Making your own Facial Toner – Part 1

My skin has always suffered in some area or another from adolescents and far into my 20’s.  It is probably one of the most continuous battles in which I’m glad I have never given up on.  From the time of getting pimples till far past graduating college, I have suffered from very sensitive skin.  I feel like I’ve tried it all – from over the counter you name it, to ‘as seen on TV’ Proactive etc., and even further onto the high end makeup at the department stores.  My skin just didn’t seem to like anything I tried.  (During all my trials my diet was average, however, until recently I was an avid milk drinker but now only drink almond milk.)

Finally, after pretty much trying it all, I found my perfect match and balance!  As much as I would love to some day also conquer homemade face wash and moisturizer, I will stick to what has worked best for over 3 years for me – Burt’s Bees face wash and face moisturizer.  But for a face toner, I have opted for my own handmade mixture that has worked WONDERS!

Face toner, you ask?  Yea, it may seem old school for some but is the perfect natural refresher for many.  By taking apple cider vinegar, an assortment of herbs and a few weeks in the sun, you’ll get the perfect start for a toner {this is called a tincture}.  Take this brew and sift it through a cheese cloth and then add witch hazel.  After adding a few drops of carrot seed and rose essential oil to this mix, pour into individual jars for use.

A toner helps further cleanse and tone the skin after cleansing, it removes any further dirt and residue, leaving the face feeling refreshed and balanced.  Toner also helps tighten the pores, thus making the skin feel remarkably fresh and clean!  An astringent differs only in that it’s alcohol based, usually with salicylic acid to help with oily, combination skin while also helping remove further dirt and oil.

Anyways, until just recently (the past few years) I have finally found the balance my skin needs to be happy and clean of any acne, etc.  It took a lot of you name it, I tried it.  I didn’t have a LOT of acne (thank goodness!) but I never could seem to be break out free for any longer time frame.

I bought all the dried herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs, a wonderful trustworthy, organic company and began soaking everything in apple cider vinegar for a month.  This part was simple – just had to shake the jar 1-2 times a day as it sits in the warm window-lit sun, then leave it be.

Detailed Directions:

Equal parts of: lemon balm, rosemary, calendula, witch hazel bark, yarrow, lavender, and calendula (no more than total of 2 ounces of dried herbs or 4 ounces of fresh herbs.) in organic apple cider vinegar (cover enough to just drown herbs, about 2 inches above plant material).  Then let this mixture sit a few weeks in a ‘warm’, sunny window; shake once to twice daily.

(Other dried herbs which can be used, based upon availability – chamomile, rose petals, elderflowers, peppermint, comfrey leaf, lemon & orange peel, sage)

FYI: This above step essentially is making a ‘tincture,’ which is a fancy word for concentrated herb extract.  Tinctures are the best way to draw out the essential compounds of plants and absorb them via the skin.  They are also the best way to preserve nutrients for a long period of time.

2-4 weeks later, strain mixture through a cheesecloth-lines, fine mesh sieve.  Reserve the herb-infused vinegar and compost the plant material.

Combine the herb-infused vinegar with equal parts witch hazel and a few drops of carrot seed and rose geranium essential oil.

Store in a dark-colored glass bottle, in a cool place for up to a year.

USE : Once a day, or as necessary, after washing face to help clean off any extra dirt and residue left behind.  You’ll notice a wonderful, clear sheen within a few days of use and you’ll never go without this toner again!  Plus, people will notice and ask you what your secret to such clear skin is.  🙂  Wear it proud because you deserve it!

If you are interested in trying this toner, you can buy it fresh and have it at your doorstep by Valentines day.  I also have a previous batch of this toner which I’m selling half price because it needs to be used sooner than later and I would hate for it to go to waste.  So please check out my Etsy Shop to purchase this toner and remember if you are local {Phoenix} I offer free pick up too!  Thanks! 🙂