Use those precious moments in the shower each morning to their full potential. You can get clean and be green while improving the health of your skin.
One of the most important steps actually begins before you shower, with dry skin brushing (sometimes called lymphatic skin brushing).
Dry skin brushing helps to detoxify the body. It stimulates the lymphatic system, keeps skin clear and invigorates the elimination of waste. Us
ing a dry skin brush also replaces your loofah sponge or plastic poof as a way to dead skin cells and make skin softer.
The process is simple: take a natural bristle brush with a long handle (found at most health food stores or online) and lightly brush, starting at your feet and working your way upwards, in long strokes along your body. Start with the bottom of the feet and work your way up, toward the heart, to your arms and spine. (Search for “dry skin brushing” on YouTube for visual demonstrations.)
Your skin is your largest organ and serves as a “third kidney” for clearing waste in your body. Your lymph vessels, which are like one-way valves distributed throughout your skin, collect wastes. By brushing your skin in the direction of your heart, you help to push the toxins toward these “collection points” for faster disposal. (Thanks to TheCrunchyChicken.com for this explanation.)
Once you’re in the shower, limit the time and temperature. Longer, hotter showers strip moisture from the skin, especially during the colder months, and use up to five gallons of water per minute. One of the biggest shower-extenders for women is shaving. With the help of our all-natural EZ Waterless Shave cream, you can shave after your shower, which is gentler on your skin and reduces water usage.
After that short shower, immediately apply a skin oil. (We like Aura Glow or our own Secret Glow All Day Moisturizing Crème for a natural moisture replenisher that lasts all day and smells fresh.) This helps lock in moisture and keep skin smooth without all the damaging ingredients found in many lotions.
On those days when you need an extra pick-me-up, try these homemade shower boosters from Natural Health.
For exhaustion: Mix 8-10 drops fennel or ginger oil with 1 oz. olive oil and apply to skin with a washcloth. Rinse well.
For stress: Put 2 or 3 drops of sage or lavender oil on your hands, rub together, then hold to the nose and inhale for five breaths.
For feeling down: Breathe in 1-2 drops lemon or grapefruit oil before, during or after your shower.
Do you have any other “power shower” tips to share?
