DIY Facial Astringents and Toners
Astringents, toners, and skin fresheners are important to healthy skin because they keep the surface clan and free of dirt, oils, and dead skin cells. The cleaner the surface of your skin, the more efficient it is at absorbing and keeping moisture. Regular Astringent products can be drying to your skin and complexion, as many of them are alcohol based. Toners and skin fresheners are a nice alternative as they can be used throughout the day to keep your skin fresh and clean but are made up of milder and more soothing ingredients and are water based. The classic all-natural skin freshener is pure, cool water. Splashing your face with cool water after cleansing is an old fashioned and effective method for a clear and glowing complexion.
Using a hydrating toner such as an herbal tea, honey infusion or flower water helps cleanse your face and restore your skin’s natural pH level. It is normally the second step in daily skincare; toner is applied after the face has been washed and before it is moisturized. Toners ensures super clean skin that is more efficient at absorbing and keeping moisture, resulting in a bright, glowing, and healthier complexion. Freshener products have even more water content and can be used throughout the day to hydrate and cleanse your skin. They are especially helpful after working out or on a sultry summer day and can be applied all over your body and hair.
For those with sensitive skin, the best way to apply a toner is by patting your face and neck with a toner-saturated cotton pad or by splashing it on. You can also buy small spray bottles that can be filled with your favorite product and spritz your skin after cleansing. Never wipe the toner across your face. Wiping can stretch and pull sensitive skin, leading to more lines and wrinkles. It also spreads surface impurities.
When dealing with sensitive skin, less is more. This means if you use commercial facial products, stick with one brand, and read your product labels carefully. Always choose a product that has a noticeably short list of ingredients. Skin toners can be a bit tricky for those with sensitive skin, which is why many people have switched to homemade versions. They are easy to make at home and you are in control of the ingredients used. They are as easy to make as a cup of tea and you have several of the herbs growing in your garden right now. Here are some simple recipes to try.
Hydrating Honey Skin Toner
Honey is a natural humectant, which means it is very efficient at attracting and restoring moisture to your skin. This recipe is well suited for all skin types. It is mild enough for sensitive skin and can also be healing for troubled skin. Honey is an effective spot treatment for blemishes.
1 Tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon rose water or water
2 Tablespoons witch hazel
Mix all ingredients and pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. To use: pat or splash onto clean, skin. Rinse well with cool water.
Yield: 2 ounces
Green Tea Skin Toner
For those wanting to avoid alcohol in their skin care products, which can be drying. Green tea is a natural astringent that gently tones and freshens the skin. Tea is a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the skin’s natural defenses. This toner works well as an anti-irritant for soothing stressed out skin.
2 teaspoons green tea leaves or one tea bag
1/2 cup water
Place the tealeaves in a clean glass container. Bring the water to a boil and pour it over the tea. Let the mixture sit until it cools completely. Strain the liquid and pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. To use: Pat or splash toner onto clean skin. Do not rinse off.
Yield: 4 ounces
Strawberry Leaf Toner
The leaf of the strawberry plant is often overlooked and discarded but they have four times the amount of vitamin C of oranges. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and beneficial to healthy skin keeping it clean and clear. Strawberry leaves also dry very easily so you can enjoy their benefits year-round. If you have extra dry skin, you may want to add a teaspoon or two of a favorite natural oil.
2 Tablespoons dried strawberry leaves or 1 /3 cup fresh leaves, chopped
1 /4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 /4 cup water
1 teaspoon almond or olive oil (optional)
Place the leaves and vinegar in a glass or ceramic container and let sit overnight. Strain the mixture and discard any solids. Add the water and oil and stir well. To use: shake gently and apply to your skin after cleansing with a clean cotton pad.
Yield: 4 ounces
Cooling Cucumber Toner
Fresh cucumber juice is a natural astringent that all skin types can use. It also makes a mild tonic for sunburned skin. Cucumber juice is very delicate and spoils easily so you may want to store this product in the refrigerator between uses. You may also freeze the fresh juice.
1 /4 cup fresh cucumber juice (made by chopping up one cucumber, peel and all and processing it in the blender then straining off all solids.)
