Natural tips to help improve your skin

Try following these tips to help you get more beautiful skin — naturally.

Facial steams improve your circulation, open your pores for deep cleansing and soften dead cells, making it easier to remove them.

• Bring 750 millilitres (three cups) of water to a boil and pour into a bowl. Add four drops of an essential oil: ylang-ylang for dry skin, calendula for normal skin or peppermint for oily skin.
• Lean over the bowl and tent your head with a towel, keeping your face at least 25 centimetres (10 inches) from the hot water. After five minutes, remove the towel and splash your face with cool water.

On hot summer days, dab your face with a 50:50 mix of strained lemon juice and witch hazel.

Essential oils can be expensive, but if you only buy one, make sure it's lavender. Its aroma has a relaxing effect, and it can be used with all skin combinations.

• Lavender's antiseptic qualities make it particularly useful for blemished skin. To reduce the swelling and inflammation of a pimple (and to reduce the risk of an infection that could lead to scarring) add five drops lavender oil to five millilitres (one teaspoon) of warm water and stir. Dip a clean cotton bud into the mixture, and hold to the head of the pimple. Repeat as often as desired. (Do not allow the mixture to go into your eyes.)
• Mix two drops lavender oil with 125 millilitres (1/2 cup) of witch hazel, 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of apple cider vinegar and 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of rosewater to make a refreshing skin toner. Apply this toner after cleansing.
• For a soothing and aromatic facial cleanser, add five drops lavender oil to 50 millilitres (1/4 cup) of sweet almond oil and mix together thoroughly. Store in a dark-coloured, airtight glass bottle. Shake contents gently before use, and apply the mix to your face with a clean cotton ball.

If you're looking for a natural way to improve your skin, give these tips a try.