Herbs have a positive effect on the skin, are easily available, natural and inexpensive. Some of them are worth drinking, others work better when uses externally. In addition, they are a great basis for you to create your own cosmetics and prepare beauty treatments. If you do not know how to do so, then, I present you my own recipes for face toners, face masks, and herbal baths.

What herbs can help heal acne?

Chamomile

has many beneficial properties, among others it has a soothing and antiseptic effect, which supports the fight against acne vulgaris, allergies, as well as skin inflammation. In addition, it brightens discolorations, acne scars and stretch marks. It contains vitamins C and PP responsible for strengthening blood vessels that improve the condition of the sensitive and capillary skin.

Nettle

used from the inside can work wonders. It contains flavonoids, tannins, vitamin C and K, beta-carotene and pantothenic acid, by which it combats viruses, bacteria, and toxins, improves skin tone, provides anti-inflammatory properties and regenerates tissues.

Pansy

contains flavonoids that cleanse the body of toxins, which reduces the risk of breakouts. An infusion with pansy is especially recommended for people who have to deal with problems connected with acne and greasy complexion because it inhibits the work of sebaceous glands. In addition, it supports the treatment of psoriasis and lichen.

My recipes for herbal toners

Calendula toner with arnica

To prepare it, I place a spoonful of dried marigold (also known as calendula) and half a teaspoon of Arnica into a pot or bowl. Then, pour boiling water, mix it and set aside. After 10 minutes, strain the brew and pour it into the bottle. I like to store the toner in the refrigerator for not more than 3 days – later it is no longer suitable for use. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. You may as well apply it in the form of wraps for the swollen face and eyelids. The marigold is known for its soothing properties and the arnica reduces swelling.

Calendula toner with the addition of oregano

Pour boiling water over a spoonful of dried marigold.  Cover and set aside. In the second dish I place a spoonful of oregano and stir it with a fork with a little bit of hot water. After 10 minutes, I pour both brews into a pot and cook on low heat for 2 minutes. Once the ingredients are combined, strain them. I use this toner for skin irritations, but it will also work in the case of lichen. Keep it in the fridge for no longer than 4 days.

My recipes for herbal face masks

Cleansing face mask with yarrow

To prepare it, pour a spoonful of yarrow into a cup and pour boiling water halfway through it, then mix and cover. After 10 minutes, crush the yarrow with a fork to get a thick consistency. Apply the warm mask onto cleansed skin and leave it on for 15 minutes, then wash it with lukewarm water. Yarrow contains zinc, vitamin A and flavonoids, which is why the mask based on it is recommended for acne and oily skin, especially because it has a bactericidal effect.

Moisturizing face mask with sage and cucumber

I love this mask because its main ingredients moisturize and regenerate the skin. To prepare it, cut washed and peeled cucumber into slices, then throw them it into a bowl. I add a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of dried sage, and then blend everything into a smooth mass. I apply the mask onto my face and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes, then clean the skin with a cotton pad. You can wash the mask, but you do not have to (I don’t usually do it). If your skin is oily or normal, do not apply a cream.

Herbal body scrub with lavender

I place a glass of oatmeal and a spoonful of sugar, dried lavender and dried mint into a blender, then mix all the ingredients into a coarse powder and pour it into a jar. I keep the scrub in a dark, cool place and use it once a week. After about month it is no longer suitable for use so make sure to finish it earlier. The scrub smoothes the face and cleanses the pores.

My recipes for herbal baths

Valerian bath for elastic skin and pore cleansing

To prepare a bath with valerian, boil a liter of water in a pot, add two handfuls of dried valerian root and cook for 30 minutes, stirring. Next, turn it off and leave the pot on the stove for another half an hour. After draining I pour into the tub and bathe for 30 minutes. Valerian cleanses the pores and improves skin firmness.

Regenerating thyme bath

Boil two liters of water and throw 100 g of thyme into it. Cook for 5 minutes on low heat, then turn it off and leave it covered for 30 minutes. After straining, pour it into the tub. The bath with thyme has regenerating and rejuvenating properties, which is why it is especially recommended for mature skin.

Hay bath for improving skin tone

I boil a liter of water and throw in 100 g of hay – it’s best to use a linen bag. Next, mix, cover and take off the stove for 30 minutes. After draining, pour it into the tub and bathe for 15 minutes. Hay brew improves the skin tone, so if you have a dull complexion lacking radiance, be sure to try this recipe!

Refreshing pine bath

Chop three twigs of young pine with cones. Pour with boiled water and cook for 30 minutes. Leave it covered for another 30 minutes, then pour it into a bathtub filled with water. My pine bath lasts 10 minutes – it’s enough to refresh and smooth out the skin and give it a beautiful fragrance.

Soothing sage bath for dry and irritated skin

pour 100 g of dried sage into a liter of boiling water, mix and cover. After 20 minutes, I strain and pour into a tub where I bathe for 3 minutes. Sage smoothes dry, rough and flaky skin.

Regenerative thyme bath for skin with frostbite

I pour 50 g of thyme into two liters of water. Wait until it starts to boil, then cook for 5 minutes. Next, leave for 10 minutes to cool down. I pour the brew into the tub and bathe in it for 15 minutes. Thyme bath regenerates the skin and soothes frostbite.

What are your recipes for herbal cosmetics and treatments? Write your suggestions in the comments!