A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #16: Use Green Tea as a Skin Toner

By Kanko from Nagasaki via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

As summertime sneaks around the bend here in the Northern Hemisphere and temperatures rise, you might be stepping up your skin care routine to include toner. Using a toner after cleansing can help to ensure a makeup- and residue-free face, and it can also help to control excess oil brought on by warmer weather. Many store-bought toners contain alcohol, which can over-dry your skin, causing it to freak out and produce even more oil. But alcohol-free toners are generally gentle enough for most skin types.

However, you don’t need to buy any kind of specialty toner, especially if you have green tea in the cupboard! Steeped and cooled green tea is an excellent cleansing, revitalizing, and gentle skin toner, suitable for all skin types. It contains antioxidants that your skin will drink up, and it helps to restore your skin’s vital pH balance.

Any type of green tea will work: sencha, bancha, kukicha… your personal flavor preference will be just as good as any other, when it comes to green tea toner!

An added bonus: you can use the pouch of a green tea bag to apply the toner, eliminating the need for a cotton pad while providing extra exfoliation powers.

Stuff to Know:

• If your skin is highly sensitive, use very diluted green tea.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your face, head, or body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Use the tea toner on the day you make it. Do not store unused, soaked green tea.

By Shizuha (投稿者自身が撮影) via Wikimedia Commons

Green Tea Toner for All Skin Types

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of green tea OR 1 bag equivalent loose tea
• 1 cup of fresh, purified water

Steps to Make:

1. Bring the water nearly to a boil.
2. To increase the amount of tea toner you’re making, simply keep the ratios the same.
3. Steep your tea bag (or loose tea in a tea holder) for 3-7 minutes. The longer you steep it, the stronger your tea toner will be.
4. Remove the tea bag or loose tea and allow to cool completely. If using the tea bag as a scrubber, allow the pouch to cool completely, as well. For extra cooling effects, store in the refrigerator until chilled.

To Use:

1. Remove all makeup first.
2. Apply a small amount of tea to a cotton pad. Or dip the tea bag into the cooled tea, and use that instead of a cotton pad.
3. Using  small, circular movements, apply the tea to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Avoid the eye area.
4. Allow the tea toner to dry on your face.
5. Apply moisturizer or face oil afterward, as needed.

Have you ever used green tea in your beauty routine?

Do you drink green tea on a daily basis?

A Year of Natural Health & Beauty Tip #15: Soften Calluses with Vinegar

By Orco Development, via Wikimedia Commons

To view all tips so far, click here or simply scroll to the top of the screen and click on 52 Tips.

Springtime is here! Which means summertime is right around the corner…and that means sandals, flip-flops, and bare feet. If your tootsies have been gathering dust ~ and calluses ~ over the winter, you can prepare to bare them easily with a simple vinegar soak.

Of course, if you’re a runner or dancer and want to keep your calluses, go ahead and skip this section, or bookmark it for after your marathon or big performance

You can use plain white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both will soften the tough skin and make it easier to be sloughed off with a pumice stone. Be sure to dilute the vinegar with water, and always moisturize your feet afterward.

Your soft, fresh feet will thank you for it!

Stuff to Know:

• If your skin is highly sensitive, dilute the vinegar with water even further, up to a 1:10 ratio.
• Spot test any products or ingredients before using any homemade products on your body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation and/or allergies.
• Use this solution right away and do not store it. Discard the solution after use.
• Painful calluses, corns, bunions, and other foot problems can be the result of ill-fitting shoes or health issues. If you have concerns about the health of your feet, please see a podiatrist or other foot care professional.

Vinegar Soak to Soften Calluses

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white or apple cider vinegar
• 2 gallons warm water

Steps to Make:

1. Pour the warm water into a large bowl, tub, or bucket.
2. Add the vinegar and stir.

To Use:

1. Wash your feet first.
2. Place your feet in the vinegar solution and soak for up to 45 minutes.
3. While your feet are sill damp, scrub the calluses in small, circular motions with a pumice stone or stiff, dry washcloth to slough away the skin.
4. Pat your feet dry.
5. Apply your favorite lotion or oil and massage in well. Try coconut oil, almond oil, or vitamin E oil for great results!
6. Repeat daily as needed.

Do you use vinegar in your beauty routine?

Do you give yourself home pedicures or do you prefer to have someone else look after your feet?