Many
women don't like to have to use a skin care program that involves
so many steps. Before you decide to 'keep
it simple' and just wash with soap, learn more about the
other steps and see if they can benefit you.
Toners and astringents serve multiple purposes. An astringent is
good to use after you wash your face. This type of product will
remove any extra residue left
on your face from the soap or cleanser. Toners are good to clean
and refresh the skin. Some even
help tighten pores and restore ph balance to your skin.
A
FEW TIPS:
If
you have dry skin, eliminate or reduce
the amount of alcohol used in the recipes.
Have
a skin revitalizer in a bottle with a mister and mist on your face
throughout the day. It won't smudge make-up and it actually makes
your skin tone look more even.
Toners
Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
1/4
cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup
distilled water
5-10
drops of essential oil (peppermint, lavender, orange, etc.)
Mix
all ingredients in a bottle and keep in a cool, dark place. This
particular recipe has a long shelf life, considering it's vinegar
and water.
Apple
cider vinegar is a great toner because it has many benefits for
our skin. Vinegar is known for it's natural disinfectant properties,
which is great for keeping our faces clean (from oil, blackheads,
pollution, etc.). Vinegar does not have a pleasant smell, but when
essential oils are used, it helps cover that up. Use this in the
morning and evening after washing your face and after using an astringent
if you use one.
Lemon
Honey Toner
2 tbsp
honey
1 1/2
tsp lemon juice
4 tablespoons
distilled water or rosewater
4 tablespoons
vodka
Mix
all ingredients in a bottle and keep in a cool, dark place. Allow
to sit for 3-5 days for the 'stickiness' of the honey to go away.
The longer it sits, you will not feel the honey when you use the
toner. Shake before using. Use this in the morning and evening after
washing your face and after using an astringent if you use one.
Splash water on your face after using.
Astringents
Witch
Hazel Astringent
6 tbsp
distilled water or rosewater
4 tbsp
orange flower water
4 tbsp
witch hazel
This
recipe is good for those who have dry skin. This does not contain
alcohol, but the witch hazel is a natural astringent and the orange
flower water (which can be purchased at liquor stores) and rosewater
give it a nice, soft scent.
Mix
all ingredients in a bottle and keep in a cool, dark place. Apply
after cleansing your face and follow with splashing water on your
face or by using a toner.
Rosewater
Astringent
1/4
tsp borax powder
4 tbsp
distilled water
4 tbsp
rosewater
2 tbsp
witch hazel
This
is a general recipe for an everyday astringent. Mix all ingredients
in a bottle and keep in a cool, dark place. Apply after cleansing
your face and follow with splashing water on your face or by using
a toner.
Skin
Revitalizers
One
of the best skin revitalizers is plain water. Splashing cool water
on your face after you wash it will help tighten the pores and hydrate
your skin. While we need to drink plenty of water for healthy skin,
we must also give our skin water externally. Misting distilled water
on your face during the day will even out your skin tone and give
it a little lift.
With
the ingredients listed below, make your own combinations with them
to make your own skin revitalizer. Keep them in bottles with misters
on them so you can use them throughout the day. If you have to run
to the store real quick and your face looks tired, mist some of your
revitalizer on to help freshen up your look.
distilled
water
rosewater
orangeflower
water
witch
hazel
lemon
juice
essential
oils (mixed with distilled water) such as:
