Skin and Tonic

Essential oils have been used in beauty rituals way back in “ancient times” and are still found in many skincare products…for everything from dry skin to the signs of aging…especially as alternatives to skincare products that contain processed ingredients, harsh chemicals, and lots of other ingredients that any normal person has trouble pronouncing, much less know what they are.

Not only that, it has been proven, both in food and the cosmetic industry, that the closer a product is to the way God actually made it, the better that product will improve you.

Some essential oils contain antioxidants and antibacterial properties that have been shown to actually be good for your skin.

Potential benefits of essential oils in the health and appearance of your skin may include…

enhancing your skin’s UV resistance
helping your body absorb antioxidants
stimulating your immune system

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The Best Essential Oils for Skincare

The best essential oils for skincare are…

Chamomile
Frankincense
Lavender
Peppermint
Rose Hip
Tea Tree

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Korean Skincare

Let’s look at ways to add the benefits of these essential oils as part of your skincare regimens…more specifically the Korean 12-step beauty routine…

Korean skincare../even though time-consung in its ten-step regimen, has become trendy even among non-Korean because we all have admired the healthy, beautiful, and seemingly ageless skin.

So I thought that it would be fun to share some DIY and OTBC (over-the-beauty-counter) treats that use essential oils as one of their key ingredients.

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Morning Regimen

1: Wash with water…The first step in Korean skincare is to simply wash your face with water…no cleanser, just water to remove any “junk” that has settled on your face during the night and help hydrate your skin.

2. Apply toner. Okay, let’s dwell on toner for a bit and see why we need it and how to make your own.

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Why Use Toner?

There are several reasons to use toner, even though most of are content to skip this step and only use a cleanser and a moisturizer…or at least I am…

But there are actually several reasons to start using toner…

balances the skin’s pH
helps your skin to absorb the products that you will be applying to your face next
keeps your skin from becoming dry and dehydrated
keeps skin feeling clean and looking radiant
provides moisture
tightens pores

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Types of Toner

There are three different types of toners…

Fresheners and bracers
Skin Tonics

1. Fresheners and Bracers…Fresheners and bracers contain no alcohol…simply water and humectants—such as glycerin. They are the most gentle of toner types.

Fresheners and bracers contain humectants, such as glycerin, that help prevent moisture from evaporating off the top layers of your skin…and can be used on dry, sensitive and normal skin.

One example of a humectant is rosewater toner….so let’s find out how to make your own.

2. Skin Tonics…Skin tonics contain up to 20% alcohol in addition to the water and humectants found in fresheners and bracers…meaning that they are not as gentle to your skin. The alcohol acts as a drying agent in the tonic.

Skin tonics are suitable for use on normal, combination, and oily skin.

3. Astringents…Astringents contain a high proportion of alcohol (20-60%) in addition to antiseptic ingredients, water, and a humectant…meaning that these are the strongest form of toner out there.

Astringents are mean to be applied to specific areas of the face, not all over the face. Not only that, using an astringents too often can actually make your face oilier instead of remove oil from the skin.

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Ingredients

Chamomile…1Tbsp. fresh chamomile or 1-1/2Tbsp dried chamomile leaves or 1 pure chamomile tea bag
Milk or Water…1/2C pure spring water or distilled water
Witch hazel…1/2C
Green tea…2tsp green tea leaves or 1 green tea bag
Apple cider vinegar…1Tbsp
Vegetable glycerin…1tsp
Frankincense essential oil…3drops…could also use 3drops carrot seed essential oil

Herbs…Chamomile is often used in making homemade skin toners because it is so mild, but other herbs may also be used…for example…

Dry skin…ederflower, linden flowers, and marigold
Normal skin…fennel, lemon balm, parsley, and rosemary.
Oily skin…fennel, lemon balm, parsley, rosemary, peppermint and sage

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Szteps to Using Toner

Boil milk or water to a boil.. Pour over the chamomile. Steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Add apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or glycerin, if using. Let the liquid cool, Strain the toner into a sterilized bottle. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients. Refrigerate…will keep in your fridge for up to five days. Apply to skin with cotton balls after you wash your face, but before using moisturizer. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.

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