SKIN CARE PLANET

 Exposure to the sun, wind, salt, and sand often creates dry, flaky skin, which can be remedied with this Avo-Oat After-Sun Face and Body Mask. Nutrient-rich emollient avocados work to heal sun-damaged and weather-worn skin and help reduce the appearance of age spots. Keep your skin looking beautiful after a day in the sunshine with this soothing, replenishing all-over body mask that is packed with therapeutic ingredients to gently exfoliate while helping to moisturize, repair, and condition sun-kissed skin. YIELDS: 1 full body treatment Flesh of 2 ripe avocados 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup cooked oatmeal 2 cups fine granulated sugar What you will need: medium-size mixing bowl, large fork, measuring cups and spoons, tight-sealing container 1. To Make: Mash the flesh of the avocados with a large fork. Stir in the lemon juice and olive oil. Stir in the oatmeal. Next, add the sugar and mix into an even paste. The texture should be easily spr...

 Have fun slathering yourself from head to toe with this silky, cooling, moisturizing yogurt mask. The natural emollients and lactic acid in yogurt provide a safe and gentle, nonabrasive moisturizing exfoliation. Be sure to use full-fat yogurt, as your sun-kissed skin needs the extra moisture. YIELDS: makes a single use 1–2 cups full-fat plain yogurt, chilled 1 tablespoon baking soda 4 drops lavender essential oil ⁄ cup dried lavender buds 2 or more cucumber slices, optional What you will need: measuring cups, cheesecloth, string, bowl, fork 1. To Make: Run a cool-warm bath, not hot. The cooler, the better, but it should be warm enough to sit in for at least 10 minutes. Place the yogurt and baking soda in a bowl and mix well with a fork. Stir in the essential oil. Apply the cool yogurt mixture to your skin from head to toe. Place the lavender buds inside of the cheesecloth to form a loose sachet, leaving room for the water to flow through and the buds to plump in the bath water. Ti...

 Exfoliate at least once per week to remove built-up dead skin cells. Healthy, regularly moisturized and exfoliated skin will allow you to tan more evenly. Sun exposure is much healthier when you use the appropriate precautions. Remember your hat and sunscreen and stay out of the sun during the middle of the day, when its rays are the strongest. YIELDS: 12 ounces 1 cup fine-grained sea salt ⁄ cup grapeseed oil 16 drops sweet orange essential oil 14 drops lavender essential oil 10 drops tea tree essential oil What you will need: measuring cup, mixing bowl, fork, 12-ounce jar 1. To Make: Place salt into a mixing bowl. Add the grapeseed oil and essential oils. Stir until you have a uniform consistency and it’s ready to use! 2. To Store: To preserve the freshness of this natural scrub, do not get water into the jar. Store this scrub a sealed jar in a cool dark place, out of direct sunlight. Label with expiration date of 1 year. 3. To Use: Use in place of a soap or body wash in your sho...

 The sun’s rays are getting stronger every year, and overexposure to UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays is one of the leading causes of premature aging, wrinkling, age spots, and, of course, skin cancer. Sun exposure is often accompanied with wind and water, an extremely drying combination to the skin. We all know it’s best to not overdo it when it comes to the sun, so before you head out, protect your skin by slathering up with the Sun Protection Lotion Stick, wear a hat, and stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when its rays are the strongest. While a suntan may look like a healthy glow, it is your body’s primary defense mechanism against the sun. The best thing you can do for overexposed and sun-damaged skin is to keep it moisturized and feed it with high levels of antioxidants both in the foods you eat and the skincare products you choose. Help your skin combat the drying effects of the sun by moisturizing before and after sun exposure with the Calming Antioxidant Skin Que...

 Green tea and rose hips are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and alkaloids. This calming brew promotes healthy skin and hair and has detoxifying properties. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing immune-boosting elixir with the subtle scent of roses. YIELDS: 8 cups 2 roses in full bloom 8 cups spring water 2 tablespoons green tea ⁄ cup dried rose hips 1 teaspoon rosewater, optional Ice, optional What you will need: large saucepan, strainer, half-gallon pitcher, wooden spoon 1. To Make: Choose robustly blooming roses to pluck the petals from for this recipe. Pick them from your garden midmorning, after the dew has dried but before they wilt with the heat of the day. Remove the petals from one rose directly after cutting from the plant to preserve the highest nutrient value and reserve. Place the other in a vase to brighten your workspace. Bring the water to boiling in a saucepan and remove from heat. Let the water cool a minute and add the green tea and rose hips to t...

 The nutritional diversity of cantaloupe is perhaps its most overlooked health benefit! High in vitamins C, A, K, and a host of B’s as well as potassium, magnesium, and fiber, this Quick Coconut Cantaloupe Cooler gives you a clear, hydrated complexion and shiny hair. With a healthy, delicious beverage that gives you an overall feeling of wellness, how can you go wrong? YIELDS: 8 cups ⁄ ripe cantaloupe, cut into small pieces 3 cups chilled water 2 cups chilled coconut water (or substitute aloe water) 1 lime, sliced into thin rounds Ice Mint for garnish What you will need: cutting board, knife, food processor or blender (optional), juice pitcher 1. To Make: Divide your cut cantaloupe in half. Purée half of it in a food processor or blender, or smash it up with a fork. Add some of the water to the blender if necessary to achieve the purée. Put the cantaloupe purée into the pitcher. Mix in the water, coconut water, lime, and the rest of the cubed cantaloupe. 2. To Store: Store in the f...

 Delicious strawberries and kiwis, which are both superfoods, have anti- aging properties and are full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Diets high in vitamin C promote healthier skin, and this spa water will leave yours beaming with vitality. With a spa water that tastes this good, you won’t even need to be reminded to drink up and drink often! YIELDS: 8 cups 7 cups spring water 1 pint strawberries, trimmed and halved 1 small kiwi, sliced into thin rounds 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Strawberry Basil Ice Cubes, optional (see sidebar) What you will need: knife, cutting board, half gallon pitcher, long- handled spoon 1. To Make: Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 2. To Store: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. 3. To Use: Put some ice in your glass, fill it up with the Strawberry Super C Sipper, and enjoy. This is so good for you! SKINCARE SECRETS To make Strawberry and Basil Ice Cubes, mash or purée strawberries with...