I turn 50 this year.  Am I afraid?  No.  Am I depressed?  Heck, no.  I am more comfortable now in my own skin than I have ever been before.  Gone are the worries of youth.  No longer do I fear that someone else may be prettier, more talented or more popular than I.  I don't worry if my mascara is running.  I don't wear any.  I don't worry that my high heels may make me taller than my date.  I don't wear them anymore.  I'm me.  And I'm comfortable.

Those lines you see in the mirror, they aren't wrinkles from old age.  They're battle scars.  They're proof that you have weathered the storm and survived.  Each wrinkle on each part of your face has its own story to tell.  That one running across your forehead?  That was caused by endless nights of worry while your daughter was out after curfew.  The ones around your mouth?  Those are evidence of the joy and laughter you've found in the simplest of pleasures throughout your life.  Crow's feet?  Nah.  They're  proof that a smile has been your umbrella.  The gray in your hair?  Well, there's Miss Clairol for that.

You aren't 20 anymore.  Your bones creak where they never have and your fingers tire.  Your body is not cooperating like it used to and you hate it.  You envy the 20-something year old you watch everyday from your office window.  Oh, to be young again.  Those feelings are normal, but they aren't healthy.  Embrace who you are and what you are becomming.  There are advantages to growing older.  Look for them and you'll see that you really aren't getting older, you're getting better!

There are things we can do to minimize the years of abuse our skin has taken.  Whether it be from joy, saddness or over-exposure to the sun, there are options other than going under the knife.

Dry Skin - It Happens

I have noticed since leaving my thirties, my skin is dryer than it's ever been.  Whether it's genetic, aging or over-exposure to the sun, there are ways to help your skin through its dry period.

Commercial Soap
Next to the Sun, it's the Skin's Worst Enemy

I haven't used regular soap on my face since childhood.  It removes the natural oils from your skin.  Of course, if you are prone to naturally oily skin you don't have too much to worry about.  But, I've noticed that as I've aged, the moisture content in my skin has diminished, particularly in the winter months.  Try to use natural soaps, ones with no acid, lye or other harmful ingredients.  You can find fine examples of these natural soaps right on eBay.  They may cost a little more, but I've found that they last longer than the commercial soap.  They come in a variety of scents such as lavender, lilac, rose and vanilla.  Each one has its own special properties so be sure to choose one that's right for you.  Lilac is good for normal to oily skin, while Goat's Milk is good for dry skin.  Most eBay ads will tell you what skin type the soap is good for.
As with soap, you want to make sure your moisurizer is doing what you want it to do.  Some are notorious for laying on the top of your skin and going nowhere.  Steer clear of these.  You want one that will penetrate your skin while not feeling oily or greasy.  For problem areas, such as eczema, I use all natural Sweet Almond Oil.  I dab a small amount on these spots and massage it in.  There's no scent so you don't have to worry.  I also prefer body butter.  It's a creamier consistency that absorbs into the skin.  Not only does it feel good going on, it does the job.  You can find natural body butter on eBay, too!

The Beginning of Healthier, Younger
Looking Skin

Natural Solutions to Natural Problems

I have some great items you can make yourself to improve the moisture in your skin.

Morning Skin Cleanser/Rejuvenator
Every morning 15 minutes before taking your bath
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon orange juice
1 teaspoon olive oil and
few drops of rose water
few drops of lime juice

Mix the above ingredients together and apply on your skin.

Beauty Mask for Dry Skin
1 egg
1 teaspoon of honey,
1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and
few drops of rose water

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and use as a mask.

Skin Softening Bath
Add ¼ cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath

Moisture Mask
Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Smoothing Skin Lotion
Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Honey Cleansing Scrub
Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Firming Face Mask
Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and enough flour to form a paste. (Approximately ¼ cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.