Natural Skin-Care Items

Watermelon

• Once a treasured gift among the Pueblo, it is rich in vitamins A, B and C. It leaves skin glowing, fresh and hydrated.

• The acids in the fruit act as a great exfoliant. Mash a cup of watermelon and slather the pulp on the entire face. Relax for five to 10 minutes, then rinse.

• Get creative and add a half cup of mashed banana to the watermelon (see top photo). The banana acts as a natural binding agent, intensifying the effect of the watermelon. It's perfect for dry skin.

• Adding yogurt to the watermelon is great for oily skin. The lactic acids in the yogurt aid in exfoliation. Mix well with the watermelon and apply on entire face.

Derived from the Incas of Peru, in this technique, you mash an overripe tomato in your hands--have fun with it. Collect the pulpy juice (figure A) and combine with a teaspoon of glycerin and a teaspoon of apple-cider vinegar. Use the mixture as a hand lotion. It isn't oily and actually feels very fresh and invigorating on dry skin.

Corn

The Hopi Indians and their many uses of corn brings us a great scrub. Combine a half cup of ground cornmeal (blue corn if possible) with a quarter-cup each of grated soap and oatmeal. Complete the mixture with a half-teaspoon dried rosemary leaves and a teaspoon of lavender bulbs (or essential oil).