I understand that a lot of people are going back in time to find good home remedies for skin hydration. The reason that I make the time reference is that it has been so long since the practice of using compounds found around the house has been prevalent. Most people switched over to the use of prepared moisturizing skin care formulas almost as soon as they became available.

Some of the reason that people switched from the natural oils they were using on their skin to the prepackaged moisturizing lotions, was because they figured that a formula prepared for them by “experts” would be more effective than what they were using at home. If only they had understood what it was the cosmetics companies were using in these formulas, more people may have stuck to what they were doing.

Old home remedies for skin hydration included all manner of vegetable and fruit juices, as well as cooking oils primarily derived from lard. These compounds had varying effects on the skin, with that of the vegetable and fruit juices understandably being the best. Lard tended to leave a greasy film on the skin, and although people didn’t know it at the time they were actually clogging their pores, and trapping dirt and grime in their skin.

Although supposedly technologically superior to what was being drawn from kitchens everywhere, the truth is that the prepackaged moisturizers featured substances that were very much like the lard those people had left behind. The compounds that the cosmetics companies provided also couldn’t effectively penetrate the skin, and they caused most of the same problems that using lard presented to occur.

These were, and are, the petroleum based moisturizing compounds. Even today, products that feature petroleum based ingredients such as mineral oil, paraffin wax, and petrolatum don’t effectively moisturize your skin. The fruit and vegetable based home remedies for skin hydration that generations long before us used to use were far better at treating your skin.

Modern science has improved on those home remedies for skin hydration, and now you can enjoy the benefits of these natural compounds as never before. Vegetable and fruit oils and extracts now only give you the best possible attributes of each substance, so they tend to be able to make your skin far healthier than they could before. Try a formula that contains these extracts and oils, and enjoy the magnificent looking skin they provide.

Sharon McCarthy is a health enthusiast and a dedicated researcher of natural skin care products. Visit her website now http://healthy-skin-care.info and discover proven cutting edge skin care products that protect your skin and slow down the aging process.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/the-best-home-remedies-for-skin-hydration-a-natural-skin-hydration-formula-1516213.html

Winter is just around the corner and the cold weather can play havoc on the skin. Every season we should evaluate our skin care routine. For instance, during the winter months the sebaceous (oil) glands produce less oil; thus for those with oily skin during the summer months they may find some relief from excess oil during the winter. However for those of us with combination skin or dry skin, the winter months dry out the skin even more.

Below are suggestions to help you combat dry skin in the winter time:

Hydrate the Face – both inside and outside. Winter is the perfect time for warm herbal teas loaded with antioxidants. Additionally, you should have a daytime moisturizer that still includes SPF and an emollient rich night time cream. Consider a lotion during the day and a cream at night time. Consider creams that contain shea butter, avocado oil, and olive oil for example. Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol and synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and coloring, as these have a tendency to strip the skin of its natural oils and have a drying effect on the skin.

Cleansing – we all know that we should stay clear of harsh soaps on our face. We also know that we should avoid extremely hot showers, although they are so tempting when it’s zero degrees! Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils thus drying out the skin.

Cleansing for the body,  consider a body wash that is gentle and can enrich the skin such as aloe Vera. After your shower pat down with a lotion rich in moisture such as shea butter. If possible consider using fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners. These chemicals embedded into our clothes can irritate dry skin.

Facial Cleansing – this is probably the most important part of your skin care routine. A good cleanser will thoroughly clean the skin and not strip away natural oils.

Facial Toning – this is a matter of preference. I have read and written several articles about the importance of toners, however there are some that say it is not needed. Personally, I love my homemade green tea and chamomile toner.   

Body Exfoliate – A good exfoliate once a week will perk up skin and color by promoting circulation under the skin.  

Facial Exfoliate – usually once a week. For an easy exfoliate, add a little cornmeal to your facial cleansing. You will notice a difference in the feel and look of your complexion.

Facial Masks – A facial mask can do so much to hydrate deep down into the lower layers of the skin. There are numerous types on the market.  Oatmeal, clay, avocado masks are so beneficial to the skin.

Lips – thin skinned and no oil producing glands in the lips. They take a beating during the winter. If you suffer from chapped lips all winter long consider a waxy lip balm to lock in moisture and protect before you got outdoors. Consider a lip balm that contain avocado, olive, or soybean, they soften and soothe, while vitamin A-rich shea butter promotes healing.

Hands and Feet – just like the face, if you do not wear gloves, the hands are exposed to the winter elements. They need moisture and protection to. Consider a day lotion with SPF and at night give them a treatment with some shea butter for example. The feet which never see the light of day during the winter months are still vulnerable to cracks and dry skin and prone to developing fungus. Consider a balm with peppermint or tea tree oil at night to fight fungus, and cover your feet with cotton socks. Additionally a weekly soak in Epsom salts does wonders to relieve foot ache, fungus and cleanse.

For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, toners, exfoliates, facial peels and masks visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/winter-skin-care-101-1519297.html