Healthy and Green Living

Annie: My skin is really dry, especially in the winter, and while I love to take baths, I find they are very drying. Is there anything I can add to bath water to prevent this? One of the first things to do is to find the right vegetable oil or nut oil that works for your skin. Try out three or four; you will instantly feel which ones are best for you. For my forty-something skin I found apricot kernel oil to be the most soothing and emollient. Great oils for dry skin include apricot kernel oil, avocado oil (this oil is very lush and rich, and is especially good for old, dry skin, but a little goes a long way), almond oil, flax seed oil, and jojoba oil. (Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax.) Basic Emollient Bath Recipe All of the ingredients asked for in this recipe are found in most health food stores.

• 1 to 2 ounces apricot kernel, avocado, almond, flax seed, or jojoba oil
• 1 ounce pure vegetable glycerin
• 2 ounces aloe vera gel
• A few drops pure essential oil of your choice.

Add the ingredients to the tub while it is filling. Makes about 1/4 cup, enough for 1 bath. Basic Honey Bath Recipe Herbalists have touted honey for centuries because it helps skin retain moisture and is thereby rejuvenating and softening.

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup very hot water
• A few drops pure essential oil, if desired

Dissolve the honey in the water. Add essential oil, if desired. Pour the mixture into the bath water. Makes 1 cup, enough for one bath.