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Frankie was from the old school of skin care and natural beauty. She once showed me her mother’s book of home remedies. Many were the same herbal treatments I learned as a chartered herbalist.

At 92, Frankie was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She bubbled with enthusiasm and had more energy than a teenager. Her thick, grey hair glistened with an attractive silver tint. The wrinkles on her face came from laughing and living life to the fullest.

When my dear friend Frankie passed from my life, it seemed to make the world slow down as I dwelled on the passage of time. My childhood years rushed by as I eagerly anticipated each coming birthday. The teens and twenties were a blur. Thirty was a reality check, but worrying about a few wrinkles still wasn’t a priority. Like many others, keeping an attractive appearance in my thirties consisted of changing hair colour on a whim, lying in a sun-tanning parlour for the fake-and-bake tan, or painting my fingernails purple.

Now, reflecting over past years, I realize that this is all fun stuff and not to be put down, with the proviso being that the body is nourished and cared for.

Golden Rules

To many people, caring for the skin, hair, and nails comes naturally, but if you haven’t set up a simple lifetime regimen yet, here are a few golden rules you should follow.

• Never go to bed without removing makeup, cleansing, and moisturizing the skin.
• Use makeup only to enhance features, not in an attempt to disguise a feature.
• Buy small sizes of quality products.
• Never keep cosmetics, including makeup, shampoos, and body lotions, longer than a year. They become stale and rancid and cause allergies.
• Read and be aware of ingredients that cause skin irritations, such as methyl and butyl parabens.
• Avoid ingredients such as carmine in lipsticks. Carminic acid is from dried bodies of cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). It is a leading cause of allergic reactions to
  lipsticks. (Visit inchem.org for information on cosmetic ingredients.)
• Take a lesson in application of naturally based makeup from a local spa. This will be a relaxing treat and an investment in your skin care.
• Most important of all, don’t procrastinate–start now.

Cover Up

Avoid long-term exposure to the sun. Light clothing is the best option, and many sportswear companies now give the protection factor of the fabric. The clothes are well designed and fashionable. The fabrics prevent sunburn while allowing the skin to breathe, wicking away perspiration.

Smile More Often

Activities such as volunteering, going to a fitness club, or daily walking contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Associating with positive people, laughing, and having a supportive circle of friends are also important. Feeling good is reflected in your appearance, attitude, and your smiling face.

Just follow the golden rules, and when you are 90, you will look as good as Frankie did!

Just Do It

For those of you who are still dragging your tootsies, here is a simple yet effective beauty regime that will last you into your nineties.

• Cleanse the skin at night to remove dirt, chemicals from sunscreen, makeup, and air
  pollutants.
• Take a refreshing, short, warm (not hot) morning shower.
• Use glycerin soap. Glycerin helps to keep the skin moisturized.
• Apply body lotion immediately after towelling off so that the skin’s open pores absorb the beneficial ingredients.
• Wash hair only every second day, as shampoos strip the hair follicle of natural oils.
• Look for a quality shampoo at a natural health store. Ingredients such as rosemary and nettles stimulate hair growth, while camomile brings highlights to fair hair.
• Apply makeup lightly to even out skin tone and enhance contours of the face.
• Treat skin conditions with witch hazel, an old-fashioned remedy that has stood the test of time. It’s a healing lotion for pimples and cuts and works well as an aftershave.

Sonya Bass, CH, is a chartered herbalist with many years experience in writing and teaching natural health and beauty.

Source: alive #289, November 2006