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Every year, North Americans spend millions of dollars on products that promise youth, beauty, better skin and hair. Many of these preparations are comprised entirely of synthetic chemicals and are very expensive. Many disappoint.

So why do we part with our hard earned money this way? Simple. If there is a remote chance that a product will live up to its claim, its worth it. But isn't there something else to try that is more natural and cheaper? Our great-grandmothers did not have access to the miracles-in-a-jar that we do, but they still had to deal with wrinkles, dry skin and brittle hair. Often they used nothing more than a plant from their garden or something from the pantry. No chemicals were involved and the price was reasonable.

With the recognition of natural healing has come the return of the old fashioned way of dealing with beauty problems. You can find recipes in some of the herbal books that are available in many stores now.

There are hundreds of old fashioned beauty secrets. This article is part one of a series, and focuses on face care. Other articles will follow with tips for breath, nails, hair, and men's products.

Read the sampling below, then compare with what you use now.

FACE CARE
Peppermint tea is a good astringent. Soak a clean cloth and apply as a compress to the face.

Thyme is another herbal astringent. It is so good in fact, that it can help clear up acne. Pour 1 1/2 cups of boiling water over 3-4 tablespoons of dried thyme. Steep for half an hour. Strain and bottle liquid. Should be kept refrigerated and used daily as a rinse.

Moisten a handful of finely ground cornmeal and rub into face for approximately 5 minutes. This will help combat blackheads. Don't rub too hard or you'll have some redness for awhile afterward. Rince face and moisturize.

To tighten skin, beat together 2 tablespoons unbeaten egg white, 1 tablespoon powder milk and 1/2 teaspoon honey until well blended. Apply to face and let dry. Rinse with warm water. Blot dry and use herbal astringent as final rinse.

Make your own lip balm by melting 1 1/2 oz. of beeswax in double boiler, stir in 1 ounce of honey. Beat in 2 ounces of olive oil. Stir until cool and put into a wide mouth jar.

Almond oil can be applied to any rough skin. It acts as a softening lotion.

To remove freckles, rub on a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and buttermilk. Apply daily and leave on for half an hour. Rinse and moisturize with olive or almond oil. Leave moisturizer on overnight. Repeat until freckles are gone.

Use safflower oil as a non-allergenic eye makeup remover.

Don't these make you want to go check out what's in your cupboards? Perhaps even get you wondering why you're paying so much money for astringents and face creams?

Go ahead and get started. Practise up on these, see which ones you like, and watch for the next article that will get you on your way to naturally treating your breath, nails, hair, and even after-shave.

Just pennies, just natural.

Learn more about this author, Shirley Anderson.
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