DIY herbal spa
Welcome to December! Biologically, winter is a time to slow down, reflect, sleep and eat more nutrient dense foods such as earthy root veggies and bone broths. However, culturally most of use are encouraged to shop, attend holiday parties and celebrate throughout this month and into the new year.
Balancing the to-do list and socializing with rest, self-care and down time can be challenging to say the least. In my clinical practice I specialize in building resiliency and many of my clients ask for extra tips this time of year. So, I created these luscious diy 100% natural skin care recipes you can whip up in you own kitchen. Pour yourself a cup of tea, put on your apron and please let us know how you like them. (Bonus: give some as holiday gifts for an eco, low waste all natural present!). Because these are natural products, the ones that contain water or hydrosol will store best in the refrigerator.
STEP 1: EXFOLIATE
OPTIONAL – Before cleansing with this gentle exfoliating cleaner, apply plain Baking soda to your damp face and gently massage to exfoliate a bit more than just using the cleanser solo.
GENTLE EXFOLIATING FACIAL CLEANSER: 1/2 cup Baking Soda 1/2 cup Ground Oats 1/4 cup Liquid Coconut or Olive Oil Soap 1/4 cup Oil (Olive, Jojoba, Almond, etc.) Essential Oils to scent. My favorite blend: Palmarosa, Helichrysum, Carrot Seed, Calendula & Blue Chamomile Combine all of the above ingredients. Apply to dry face, massaging in a circular motion. Add water, continue to massage face and rinse.
STEP 2 – GREEN GOLD FACE MASK: 1/3 cup Cosmetic grade French Green Clay 1/4 cup Raw Local Honey 1/2 cup Hydrosol (I used Helichrysum) – you can also use tea or water 1 Avocado 1 Tbsp Oil. I used a blend of Jojoba, Argan, Rosehip Seed and Evening Primrose Oils. Essential Oils to scent. My favorite blend: Palmarosa, Helichrysum, Carrot Seed, Calendula & Blue Chamomile. Store in fridge. Combine all of the above ingredients and puree in a blender or food processor. After cleaning, apply to face & décolleté. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse, tone & moisturize.
STEP 3 – HONEY CHARCOAL SPOT TREATMENT: Combine honey, activated charcoal and a few drops of each: Rosemary verbenon, Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils. Apply topically on blemishes. STEP 4 – NOURISH WITH FACIAL OIL: I combined equal parts of Rosehip Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Jojoba Oil and add Essential Oils based on your skin needs. My favorite blend: Palmarosa, Carrot Seed, Blue Chamomile, Helichrysum and Calendula.STEP 5 – HYDRATE WITH HYDROSOLS: Mist face with hydrosols or natural toners regularly to hydrate and refresh.
SUGAR OR SALT SCRUB: Combine sugar or salt with carrier oils and essential oils to scent. I used organic sugar and a blend of Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Argan Oil and Evening Primrose Oil. Choose Essential Oils based on your skin needs. My favorite blend: Palmarosa, Carrot Seed, Blue Chamomile, Helichrysum and Calendula.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE SUPPLIERS: Bulk ingredients:
Essential oils: Eden Botanicals
Cheers, Amy
