At the end of the summer and early fall especially, there is a lot of old tan skin sloughing off the body. Such a season is ideal for doing a body Peaches and Cream Mask, especially so because peaches are ripe and abundant in the markets.

Peaches are rich in skin softening enzymes, and cream is a natural alpha-hydroxy acid that is ideal for sloughing dead skin cells off the body.

Peaces and Cream Mask
2 peaches, peeled and mashed
1/2 teaspoon almond oil
1 tablespoon heavy cream

Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mash with a vegetable masher. Scoop onto a clean washcloth and scrub onto your body. Let set for 15 or 20 minutes before taking a shower to rinse thoroughly, using a natural shower gel if needed.

Variation: Cucumbers and Cream: Substitute 2-3 cucumbers for the peaches. Cucumber has the same pH as skin, and is thus

Adapted from Better Basics for the Home, by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers, 1999).