DIY Fall Facial

This is actually a bunch of ‘projects’ in one. You can try one or all of them. I wish I had the time to do something like this for myself every week, but it is just not happening. Instead I am for once a month which seems to work better. Men don’t be afraid – you need to take care of your skin too and herbs are manly anyway.

 

 Step 1: Oatmeal and Honey Skin Cleanser

This cleanser is great for all skin types and is easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 1 Tbls honey

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients. Use a food processor for a creamier texture if you have one.
2. Massage into skin and leave for 1 minute.
3. Rinse and pat dry.
4. Store leftover cleanser in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Almond Pulp Exfoliate

This recipe is from my almond milk blog. I have lots of leftover almond pulp all the time so this is a great way to use it.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 Tbsp almond pulp
• 1 tsp of honey
• sprinkle of lemon juice
• poppy seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Add about 1 tsp of honey, a sprinkle of lemon juice, and if you want a bit more exfoliating action, some poppy seeds to the almond pulp. Mix well.
2. Massage into skin and leave it on for a minute then rinse
3. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Step 3: Herbal Facial Steam

A facial steam is super easy, inexpensive, and a therapeutic way to clean your skin deep down. Dried or fresh herbs in your facial steam can help enhance cleansing and improve circulation.

For oily skin try adding calendula, lavender, sage, or yarrow. For dry skin try fennel, parsley, or chamomile. For normal skin go with rose petals, thyme, or mint.

Feel free to combine a couple of different herbs. I like to use the left-over water for a nice warm foot bath.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp of dried herbs or 3 Tbsp of fresh
• 5-6 cups of boiling water

Directions:

1. Tie up your hair and wash your face as you would normally.
2. Place the herbs in a large ceramic or heat safe glass bowl (like a mixing bowl).
3. Pour boiling water over herbs and let them steep for a few minutes.
4. Keeping your face about 10-12 inches away from the water, cover your head with a large towel to make a tent over your head and the bowl.
5. Close your eyes and relax for about 10 minutes.
6. After the 10 minutes have passed, rinse your face with warm water. If you are not following with a facial mask, slowly transition to cool water to close your pores.

Step 4: Pumpkin Facial Mask

This mask is great for all types of skin. Enzymes in the pumpkin along with Vitamin A and C help to gently exfoliate your skin. You can use canned pumpkin, or cook some up – just boil it, strain, mash, and cool (I like to let it cool and apply it warm). I just save a bit when I am cooking pumpkin for something else up.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp honey

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients and massage into skin.
2. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water gradually transitioning to cooler water to close your pores.

Step 5: Toner – Rose Hip Skin Toner

Rose hips are easy to find around Ottawa and are perfect for harvesting this time of year. If you can’t find any, straight up witch hazel (which you can find in most pharmacies) works wonderfully. Witch hazel is a great thing to have in any first aid kit.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp dried or fresh rose hips
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 Tbsp witch hazel

Directions:

1. Pour boiling water over rose hips in a small ceramic bowl. Allow them to steep for 15 minutes.
2. Strain and let the mixture cool.
3. Add witch hazel and pour into a clean container.
4. Dab on skin using a clean cloth or cotton balls.

Step 6: Moisturize – Herb Infused Oil

Ok, I am totally cheating here…but I just use my own infused oils to moisturize. I usually use one infused with rose, chamomile, and other gentle smelling herbs. If you don’t have any infused oils around, olive oil just on its own works great. You can also just use your regular moisturizer.

 

That’s it! Enjoy your pumpkin carving and Happy Halloween (the most wonderful time of the year)!!!