Skin

skin is an organ, it take moisture and oxygen into the body, so the basics:

• clogged pores will not be as good at taking in moisture and oxygen, so clear off the dead skin daily using a brush, loofah or washcloth, the rubbing will bring blood to the surface, which is very good for your skin's elasticity (don't break the skin though!)
• if you don't sweat your skin is not getting certain basics such as moisture, salt and some amino acids, adding salt to the tub one a week to soak in will help, and use a heavily fatted moisturizer head to toe at least once a day
• exposed skin needs moisturizing more often than unexposed skin
• skin breathes an it accounts for 12% of the oxygen supply circulating in the body (independent of your lungs), covering it with fabrics that do not allow aitr to your skin affect your oxygen uptake - to check -hold fabric 6" from face, put hand 6" on the other side, blow, if you can feel your breath it is a good fabric, if not...the same holds for upholstry and bedding - if air can get to your skin it is a good thing
• water is partly oxygen, soaking in a body temp (to 5 degrees higher - I use a candy thermometer to tell since I can't feel it) tub provides Oxygen, moisture and whatever goodies you toss in

lotion

• any cream/lotion - I buy mine at the dollar store, I do check for the one with the lowest amount of alcohol and the highest amout of cocoa butter/mineral oil
• wisk in 1/3 (to the amount of cream/lotion) olive oil 
• a tablespoon of rosewater and glycerine (readily avaiable in strore brands in any pharmacy/drugstore)
• and either 1 teaspoon lemon juice (concetrate is fine) or distilled witchhazel)

I go through about a litre every two weeks, thirsty skin since I can't sweat.  If you have that problem too might be worth trying.  It also makes a fabulous wood polish.

• one spraybottle 3/4 full of water
• add 1 tablespoon of good cream rinse (I am partial to St.Ives Vanilla)
• one teaspoon rosewater (without the glycerine)

I use this to refluff my hair (anti-bedhead), spray on furniture and rugs before vacuming (makes pet hair come off), spray to ease wrinks out of clothes (with or without the iron), quick moisturizer (esp. over makeup), spary on clothes before brushing hairs etc. off.  Take smaller amounts with you on the road to help cool down on a warm day or in a warm car.

Sleep in cotton or flannel PJ's to keep moisture in and air coming in.

Steam is great for dry skin, while having a kettle on stand close enough to feel the steam (or see it I'd get a good scald before I would be abble to 'feel' it)

Use vaseline or mouth moisturizer (without the warning: not for internal use - that means it is not safe in larger use either)
 

• another tidbit as far as dry skin, Palmolive Dishwashing liquid contains a derivative of the palm tree which takes oils away from the non-permeable but makes it stick to human skin, so soaking in a tub of Palmolive and some oil (olive, baby oil) nicely moisturizes the skin and yet the tub will not be greasy when you are done (we all fall quite enough).  Most of us remember the "Madge - you are soaking in it" adds.  My father the research chemist once explained it exactly how that works, but,  only on a good day can I remember that.  With my cold hands doing dishes in hot soapy water is a good thing all round.
• other goodies to add, green tea (toss in a couple of bags), chamomile, yogurt (esp. if you are prone to skin infections), rosewater and glycerine
• I moisturize while sitting in the tub and without towel drying, straight into clothing, if I don't my skin is itchy and red as soon as the bathroom door opens and dry air meets skin.

 

• crush an aspirin (no, typenol will not work) blend with vaseline or small bit of cream, apply to swollen, inflamed skin, even if broken, the redness and swelling will go away quite quickly
• vaseline is a wonderful product around the eyes, in your nostrils eveen inside the lip, bacteria cannot multipy in vaseline making it very safe
• teabags (any kind, green, black) on puffy eyes (I make the teea for drinking, then use the bags (double duty)
• witchhazel daubed on swollen eyes speeds edema leaving in the morning

 

 

I have a million of these tips, more as I remember

Facts About Skin 

Skin is the largest organ of your body, accounting for about 15% of body weight (approximately 6 pounds). You have approximately 19,000,000 skin cells on every square inch of your body! It is the most visible organ of your body -- and the most vulnerable. 

The 7 Most Vital Skin Functions 

Protection: Skin’s biggest job is protection. It protects body parts & organs from such things as germs, heat, cold, and sunlight. In order to do this best, it must be elastic, flexible, and waterproof. (Many of the other functions listed below, are to keep skin in the best condition to do its protective work!) 

Elimination: Every day (and all day!) skin removes toxins and debris as it sheds dead cells. (ed. I'd suppose if your sweat function does not work this the removal of toxins can contribute to toxic buildup)

Secretion: Through sebaceous and sweat glands, skin helps the body eliminate oil and perspiration. (ed. a definite problem for a number of us)

Reproduction: New cells are constantly being generated through cell division in the basal skin layer. In young skin, the process takes 28 days (on average), but as we age, cell reproduction slows down. By 70 or 80, new cells can take up to 37 days to develop. 

Respiration: The skin gets part of its oxygen supply by drawing it in from the air. Oxygen is crucial to cell life and renewal. (Skin also gets oxygen from blood circulating through the cells.)

Moisture Control: Firmness, suppleness and smoothness are determined by your skin’s moisture content. 

Connected: Your skin is intimately connected to the nervous system and emotions. It feels with you emotionally (blushing, truning pale) and for you (temperature, pain). Internal health is revealed in skin colour, texture and general condition. (This is one of the reasons why scholars think “beauty” has been important through the ages & cultures, as it represents health!) 

5 Functions You Can Perform for Skin Health 

Cleansing: By cleansing, you help remove the debris, toxins and dead cells that your skin has eliminated. 

Mositurizing: Moisturizers assist by adding even more moisture to the skin and locking it onto the surface. 

Diet: Eating a balanced diet of healthy foods benefits you skin too. As boring as it may sound, the foods best for overall health are optimal for skin health as well. 

Exercise: Exercise brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, allowing for optimum cell reproduction & skin function. (ed. if you're not up to doing cardio, consider massage as an alternative)

Rest: Lack of sleep contributes to minor and major accidents & injuries. Studies have shown that if you do not get enough restful sleep, your immune cells do not work as well for the next twenty-four hours. (Once you have a full night of sound sleep, they regain their disease-fighting abilities.)