Looking after your skin can be an absolute treat. However we all need to think long and hard about the kinds of things we are willing to put onto our skin. What better test of the products you use on the outside of your body than this - I am prepared to put this into my body too! Our skin is a barrier between us and the outside world, but it is not a plastic raincoat just shutting everything out. It is a permeable layer. What you put onto your skin ends up inside your body too.
We have put together a few simple recipes for you to try. Feel free to log into the site and leave your own special blends, or comment on our ones!

Dry Skin

Rich and Creamy AVOCADO Face Mask: Avocados contain nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. So of course your skin is going to love it! Mash up 1/2 an avocado with 1 beaten fluffy egg yolk & 1 tsp sweet almond oil. Smooth the mixture over your face, keep it on for as long as possible to nourish and soften the skin. Wash off with a warm damp cloth.

Nourishing EGG Mask: Egg yolks are one of natures best moisturisers! For this mask, you will need to beat the yolk of one egg before adding 1 tsp of milk powder and 1/2 tsp honey. Beat again to thicken. Leave on for atleast 10 mins then wash off with lukewarm water.

Enriching OLIVE OIL mask: Olive oil is high in antioxidants (including vitamin E) that protect against age-accelerating free radicals. It promotes a smooth, radiant complexion and helps maintain elasticity of skin. Beat together 2tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, and an egg yolk. Apply a thin layer to skin and leave on for 20 mins.Wash off with warm water.

Oily Skin

Cleansing CUCUMBER facial: Cucumbers are brilliant natural cleansers for the skin. Blend 1/2 a small cucumber, 1 egg white & 1 tbsp lemon juice. Refidgerate for 10 minutes. Apply to face evenly and leave for 15 mins before washing off with warm water

STRAWBERRY Face mask: Strawberries help to tone the skin, lighten any pigmentation problems and keeps the skin smooth and supple. They are also rich in salicylic acid (an ingredient found in many commercial acne creams). You have two options; Mash together 1/2 cup ripe strawberries with 1/4 cup of cornstarch to set or 1 tbsp of sour cream for a richer emollient. Leave on for 30mins.

TOMATO Acne Blitzer: Tomatoes contain the caretanoid, lycopene - high in antioxidants and fat soluble, with a small molecule structure that is easily absorbed by the skin. Blend in a blender; 1 ripe tomato, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp rolled oats (add more oats if the mix is too runny). Leave on for 10mins.

For an added glow and slightly more 'tanned looking' skin (due to the caretenoid pigment in the tomatoes), try placing the tomato skins flesh side down onto your skin (avoiding eyes) and leave them on for 30 mins before washing off.

Purifying BANANA mask: Mash 1 small banana and 1 tbsp honey together, then add a squeeze of citrus juice (orange, lemon or lime). Leave on for 20 mins before washing off.

Skin Treatments

Theraputic HONEY mask: Honey is nature's ultimate beauty product and skin food! It contains antioxidants that protect and rejuvenate the skin while its humectant properties trap and seal in moisture to leave skin soft and supple. Honey's alpha hydroxy acids and anti-microbial properties work wonders to help treat minor irritations and sunburn. Mix 2 tbsp of raw honey (not processed) with 2 tbsp of sweet almond oil (for easy absorbtion) then finally a few drops of rose essential oil. Massage onto clean skin and rinse off after atleast 15 mins with warm water.

BANANA PEEL Skin Treatment: Banana peels contains lutein, an antioxidant and plenty of potassium. To help heal psoriasis and acne rub the inside of a banana peel to the affected area and although it may be red at first, you should notice a difference in your skin within a few days!