“Rats, my skin looks dry and blotchy,” Annie thought as she looked in the magnifying mirror. “I need a facial badly, but few places are offering them these days due to the pandemic.” She went into her office and pulled out an old recipe book her grandmother created. The book was written in 1920 by a young Agatha Frye, who was an excellent cook. There is a chapter devoted to skincare; Agatha was also a registered nurse known for her healthy, beautiful skin.

LJ looked over her shoulder, “Whatcha doin good lookin?”

Annie smiled, “thanks for the compliment but I’m not feeling so good looking these days. My skin looks terrible. I think all the traveling we have done lately has taken a toll on my skin. Skin is the largest organ in the body, and healthy skin begins on the inside. A poor diet, not enough water, inadequate sleep, and stress can leave it dry and prematurely aged. We have been on the go for months, and now all that fun shows up on my face. Facials remove dirt and bacteria, clean skin, increase blood circulation, improve elasticity, and help slow the aging process.

I am looking at my grandmother’s facial recipes to find one that restores my skin. She only used natural ingredients and created a formula depending on your skin’s condition. Here is a Potato and Lemon face mask. It includes potato juice. The easiest way to get juice is to clean and peel the potato, then process it in a juicer or blender. Potatoes have anti-aging properties and contain catecholase, an enzyme that helps brighten skin and eliminates dark spots. For older skin, potatoes are also a gentle exfoliant. Lemons contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that combats the free radicals that damage skin collagen. And its juice helps boost collagen.”

LJ turned the page, “here’s a Honey Avocado face mask. According to your grandmother, honey is a moisturizer with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that naturally cleans and brightens skin. Avocado’s vitamins A, E, & C, healthy fats, and antioxidants are great moisturizers and help smooth skin. Or how about this Turmeric, Oats, Honey, and Yogurt Mask. Agatha’s note says to be careful not to stain your clothes with turmeric; however, it is a natural cleanser and calms inflammation. Yogurt is a gentle exfoliator, and oatmeal is for smoothing and soothing.

“I like this Almond Oil and Aloe Vera mask. Aloe vera gel is known for its natural healing properties. Almond oil used for centuries to treat dry skin is an anti-inflammatory and contributes to a smooth skin tone and complexion. And as a source of vitamin E, almond oil helps reduce sun damage. The banana in this recipe provides vitamins A, C & E and other antioxidants that support skin’s natural ability to combat sun damage.”

“Here are the instructions for applying a facial,” said LJ as he handed her a towel.

• Tie your hair back and clean your skin using a gentle cleanser
• Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. For older skin, skip exfoliating
• Put a towel over your head and drape it over a bowl of steaming water. Steam for 15 minutes to allow your skin’s pores to open.
• Choose a suitable face mask for your skin’s condition and apply it all over. Be careful around your eyes. Leave on for 20 minutes.
• Carefully and thoroughly rinse the facial off using lukewarm water.
• Apply a moisturizer and be sure not to touch your face afterward.

An hour later, Annie looking refreshed and happy, leaned in to show LJ her skin, “thanks so much for helping me, sweetheart. My skin looks better already. How about a facial for you?”

“I have an idea, how about some we-time Cleopatra, I mean Annie, smiled LJ. “We can turn on music, turn down the lights and try this Milk and Honey facial on each other.”

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple. Their storyline promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.