I’ve recieved a few questions about skin care and beauty so I thought it might be nice to do a few lessons on the basics of maintaining one’s complexion. Today’s lesson is about natural beauty treatments.

For centuries Princesses have been trying different substances and methods to give their skin softness, clearness and that inner glow. Some, such as Cleopatra’s goats milk baths, are gentle remedies and others, for example the consumption of arsenic in the courts of Europe, were quite deadly! As modern Princesses we have a wide range of beauty products available to us, and it can be quite confusing as to which to choose and how to apply them.

One of the most important things to remember is that everyone’s skin is different, and there is no miracle cream, treatment or method that will work the same for everyone. What works wonders for one person may have no benefit to another. The best way to reach a beneficial beauty routine is to try different products and remedies until you find the ones that gives the best results for you. Keep in mind that you are unlikely to notice the difference overnight, as a general rule I will try something for three weeks before deciding whether or not it has worked as this gives your skin’s chemistry enough time to adapt.

Personally I am a strong advocate of using the most natural products I can. A lot of beauty products you buy on the shelf these days, especially the cheaper ones, can contain harsh chemicals that will effectively clean your skin but will also age it faster. Chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which originally were intended for use as industrial cleaning agents are not something you want to put on your face! Just remember, your skin absorbs any oil based substance you apply to it.

In fact, the very best beauty products and remedies can be found in your kitchen! For cleansers, oatmeal and milk work wonders. Honey is a natural healing balm which can be applied to sores and scabs. Garlic has great antibacterial properties and when rubbed on non-ruptured blemishes can help ease the swelling. Cucumber is cooling and soothing to inflamed or burned skin and tea has long been a popular remedy for reducing swelling due to water retention, such as bags under the eyes. Egg whites can be mixed in to a hair rinse to give you shiny locks and natural unflavoured yoghurt makes a great facial mask. I have tried all of these remedies at some point and found them far more effective than anything purchased from the shops. There is a reason some women pay hundreds of dollars to go to day spas where they use ingredients just like these!

Here is a very simple recipe that I use now and then when I feel my skin needs a bit of extra attention. I have shared this with a few friends and they’ve also agreed their skin feels much softer and clearer afterwards. This Mask combines oatmeal, which is a great cleanser and natural exfoliant, honey which heals and hydrates the skin, egg white as an emollient to soften and tone as well as cucumber which is cooling and soothing to dry or damaged skin.

Honey and Oat Healing Mask

2 tbsp oatmeal or rolled oats
1 tsp honey
1 egg white, seperated
4 slices of cucumber, skins removed

Chop or finely grind the oats until they are as close to a powder as you can make them, if there are a few larger flakes it will not matter. Likewise dice the cucumber slices into small pieces, the closer to a paste or jelly consistency the better. In a bowl beat the egg white until a light foam forms on top, mix in the honey and then add the oats and cucumber. It should be fairly thick, but still runny enough to spread over skin easily, if necessary add more oats.

If you have sensitive skin, please try a bit of this on the back of your wrist first. Leave it there for ten minutes and then wash off, if you notice any redness or itchiness do not proceed with the mask. All of the ingredients in this mask are very safe and should not cause any irritation, but if you have sensitive skin it never hurts to test first.

Apply the mask to clean, slightly damp skin. Spread it across your face in upwards strokes, do not apply it around your eyes. When you face is covered, go and do something relaxing for about ten minutes. The mask should start to dry but not dry completely, if your skin starts to feel tight its time to wash it off. Use luke warm water to rinse off the mask, then tone and moisturise. Its ok to use this mask about once a week or whenever you’re preparing for a big event or recovering from a bad week. If you try it out please tell me about your results!

Part 2 will cover different skin types and the three stages of Cleansing, Toning and moisturising.