Manual Microdermabrasion

I don't know how dry it is in other parts of the country during the winter months, but here in Utah it is dry, dry, dry. Here is a quick and easy recipe that you can do at home. This recipe comes from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes" by Stephanie Tourles. Stephanie is a licensed holistic esthetician, certified aromatherapist, and author of seven books on natural body care and wellness. I love her book and will be offering many of her recipes in the future.

Manual Microdermabrasion

1 TBS. baking soda

1-1/2 tsp. water (I often use less water)

2 drops helichrysum essential oil

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients until a velvety slurry forms. Dip the pads of your fingers into the slurry and slowly and lightly begin to massage the entire face, throat and decollete, using very small, circular motions. Do not use much pressure -  let the tiny baking soda granules do the exfoliation work. Continue to dip fingers into the baking soda mixture as often as needed in order to cover skin with a thin coat. The procedure takes almost 10 minutes to complete. Rinse well. 

The beauty of this treatment is that it is recommended for all skin types, except sunburned, windburned or irritated skin. You can do this one to two times per week, at your convinience. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer. Wear sunscreen at all times following treatment and observe common sun sense, even on cloudy days.

 As a licensed esthetician, Stephanie is privy to industry trends and trade secrets used in high-end, luxury spas and promoted by them as "exclusive." Sometimes these "exclusive" ingredients are so inexpensive and simple to create, it is shocking how much they charge. This recipe costs only pennies, nets huge results and bypasses all the risks of machine microdermabrasion.

Most often microdermabrasion is done using a hand-held device that polishes the skin with a type of micronized crystal, frequently very fine aluminum (which we all know is bad for our skin and health). When performed correctly, this procedure, repeated over several weeks time, can aid in erasing or diminishing fine lines, wrinkles and age spots and restore a smoothness and even texture to the skin. However, if the technician is not properly trained, uncomfortable damage can result with the removal of too much of the skin's outer surface, leaving it quite red an irritated. The manual microdermabrasion, on the other hand, is safer and won't ever leave your skin red or irritated. If used on a regular basis, your skin will achieve almost the same results as a mechanical microdermabrasion without having its protective shield compromised.

I love the helichrysum essential oil, but I only use one drop per application. I think two drops is too much. Remember, these essential oils are very concentrated. Helichrysum offers relief for eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis, detoxes and cleanses the blood. It is also good to help reduce scarring and scar tissue. I have also tried carrot seed oil, which is beneficial for aging skin, sunburn, wrinkles and dryness. Other oils you might like include patchouli which helps prevent wrinkles and tones the skin, as well as sandalwood, vetiver and myrrh. For sensitive skin try geranium, german chamomile, jasmine, lavender or neroli. For oily skin try bergamot, cajeput, Clary sage, cypress, jasmine, lavender, lemon, orange or ylang ylang. For wrinkles try cistus, clary sage, cypress, elemi, fennel, frankincense, geranium, lavender, lemon, lime, myrrh, neroli, orange, rose, rosewood or ylang ylang. Remember to only use one drops of essential oil with the mixture.