Plant-Powered Beauty(BenBella, 2018) by Amy Galper and Christina Daigneault offers plant-based alternatives to mass-produced beauty products, with recipes that enable readers to make their own products to maintain their natural beauty and promote health and well-being. This acne gel makes one fluid ounce in only 5 minutes.
When unsightly acne appears, we recommend treating it naturally with ingredients that offer antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, along with soothing agents to ensure the inflamed skin does not dry out and become unbalanced. Our blemish gel is packed with healing plant-based essential oils that go right to work on your problem area, while benefiting from a moisturizing and anti-inflammatory base of aloe vera and a cleansing boost of witch hazel.
Materials
- small glass or stainless steel bowl or glass beaker
- glass or wooden stirrer
- 1 (1-ounce) glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
- 25 drops Blemish Gel Essential Oil Synergy
For the Blemish Gel Essential Oil Synergy:
- 15 drops marjoram essential oil
- 35 drops lavender essential oil
- 15 drops geranium essential oil
- 15 drops thyme, chemotype linalool essential oil
Steps
- In a bowl or beaker, combine the aloe vera and witch hazel.
- Add the synergy and gently stir together for about 30 seconds, ensuring all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Transfer the blended product to the glass jar and cap tightly. Store in the refrigerator. The blemish gel will stay fresh for 1 month.
How to Use Blemish Gel
- Cleanse and tone your skin to create a clean surface.
- Apply a small drop of the blemish gel directly onto the affected area with your clean fingertip.
- Leave the gel on and let it fully absorb into your skin.
- Repeat twice daily or as needed.
Beauty Note
Aloe has been used for over two thousand years and is often called the “miracle plant” due to its skin-healing powers. It contains a compound called saponin that boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and is prized for its antiseptic powers, moisturizing abilities, and skin-soothing properties.
Recent studies have recognized that aloe also works to improve collagen formation during wound healing,30 thereby making it a favored acne treatment ingredient.
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Excerpted with publisher’s permission fromPlant-Powered Beauty by Amy Galper and Christina Daigneault and published by BenBella, 2018.
