Glow With It

Clear, glowing skin is something that we all want, and is the best canvas for beautiful makeup application. Using scrubs, skin peels, and masks is one of the keys to kick-start cell renewal and keep skin bright. The process of exfoliation, in particular, brings oxygen to new, healthy skin. Using a scrub, mask, and/or peel once or twice per week will help to awaken a new, smooth layer of skin, leaving you with the kind of radiant complexion you’ve always dreamed of having. Be consistent—these natural skin treatments deliver the best results when used regularly. And be sure to apply sunscreen daily to protect delicate skin from harmful rays. For best results, avoid sun exposure directly after using a treatment-style products, especially skin peels.

Freshly Scrubbed

BOTANIQUE BY HIMALAYA HERBAL HEALTHCARE Exfoliating Walnut and Wood Apple Scrub smells great (think sweet and woodsy) and helps remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin—even sensitive skin. Basil and sweet marjoram are added to boost cell regeneration.

ACURE ORGANICS Brightening Facial Scrub feels like a pricey spa treatment and leaves skin ultra soft and glowing. The star ingredient here is chlorella growth factor. A green algae that grows in fresh water, chlorella has been shown to protect skin against aging caused by free radicals.

Appealing Peels

MYCHELLE DERMACEUTICALS Fruit Fiesta Peel, one of the company’s most popular products, contains lactic acid, which is known to help boost collagen for younger-looking skin. Also added: fruit acids, which help soften skin and smooth the look of wrinkles.

SKIN BY ANN WEBB Pumpkin Exfoliating Enzyme Peel is designed to help diminish age spots caused by sun damage and reduce blemish scars and future breakouts. Nutrient-rich pumpkin, honey, and cinnamon oil for better skin tone are the key ingredients.

Mask It

DERMA E Exfoliating Mask helps to target the first signs of aging with fruit acids and Dead Sea salt. This paraben-free formula can be left on for 10 minutes to deeply cleanse, detoxify, and brighten skin.

DIY Papaya Enzyme Face Mask

This gentle exfoliating mask is made with papaya, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. The tropical fruit also contains naturally occurring enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that help to break down dull, dead skin and increase cell turnover.

½ cup organic papaya, mashed (fresh papaya is best)

1 egg white, whipped

1–2 tsp. honey

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix. Thoroughly cleanse skin, and then apply mask. Leave on for 5–8 minutes, allowing the papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate the skin. Rinse with warm water.

Age-Defying Argan Oil 

Lock in moisture after using a scrub, peel, or mask with this ultra-rare oil—it boasts huge restorative and youth-boosting benefits bySherrie Strausfogel

Argan oil is pressed from the nut of the argan tree, which is found almost exclusively in a small desert region in Morocco. The tree’s lifespan is about 150–200 years, but it doesn’t start producing fruit until it’s at least 30 years old.

Moroccans slather the oil on their skin, hair, nails, and even their babies. They eat it, too—drizzling it over salads and couscous, or using it to make amlou, a tahini-like spread with almonds and honey.

And for good reason. Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, argan oil can remedy dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and wrinkles. It soothes brittle or frizzy hair, helps control itchy scalp, and can moisturize flaky nails and rough cuticles.

The real appeal of the oil is that it is lightweight, yet very moisturizing, and it creates a barrier that locks moisture in and dryness out. Unlike many anti-aging products that are too hydrating for oily skin, the fatty acids in argan oil have anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for all skin types.

A concentrated formula of 100 percent argan oil is dense, so apply it in small amounts. Use it as a daily facial moisturizer, morning or night. Apply a drop or two and then rub gently until evenly absorbed. You can also use argan oil as a full-body moisturizer, applying right after you get out of the bath or shower. Massage a drop or two into dry cuticles and nails that are prone to cracking and peeling.

For dry hair, emulsify a few drops in your palms and apply to the ends of your hair while it is still damp for an all-over treatment. For dry scalp, massage in a few drops of argan oil and give it time to moisturize before you wash your hair.