Simple Steps to Beautiful Skin

Healthy skin glows from within! It's a product of proper nutrition a whole food diet with a strong emphasis on raw fruit and vegetables. But don't stop at diet! A three-step routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice a day also plays a vital role.

Good quality cleansers won't strip your skin of its moisture and natural oils. Using a toner removes the last traces of dirt and leaves your skin refreshed. And finally, moisturizing protects your skin from everyday pollutants and prevents it from drying out. Moisturizers are especially needed for older or dry skin.

Be sure to thoroughly wash your face at night to remove makeup and the dirt and grime of a busy day. Use a cleanser like the one below and rinse it off with water. After applying toner with a cotton ball or makeup pad, don't forget to use a good moisturizer to allow your skin to rejuvenate while you sleep. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing again in the morning leaves your skin ready to face the world, especially if you wear makeup.

Try these simple do-it-yourself recipes and show the world what healthy skin looks like.

Luxurious Honey Cleanser

2 Tbsp (30 ml) whole milk, room temperature
1 tsp (5 ml) honey

Combine milk and honey thoroughly. Rub the mixture in an upward motion over face and neck using fingertips. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Peppy Parsley Toner

2 Tbsp (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh peppermint, chopped
2 1/2 cups (375 ml) distilled water

Steep herbs in hot water for 30 minutes. Strain and cool in the fridge. Dab toner onto a cotton ball or makeup pad and gently rub over face and neck in an upward motion.

Lovely Lemon Moisturizer
3 Tbsp (45 ml) almond oil
2 Tbsp (30 ml) lanolin
1 Tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
5 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil (optional)

Melt almond oil and lanolin in a double boiler or small pan on low heat. Add lemon juice and remove from heat. Mix until the cream has cooled down and firmed up slightly. Add essential oils and combine. Apply to face and neck using an upward motion. This moisturizer can be stored in a glass jar in the fridge.