Skin Toner
a must for tightening, refreshening, and restoring pH balance
Toners are used to removed any left over residue after cleansing the face. They are intended to freshen, close pores, and tighten your skin. Tonics are applied with a cotton ball or gauze and should be applied to face and neck, avoiding the eye area. If you skin is dull and sluggish, try briskly slapping the toner on thus increasing circulation in your skin.
Herbs used to make common toners are as follows:
Dry skin: Elderflower, linden flowers and marigold.
Normal skin: chamomile - especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley and rosemary.
Oily Skin: Chamomile-especially good for antiseptic values, fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, peppermint and sage-especially good for antiseptic values.
Any of the these herbs can be mixed with milk for soothing and nourishing dry skin as well as for sunburned or sensitive skin. Whole milk should be used for normal to dry skin, and skim milk for oily skin.
Toner Recipes
Soothing Toner Recipe
2 TBl. dried or 1 TBl. fresh herb depending on your skin type
2/3 cup milk or vitamin or mineral water may be used instead. Boil liquid and pour over herb. Cover and refrigerate. Strain hrough cheesecloth or muslin.
The recipe should be stored in a sterilized bottle and will keep for approximately 5 days in your refrigerator.
Anti-Aging Toner
5 green tea bags or several heaping teaspoons of green tea
2 cups mineral water or vitamin water
Bring water to a boil. Place several heaping teaspoons of green tea leaves or 5 tea bags in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.
The recipe should be stored in a sterilized bottle and will keep for approximately 5 days in your refrigerator.
To read more about the benefits of green tea Get "The Complete Guide to Green Tea" The Complete Guide to Green Tea!
For more skin care recipes visit the Recipes page.
