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Now, on to feeling and looking beautiful!
After doing this steam/toner combo the other day, my skin absolutely glowed. Most of the time when we wash our face there is still dirt and oil left. Now that's not a bad thing; we don't want a completely stripped face. But some cleansers do just that! They strip your face of the essential oils you actually need on your face. A toner provides a nice balance. It gently removes excess dirt and oil, without stripping. I recommend buying a pure Witch Hazel extract for sensitive,mature or sun damaged skin (contains no alcohol); for those of us with normal and oily skin, Witch Hazel 86%( the other 14% is alcohol) is perfectly acceptable. Toner should be used twice a day: in the morning after cleansing your face, and before applying your facial moisturizer and makeup. In the evening, before bed use toner before moisturizing (if needed.)
Before starting this part of the mini-spa, you'll need to make your toner. For this, you'll need a 4 oz plastic (or glass) bottle, witch hazel (either 86% or pure distillate), Rose Hydrosol and Sandalwood Essential Oil. Making toner is relatively easy and this one is no exception.
I've chosen Rose (Rosa Damascena) Hydrosol for many reasons. First of which, rose is excellent for facial use and it's properties are well known and documented. A hydrosol is the water left over from the steam distillation process used to extract essential oil. Some people confuse hydrosols with floral water; they are not the same. Floral waters use fragrance, an aromatic synthetic compound with no therapeutic properties, and distilled water, for the most part. I suggest you buy from our suggested retailers are these are people who know their business and sell quality supplies.
Sandalwood (Santalum Album), besides being one of my favorite oils, is wonderful for relieving both dry and oily skin. Studies have shown it to be an effective preventive against skin cancer, as well. Sandalwood is an excellent sedative oil, relaxing you and releasing stress and tension, making it the perfect oil for this toner blend. Be aware that Sandalwood is a pricey oil, but again, do not buy the pre-mixed oils sold in stores. You need a pure therapeutic Sandalwood essential oil.
So now that you have all your ingredients, simply mix one part hydrosol with one part witch hazel and add four to six drops of essential oil. Cap the bottle tightly and flip the bottle, gently shaking up and down to blend. Get some cotton face pads and put your toner to the side, within easy reach for use after your steam.
The Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) steam is essential for great looking skin and can be done every two weeks. Calendula, more commonly known as marigold, has been used for centuries for its healing properties. This annual herb is picked when the petals are coming into bloom and are immediately dried. It is a popular infused oil and is useful in a first aid kit, as it can be used to apply to scrapes and small wounds to help prevent infection. I chose it for the steam because of its astringent and antiseptic properties. This herb can be bought at any local natural food store or at our suggested supplier. Buying a 1/2 pound to a pound is more than enough for casual use.
Now some of you may have an actual facial steamer, which can be bought for under $50, I believe. I, on the other hand, have used the handy big kitchen pot and towel since I was 12! That version is cheap and more useful when adding herbs to your steam. Use what makes you happy and can be easily cleaned of herbs.
Basically, you fill the pot halfway with distilled water (or regular tap) and boil. Once it hits full boil, let it continue bubbling for an additional five minutes then remove from heat. Allow the pot to sit for another five minutes. You don't want to put your face inches from scalding, boiling water. You won't be able to breathe, for one and extremely hot water will damage your skin. While it's sitting, however, add about a handful of calendula petals. It's like making tea. Infusing the petals releases the astringent properties.
Once the water has set for five minutes or so, grab your towel and steam. Stay under at least 10 minutes, breaking every once a while if needed. Get your face good and sweaty. If you're doing this right after the Neroli Facial, be careful not to allow the oil to get into your eyes.
Once you're done (maximum 20 minutes) wipe your face gently with the towel. The Calendula Steam has opened your pores and filtered in astringent and antiseptics. Go to your sink and splash cold water on your face a few times, closing your pores.
Now, take your cotton pads and pour a small amount of toner on it, rubbing it all over your face, staying away from your eyes. As always when applying anything to your face, use in a upward sweeping motion. This will hopefully keep the wrinkles at bay! Your face should now be literally glowing. The toner helps to gently remove any trace of oil or dirt that may be left on your skin, leaving you glowing, healthy skin. Be sure to breath in the scent of the toner, really relishing it!
Next we'll go over the foot scrub and Peppermint Soak. Until then...
Last night I had a wonderful at home spa treat -- a mud mask. A while back I received a sample kit from From Nature With Love and have been waiting for the kit to be available again so I could tell you about it.
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