Top skin-saving solutions to put your best face forward

Our skin is incredibly vulnerable thanks to the sun, dry air and pollutants. Try these tips to keep your face moisturized and healthy.

1. Prepare a homemade oat scrub and use it on your face every other day. Oats moisturize and exfoliate your skin at the same time. Grind about 125 grams (1/2 cup) of rolled oats in a food processor or coffee grinder. Mix with 75 grams (1/3 cup) ground sunflower seeds, two grams (half a teaspoon) of peppermint leaves and 60 grams (four tablespoons) of ground almonds. Mix 10 grams (two teaspoons) with a little double cream. Scrub your face and neck with the mixture, then rinse well with cool water.
2. Add five millilitres (one teaspoon) of grapeseed oil to your toner. The oil acts as an anti-aging serum by helping your skin cells to repair and rejuvenate themselves.
3. For double protection, apply a cream containing vitamin C to your face over your sunblock. The cream helps to prevent facial skin damage, dehydration and wrinkles. Also try creams containing vitamin E or beta carotene.
4. Clean your face and neck with a natural cold cream and follow with a rose water and glycerine rinse twice a day to remove skin-damaging pollutants.
5. Keep your hands off your face. Because your hands touch so many surfaces, they are a magnet for dirt and germs. When you rub your eyes, stroke your chin, or cup your cheek, you're transferring everything on your hands to your face. As an extension of this, use headphones or a headset when talking on the phone.

Here are a few suggestions for masks.

• Mix 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of plain yogurt with a few dashes of sesame oil. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse.
• Mash a banana well and mix with a little honey for an instant dry-skin fix. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse.
• Mix together 50 millilitres (1/4 cup) of whipping cream, two millilitres (1/2 teaspoon) of olive oil, 30 grams (two tablespoons) of ripe, mashed avocado and five grams (one teaspoon) of calendula petals. Leave on for five minutes, then rinse. A study found that avocado oil significantly increased the collagen content in skin, maintaining its youthful look. Not only does the oil in avocado act like an emollient, but the fruit also contains moisturizing vitamin E. Another good avocado mix is 15 grams (one tablespoon) of mashed avocado, two egg whites and 30 millilitres (two tablespoons) of honey blended until smooth. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse.
• Mash peeled mango flesh until it turns soft and pulpy. Then massage it into the skin and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing. This helps to clean and tighten the pores.
• Add 15 grams (one tablespoon) of peppermint, yarrow, sage or hyssop to 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain and cool before dabbing it on your face. This is a great skin toner for oily skin.