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Nourishing the Skin with Herbs

NOURISHING is probably one of the most common phrases in beauty terminology. The dictionary defines the word ‘nourish’ as ‘sustain with food; cherish; nurse’. Just as the body must be nourished with appropriate food elements, the skin also requires sustenance and must be ‘fed’, It is no wonder, therefore, that the word ‘nourishment’ is so appropriately used in beauty care.

To most of us, nourishing means the application of cream and the ritual is performed by many as part of their night-care routine. However, beauty techniques today lay a great deal of emphasis, not only on methods, but also on the nature of the product that is used. The individual characteristics of the skin determines the best way of providing nourishment. Basically, nourishment creams are products that lubricate the skin, keep it soft and help it to retain its natural moisture. It is the combination of oil and moisture that keeps the skin soft, smooth and supple. As their task is to lubricate, nourishing creams are thicker and richer than moisturising creams. They are needed by skin types lack natural oil. Mature skins, in which oil gland activity has slackened, also need daily lubrication. From this, it is apparent that only skins, which produce excess oils, cannot be ‘fed’ with rich nourishing creams. They would require a different ‘diet’!

The best way to apply nourishing creams is to first cleanse the skin thoroughly with a re hydrant cleanser. Then the cream is massaged into the skin. This helps it to absorb the product better. Normally, the skin absorbs all it can in about twenty minutes. Keeping the cream on much beyond this time, does not benefit it in any way. In fact it may just attract dirt or clog the pores. Once the skin has absorbs the cream, it should be removed with moist cotton wool to prevent moisture loss. The cream should not be left on overnight.

The ingredients of skin-care aids have evoked great interest in recent years. Not only have better products been devised, but the effort has been made to eliminate harmful substances. It has been seen that chemical substances penetrate into the inner layer of the skin and cause irritative reactions. Herbal ingredients, on the other  hand, contain properties that are extremely beneficial to the skin and also eliminate harmful effects. Herbs also have therapeutic value, which make them a highly appropriate means of maintaining beauty and restoring beauty to the skin.

Among natural products that can nourish the skin, there are those that we come across daily, as well as others that were once part of our ancient therapies, with exotic names and remarkable values. Almond extracts are commonly used in both creams and masks in combination with appropriate bases and other ingredients. Almond, with a lanolin base, is ideal for nourishing the region around the eyes. Almond meal is added basic mask powders. Like almond, apricot is also nourishing for the skin. It contains Vitamin A, which keeps the skin soft and free of wrinkles. Various natural ingredients contain Vitamin E, which heals scar tissue, eases out lines and restores elasticity to the skin. Vitamin E oil, by itself, is thick and sticky, whereas plant products that contain Vitamin E, make the skin-care routine easier and more pleasant. Natural products have their own delicate fragrances too.

A good nourishing cream, therefore, can be called a “skin-food’ cream, providing nourishment and improving the skin’s functions, so that it can attain maximum good health and beauty. A skin-food cream, containing cabbage extract, carrot, wheat germ, has been found ideal for skin nourishment. Carrot and wheat germ are both rich in Vitamin E. Carrot also contain Vitamin A, while cabbage contains valuable minerals that have a rejuvenating effect and prevent skin blemishes.

Natural ingredients like honey, milk, yoghurt and egg are valuable beauty aids, as they are nourishing for the skin. Eggs, for instance, contain lecithin, which is extremely nourishing, as it contains protein and phosphorous. Thus, natural products help to provide the skin with the elements that are required.

The number of herbs that are being used in beauty treatments are so many and so varied. Some have been used since ancient times-like extracts of rose, jasmine and lavender. These extracts, like many others, have stood the test of time. They are ideal for oily and problem skins and help to improve their texture and health. Similarly, herbs like comfrey, camomile, sesame, when added to nourishing creams and lotions, help to improve skin color and texture. Comfrey is particularly suited to sensitive skins and cures irritations. Camomile is an emollient plant. Camomile oil is added to nourishing creams, as it helps to soften rough, coarse skin.

Since the skin absorbs products products applied on it, masks should be used to nourish the skin. They not only complete the cleansing procedure, but stimulate the skin, improve blood circulation and improve the skin’s capacity to absorb the product.

Skin nourishment, therefore ,has wider connotations. It just does not mean lubrication. That is just one aspect of it. A balance between oil and moisture must be maintained. The care of the skin must be such that, it improves the health of the skin as a whole, by helping it to perform its various functions efficiently. A healthy skin is one which has a smooth texture, an even colour tone and feels soft to the touch. Through proper nourishment, the texture, colour, blood circulation and the skin’s ability to absorb products improve. A wide array of beauty aids are available especially when we choose them from nature. The way nature has provided us with the means to sustain our bodies, she has gifted us with products to care for its external beauty. Why not spare a thought for skin and ask, “Has my skin eaten today?”

Nature’s Secret – Super Cleanse