The skin is the largest organ on the human body. It is extrememly sensitive to external factors such as dirt, weather and also to internal factors such as stress. All these conditions have adverse effects on the skin. But all is not lost, these problems can be prevented with proper maintenance and care.

The skin produces millions of new cells a day, regenerating itself completely within 30-45 days. But by the age of 35, however, the skin's natural rejuvenating processes begin to slow down. At this time the skin can benefit from a facial mask. There is two types of masks; a relaxing mask and a stimulating mask.Relaxing masks moisturize the skin and refresh the skin. Stimulating masks promote blood flow and firm up the skin.

Before applying any masks though, cleanse face well with a facial toner. I recommend using a toner with lemon balm or witch hazel. Avoid soaps since they do tend to dry out skin. Also try to use soft or distelled water when preparing facial masks. Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals and other substances that may provoke allergic reaction. If you use tap water, boiling or filter is a great idea.

Application: Treat yourself to a facial mask once or twice a week. Apply a stimulating mask before going out or a relaxing mask before bedtime. Leave on for about twenty minutes. Always use the freshest ingredients. You can prepare masks on demand or in advance and store in refrigerator.

Mask Recipes:

Strawberry Mask

4-5 very ripe med-size strawberries

2 tsp. heavy cream

1 tsp. honey

Carefully rinse strawberries with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth. In a small bowl, mash fruit with fork....add cream and honey. Mix well. Apply the paste generously to face and leave on 2-0-30 minutes. Rinse well.

Do Not use if sunburned or have an allergic reaction to strawberries.

Whole Wheat Flour Mask

1 Qt. water

4 tsp. dried rose petals (or 8 tsp. fresh rose petals)

Peels from 2 organic oranges

6 tsp. milk

2 tbsp. rose water

2 tsp. honey

4 tbsp. whole wheat flour

Boil the water and remover from heat. Add rose petals, orange peels and cover. Allow to steep until water becomes lukewarm. In a seperate pan, heat milk, floral water, honey. Remove from heat, add the flour and whisk into thick paste. Apply the warm paste to the face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes. Carefully wash off the dried mask with the fragrant rose/orange water. Pat dry. Apply your favorite moisturizer.