by Carol Belanger

Created on: January 31, 2010

Winter weather can play havoc on the skin, especially your face. Dryness seems to be the culprit during the winter months because of the low humidity in the air and lower humidity in your home. Additionally the sebaceous glands produce less oil in cold weather adding insult to injury. We are also tempted to take long hot showers which also dries out the skin by stripping away its natural oils.

So how can we combat dry skin and keep a dewy complexion all winter long? Very easy with these fun, simple, and effective skin care recipes.

Step 1: Cleanse - Start with a gentle cleanser specific for your skin type.

Honey Cleanser
Dab of Castile soap
1 Teaspoon honey

Wet face. Pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand and add honey. Mix honey and soap into a lather, wash face using gentle circular motions. Castile soap is made from vegetable oil as opposed to animal fat like other soaps. Oils used in castile soap include olive, coconut, almond, hemp, and jojoba.

Step 2: Exfoliate - no need to spend a lot of money - just add a little cornmeal or baking soda to your store bought cleanser or try this recipe.

Simple Exfoliate Recipe
Mix equal parts sugar and virgin olive oil. There is nothing cheaper or easier to make. It's wonderful! The exfoliation will slough off old skin, increase circulation and make your skin receptive to all the benefit's a facial mask has to offer.

Step 3: A fun facial mask - again choose your facial mask according to your skin type. Here is a recipe for normal or combination skin.

Avocado Mask
1/2 ripe avocado
1 teaspoon vegetable oil or olive oil

Mash avocado into a paste and add vegetable oil. Apply to clean skin. Leave on for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Step 3: Tone to restore ph balance and remove final traces of your mask

Green Tea Mask
1/2 cup pure spring water, mineral water or distilled water
2 teaspoons green tea leaves (or 1 green tea bag)

Bring water to a boil. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a glass bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the green tea into a sterilized bottle, and let it cool. Store your toner in the refrigerator for a refreshing toner.

Green tea tightens and calms skin. It also contains a strong antioxidant that fights signs of aging. This toner should be applied before a moisturizer.

Step 4: Moisturize - hydration is the key to a dewy complexion. Moisturizer locks in the moisture in your skin and protects your skin from free radicals and harsh weather. Also your moisturizer should contain an SPF of at least 15.

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