Saving Face

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Please be aware that “herbal” and “natural” are not synonymous with “harmless”. The properties of herbs that make them effective can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Avoid using any ingredients that you are allergic to as food: your skin could react as well. Always test any new formula on the inner fold of your elbow before using it on your entire face. Check your skin after twenty-four hours and don’t use the formula if redness, swelling, or itching is present.

Basic skin care

Any prescription for healthy skin starts with drinking eight glasses of water daily, either plain or carbonated water or noncaffeinated herb tea. When you apply a topical moisturizer to the skin, it penetrates only the top layers, not the germinative layer underneath where new skin is produced; drinking abundant liquids helps to keep the skin sufficiently hydrated from within as well. It can take up to three weeks to feel the benefits of consuming this much water regularly, but rest assured that it will make a difference.

Humidifying your house—by using a humidifier or simmering potpourris, for example—can help keep your skin moisturized. The sun is one of the worst skin agers; even in winter, hats and sunscreen are needed to protect your skin while you are outdoors.

A good basic daily skin care routine is equally important to maintaining a healthy complexion. Here’s the one that I recommend:

In the morning, cleanse your face, then apply a toner to restore the acid balance of the skin. Skin normally has a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, but soaps and other cleansers tend to be alkaline. Toners include astringents such as witch hazel, equal parts of vinegar and water, and equal parts of lemon juice and water; my two toner formulas also include astringent herbs. Then moisturize your skin, preferably with a product that lists both water and oil among its ingredients. Finally, protect your face with a makeup foundation or sunscreen (if you’re going outdoors).

In the evening, cleanse your skin again, apply a toner, then protect your skin with lanolin, available at most pharmacies; cocoa butter, which people who have an acne problem should avoid; or, if your skin is very dry, pure olive, sesame, or sunflower oil applied to a wet face. Using a cream moisturizer in the evening may cause your eyes to be puffy in the morning.

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