In this section, there are some wonderful recipes that I have used over the years for summer skin care.  They are natural and actually, these facials are great for anytime of the year, not just summer.    

"The skin loves vitamin C.  It brightens the skin immediately after you put it on.   

Masks that contain fresh oranges, lemons or pineapple revive your skin.  These are summer masks, they are cooling and soothing for the skin.

Adding yogurt is a perfect way to keep you cool.  The yogurt is very softening, hydrating and has a wide spectrum of enzymes in it, so it takes off that top layer of dead skin that accumulates.

These masks are not only an inexpensive way to treat your skin, but it's more effective.  It's very hard to get fresh things on the skin because when we typically go to the stores, we're buying things that have sat in a jar.  Fresh is much more potent, just like the foods we eat are much better if they are fresh.

Most of these recipes that you don't use immediately, require refrigeration since they don't contain preservatives. Typically, their shelf life is approximately one week.

Summer Facial Recipes

Combine 1 tsp. fresh orange juice and 1 tsp. plain yogurt.  Apply the mixture to your skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

If you have combination skin, mix 1 tsp. warm coconut milk with 1 tsp. cornstarch and 1 tsp. pineapple juice.  This mask is especially great for sun-damaged skin.  Coconut milk has lactic acid in it, so it smoothes out the skin - it makes it much smoother.  Pineapple is a little stronger than orange juice and does a little more exfoliating.  

1.  Cleanse and exfoliate in one step by mixing 1 tsp. baking soda with 1 tsp. plain yogurt.  Apply mixture and leave on for 2 minutes, then gently massage into skin.  Rinse well with warm water.  (Note:  This combination gently cleans pores, removes dead cells and softens dry, sensitive skin without irritation.)

2.  To gently balance and tone, apply rose water (which can be found at most drug stores) with a cotton ball.

3.  Follow with a favorite botanical moisturizer.

4.  Mask twice a week by combining 1/2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 1-1/2 tsp. mashed avocado.  Chill mixture briefly, then massage into skin and leave on for 5 minutes.  Remove mask with a soft cotton cloth.  (Note:  The magickal effects of olive oil has been touted by European women for generations and avocado is a premier source of vitamin E and natural oils.)

1.  To cleanse and exfoliate, mix 1 tsp. powdered milk with 1 tsp. water and gently massage into skin for 2 minutes.  (Note:  Lactic acid nourishes without stripping the skin of essential natural oils.)

2.  Tone with freshly squeezed lemon juice applied with a cotton ball.  (Note:  This natural astringent purifies the pores and provides a dose of pure vitamin C.)

3.  Finish with an oil-free moisturizer.

4.  Mask twice a week with a combination of 1 tsp. fresh pineapple juice, 1 tsp. warm coconut milk and 1-1/2 tsp. cornstarch.  Apply to the face and leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.  (Note:  Pineapple is a natural exfoliant and a potent source of enzymes that soften the skin; coconut milk provides an additional shot of lactic acid.  In tandem, they provide a firming, antioxidant lift to summer skin.)

1.  For any skin type, mix 1 tsp. aloe gel and 1 tsp. honey, apply to skin and leave on for 10 minutes.

2.  Rinse with warm water.  (Note:  Aloe gel, an ageless remedy for burns, can be found by breaking a leaf from an aloe plant - easy to grow in any environment - or found at health food stores.  Be sure to ask for 100 percent pure aloe that contains no alcohol.  Honey is a natural, gentle astringent and yet extremely hydrating.

1.  1/2 cup oatmeal or cornmeal.

2.  Plain yogurt (add enough yogurt to form a paste).

Mix ingredients, adding enough yogurt to form a paste, then smooth over entire face - avoiding the eye area.  Rinse with cool water.  

1.  One medium peach.

2.  One tablespoon of honey.

3.  Oatmeal.

Cook the peach until its soft, mash it with a fork, then add the honey and oatmeal until its a thick consistency.  Apply the paste to your skin and let sit for 10 minutes, rinse well with cool water.

Skin Toner

1.  3 1/2 cups of witch hazel.

2.  1/2 cup of dried rose petals.

3.  5 sprigs of rosemary.

Mix ingredients together making sure everything is blended well.  Then strain and splash on your face after cleansing your skin.

Lotion

1.  1 cup of dried chamomile.

2.  4 tablespoons honey.

3.  1 cup milk.

4.  8 teaspoons wheat germ.

Steep chamomile in milk for a few hours.  Strain, keeping liquid.  Add honey and wheat germ to liquid mixture.  Blend well.  Place in a bottle. Refrigerate any used portions.  Keeps up to a week.