DIY Facial Toner

I remember when I was a teenager, how I was always very conscious of what was going on with my face. It's probably because my Asian family was extremely blunt about the imperfections of hormonal acne, but hey, I'm okay now. I remember going through a 5 step facial regimen every night to ensure my face would be clear of any sign if pimple growth. Of course, it didn't really help much - nature has a way of being cruel sometimes. 

My skin has since greatly improved (largely because of a grown awareness of what can cause acne and other issues), but that does not mean I do not need to take care of my skin anymore! I have found that what I eat has a large effect on my skin, but washing the impurities off my face (which is exposed all day long, I might add!) at the end of the day helps as well. Since, as you know, I like to keep the chemicals off my face, I set out to find the perfect solution.

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One thing I love about this toner is how inexpensive it is to put together! I had all the ingredients already on hand so I whipped up a batch right away to use. Another thing I love is how clean it makes me feel! Seriously, not to be gross or anything, when I would see that extra dirt come off onto the cotton pad even after using my face wash, I rejoiced! It doesn't use any harsh ingredients like alcohol or fragrances.

I have heard mixed reviews about using a toner with witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, but I've found this mixture to be successful for me (that was my disclaimer). It has now been a year since first making and using a homemade face wash and this toner. I don't use it every day (you'll see one reason why in the next paragraph), but I have noticed a definite change. I also find it extremely soothing on hormonal acne.

I do have one thing I feel a duty to mention: You could truly call this potion a husband spray, because, like bug spray, my husband will not get too close when I use it. Unless your significant other enjoys the smell of apple cider vinegar, use at your own risk ;-)

DIY Facial Toner

what you need:

1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free!)
1/4 cup Distilled or Filtered Water
Essential oils - lavender, lemon, tea tree (optional - I don’t usually add them)

what to do:

1) Mix apple cider vinegar and witch hazel into desired glass container.

2) Slowly add the water, and finally the essential oils.

3) You will need to give a good shake before using a cotton pad (or a reusable cotton wipe) to wipe your face.

4) Do not rinse off

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What kinds of homemade facial cleansers have you tried and loved? Let me know below!

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5 Anti-Aging Natural Oils for Gorgeously Beautiful & Ageless Skin

The market is flooded with numerous beauty products which help in hiding uninvited signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Though it’s great to have too many options in the anti-aging products, a lot of women are usually left confused or unsure about what will work for their skin or what will not. Instead of wasting time in searching one of the best anti-aging products, it would be great to turn towards Mother Nature to get gorgeously beautiful and ageless skin naturally. When talking about nature and natural products, one cannot ignore the essence of natural anti-aging oils. Extracted from leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and resins, essential oils comprise several potent and effective ingredients which are proven quite effective for skin and overall health. Keep reading to know about the 5 natural oils which are known for their amazing anti-aging properties and incredibly beautifying effects.

 

1. Lavender Oil

Extracted from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia through the steam distillation process, the versatile essential oil of lavender is known for its magical effects. Being a great source of natural vitamins and antioxidants, lavender oil works wonderfully in slowing down the aging clock and preventing wrinkles. A gentle massage of skin using a blend of lavender oil with any carrier oil is proven every effective in reducing the appearance of age spots. Moreover, it freshens up the complexion as well.

2. Frankincense Oil

Comprising great anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic properties, the essential oil of Frankincense is proven quite effective in slowing down the visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and sagging skin. Its powerful astringent property is also helpful in protecting the skin cells from getting damaged. Besides removing the age spots, the essential oil of frankincense is also effective in reinvigorating the skin, improving skin elasticity, balancing skin pH, and promoting healthy cell regeneration. You can also use this as an effective solution to combat acne, stretch marks, and wrinkles around your eyes. Mix a few drops of frankincense oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil and apply it gently over your skin for a younger look.

3. Geranium Oil

Extracted from the leaves of Pelargonium odorantissimum plant, geranium essential oil works wonderfully for those who are struggling with premature signs of aging. Being a great anti-inflammatory and astringent agent, geranium oil is appreciated for its ability to make the skin flawless and youthful. When used regularly in combination with a carrier oil, geranium oil tightens the skin, regulates the production of sebum, reduces the appearance of pores, tones skin, so on. This is probably why it is so popular among women from all walks of the life. Mix a few drops of this oil with your regular body lotion and apply it gently over the affected area regularly before going to bed to get a young, beautiful, and glowing skin within few days.

