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!

DIY Cooling Sunburn Relief Essential Oil Spray

Last weekend my husband and I embarked on a fundraiser mountain bike ride, "Gears for Beers". The concept was a poker run style event, but our cards were about as random as they come. It was 17 miles total, the first 6 up to the top of a mountain and the rest mostly downhill.

Since we started at 9 am I didn't think to put on sunscreen. It's Montana, not that hot, and far too early in the day to catch a burn.

I burn easily.

Needless to say, my arms were toast by the time we finished. Note for next time...

In the meantime, I wanted something more than the standard aloe for my poor skin. After perusing the internet a bit, I came up with my own version of a cooling sunburn relief spray.

I'm in love!

My skin doesn't hurt, it's not dry and flaky, and the redness calmed within a day. I might even go as far as to say it looks more tan, which is a feat for me!

Summer is in full swing, so you'll probably want to mix up your own batch. It's safe for kids, too! The recipe is for 2 oz, which will go a surprisingly long way. Naturally, adjust as you need to.

So, gather up your ingredients:

- 2 oz glass spray bottle
- Distilled Water (regular would work fine, as well)
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Lavender Essential Oil (what I use)
   (all around oil reported to be calming, soothing for skin and anti-bacterial)
- Peppermint Essential Oil (what I use)
   (Creates a natural cooling sensation and has reported antiseptic and antimicrobial properties)

The process is super simple!

Fill bottle halfway with the aloe vera gel. Add 6 drops each of the essentials oils. Fill bottle to the top with the water.

When you're ready to use it, start by giving the bottle a quick shake. Spray wherever your skin needs some love and rub it in gently.

Feel the relief.

Bonus! You can download the free printable labels I created. They are a simple design and come in 2 in (fit 2 oz bottles), 3 in and 4 in size. Print on sticker paper, or use packing tape to adhere.

Click here to download
No need to sign in, or register, just close the box with x in top right.

Note: You'll notice I use Young Living Essential Oils. I love them, I really do. A later post will give a few more details about how I chose them. If you are interested, you can order them here. You can also use the contact me box below to learn about how to purchase them at a discount (without "signing up").