Herbal Skincare
The best skin food ever invented is just that – good food. Eat well and it will help you look well!
Include the blood-cleansing, blood building mineral rich greens such as Dandelion, Nettles, bitter Chicory, Watercress and Chickweed.
Sunflower, Pumpkin and Sesame seeds are rich in zinc and other minerals vital to the health, repair and maintenance of a beautiful skin.
Rose Water is one of the cheapest mild and soothing astringents available.
Elderflower Water is stimulating and mildly astringent.
Comfrey, Calendula (Marigold) and Chamomile soften, soothe, protect and heal the skin.
Grated Orange rind and yoghurt is a good moisturising and reviving mask that will put a glow back into your skin.
Orange flower water – available at chemists – has some of the rejuvenating properties of the orange and is a lovely freshener which is good for young or problem skins.
Floral (toilet) vinegars were popular with Victorian ladies who used them as a body splash after the bath or, diluted, as a facial skin tonic.
Used with care vinegar restores the natural acid balance of the skin which can be stripped away bysoap or alcohol based lotions.
Rose vinegar – place a couple of handfuls of rose petals in a wide mouthed jar.
Cover with a good white wine or cider vinegar. Macerate for 3 weeks then strain out the vinegar and bottle.
Dilute with the addition of an equal part of Rose water. Use diluted 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water.
Floral water spritzer – Into a jar put 100ml spring or de-ionised water and 30 drops of essential oil.
Leave closed for a few days in the dark, then filter through coffee paper and decant into a small plant de-mister.
Use Lavender, Bergamot or Geranium for oily skin; Rose, Neroli or Jasmine for dry or normal skin; or Grapefruit for dull congested skin.
Sweet Almond oil softens dry skin and soothes away blemishes.
Two or three times a week, film face and neck with Almond oil and leave it on for 25 minutes before wiping it off.
Splash face with a toilet vinegar.
Good for skin that has been exposed to strong sun, wind or freezing cold.
Try adding 2 or 3 drops of your favourite essential oil to the bottle to enhance its effect and fragrance.
Lavender or Rose for dry skin; Neroli or Clary Sage for older skin.
A favourite Italian face-mask for dry and delicate skins is to put finely grated carrot into Olive oil and spread onto face.
Very nourishing!
Honey softens rough skin and helps it retain moisture.
Clover honey is lovely for ageing sallow skin and Limeflower honey is purifying and calming.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please consult a health professional before using any of these products.