ALL NATURAL NIGHT GEL

For Oily Skin

2 tsp. evening primrose oil
2 tbsp. aloe-vera gel
1 tsp. witch hazel
4 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops eucalyptus essential oil

For Acne

2 tsp. evening primrose oil
2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
1 tsp witch hazel
4 drops thyme essential oil
4 drops spike-lavender essential oil

Follow these directions to make both the oily skin and the acne gels: Put all of the ingredients in a 2 oz. dark glass bottle; cap and shake to blend.

Application: Thoroughly clean and dry your face, throat and neck. Pour a nickel-sized amount of gel into your palm, and then smooth it over your skin. Let the gel penetrate for five minutes before applying any other skin products. Use the gel at night, when your skin is at rest, protected from pollutants and free of make-up.

Note: If you are using aloe vera gel from a plant, you can refrigerate the night gel for up to 1 week, but then you must discard it. If the aloe-vera gel is store bought, the night gel will keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Extra Tips!

Acne also can be caused by fluctuating hormones, stress, certain medications, food allergies and a diet high in fat. Determine if your outbreak is due to one of these factors and use the night gel for quick acne relief.

To prevent further aggravation of your existing pimples, keep your hands scrupulously clean and away from your face. Resist the urge to squeeze or pick at acne, which could further inflame an outbreak and result in permanent scarring or pitting. Other basic tips are keeping your hair clean and away from your face; changing your pillowcase daily to keep it free of bacteria; and sanitizing your telephone daily to remove bacteria that can help promote acne infection on your jaw line.

Many commercial-care products for oily skin contain isopropyl alcohol, benzoyl peroxide and acetone, all of which excessively strip the skin of surface oil. In addition, these products can dehydrate the skin, which in turn, causes the skin to produce even more oil to make up for the deficit.

Unprotected sun exposure to the sun (without sunscreen) can help to heal blemishes and stimulate production of vitamin D in the skin. However, limit your exposure to 2-4 times a week for no longer than 15 minutes. Choose time before 10:30 A.M. or after 4:00 P.M., when the sun's rays zre not as strong. Excessive sun exposure can cause long-term damage to the skin, which can result in skin cancer. Avoid any prolonged exposure to sunlight.