Natural, safe and effective skincare products made at home
Home Rituals
BODY SKIN BRUSHING
The skin is responsible for 1/4 of the body’s detoxification which makes it one of the most important organs! Skin brushing of the body is a simple yet very effective way to support this natural process as it stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. In addition, it also removes dead skin cells and encourages new cells to grow by bringing nutrients and oxygen to the upper layer of the skin. Frequent brushing can lead to toned, softer, and smoother skin with less cellulite. The health benefits include improvement in digestion and strengthening of the immune system.
1. Choose a natural bristle brush (i.e. cactus plants).
2. Always use brush on dry skin.
3. Brushing the skin first thing in the morning helps wake up your system and stimulate blood flow.
4. It is also recommended to do skin brushing before a warm shower or bath.
5. Always brush towards, not away from, the heart.
6. If brushing the abdomen, go clockwise in a circular motion.
7. Brush lightly, without damaging the skin cells.
8. Remember to drink a glass of clean water afterwards to flush out the toxins.BATHING TRADITION & RITUALS
Sitting in a hot bath does amazing things for the body and mind. Not only does it improve blood circulation and enhance the metabolism of organs and cells but it also improves the immune system by activating white blood cells. Sweating and urinating help detoxify and raise the body temperature. Bathing every day for 15 minutes in hot water is as effective as getting a massage once a week. For the skin, the hot steam and water open the pores and cleanse the skin deeply. And for the mind, the floating effects release the stress that the body weight imposes by reducing the body weight by a tenth.
Below is a description of the Japanese bathing ritual:
1. Temperature matters and needs to be adjusted depending on the seasons. In the tropical climate in which I live, I usually set it for 40°C (it may be adjusted depending on the temperature of the room). The idea is to have the water slightly warmer than the body temperature.
2. Add 1–2 cups of sea salt and/or ginger to increase the detoxifying effects. Other ingredients such as magnesium chloride, baking powder, and essential oils (mixed with base oil) can also enhance the experience. (Refer to the ingredient list)
3. Make sure to top up hot water to maintain the heat throughout.
4. Soak for at least 20 minutes to maximise the effects. You do not necessarily need to soak the entire body, but sit with the water below chest level. Make sure to cover the shoulders if the room temperature is low. Relax, read a book, or listen to music.
5. Finish off with a cold shower.
6. Make sure to dry and wrap your body straightaway and hydrate with a glass of clean water but avoid drinking cold drinks.Options
Soak the whole body at 42°C for 3 minutes in and out for 3 sets.
If you have no bathtub, try a foot-bath at 42°C for 10–15 minutes.
FACIAL THERAPY
By adopting some simple techniques in a home spa setting, the experience of using freshly made creams and oils will become not just a skincare routine but also a home spa ritual to encourage well-being and bring mind and body into a harmonious balance. Set aside some time for your home spa journey with the following facial therapies and instantly experience a glowing complexion.
FACIAL STEAM
Facial steam is a simple yet effective home therapy that can be customised to different types of skin concerns. Not only does it aid in deep cleaning by opening the pores but it also stimulates blood circulation and improves complexion. Regular steam is beneficial in restoring the skin’s natural ability to cleanse and restore. It may not be suitable for sun-damaged skin as the heat aggravates the burnt skin.
What to Prepare
1 liter Boiling water
1 tsp. Dry herbs (3–4 types) or 200 ml Tincture (1–2 types) or 20 drops Essential oils (1–3 types)
1. Wash your skin thoroughly with castile soap face wash and towel dry.
2. Boil the liquid with herbs; steep for 5 minutes. Alternatively, add tincture or essential oils to the boiled water.
3. Place a wide motif of infused herbs in a stable place where you can sit comfortably for 10 minutes.
4. Drape a large bath towel over your head, shoulders and the steaming herb pot to create a tent.
5. Close your eyes and hold your face 20–30cm away from the edge of the pot to avoid burning your skin.
6. Breathe deeply and relax.
7. You may reuse the herbal water to bathe, or to water your plants.Try the following herbs, either alone or in a mixture for various properties:
- Green tea: Antioxidant and collagen boosting
- Pu’erh: Invigorating and awakening, for a morning steam
- Raspberry leaf: Cleansing and soothing
- Thyme: Healing and antiseptic, suitable for acne skin
Choose your preferred essential oils for their powerful efficacies and pleasing scents:
- Clary sage: For oily skin, for its ability to regulate sebum production
- Jasmine: For dry and irritated skin
- Tea tree: Beneficial for clearing acne skin
- Rose damask: Hydrating and regenerating; helpful for mature skin
TOWEL COMPRESS
Alternatively, spend a few minutes stimulating your facial muscles using warm and cold towels, especially if you have had a lack of sleep or had a little too much alcohol the previous day. This is also beneficial for stimulating dull or dehydrated skin. Use of essential oil is not recommended as it will have direct contact with the skin which is not advisable.
1. Make 1 cold and 1 hot towel and apply to the face, in turn.
2. Remember to always start with a warm towel, cover the whole face for a few seconds and then move to the back of the neck.
3. Use pressure point massage to release any excess water on the face.
4. Repeat the same process several times.HOME PEELING
Home peeling is a powerful and highly effective therapy to boost cell regeneration and to give an instantly smooth glowing complexion. Make a homemade natural microdermabrasion by simply mixing and applying some food ingredients to the skin.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp. ripe fruits or yogurt
• Gauze to cover the entire face
INSTRUCTIONS
• Pre-hole gauze around eyes, nose and mouth.
• Mash papaya and squeeze out the juice making sure it is not too runny. Alternatively, use unsweetened yogurt (thicker, like Greek yogurt, is preferable).
1. Recline in a comfortable chair and apply the mashed papaya or yogurt to the face, avoiding eye area.
2. Cover the face with gauze for 10 minutes so that the product stays on the face.
3. Wash with warm water and cleanser as required.