone-like substances that balance or regulate cells.

On the market is a Rose Geranium facial cream that I have developed that my customers feel is very moisturizing and healthy for their skin. And I have our clients start with a Rose Geranium mister to replenish the moisture first, followed by our moisturizer to seal it back in.

Once a week you might want to try an Avocado Mask made from a mashed avocado. This is a great way to replenish the skin during the long winter months.

Exfoliating can be done with a washcloth and facial scrubs. If you scrub your skin in a manner that is too rough however, you will irritate it and do more harm than good. Exfoliating is a great way to remove dead skin and reveal new skin cells and a healthy glow, however with sensitive skin I would limit exfoliation to only twice a week if using an alternative method.

Just remember, all this being said, don’t forget the number one best moisturizer for the skin is to drink your water everyday!

Each issue, Lisa answers your questions on aromatherapy, natural beauty and skin care.

Lisa Berry is the President of Ravenwood, an international, Traverse City-based company which creates aromatherapy products with plant extracts, botanical herbs and pure essential oils. www.ravenwoodspa.com; 1-800-777-5021.