Aromatic Beauty Care

Until recently men have shied away from the whole idea of 'beauty care', but things have changed, and now a great many men are happy to experiment with all manner of enticing concoctions. Most of the recipes and treatments given here are suitable for both men and women, but even if you are one of the lucky few, blessed with a fine trouble-free skin, good teeth, sparkling eyes and shiny hair, the use of the finest natural body care preparations will help to preserve these attributes for as long as possible.

You will be pleased to hear that the beauty preparations are quick and easy to make, often from ingredients that you will have in the larder or the fridge. What is more, creating your own skin care preparations is not only enjoyable, but the fruits of your labor may also be better for your skin than some commercial products, and at a fraction of the cost.

The Free Radical Connection

• Over-consumption of highly processed fats and oils such as sunflower margarine and refined vegetable oils whose natural complement of nutrients has been drastically altered by the refining process. If your diet is also deficient in natural anti-oxidants such as vitamin E, which acts to buffer free radical activity, you run the risk of premature ageing and the development of degenerative disease.
• Skin applications of oils and creams (whether prepared from refined or unrefined oils) already damaged by free radicals. Unfortunately, this can occur well before the product begins to smell rancid. Commercial formulas contain preservatives which certainly help to slow down oxidation and prolong the shelf-life of the product, but they can also cause allergic reactions in susceptible people. Home-made cosmetic creams and oils are free from potentially risky preservatives. However, it is essential that they are prepared from high quality oils which have not passed their best before date. They must also be stored in a cool dark place (preferably the fridge) and used up within a couple of months.
• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (including sunbeds). Radiation emitted from such sources can penetrate the skin and destroy its network of supporting elastin and collagen fibres. However, moderate doses of sunlight (up to one hour a day) is good for you. It stimulates circulation in the skin, triggers the formation of vitamin D and makes you feel well.
• Prolonged emotional stress.
• Air pollution from sources such as exhaust fumes, chimney smoke, industrial chemicals and cigarette smoke.
• Toxic metals such as lead and mercury which are increasingly being traced in drinking water and in our food.
• Pesticide residues in the environment and in food and water.
• Chemical food additives and foods lacking in freshness.

• By ensuring your diet is supplying you with enough vitamin E. The nutrient acts as a free radical scavenger, mopping up these destructive particles and neutralizing their effect. Many unrefined cooking oils, such as extra virgin olive and sunflower seed, contain appreciable quantities of the vitamin in a naturally balanced form. Other good sources of vitamin E are green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, wholegrain cereals, fresh peas and beans.
• Certain oils, for example evening primrose which is used for medicinal rather than culinary purposes, are supplemented with natural source vitamin E before being encapsulated. This acts to retard free radical activity in the human body, and not just within the oil capsule itself. If you wish to take an oil supplement, evening primrose is one of the finest. The usual maintenance dose for healthy skin and hair is 2 x 250 mg capsules a day.
• While it is essential that your diet is rich in all nutrients, vitamin C is especially important. Just as the anti-oxidant vitamin E appears to work particularly on the fat-based membranes of the body, vitamin C works on its fluids. It enhances vitamin E's protective abilities and helps shield the body from damage due to environmental pollutants. Ensure that you obtain enough vitamin C by eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables.
• Other known anti-oxidants include beta carotene (the precursor of vitamin A) and selenium. Beta carotene is found in all orange-colored fruits and vegetables and in green leafy produce such as spinach and cabbage. Good sources of selenium are fish, seafood, meat, wholegrains and dairy produce.
• By applying high quality unrefined vegetable oils and essences to the skin.
• By using a sunblock or high factor sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun. However, if your skin is not especially sun-sensitive, it is my own belief that it is preferable to apply a natural sunscreening oil such as extra virgin olive oil or sesame. The chemicals used in commercial sunscreen formulas may turn out to be problematic in themselves. Nevertheless, whether you use a proprietory sunscreen or a natural oil, it is essential to stay out of very hot sunshine. You can, however, take a short sunbathe (one hour maximum) in the morning before midday or after four o'clock in the afternoon when the sun's rays are longer and weaker and therefore less likely to burn.