I am super excited about this post today, because its dedicated to my lovely friend Sophie! She inspired me to make a product with a real person in mind and mentioned she would like to see something more skincare related.
So with that in mind, I’ve made a special face wash recipe inspired by Sophie- and for others with problem skin to show that herbs really do heal!
The Problem with commercial skincare products
Most products you buy in the store have been formulated in a lab, meaning you have no idea what’s really in them. These chemicals can be harsh on your skin, and can actually make your skin worse, even if they are formulated to clear problem skin, or are for sensitive skin.
It’s so easy to make natural skincare products at home, plus you’ll know what you are putting on your face, and you’ll know it’s good for you! Once you’ve gotten the basics down you can start experimenting with other products and ingredients for your specific skin type.
This is such a simple recipe with only a few ingredients, and because there is no water content, its shelf life will last at least 6 months (but you’ll probably use it up before then!). Simply infuse some herbs into witch hazel for about a week, then combine it with the rest of the ingredients.
- Rose Water heals scars and acne, and helps to brighten, soothe, and tone skin
- Glycerin is an emollient, meaning it draws moisture to skin and balances oil, and can lessen wrinkles
- Aloe Vera is soothing and reduces redness
- Witch hazel is toning, astringent, and helps to treats acne
- Frankincense essential oil is antibacterial
The most important step for this recipe is infusing herbs into the witch hazel. Classic store-bought witch hazel is already a basic infusion of the witch hazel herb into alcohol, and so you can use this as a base for adding your herbs. I chose….
- Calendula with skin healing properties, it’s also antibacterial
- Chamomile is soothing, anti-inflammatory, calms skin
- Rose for the same reasons as the rose water
You will need…
- A spray bottle or jar for your finished product
- A small jar to infuse your witch hazel tincture
- A strainer or sieve
- A funnel if you have one (it helps but isn’t necessary)
You need to make sure all your jars and containers are completely sterile and dry. You can do this by simply pouring boiling water into them, then putting them in a clean place till you are ready to use them, or standing them upside down in the oven on a very low heat if you want to use them immediately. This is because water allows bacteria to grow, and you want to make sure nothing contaminates your product.
Recipe…
- ¼ cup witch hazel
- ¼ cup rose water
- 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerine
- 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
- 3-4 teaspoons loose herbs
- Few drops frankincense essential oil (optional)
First, pack the herbs into a small jar and then cover completely with witch hazel. Leave this for a week or two before moving on. The rose petals turned mine turned this lovely pink colour!
Once your witch hazel mixture is done, pour it into your spray bottle or jar using the sieve. Press on the herbs to make sure you’ve gotten all the witch hazel out of them.
To this add the rose water, glycerine and aloe vera. Add a few drops of frankincense essential oil, then give the mixture a good shake.
When you’re ready to use it, shake the mixture again to make sure the aloe vera stays incorporated. Spray directly onto your face or soak a cotton ball in the mixture. You can then rinse it off, but you don’t have to!
You can also use this as a makeup remover, simply spray or wipe on, then wipe off with a cotton ball and rinse your face. Then do this again to wash your makeup-free face.
Bear in mind that switching to a new skincare product can sometimes cause your skin to go through a period of adjustment, so you may not see results the first week you start using it.
I’ve been loving using mine, I think it smells great and makes my skin feel so fresh. I find I don’t need a toner or moisturiser with this product as it balances my skin so nicely.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! xoxo
fromrootstopetals.com 