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DIY Soothing Antioxidant Toner
Posted on June 24, 2011 by Dawn Michelle in DIY, Skin
After minimizing my skin care routine, and no longer spending $100 every month or so on skin care, I stopped using toners and serums. Well now I’m at least back to using a toner because I can easily make it myself for almost nothing. The truth is that toners do clean the skin of any residue left behind from facial cleansers and clays, as well as refresh and prep the skin for your favorite moisturizer. A good toner will also help exfoliate the skin and tighten pores. Here is a simple toner recipe that is packed with antioxidants as well as natural alpha hydroxy acids that you can find right in your kitchen.What you will need:
Purified Water
Organic Green Tea Bags
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Blue Chamomile Essential Oil (optional)
Simply steep two organic green tea bags in one cup of boiled water for 30 minutes or longer. Now add one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar. Finally add four drops of blue chamomile essential oil and place in a clean container. Use organic cotton balls with new toner after you cleanse your skin to prep for your moisturizer. Because this is a toner without preservatives I suggest refrigerating it. It should last for at least two weeks if not a bit longer.
So why these ingredients?
Green tea is your natural antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and also contains caffeine which energizes the skin and tightens the pores.
Apple cider vinegar is the perfect alpha hydroxy acid. It is best to always use diluted as it is very acidic. Apple cider vinegar is known to detox the skin, clear acne and blemishes, and even out and brighten skin. I’ve seen many online skin care boards swear by apple cider vinegar to clear up acne completely. Many also suggest using a higher percentage of apple cider vinegar than what I’ve included in this recipe. I’m using a low dosage for its benefits while also being gentle on the skin.
Blue chamomile essential oil has a high azulene content with anti-inflammatory skin healing properties that are very soothing to the skin. You can also use Morrocan or Roman chamomile essential oil as it will still have calming and soothing properties.
Enjoy!
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Hi Dawn Michelle!
I already use apple cider vinegar, but I hadn’t thought of the green tea. Thanks for that suggestion.
Another little thing I’ve started making and using is a tisane of rose buds. First you make the tisane hot and then put it in the fridge. With a cotton ball or wipe you wipe it one your face like a toner. It’s great for calming sensitive skin and it gives a nice glow. It smells good too!
-Mira
Nice post! I use a green tea/tea tree oil toner. I find that it’s gentle and keeps my face blemish free.
That sounds like a perfect combination as well. I used to use witch hazel and lavender essential oil religiously. I might as well try this toner with lavender too.
Any thoughts on rose oil?
Hi Leise, I adore rose hydrosols, yet have not ever tried pure rose essential oil in any of my own products. Rose is a very common ingredient in many natural skin care products and all that I have tried in the past have been really pleasant experiences.
So do you have to wash the toner off before you apply your moisturizer or do you leave it on ?
Hi Amina, You do not have to wash the toner off. Peace and Sunshine, Dawn Michelle
WOW!
This is so awesome! Thanks Dawn for this! I found your site just in time. I will be trying the toner and honey face wash. Honey from farmers market will suffice right?
Della
Hi Della, Honey from the farmer’s market will work great. Look for raw honey as you will recieve the best benefits with live enzymes in raw honey. Peace!
Dawn, Is there an alternative to Chamomile oil? It seems so experience..and each site do you recommend to purchase it from
Hi Natural Love, Although blue chamomile oil is absolutely wonderful you can also try calendula or lavendar essential oil. You can find organic essential oils at Mountain Rose Herbs. Peace and Sunshine!
I have put these ingredients on my shopping list for tomorrow so I can make some of this. Can’t wait! I’ve been without toner for a while and don’t want to spend $30 on a bottle. My skin is dry, but acne prone so I’m hoping this will help. Thanks so much!
Let me know how it works out for you Kandice. Best Wishes!