Essential-oils expert Mary Lee Patton provides chemical-free recipes for skin care products.
Lavender Scrub
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup rose petals
1/4 lavender petals
5 drops lavender oil
chamomile tea
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to form a paste (see photo above). Use once or twice a week to exfoliate.
Tea-Tree-Oil Face Wash
Ingredients:
1/4 cup rose petals
3 Tbs. cucumber juice
1/2 cup cornmeal
5 drops lavender oil
5 drops tea-tree oil
1/2 cup green or white clay (found in health food stores)
Preparation:
Grind rose petals with a mortar and pestle or in a coffee grinder. To make cucumber juice, use a citrus juicer, or grate the cucumber. Salt it, then squeeze out the juice. Combine remaining ingredients and add water if necessary for a thinner consistency. Apply to face, scrub and rinse.
Plant Toner
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled water
3 drops grapefruit oil
3 drops juniper oil
3 drops lavender oil
3 drops tea-tree oil
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. This natural astringent helps reduce puffiness and tighten pores. Store it in the refrigerator, and spray on face and body after a day in the sun.
Essential-Oil Face Compress
Ingredients:
3 drops geranium oil
3 drops patchouli oil
3 drops orange oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil
4 cups warm water
Preparation:
Add oils to warm water and apply with a clean cloth, covering your face while you close your eyes and relax for 10 minutes. Another method is to boil the water and remove from heat. Add the oils to the water, place a towel over your head and hold your face over the steam for five to 10 minutes.
