Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Herbal Tonics for Toning

Always follow your cleansing routine by toning your skin with a mild skin freshener or with a medium strength skin tonic. Toning removes greasiness remaining from cleansing preparations, closes pores, refines the skin and if you intend to make-up, it leaves a smooth clean texture which will hold the foundation and powder for long.

Basically skin tonics freshen the skin. The cheapest toner is simply to splash your face with cold water. Skin tonics are generally composed of infusions of herbs, flowers, vinegar, rosewater and witch-hazel. Stronger skin tonics or astringents dry the skin removing all traces of oil on the skin. They are suitable for greasy skins. Avoid using very strong astringents for any type of skin, as the harsh action of the alcohol toughens and coarsens the skin and prevents it from functioning normally.

Normally you should use tonic or astringent with a piece of cotton wool, but if your skin is looking sluggish, pat it on with a brisk slapping movement. Toning stimulates the blood supply to the skin. Moisten folded cotton wool with your skin tonic and pat on the cheeks, the neck and chin. Avoid any areas with broken veins.

SKIN TONICS

Rose Water

It is one of the oldest skin-freshners discovered by an Arabian dermatologist in the tenth century. Rose water is available at a chemist, but it is very easy to make on your own too. Mix rose essence in water and shake thoroughly. Two tablespoons essence of roses is sufficient for 4 ½ litres purified water.

Gypsy Rose Water

Take 2 handfuls of dark, scented rose petals and put them into a jar or a wide topped bottle. Now put 1 litre of water and 200 gms. of sugar into a bottle or jar. Keep this mixture for 2 hours, shake again, then strain and store it in a cool place.

Rose Water and Witch-Hazel Tonic

This is the most famous home made skin tonic of all. To make this lotion simply mix ¾ cup rose water and ½ cup witch-hazel. If you have a very greasy skin you can use equal proportions of rose water and witch-hazel.

Flower and Herb Tonic

Mix 2 tablespoons of dried herbs or flowers or 2 handfuls of fresh ones to a pint of water. Pour the boiling water over the herbs and cover the pan to prevent steam from being lost. Let the herbs steep for a couple of hours. Strain the bottle.

Marigold Skin Tonic

Marigolds are known for their healing properties. Use either fresh or dried flowers to make this skin tonic. Mix 2 tablespoons of dried flower or 3 handfuls of fresh ones to a pint of water. Now add 2 tablespoons of witch-hazel. It is good especially for a greasy and spotty skin.

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