You glow girl: Clear and glowing skin for the new year

Want your skin to glow for the new year? Here are some quick tips from Dr. Agnes Olszewski, founder of www.acnEase.com — designed to provide you with instant results, especially for acne-prone skin. These treatments are good for all types of complexions in both women and men. Try the following treatments at least twice before a big event this year (in this order): steam first, followed by the astringent, then rejuvenation.

Steam bath

Steaming is very good to keep skin clean and blemish free, as it can remove excess sebum and dirt and deeply cleanse clogged pores. It also allows the blackheads and whiteheads to be pushed out easily and therefore avoid pimples. Steam will also improve circulation, giving you a healthy glow. Do the steam facial once before a big event, but not on the big day.

• Boil a pint of water and pour two tablespoons of any one of the following herbs: chamomile, yarrow, Lady’s Mantle, nettle or fennel.
• Cover the bowl and your head with a towel, keeping your face away from the hot water (about 15 inches) and allow the steam to penetrate into your skin for 10 minutes.
• Be careful not to put your face too close to the hot water so you don’t burn yourself. If the steam is too hot, raise the towel to allow cool air in.
• At the end of the facial, your pores should be wide open. By moving a clean cotton pad or tissue in a circular motion, you can push out any blackheads. Do not touch the blackheads with your hands.

Herbal astringent

Close your pores with this all-herbal astringent. There are many herbs with astringent qualities, but chamomile is especially good since it has strong antiseptic qualities, yet is delicate on the skin. If your face is very oily, you can combine yarrow and chamomile. Another alternative is to use sage with chamomile, which is cooling and soothing to your skin.

• Pour a pint of hot water over two tablespoons of herbs (of the ones listed above).
• Allow to stand for 15-20 minutes.
• Strain the herbs, and use as your herbal astringent tonic after you clean your face each day.
• Bottle and keep the infusion in the refrigerator. The infusion can last indefinitely under cold conditions.

Oatmeal facial

Nourish your skin withthe following recipe. It makes a great nourishing and softening facial for all skin types and creates a silkening effect on the skin. You can use this mask before any big occasion and normally two to three times per week. If you use the steam bath, alternate the facial on the other days. This treatment should be done two to three hours prior to leaving your home.

• Mix together a tablespoon of oatmeal and almond meal.
• Add one to two tablespoons of rose water, elderflower water and nettle water, (enough to make a thick paste) and gently pat onto the face and neck.
• Allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes.
• Wash off with lukewarm water using cotton or a flannel cloth.

Pore minimizing mask

If your pores are enlarged as a result of acne, try the following mask to minimize them. Do not use this recipe on the same day when you use the nourishing oatmeal mask or when you actually have cysts or severe acne. You can, however, use it after a steam bath and herbal astringent.

• Mix well one fresh egg yolk and one teaspoon of honey.
• Gently spread over the face and neck. Allow to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Wash off with lukewarm water using cotton or a flannel cloth. This closes the pores.

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