How to care for facial skin naturally
Environment — di Silvia C. Turrin
Skin is a mirror of our wellbeing, and in summer we need to look after it with extra care. Here is a simple guide to caring for it every day, including DIY solutions.
How to care for facial skin naturally
Skin is a mirror of our wellbeing, and in summer we need to look after it with extra care. Here is a simple guide to caring for it every day, including DIY solutions.
During the summer season, spending more time outdoors means facial skin is more exposed to sunlight and wind. While this immersion in nature is a tonic — since it stimulates the body to produce vitamin D and boosts our immune defences — it can also cause skin complaints such as redness or sunburn. However, we can prepare our facial skin to cope with light and heat through a series of simple measures. Here are some tips for cleansing and protecting it naturally.
Eliminating impurities, caring for oily skin
An obvious and easy yet extremely important step is to wash your face morning and evening with products suited to your skin type. This cleansing helps remove toxins, sebaceous cells and even fine pollutant particles. As cleansing products, it is best to choose those that are naturally alcohol-free and respect the physiological pH. Witch hazel hydrolat is very useful for regenerating and purifying the skin, thanks to its astringent and decongestant properties.
DIY face toner
You can also prepare toners made with chamomile and lavender. Simply heat some water (about 100ml) and bring it to the boil. Then add 5 grams of chamomile flowers and 5 grams of lavender flowers. Leave to steep and cool. Dampen a little cotton wool with a few drops of the toner and gently rub it over your face and décolletage. Finally, rinse with cool water.
Beneficial plant oils for sensitive and dry skin
If facial skin is regularly well nourished, it is better able to withstand the stress of temperature changes and sun exposure. It is therefore important to moisturise it with substances rich in vitamins A and B. Particularly effective is the oil obtained by cold-pressing hazelnut fruits, as it is rich in antioxidants, selenium (important for preventing cellular ageing) and B vitamins. Jojoba oil is equally recommended — ideal in summer because it is easily absorbed and does not leave the skin greasy; its high vitamin E content makes it nourishing and protective even for sensitive skin. These natural oils are best used in the evening, before going to bed, so that they can work during the night hours while the skin is at rest.
Natural remedies: brewer's yeast
We can also protect our skin by taking care of our internal organs. Brewer's yeast, in capsule or powder form, has long been a good supplement for caring for and nourishing the skin, hair and intestine, being rich in B vitamins (B1, B2 and B9); it also contains vitamin E, as well as minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It is suitable for regenerating cells.
Exfoliating
Once a week it is useful to remove dead cells with a natural exfoliant. For the face, you can prepare an oat flour scrub with olive oil — one tablespoon of each ingredient. Mix them together and, if you like, add a little plain natural yogurt. Spread the resulting mixture over the facial skin with gentle circular massage movements, paying particular attention to the forehead, nose and chin. Finally, rinse with cool water.
Lastly, before any sun exposure, never forget to apply a sunscreen suited to your skin's phototype.