by Denise Perez
For Oily Skin: Sugar Scrub
The purpose of any facial scrubbing agent is to slough off dead cells that make skin look dull and flaky. For oily skin, the sloughing agent should also help control oil buildup and clogged pores. Although several other gentle abrasives work well, sugar in this formula has an antibacterial effect--a plus for acne-prone skin. Make scrubs and masks just before using, and use a light touch when applying to your face.
Note: Do not apply this or any other scrub to acne-inflamed areas. It will only worsen the condition. Do not use any scrub more often than every other day.
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon tepid water
With sugar in the palm of your hand, add water drop by drop to make a paste. Using your fingertips, gently massage the scrub over your ace and neck, avoiding the eye area. Rinse well with warm and then cool water.
For Normal to Dry Skin: Honey-Almond Scrub/Mask
The almond meal in this formula very gently removes dead cells while the honey acts as a natural humectant, or moisture trapper.
1 tablespoon unsalted, unroasted almonds
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg white
In the blender or food processor, grind almonds into a fine meal, stopping short of pulverizing them into powder. In a bowl, mix almond meal with honey and egg white. Apply the mixture to your face and neck with your fingertips, massaging gently in a circular motion. Let set for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Avocado makes a wonderful mask for normal to dry skin. When peeling an avocado, leave a little of the fruit on the inside of the avocado skin. Then rub the inside of the peel over your face. The gritty texture of the peel sloughs dead skin while the fruit you leave behind moisturizes. Allow the mask to set for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
