Last updated on February 21st, 2021 at 10:24 am
Rosemary is a wonderful herb for use in homemade facial recipes. The refreshing scent and slightly astringent properties of rosemary are well known, but this easy-to-grow herb is also also valued for its cleansing, anti-fungal and antioxidant effects.
Facial Herb Steam Bath with Rosemary
Here, rosemary is used in combination with other herbs in a fragrant facial steam bath that stimulates circulation, opens pores and removes impurities while tightening skin.
Preparation: Bring three cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried yarrow, sage, rosemary and peppermint. Cover and infuse for five minutes.
To Use: Place the pot securely on a table where you can sit in front of it comfortably. Drape a large bath towel over your head and shoulders then remove the cover on the pot, lean over, and arrange the towel so that it also forms a tent over the steaming pot of herbs. Keep your eyes closed, and your face about ten inches away from the pot. Allow the steam to circulate, breathing deeply and relaxing until the steam completely dissipates. Finish by gently rinsing your face with lukewarm water. This regimen can also be followed by a face mask and moisturizer for a full facial treatment.
Tip: Strain the herbs from the leftover water and add it to your next bath for relaxing aromatherapy benefits.
Rosemary Facial Scrub or Facial Mask
Combine rosemary with some common pantry ingredients to make a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells while leaving skin soft and silky smooth.
You Will Need: ½ cup each, ground oatmeal and ground almonds; 2 teaspoons ground rosemary; optional: pinch of powdered cinnamon.
Preparation: Stir together all ingredients and store in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
To Use: Combine a teaspoon or two of the rosemary scrub mixture with enough water (for oily skin) or milk (normal skin) to make a paste. For dry skin, mix with cream. Apply to your face with fingertips, rubbing gently in circular motions all over the face and throat areas. Rinse with lukewarm water. (See also: Oatmeal Almond Scrub with Chamomile Flowers).
To use as a facial mask, simply leave the mixture to dry on your face for 20 minutes to half an hour, then remove with a damp washcloth and rinse thoroughly.
Simple Rosemary Facial Toner
A gentle astringent homemade facial toner to soothe your skin.
You Will Need: A large handful of rosemary, two cups of water, glass or plastic bottle (a spritz bottle is nice, but not necessary), witch hazel, cotton balls or cosmetic circles.
Preparation: Bring two cups of water to the boil in a medium saucepan, then turn down the heat to simmer. Add two bushy sprigs (a generous handful) of rosemary to the water. Let simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the rosemary. Remove from heat and let cool. Filter water through a strainer to remove herbs. Add witch hazel to your dispensing bottle, filling the bottle halfway. Top with rosemary infused water and shake to combine.
To Use: Spritz or dab rosemary facial toner onto cotton balls or cosmetic circles and apply gently to your face.
Rosemary Acne Remedy
Boil two sprigs of fresh rosemary in ¾ cup of water, along with 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns. Simmer until water is reduced by half. Remove from heat, cool, then add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Decant into a pretty glass bottle. Dab onto face, avoiding the eye area, after cleansing. Use to calm oily or combination skin that is prone to acne.
» » Read Rosemary Hair Care for more homemade recipes using this versatile herb and see How to Grow and Use Rosemary for cultivation and usage tips.
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