Tanning may give a beautiful healthy summer glow but too much can damage the skin causing dryness, pigmentation and wrinkles.
Exfoliation removes dull, dry skin, prevents congestion and improves the absorption and hydration of your creams and lotions.
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EXFOLIATE, SOFTEN AND PROMOTE HEALTHY CIRCULATION BY DRY BRUSHING.
Use a natural bristle brush the size of your hand with a detachable handle. Avoid nylon bristles as they are too harsh and may damage the skin. Individuals with sensitive and fragile skin best start with a soft natural bristle brush.
The best time to brush is before your shower upon rising in the morning. Your brush must be dry.
Start with the soles of the feet in circular motions. Brush up your legs, ankles, shins, knees, back of legs, buttocks and thighs. Then start with the palms of your hands, back of hands, forearms, elbows, upper arms. Then back lower and upper, abdomen, chest and neck.
In summary, brush towards your heart….feet up, hands in, neck down. Brush until your skin becomes rosy, warm and glowing. Brush for 5-10 minutes. Follow with a shower to wash the dead skin away.
MAKE YOUR OWN DELICIOUS, SOFTENING AND ANTIBACTERIAL SCRUB.
Blend the following ingredients in a bowl:
– 2 cups of salts or sugar – finely ground natural sea salt or Himalayan salt and
– 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil and the
– Zest of one fresh lemon or lime or 20 drops of lavender essential oil
Store in a jar and use a few tablespoons on damp skin. Rub in circular motions and wash off.
Optional: swap out 1 cup of salt or sugar for 1 cup of finely ground coffee beans.
DETOX & BATHE IN CLAY
A major channel of elimination is through the sweat glands, the pores of the skin. Immersing oneself fully in a warm clay bath relaxes the muscles and opens the pores of the skin, allowing clay to absorb impurities. Bentonite clay is excellent for baths and very easy to prepare. As a guide use 1-2 cups of Bentonite per bath.
Alternatively make a clay body mask.
Mix 2 parts water to one part clay.
Add the clay to the water not the water to the clay. It is a good idea to plan ahead and prepare the clay approximately 1-2 hours in advance. This will give the clay plenty of time to hydrate. Once it has become fully hydrated you will have a smooth paste that you can use for body masks as well as facials.
Kneading and extra water may be necessary if it becomes slightly dry during storage. Apply 2 – 10 ml thick of paste to the entire body. Lay on a clean towel. Cover yourself up with a warm damp towel. Leave for 30 – 60 minutes.
Remove with a damp cloth then rinse in the shower.
I recommend Australian Bentonite Clay such as the Australian Healing Clay brand https://healingclay.com.au
Once your skin is cleansed, exfoliated and detoxed lather up with an organic jojoba oil followed by a natural hydrating moisturizer, which contains rosehip oil and vitamin E. Jojoba oil is similar to skin sebum and allows your moisturizer to penetrate your skin even better.
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