2 Tablespoons witch hazel
2 Tablespoons water
Mix all the ingredients. Pour into a clean container. To use: apply to clean skin after cleansing with a clean cotton pad.
Yield: 4 ounces
Chamomile Skin Freshener
Chamomile flowers are a popular cosmetic ingredient. They are soothing for inflamed skin and help stop dehydration. You may use fresh flowers from your garden in this recipe or tea made from 100% chamomile daisies.
2 Tablespoons dried chamomile flowers or 2 chamomile tea bags
1 cup boiling water
Pour the boiling water over the dried chamomile and let the mixture steep and co. Strain the solutions and pour into a clean container. To use: Apply to clean skin after cleansing with a clean cotton pad or pour into a small spray bottle and spritz your skin after bathing.
Yield: 8 ounces
Lavender Skin Freshener
Lavender oil made from fresh flowers is a well-known antiseptic and skincare ingredient. Known for its calming scent this recipe can be used as a facial freshener and all over body splash after bathing and before bedtime.
3 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons witch hazel
2-3 drops essential oil of lavender
1 /2 teaspoon honey
Mix all the ingredients together and stir well. Pour into a clean container. To use: apply to your face using a clean cotton pad or spray and splash onto your skin after bathing.
Yield: 2 ounces
Citrus Mint Freshener
This is a light skin freshener to use throughout the day when your skin and hair could use a pick-me up. It is especially nice after working out or a long sweltering day in the garden. You can store a small spray bottle in your refrigerator for a cooling spritz. The fresh clean scent is also energizing.
1 cup boiling water
Yellow peel from one lemon
1 Tablespoon fresh mint leaves
Place the lemon peel and mint leaves in a ceramic or glass bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and let cool completely. Strain the mixture and pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. To use: Splash or spray onto your skin. Note: If sprayed on your hair it may lighten the color over time.
Yield: 8 ounces
Rose Chervil Toner
The scent of fresh chervil or “sweet fern,” as it is sometime called, is believed to give one a feeling of well-being. In this recipe it is also used to cleanse the skin, leaving it soft and supple. The lacy foliage of this plant has vitamin C, carotene, iron, and magnesium. Blended with rosewater it makes a refreshing and cleansing skin toner.
1 /4 cup fresh chervil leaves
1 cup boiling water
1 /4 cup rosewater
Place the chervil and mint leaves in a glass or ceramic bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let the mixture sit until completely cooled. Strain the mixture and discard all solids. Mix this solution together with the rosewater and pour into a clean bottle with a tight-fitting lid. To use: Apply your skin with a clean cotton pad.
Yield: 4 ounces
Watermelon Toner
Watermelon has a high amount of vitamins A, B, and C, all of which keep skin healthy and glowing. This aromatic toner is a beautiful rose color and can be used by all skin types. Because it is made with fresh juice you will want to store it in the refrigerator and discard after a week.
1 /2 cup fresh watermelon
2 Tablespoons witch hazel
2 Tablespoons water
Make fresh watermelon juice by processing watermelon in a blender or food processor and strain to remove solids. Combine 2 Tablespoons fresh juice with witch hazel and water. Pour into a clean container. To use: Apply to your skin using a clean cotton pad.
Yield: 3 ounces
French Micellar Water
This is a basic recipe for a micellar water that is a cleanser and toner all in one. You may use your favorite natural skin oil in place of the jojoba oil in this recipe if you prefer. For dry sensitive skin, use rosewater in the recipe. Normal to oily skin types can use witch hazel.
1 /2 cup distilled water
1 /2 cup rosewater or witch hazel
1 /2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
1 /2 teaspoon jojoba oil or favorite natural oil
1-2 drops essential oil of lavender or geranium (optional)
Mix all ingredients and pour into a clean spray bottle. To use: Spray all over your face and let sit a few seconds, then remove with a clean cotton cloth or pad. Apply more if needed and follow up with a skin astringent or toner.
Yield: 8 ounces
Happy Summer! For more recipes and ideas check out my natural beauty books!
Janice
