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Anti-Aging for the Frugal Hausfrau

Someone once said, "Old age is no place for sissies." Well, like it or not, that's where we're all headed. We then have two options: accept it or fight it. Some may argue, "Why fight it? We're all just going to end up like shriveled raisins anyway." That's fine and dandy if you want to spend the second half of your life being depressed and dejected. Everyone knows that when you look your best, you feel your best. Others will then retort, "Who can afford all of those expensive skin treatments?"

Exfoliation, or getting rid of the dead cells that accumulate on your skin, can prevent (and fix) a multitude of problems. There are many ways to do this. You can go to the store and plop down a huge chunk of change, or you can whip something up at home.

Baking soda has so many wonderful uses. If you have children, then you know that a baking soda bath can clear up inflamed skin on a baby's bottom in a snap. If it's safe for a baby's skin, then you can be reasonably confident that it will be gentle on your skin too. Adding a handful of baking soda to your bath water, and soaking for about fifteen minutes will give you smooth skin all over. (If you're skiddish about trying it on your entire body, try it out on your feet in a basin first.) You will be totally amazed by how smooth your skin will be.

For your face, make a paste by slowly adding water to some baking soda until it has a lotion-like consistency. (You should start with a clean face.) First, rinse your face with warm water. Then apply the paste all over your face, being careful around the eyes. Gently rub the paste around the entire face using small circular motions for about a minute. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool water rinse. Pat your face dry and add you favorite moisturizer. (Regular lotion works fine.) If you have acne, (and you're extremely brave) use the baking soda paste to exfoliate, and then apply a very thin layer of toothpaste to your entire face, being careful around the eyes. This will burn like crazy for about five minutes. Wipe the toothpaste mask off with a wet washcloth, then rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Wait a few minutes and apply your oil-free moisturizer. (FYI: toothpaste absorbs the oil in your skin and helps lessen the redness. Yes, really.)

If you want to keep your skin as young as possible, for as long as possible, you don't have to mortgage your house to do it. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, drink a lot of water, and take a multivitamin every day. This will keep you skin (and your husband) very happy! As my mother always used to say, "Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly is to the bone!"

Learn more about this author, Tricia Gordon.
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