Did you know that you can concoct your very own natural skin care regime for free, by taking a stroll through your garden? The top 3 flowering beauties that you can easily grow, pluck and brew for your very own natural skincare routine are Rose, Chamomile and Marigold. Here are some easily to follow recipes you can add to your natural beauty recipe collection:
1. Chamomile: Chamomile contains a compound called alpha-bisabolol which has been noted to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also has excellent skin whitening and clarifying properties. A cold infusion of Chamomile Tea is an ideal face wash. Directions: Add 2 Chamomile Tea Bags to 1 cup of hot water. Cover and allow to cool to room temperature for 20 minutes. Pour the cooled Tea into a spray bottle. To Use as a Face Wash: Mist the face and wipe off with a cotton ball to cleanse the skin. It has a delightful aroma and will leave a subtle fruity scent to your skin.
Left over tea bags are great for reducing the appearance of puffy, tired eyes. Simply place one (cooled) tea bag over each eyelid for 10 minutes.
2. Rose: Containing potent Vitamin C, Rose is ideal for rehydrating dry skin and soothing aging and sun damaged skin. Rose petals infused in water can be used as a facial toner. Directions: Bring 2 cups of water to the boil. After the water has boiled turn the heat off and remove the pot from the stove top. Add rose petals (any type will suffice) and cover the bowl. Allow the petals to soak covered for 30 minutes. Strain the Rose Petal liquid into a spray bottle. To Use as a Face Toner: Mist the face and wipe off with a cotton ball to ease redness from acne and skin rashes.
3. Marigold: Containing high levels of carotenoids (Vitamin A-like compounds), Marigold (or Calendula) is great for healing irritated skin. Marigold also helps to protect the skin from advanced thinning and can have a plumping effect, giving you a youthful glow. Directions: Clean the Marigold flowers under cold water. Separate the Petals of one Marigold Flower from the stem. Mix the petals in with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of whole milk until thoroughly combined. To Use as a Face Mask: Smooth the Marigold Mixture on to the face. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Go natural and do away with harsh chemicals by cultivating your own natural beauty regime with flowers.
Note: For any new treatment, it is recommended that you always conduct a patch test by applying the treatment to a small patch of skin on your wrist to test for rashes or other allergic reactions.
Adriana Woolf is the Founder and CEO of Bare Blossom. Our Mineral Makeup and natural cosmetics contain fine minerals, plant waxes and fruit extracts and do not contain any of the common harsh chemicals or synthetics. Visit Bare Blossom at: http://www.bareblossom.com.au.