Almost every male or female client I talk to -- whether over a cup of coffee or during a skin consultation -- asks for insights into how to correct and hide skin imperfections on the face. We all want to feel beautiful in our own skin and I believe your face is your calling card, your most important centerpiece. The following natural remedies are ones I've learned will help mitigate and camouflage skin imperfections, including under-eye bags, dark under-eye circles, acne, blackheads, broken capillaries (especially around the nose), and dry, dull skin (a common condition in January).
Under-Eye Bags
One of the most popular treatments for under-eye bags is to cover the puffy area with frozen tea bags. Green tea bags may work particularly well because they contain a natural anti-inflammatory chemical known as EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which can reduce fluid buildup that contributes to puffiness. Place over the eyes for 15 minutes and you will feel invigorated, and under-eye bags will diminish. Chilled cucumber slices also work well to temporarily take down swelling -- it's not any special properties in the cucumbers themselves, but the cold temperatures shrink capillaries and stimulate drainage to reduce puffiness. Cucumbers are porous and able to absorb the cold well, making them a favorite in spas and at home when you have 15 minutes of down time.
Dark Under-Eye Circles
Caffeine and alcohol can both accentuate dark circles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Avoid them, or limit them as much as possible. Thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen -- common as you age -- can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious. Propping your head up higher overnight can prevent fluids from pooling under your eyes, another factor that can cause dark circles or make them more pronounced. Getting a good night's sleep is essential. Protecting your delicate skin under the eyes from the sun is also important for minimizing under-eye circles. Apply sunblock to the areas 30 minutes before going out, and wear sunglasses that provide protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Acne
In order to treat acne, you can use a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and rosewater. According to Granny Med: "Lemon juice is a natural astringent and mild antibacterial agent." In addition, rose petals, from which rose water is made, may also have anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to mitigate the harsher, acidic qualities of lemon juice."
Topical bronzers and tinted moisturizers are a great way to help hide acne and uneven skin tones. Go for those with ingredients such as organic aloe vera, which helps soothe and repair damaged skin, and vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that increases the moisture of the layer and thereby improves surface texture.
Blackheads
When it comes to treating blackheads and creating healthy glowing skin honey may just be the answer. Honey is extremely beneficial for the skin, aids in blackhead removal, and can be included in just about any facial mask or scrub you make. Honey has antibacterial properties and, in my experience, really helps control breakouts. Use a small amount of warm honey and apply it on the affected area. Wash off after 30 minutes with cool water.
Broken Capillaries
You can easily prevent broken capillaries by avoiding extremes of temperature, including steaming the skin, not taking too many saunas, avoiding alcohol, bolstering up on vitamins C and E and keeping your skin moisturized and nourished with organic facial oils.
Dry, Dull Skin
Did we say moisturize? You may have found a moisturizer that works just fine during the spring and summer months. But as weather conditions change, so, too, should your skincare routine. Find an "ointment" moisturizer that's oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Increase the amount of vitamin E and hyaluronic acid (which plumps skin and enhances the volume to create a firm yet soft and supple skin) that your skin gets. And be sure to slather on the sunscreen -- especially in the winter months when you're likely to forget!
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Spray-tanning expert Svetlana Feller is the innovative mind behind the first commercial spray tan treatment. In 2007 -- after many hours working with chemists and thousands of spray tan applications -- she opened Spray di Sole, the original "spray-only" spray lounge in Studio City, Califor-nia. In a few short years, Svetlana has become the most sought-after spray tan artist in Hollywood, perfecting the skin of stars from LeAnn Rimes to Sylvester Stallone. Using an organic high-grade vitamin-enriched solution that is nourishing to the skin, Svetlana combines specialty techniques that contour every body. She has been featured on "The Doctors" and "Good Day LA," and has written for or been interviewed in CoCo Eco, Genlux, Haute Living and Brides. Spray di Sole is featured on 5-Star ho-tel spa menus such as The Four Seasons Spa Hotels, Trump SOHO and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and has affiliates across the United States and Canada. Visit Svetlana on Red Room, where you can read her blog.