Feed your skin with nature's gifts for a smooth, healthy skin

Acne for most women is the ultimate deal-breaker. With batallions of cosmetics, they will fight to the last breath to have a smooth skin. Many have discovered the secret while most still struggle. Harriet Birungi brings you a story of hope wrapped in the gift of nature

My skin is problematic. I have invested in many products just for it to look as good as it does today. You should have seen me before. I would buy every product that was said to clear acne.

At some point, I did not care about how much it cost, but what I would look like after using it. One time I was referred to a lady who mixes and sells skin care products. She sold me soap as well. These two items did not have a name.

This meant I could not just walk into any cosmetic shop and get a refill when they were used up. I would have to go find her with my empty tin and she would make me more of the product. A refill would cost about sh30,000.

By luck, I met someone who said that other than spend money on expensive products, I should consider using naturally grown products. I invested in a papaya-rich lotion. And for the last one year, I have been singing a different song.

The acne is gone, the dark spots are almost faded and I can happily say my skin is on the way to recovery,” shared Marian Akello, a masseur at Mosa Court Apartments.

Another who testifies to using natural skin care products is Shakib Nsubuga, an operations manager.
“For a man, one may have thought that I should have ignored my skin appearance.

But I was not happy with what I would see in the mirror. I would occasional get big pimples that were painful and would leave dark spots. It is like they were on a balance act. If I got one on the left side, I would get another of the same size on the right.

Two years ago, I started using cucumber in various forms and my skin is better than it has ever looked. It has a permanent hydrated look and I have more pimple-free skin.”

Nature’s beauty secrets
Markson Turinzirwe, a scientist and head of research and product development with Amagara Skincare, says skin is a living organism that needs to be fed in order to look its best.

Besides eating nutritious foods, we can supplement our skins’ needs by using nature’s beauty secrets.
“Natural products have a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids that restore skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, rejuvenate skin, boost hydration and protect delicate skin against premature aging,” says Turinzirwe.

He singles out cucumber, papaya, watermelon, pineapple and carrots as some of nature’s products that anyone should have as part of their skin care regimen.

But why these particular products?

Cucumber

Turinzirwe says cucumber is a magic wand for healthy glowing skin. It is made up of 90% water and is one of nature’s best skin hydrants which make it ideal for oily skin. Cucumber has a cooling effect, with amazing soothing and relaxing properties in addition to improving complexion and skin radiance. 

“Because of the cooling effect, it is applied to eyes when one’s steaming their face. It leaves behind glowing and hydrated skin,” explains Turinzirwe.

Papaya

Papaya is a blemish remover for dark spots on the skin. It is a powerful anti-ageing agent and skin pore opener. “Papaya is rich in the papain enzyme that helps rejuvenate skin through clearing of dead skin, opens pores and helps maintain skin elasticity, which allows the skin to breathe in the most gentle and natural way possible,” he says.

Pineapple

It is a source of citric acid, which is good for cleansing the skin of dirt and dead skin in a mild way and leaving what is naturally needed.

Turinzirwe says it is rich in papain enzyme that aids in dissolving dead skin cells when used to wash the skin. He adds:

“The tropical zest fruit extract is excellent at exfoliating, which allows the skin to breathe easier while adding essential vitamin C for skin tone and extra skin strength.”

Carrot

This is a source of beta-carotene, good for skin rejuvenation. Carrot oils are known to even out skin tone by removing toxic build up inside skin pores. He explains that beta-carotene is a source of anti-oxidants and provides ultra violet protection especially for those who are greatly exposed to the sun’s rays.

Carrots extracts help improve skin tone and reduce toxic build up by eliminating excess water in tissues while enhancing rejuvenation.

For people with oily skin, carrot extracts absorb excess water and thus helps with excessive oil removal. They also open skin pores and as a result help in fighting pimples. Making carrots a part of your daily meal will work wonders.

Watermelon
Melon is rich in vitamin A, B and C. It is a natural moisturiser with exfoliation properties and rich in Omega six and nine anti-oxidants that help in dissolving sebum build up.

Watermelon protects skin from the sun and clears it of blemishes.
Turinzirwe says the fibre content in watermelon also ensures toxins are scrubbed out of your system leaving your skin healthy and glowing. It is also a source of water that keeps skin moist and the body hydrated as a whole.
 

TLC for the hands

Akello says while applying these products to the skin, one should not forget to massage some into their hands. “Hand massage should be included in the skin nourishment process at least three times a week.

She explains that a massage ensures that you have healthy and soft hands. It increases blood flow to hands, stimulates veins, the muscles and shedding of dead cells.

She adds: “It is better to use natural products for the skin, as hand gels may have chemicals that dry the skin.

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Ask the expert

Q Are all nature’s beauty regimens good for every skin?

A You need to first of all know your skin type; whether it is oily, dry or normal skin. Normal skin can use all types of natural extracts; oily is better suited for carrot extracts. They are easily absorbed and remove excess water. Oils are not necessarily needed on the skin. While cucumber extracts are a great moisturizer for one with dry skin.

What extract would you warn against using on the skin?

It all depends on the type of skin you have, particulalry, how it reacts. Test a sample on the sensitive areas of the body like the wrist.

How can one establish if their skin is reactive to a certain extract?

Normally, when you have sensitive skin, you experience a reaction within five minutes of application. One may react by getting a bruise on the part where it has been applied. If you do not get a reaction and are still not sure, you could continue with testing, applying three times. You could do this for a day or for several days. The result of this exercise should help you establish whether the exercise in question is good for your skin or not.

Is there a situation where the extract can become harmful after some time?

All natural products are good for the skin, so one does not have to worry. Natural products have moisturizing, soothing, anti-bacterial properties.

Can I use an extract alone without adding anything? Just crash and apply to the skin?

No, they are not efficient alone. That is why you need a series of ingredients. For instance, you need other reagents like honey and essentials oils for effective results.