Last week I gave myself an at home mini facial. I’m not an esthetician, but this facial made my pores feel clean and revitalized. I have no idea why I never tried this skin care ritual until now.
This DIY Mini Facial was so soothing and ridiculously simple. It also didn’t cost me any money since I already had everything at home. Many of the herbs that I buy can be used for multiple DIY beauty products. Once you realize all of the ways that you can use them the possibilities are endless.
This is one skin care indulgence that I’d like to gift myself once a week if possible.
What you will need:
Natural Toner
Skin Loving Herbs
Purified Water
Detoxing/Soothing Facial Mask
Cleansing/Moisturizing Jojoba Oil Blend (or Oils Specifically for Acne Prone Skin)
Towel
Pot
It was in the morning so my skin was makeup free. I used a toner to refresh my skin and prepare it for steaming. I haven’t bought a toner in a long time and prefer to make my own. Sometimes I use aloe vera, make a herbal toner with catnip and calendula, or even the DIY Soothing Antioxidant Toner. When I make a simple herbal toner or use plain aloe vera I like adding a few drops of my favorite essential oils.
I boiled a large pot with 16-20 oz. of purified water with two tablespoons of skin loving herbs. This time I used rosemary and comfrey root yet you can use chamomile, elder flower, calendula, thyme, catnip, lavender, burdock root, or any herb that you prefer. Once the herbs had boiled a few minutes I turned off the stove and steamed my face over the pot for about 5-7 minutes with a towel over my head. I had to come up for air a few times but it was still so relaxing. (If the steam is too hot wait for it too cool a bit. You do not want to burn yourself.) I found steaming my face was the best thing I could ever add to my skin care regimen. Even if I can’t fit it in weekly, once or twice a month would be phenomenal!
Fresh organic herbs are the best for steaming, yet you can use your favorite tea if you’d like. It will still be a wonderful experience!
I then applied my facial mask. My favorite DIY masks are the DIY Ayurvedic Turmeric Facial Mask, rhassoul clay and raw honey, or the DIY Gentle Exfoliating Mask with lemon, sugar, and raw honey. Any good natural mask will do. I allowed the mask to absorb impurities and refresh the skin for about 10-15 minutes. I like to rotate my DIY masks every once and a while.
After rinsing I finished with my jojoba oil blend as a moisturizer and I’ve never felt better. (You may want to read this article for oil options for acne prone skin.) One extra bonus that I really enjoyed was straining the herbs that I steamed my skin with to use as my hair rinse after cleansing my hair and before using my conditioner. It was like a two in one treatment that I have a feeling may become a wonderful habit.
You can find loose organic herbs in bulk from my favorite place Mountain Rose Herbs. You can also use these herbs to infuse in oils or apple cider vinegar. Please check any new herbs that you want to use to make sure they are compatible with pregnancy or any medical condition.
How do you do your at home facials?
(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)
sandy says
Sounds wonderful…steaming the face feels fabulous. I haven’t done it in a while; thanks for the reminder.
Dawn Michelle says
You’re welcome Sandy! I hope I’ll have some time to steam this weekend!
Victoria says
Dawn, I really want to thank you for your website and your insight into natural beauty. I decided to go vegan (sort-of: I have yet to eliminate honey…) in November and my body feels so amazing! I was never overweight, but for a 20 year-old I know that my body was not performing at it’s best. It was during this time that I stumbled upon your website. What a great “mistake” that turned out to be 🙂 I have been using Jojoba/lavender when I wash my face and tamanu oil as my moisturizer: flawless!! I have always combated with my oily skin and always searching for the ideal product to control it. But I havent been oily since Ive been using the basic principles of your regimen. In fact, my face stays matte the whole day: UNBELIEVABLE~~~ So I wanted to say thank you and please continue to share your wonderful knowledge. I am taking baby steps, but I plan on keeping you posted in the near future. I am looking forward to experimenting with Rhassoul clay this weekend 🙂 On my way of being a minimalist beauty too <3
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Victoria, Thank you so much for sharing your story. It always means so much to me to know that this site is helpful to others. It keeps me inspired and I truly truly appreciate your comment. Have a wonderful weekend and keep in touch!
Laurie McHenry says
Question: are these bulk herbs the same as one would use in tea ?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Laurie, The bulk herbs from Mountain Rose can be used for so many different things including teas. They do sell tea combinations as well. They are organic herbs and the site provides information about how each herb has been used before and how they can be used. Best wishes!
Stacey Lewis says
Hi Dawn!!
I’ve been following your site for years and using your recipes and have incorporated them into my own daily regimens. Today I woke up looked at my skin and almost booked a facial at a salon. Then I went to your site, and discovered this at home facial!! I love synchronicity!! It was exactly what my skin needed today, i’ve been using too many commercial products and my skin is angry at me. After the facial, my skin feels so soft and nourished. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Stacey, That is synchronicity! I’m so glad this worked so well for you. Have a wonderful weekend!
friederike says
what a lovely site. I just read this and think its a wonderul idea. Im only 20 though i try to keep everything as natural and simple as i can. i love using herbs, (especailly in my hair, Natural hair freak here!). Due to my sensitive hair and skin i have found that natural oils are my best friend. this is the first time ive seen your site and i find it great!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Friederike, I’m so glad you like the site. Sensitive skin is surprisingly temperamental! I think that is one reason why I enjoy making my own products. Keep me posted on what discoveries you make and thanks for your comment! Best wishes!