Simple Facial Toner with Essential Oils

Running in the summer heat is brutal. I don't know how the south does it. Early mornings? Late nights? Treadmills? (yikes)

Outside of making a run feel tougher than it already is, it's hard on my skin. The excess sweat and heat has wreaked havoc on my face, especially since I don't always have a chance to shower immediately after a workout. So far I've been using straight Witch Hazel, but I wanted to take it up a notch.

After some poking around, I came up with a recipe I like using easy to find ingredients. While I generally use this more at night, I also use it post run. I'll splash my face with cold water, dry, and swipe with this toner.

Next up will be a moisturizer to replace my overpriced Philosophy stuff...

So, it's super easy, with a bunch of options for adding essential oils. I rounded up the different oils for various skin care needs. As you see, there are several that work across the board. You could even leave out the oils if you don't have any. The ACV and Witch Hazel are amazing on their own!

If you're not already familiar with these powerhouses, here is a bit more info...

Apple Cider Vinegar - the list is extensive, but this is a great explanation (more info here)

"There are several key attributes to ACV for maintaining beautiful skin, and exfoliation is one of them. Exfoliating is a key element for keeping youthful healthy skin. There are several ways to exfoliate, and one of them is by “digesting” dead skin cells, which the acids in ACV do. This mild cell turnover is widely used as a skin treatment to improve, soften, and smooth skin texture. The new skin layer, once revealed, is more vibrant, youthful, and healthy.

With a pH similar to skin, AVC helps restore and balance your skin’s pH and acid mantle. This too is key to healthy, beautiful skin. The acid mantle is the combination of sebum (oil) and perspiration on the skin’s surface. This barrier protects the skin and makes it less vulnerable to environmental damage (smog, sun and wind), less prone to dehydration, and also inhibits the growth of foreign bacteria and fungi (enabling skin to be healthier and have fewer breakout and blemishes. Acne, allergies and other skin problems become more severe as the skin becomes more alkaline).”Mild” soaps are often alkaline (pH 9.5-11), and remove the natural acid protection as well as extract protective lipids (fats) from the skin. Washing with soap can increase this alkaline state and make the skin even more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Most people are cleansing with products that are breaking down their acid mantle and causing increased skin issues. Balancing your pH is an imperative part of maintaining healthy skin."

Witch Hazel

So good, even the FDA approved it as a non-prescription drug ingredient. It has significant antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it's a great natural remedy for various infliction's, including:

• Acne/Skin disorders by cleansing and protecting the skin
• Bruise and wound healing, due to it's ability to constrict blood vessels
• Soothe's itchy skin as an anti-inflammatory (bug bites, diaper rash and even irritated scalp)
• Refresh healthy skin by sealing in moisture and refining pores

What you'll need:

2 parts water (distilled/purified is best)
1 part Witch Hazel
1 part Apple Cider Vinegar
Essential Oils of choice
Glass spray bottle

The quantities are a rough estimate. In my 2 oz spray bottle, I used 2 tbls water, 1 witch hazel and 1 ACV. Feel free to adjust a bit if desired.

The batch I made had about 7 drops Lemongrass, 5 drops Frankincense and 5 drops Tea Tree. It smells mainly of Lemongrass, and any hint of vinegar/witch hazel dissipates almost immediately.

So far, I'm really enjoying it! My skin is clearing up, feels tighter (but not dry) and is super soft.

Also, if you'd like to use the same label, download the graphic below, print and adhere to bottle. Fits my 2oz bottle. Who doesn't love a free printable label!