5 Herbal Facial Blends:
• Chamomile Toner
• Comfrey and Oatmeal Facial Scrub
• Elder Blossom Moisturizer
• Herbal Facial Mask
• Herbal Acne Astringent
Everyday living brings us face-to-face with a vast variety of dirt and toxins. We need to cleanse them from our skin, and herbal facials are one of the best ways to cleanse the face and promote glowing, healthy skin. Herbs such as comfrey, elder blossoms, chamomile and rosemary will cleanse and soften skin while drawing out toxins and impurities from the pores. Comfrey rejuvenates the skin cells; chamomile promotes even skin tone and helps relieve conditions like eczema. These herbs are gentle enough to apply to the sensitive area around the eyes, yet effective enough to see tangible results.
You may need to try many different herbal combinations before you find the perfect blend for your skin type and condition. The basic recipes given here are for normal skin and typical problems. (For severe problems, please consult a health-care professional.)
For example, perhaps you have older skin but also have a problem with eczema. Try the Comfrey and Oatmeal Facial Scrub and add powdered elder blossoms and chamomile to it. Or for extremely oily skin or cystic acne, blend some fresh garlic juice and powdered thyme into the astringent or the facial scrub recipe. You’ll also discover that a sliced garlic clove applied directly to a pimple encourages speedy healing. In addition, 1 tablespoon of peppermint added to Chamomile Toner is a wonderful astringent for oily skin or acne.
Mix herbs with milk, egg white, egg yolk, plain yogurt, distilled witch hazel and/or avocado for a wonderful facial mask—milk and plain yogurt to moisturize; egg white for older skin, egg yolk for oily skin; avocado to nourish skin with vitamins. Also, try using combinations of these. Milk and whipped avocado will moisturize and nourish your skin. Egg white and plain yogurt will reduce age lines and moisturize. Egg yolk and witch hazel draw excessive oil from the skin. Add extra comfrey to fade age spots and spider veins.
Equipment
The equipment needed for herbal facials is simple: a bowl, spoon, fork and something to powder the herbs with. Use a coffee grinder, if possible, and powder the herbs very fine. This way they will be silky smooth to apply. Mix them well and store your blended facial powder in an airtight container. All of the herbal blends keep well and can be made in advance. As with all dried herbs, store this powdered base in an airtight container in a dark place.
Using the following three-step process every night will revitalize your skin and give it a healthy glow.
Step 1. Cleansing exfoliates dead skin cells and removes toxins excreted through the skin. Use a small amount of herbal cleansing powder and lots of water on a soft cloth or sponge. Gently scrub in small circles all areas of your face, except around the eyes. Rinse with pure water.
Step 2. Toner helps wash away any trace of cleanser and restores the proper pH to skin. Splash it on or use a soft cotton ball — no need to rinse.
Step 3. Moisturizer seals in moisture and leaves skin soft and smooth. Gently apply it with upward strokes, paying special attention to dry areas.
For best results, combine the three-step nightly facial with an herbal facial mask once a week.
