A glowing, clean, clear complexion is one of the hallmarks of beauty, health and well-being. Yet there's no need to break the bank on high-priced products from boutiques or salons; you can make a gentle yet effective facial cleanser and toner by using fresh herbs and ordinary kitchen ingredients. Apply a small amount of the home remedy to your wrist 24 hours before use to make sure you're not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Step 1
Buy a bundle of fresh thyme--or pick some from your herb garden--and crumble 2 sprigs into a bowl to begin making this natural facial cleanser, suggested by All Natural Beauty. Thyme is a mild natural astringent, cleanser and toner; it also contains the chemical thymol, which has antimicrobial properties. In a clinical study conducted at Scottish Agricultural College in the United Kingdom and published in the October 9, 2008 online issue of "Journal of Applied Microbiology," researchers found that thymol had inhibitory effects against 25 different types of bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli (see References 2).
Step 2
Use the back of a spoon to crush 2 tsp. of fennel seeds, combine them with the fresh thyme, and cover the mixture with 4 oz. of boiling water. Fennel cleanses and tones the skin, and may help reduce puffiness and irritation. Whole Foods notes that fennel is not only rich in phytonutrients and the antioxidant vitamin C, but contains anethole, a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
Step 3
Add the juice from half a fresh lemon to the mixture, and let it steep for 15 minutes. Lemon is a mild natural astringent, and can have a brightening effect on skin, helping to lighten dark spots and even out blotchy complexions. Whole Foods notes that lemon has antibacterial effects, and contains high levels of antioxidant vitamin C and beneficial flavonoids.
Step 4
Strain the mixture well after it has cooled, and pour it into a jar with a tightly-fitting lid. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator, and used as needed for a cool, refreshing facial cleanser.
Step 5
Apply the thyme cleanser to your face and neck with a cotton ball, taking care not to get it in your eyes. After using the thyme cleanser, rinse your face with cool water and pat dry. Apply a good-quality commercial or natural moisturizer. According to All Natural Beauty, the cleanser is gentle enough to be used daily.
Things You'll Need
- 2 springs fresh thyme
- 2 tsp. fennel seeds
- 4 oz. water
- Juice from 1/2 fresh lemon
- Strainer
- Glass jar with tightly-fitting lid
- Good-quality commercial or natural facial moisturizer
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