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Simplify your beauty routine and improve your complexion with these five plant-based skin care miracles.

Miracle 1: The Healing Gel

Aloe vera is a lopsided, spiny succulent that holds a natural pharmacy of skin-care nutrients. Keep this plant on your windowsill and scoop the soothing gel from its leaves to bring almost instant relief from sunburns, household burns, and scrapes. It is an amazing healer, an anti-inflammatory, and a cell-growth promoting herb. Aloe vera contains an alphabet of vitamins, including B12, which is rarely found in plants. Aloe vera also provides 20 of the 22 amino acids and seven of the eight amino acids the body requires. It is a traditional healing herb in India, Hawaii, and all countries where it is indigenous. Anecdotal tales of its health benefits date back to pre-Egyptian times. Modern-day studies continue to reveal the healing power of this gelatinous wonder. Aloe can be used topically as well as internally to detoxify and rejuvenate from the inside out'try drinking one-quarter cup (60 mL) of aloe juice three times per week.

Miracle 2: Petal Soft and Soothing

Stress and the pollutants we encounter every day are the cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Camomile creams, rich in levomenol, help to improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging. Camomile soothes and heals rashes, scrapes, and wounds. The volatile oil of camomile reduces inflammation, stimulates tissue healing, moisturizes, and refreshes. As an effective antiseptic it should be included in every home first-aid kit. How one pretty little plant can offer such a range of healing power is one of nature's miracles. People with dry skin may benefit from drinking a cup of camomile tea every day. To refresh tired skin, do a camomile steam: simmer three handfuls of dried camomile in three litres of water for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let the steam rise to your face for 15 minutes. Camomile'even the name is gentle.

Miracle 3: Australia's Gift to Skin Care

Tea tree oil is the skin-care lotion for troubled times. Traditionally used by aboriginal tribes of Australia, the properties of this plant seem endless: antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory'the list goes on. Tea tree oil helps heal broken skin, fights infection, and encourages healing by forming new tissue. Dry cracked lips respond readily to lip salve containing tea tree oil. Try adding a drop of tea tree oil to your regular moisturizer for added healing and toning benefits.

Miracle 4: Exfoliating Foods

Apples, grapes, milk, and yogourt not only make a healthy breakfast, they are the source of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These food-based acids are the skin cleansers of the cosmetics industry, and are used in many skin creams, lotions, and facial masks. AHAs safely and gently remove greyish dead cells from the surface of the skin, revealing a fresh, healthy complexion. AHAs are the miracle rejuvenators. It's easy to make an AHA mask or scrub with everyday kitchen items'combine yogourt with a bit of honey and some mashed fruit, such as strawberries. Slop on your face and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse. Following exfoliation with AHAs, the skin is susceptible to sunburn; a sunscreen should be used even on a cloudy day.

Miracle 5: Silica for Smooth, Silky Skin

Horsetail is never welcomed by gardeners, but don't expect to get rid of it soon. This plant is a member of the Equisetaceae family, which formed the primitive forests that covered the earth millions of years ago. Horsetail is one of the plants richest in silica, which is essential for strong cell structure. Collagen supplements containing horsetail bring strength and elasticity to skin tissue. Silica is available as a liquid supplement and in tablet form. Shampoos and moisturizers containing silica are less effective because silica is difficult to absorb through the skin.

Put your best face forward this spring with these five plant-based skin care miracles.