How to Go Green With Skin Care

Your complexion is the first thing people see when they meet you. Are you glowing with youthful radiance? Is your skin care "green", are the products you use for facial care natural Earth friendly? Natural skin care is better for your body, your skin, your health and our Planet. If you are thinking about improving your complexion with natural cosmetics, here are some great steps to take towards that end. Your skin will love you for it, and will impact the environment as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Warm water
• Clean face cloth and towel
• Cotton balls
• Headband to keep hair out of face
• Botanical or ocean base Cleanser, exfoliator, and mask
• Botanical or ocean base Moisturizer, toner and eye cream
• Mineral Makeup products such as cream facial foundation

1. Do your research and choose wisely. You want to find natural face care products that contain only healthy, natural ingredients with least processing. Read the ingredients list. Always remember that ingredients are listed in descending order. Chemicals, synthetic coloring and fragrances are bad for your skin and terrible for the earth. If you cannot pronounce the ingredient, chances are it is a chemical. If there is no ingredient list, the product should be avoided as well. There is no way to found out what is in it.
2. Once you have chosen the best natural face care products for you, begin by cleansing your face. Using warm water, splash your face to wet it, and apply your natural cleanser. Lather gently and rinse thoroughly. If using an exfoliating treatment, follow the product directions for application and then rinse. Pat your face dry (don’t rub) with a clean towel. You should cleanse morning and night. Exfoliation is usually done once to twice a week depending on your skin condition. Make sure you read the directions.
3. Depending on your skin type and needs, you may choose to use a mask. Masks are great to relax the face and deep cleanse the skin. They can be use alternatively with exfoliator. They usually take at least 20 to 30 minute. So make sure you have some time in front of you. If you use a mask, apply it and let it dry thoroughly. Once it dries, remove it gently with a clean face cloth and warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
4. If you skin is more on the oily side, it is possible that mask ans exfoliator are not enough. A gentle natural toner will remove leftover dirt and toxins. Make sure it is alcohol free. It will give your skin a fresh look.
   
   Toners do not work as well on dry skin. This is a skin that has a hard time keeping moisture in. So skip step 4 and proceed to step 5.
5. Follow with a natural moisturizer that is made for your skin type or a tinted moisturizer cream will work great. You should moisturize morning and night. This is also the time to apply special eye creams. Some moisturizers hydrate and protect against UV rays at the same time. This is great when you want to protect your skin from the sun.
   
   Some moisturizers can also be used as foundation. Slightly tinted they benefit your skin by nourishing, hydrating and protecting all at once. You do not need to wear more than one cream. it is lighter and healthier for your skin.
6. This is now time to apply your make up if you like. Remember that make up enhance your face features and is not meant to cover flaws. Mineral makeup is light to the skin so it can breathe and waterproof so it does not run down your face. It is now the preferred make up for busy active women.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember that your skin is your biggest organ. It is alive and breathing. It is also a big part of your immune system. The same way you are choosing your foods carefully, choose your skin care carefully. Always think of it as food for your skin and you it will help your buying decision process.
• Look for skin care products with least processing, whole ingredients.
• Cold pressed oils and natural base carrier cream are best for all skin type.
• The ingredients are listed in ascending order. At the top of the list you will find ingredient in most quantities.
• If you canot read the name, chances are it is a man made chemical. You may not wanted on your skin.
• Do not let organic or natural label fool you. There are no real regulations in the cosmetic industry for labelling. Read the ingredients list.
• Some shampoo or lotion or cream containers are recyclable, others not. Look for the recycable sign
• Ask questions to the retailer or email the company. Do not hesitate. it is your right to find out how the skin care products are made, where do they come from as well as the vision of the company.