The skin loses moisture to the environment, when humidity is low, or is lowered due to exposure to air conditioning in summer. Exposure to the sun, over a period of time, also lowers the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Oily skins can also be short of moisture, although it may be superficial dryness of the outermost layer. The skin absorbs moisture in the form of an emulsion of oil and water. It cannot absorb water or oil by itself. Therefore, moisturisers replenish moisture and keep the skin soft and smooth. During humid weather, normal to oily skin may not need moisturisers, since there is humidity in the atmosphere and the skin attracts moisture from the air. However, during the dry season, moisturisers are needed.
In summer, a rose based skin tonic may help to moisturise the skin. Honey may be applied on the body. Dilute with water and then apply. Honey is a powerful natural humectant, which helps to attract moisture to the skin. Honey helps to make the skin soft and smoothens out the rough areas. Honey suits both oily and combination skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with plain water.
Mix honey with orange juice and apply on the face, neck and arms to make it soft and smooth. Wash off after 20 minutes.
Aloe vera gel of juice can also be applied. Aloe Vera is a powerful natural moisturiser and seals off loss of moisture. It also softens dead skin cells and helps their removal, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. In fact, it helps the normal functions of the skin by improving its capacity to retain moisture. Many people have aloe vera plants at home. The gel obtained from the plant itself is the leaf pulp, found in the inner portion of the leaves. The aloe juice is found just beneath the outer skin of the leaves. However, while using it directly on the skin at home, one should wash the plant well and observe total hygiene. The aloe vera gel or juice may be applied on the arms and then washed off with plain water after 20 minutes. It will moisturize the skin, without making it oily.
Mix equal quantities of aloe vera gel and mineral water and heat over a low fire till it forms a cream. When it cools, store in an airtight jar.
You can also mix 100 ml rose water with one teaspoon pure glycerin. Use this lotion to moisturise the skin on face and body. During summer, you can keep the lotion in the fridge, so that it is cool and refreshing.
Take 3 tablespoons wheat germ oil, 3 tablespoons honey, one ounce each of rosewater, witch hazel and glycerine. Blend all the ingredients completely to make a cream. Store it in airtight jar for further use.
Fragrant Body Massage Oil: Take 25 ml each of almond oil and sunflower oil or sesame seed (til) oil, to make 50 ml oil. To this add 2 drops of rose or jasmine essential oil. Essential oils should never be used by themselves. This oil will leave the body with a pleasant fragrance.
Simple Moisturising Cream
Ingredients
2 tablespoons beeswax
1 tablespoon emulsifying wax
5 tablespoons almond oil
5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
10 tablespoons water
Put the waxes in a bowl and melt over a water bath. They are not to be melted directly on the fire. When melted, add the oil. In a separate bowl, heat the water over the same water bath, so that the two bowls are at the same temperature. Slowly add the water to the melted waxes and oils, stirring all the time. Remove from heat and stir with a wooden spoon, until it sets. When cool, add the lavender essential oil. You can increase quantities in this proportion. But it is better to make home remedies in small quantities. Or keep in the fridge for some time. ( For water bath, you can heat water in a vessel and put the bowl with waxes / water).
