These simple, natural remedies will TRANSFORM your skin
HERBALIST Rachel Landon explains why simple natural ingredients are all it takes to help transform your skin.
These skin treatments are both easy and effective
GREEN TEA
Green and black tea originate from leaves from the same plant.
Whereas black tea is made by fermenting the leaves, green tea is made by steaming them.
This stops the leaves from oxidising and preserves the polyphenols, which are packed with natural antioxidants.
Green tea’s high antioxidant content helps to keep the skin looking young and healthy and protects against pollutants.
Green Tea is a natural antioxidant
Make your own... GREEN TEA AND CAMOMILE FACIAL SPRITZ
3tsp green tea leaves
2tsp camomile flowers
1dsp distilled witch hazel
Place the green tea and camomile in a heat-resistant bowl with 500ml hot water.
Infuse for 15 minutes, then strain and allow to cool.
When cold add the distilled witch hazel and pour into a spritzer bottle.
Store in the fridge and mist over your face to wake up and refresh skin after a long day.
A facial spritzer will help keep your skin looking young
GINGER
Ginger is a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients that help to protect skin against free radical damage and collagen breakdown.
It helps to stimulate circulation so can be used to treat cellulite and helps improve skin elasticity, which over time will combat the signs of ageing.
Ginger helps to lift the spirits if you are feeling stressed or anxious.
Ginger root isn't just tasty, its a rich source of nutrients
Make your own... GINGER BODY SCRUB
500g Himalayan or sea salt
4cm piece of ginger, unpeeled and finely chopped
3tbsp virgin olive oil
1tsp lemon juice
Put all the ingredients in a blender and pulse a few times to make sure they are mixed well.
Place in a bowl and use in the bathroom, rubbing the mixture on to dry skin with your fingertips or a coarse cloth. Rinse in warm water.
A ginger body scrub could protect your skin from damage
TURMERIC
Turmeric is best known as one of the ingredients in curries but it has been used in ayurvedic medicine for 4,000 years.
It contains oils called curcuminoids, which give turmeric its beautiful rich, yellow colour and its powerful healing abilities.
Turmeric also contains high levels of antioxidants, which can protect the skin from premature ageing and environmental stresses such as pollution and too much sun exposure.
When used in beauty products it can clarify and cleanse the skin.
Turmeric is a surprisingly effective healing remedy
Make your own... SKIN CLARIFYING FACE MASK
1dsp good quality honey
1dsp natural organic yogurt
1tsp turmeric powder
Mix the ingredients together and apply a thick layer to your whole face, avoiding the eyes.
Wash your hands and relax with cotton wool pads soaked in rosewater over your eyes for 20 minutes.
Rinse with a facecloth and warm water. If there is any yellow residue on your skin it will wash away with a little olive oil on a cotton pad.
A Turmeric face mask will cleanse and clarify the skin
CAMOMILE
Camomile is one of the oldest and most widely used medicinal plants in the world.
It helps reduce the body’s reaction to stress by supporting the nervous and immune systems .
It is incredibly calming and has a mild sedative effect. Used on the skin, camomile can treat a host of problems including sunburn, rashes and eczema.
A cooled infusion used as a compress can soothe tired eyes.
Chamomile will help reduce stress
Make your own... RELAXING BATH SOAK
10g oats
10g oat tops
10g dried lavender
10g dried camomile flowers
Few drops of lavender oil
Mix everything together in an airtight container. To use add 1tbsp of the mixture to a teapot, fill with boiling water and infuse for 15 minutes.
Run a bath. Pour the contents of the teapot through a strainer into the tub.
Soak in the herbs for at least half an hour.
If one cup of chamomile tea is relaxing, why not soak in a bathtub full of it?
ROSEMARY
This fragrant aromatic herb is most often used in cooking.
However it also has powerful healing and calming properties.
It contains antioxidants and is believed to be a natural antiinflammatory as well as boosting the immune system.
Rosemary is a useful ingredient in natural beauty remedies for the skin and can be used on the scalp to encourage hair growth as it increases blood circulation and strengthens capiliaries.
Rosemary is also a surprising healer
Make your own... HERBAL FACIAL STEAM
3dsp dried calendula
3dsp dried camomile
3dsp dried rosemary
Rosemary is a natural beauty remedy for the skin
Boil 500ml of water. Place the herbs in a heatproof bowl, pour the water in and stir.
Cover the bowl with a teatowel for three minutes to allow the herbs to infuse and the water to cool.
Lean over the bowl, remove the cloth and drape a large towel over your head, covering the bowl too.
Breathe in the steam and let it penetrate your skin and pores. If it is too hot lift the towel.
Steam for five to 10 minutes before patting your skin dry and applying a moisturising cream.