4. Pomegranate Seed Oil

Botanically known as Punica grantum, pomegranate seed oil is the flag bearer when it comes to the selection of anti-aging natural oils. Comprising a lot of bioflavonoids, the pomegranate oil penetrates deeper into the layer of skin and works best in protecting the skin from the harsh rays of the sun. High in Omega-5 fatty acid and antioxidants, this oil works magically in reducing the free radicals which cause skin thickening, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging. Mix a few drops of this oil in your regular moisturizer and gently apply it to your skin to get younger, toner, and beautiful appearance.

5. Jojoba Oil

The carrier oil of Jojoba is proven quite effective in diminishing the fine lines, age spots, wrinkles, and other common signs of premature aging. Jojoba oil comprises various Vitamin contents which are effective in speeding up the rapid regeneration of the skin cells. A regular massage of the facial skin with a blend of jojoba and any other carrier oil like almond is one of the best options to get a firm, smooth, and younger skin within no time.

This is all you need to know about the five effective natural anti-aging oils. If you want to get the best benefits, you need to approach a reliable supplier for buying 100% pure natural oils. As some of the people have quite sensitive skin, it is advised to consult with an expert before buying any oil to avoid any kind of skin problems.

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This was a guest post by Abhinav Kumar Singh, who is a renowned aromatherapist and essential oil educator with 8 years of professional expertise. His passion is to help others by sharing crucial information about aromatherapy, information, usage and tips from essential oils and allied natural extracts. He has been advocating about the benefits of natural essential oils through writing and speeches to reach out thousands of persons through his blogs, articles, and speeches. Find more of his works at Allin Exporters. Apart from this, he loves traveling to new places and spending time in his backyard.

If you are interested in guest posting, check out the guest posting guidelines for Maple Alps, here. 

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DIY Wonder Ointment

This past Winter proved a challenge for my skin. When temperatures drop, I'm prone to dry skin, but this year was unlike any other. My entire throat area became a dry, and later sore and itchy mess, and I seriously contemplated going to a dermatologist. I've done so in the past, but since I'm new to the area (and country!), I decided to see if I could help it on my own. I don't always advise this, but I made an exception because it just looked like severely dry skin. 

Enter: this homemade wonder ointment. I had been putting vitamin E oil on my throat and it seemed to have been improving at least the dryness, but I wanted to add essential oils that would heal and help any possible scarring. Putting on 5 billion different things all after the other didn't make any sense to me, so I decided to put together this salve. 

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I used Frankincense and Lavender because of their awesome healing properties. They also smell great - in my opinion. Lavender, for one, can help with scarring and Frankincense, among a ton of other amazing things can be good for soothing dry and chapped skin as well as scarring. Seriously, I could write whole posts about these amazing oils, but I'll spare you today. Just today though. Just know that I was in desperation - chapped skin is NOT fun.

I put this in a 4oz jelly jar, but I am also considering putting some in a small travel-size tin so I can take it with me everywhere! Since I travel so much, I do usually try to save space and pack minimally.

EDIT: I put some of this in a travel-sized pill box thing, and it works amazingly!

Using this twice a day, my skin cleared up very quickly. I seriously wish I had taken before/after pictures, it worked so well! It actually worked SO well, that I decided to share how I made it with all of you today. This has worked wonders for my dry and chapped skin. 

I might also mention here, that I upped my water intake (which I should have done sooner), and I think that helped as well. Lately, I've been putting the ointment on my face before bed and using it as a night cream. Why not, right?

DIY Wonder Ointment

What You Need:

• 2 1/2 TBSP Beeswax

• 1/4 cup Coconut Oil

• 1/2 Cup Sweet Almond Oil

• 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil

• 2 TBSP Shea Butter

• 10 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil

• 10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

What to Do:

1) Melt the beeswax using double boiler on LOW heat. It will probably take about 15 minutes for it to melt completely.

2) Add sweet almond oil, coconut oil and shea butter and allow to melt.

3) Remove from heat and add essential oils and vitamin E oil.

4) Allow to harden - I got impatient and put it in the fridge to harden quicker!

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I love, love, love this! The production of this ointment has inspired a lot of other home products - you know I'm already concocting my next DIY! I really don't know why I never started doing these things myself in the first place. Nothing I ever bought has soothed and helped my dry skin this well before, so I'm glad I tried. 

You know what I use now, but what do you use to soothe your dry skin? I want to know, so comment below!

Easy DIY Moisturizing Face Cream

A few months ago, I became increasingly dissatisfied with the face cream I had purchased. Though claiming to be moisturizing, my skin always seemed dry just moments after its use. To top that off, I didn't particularly like the smell of it. I kept on using it though - there was no way that an $11 face cream couldn't "work" properly. The only thing it had going for it was the sweet jar it came in. It was blush pink. I like blush pink.

I finally decided to pull the plug as I became more and more frustrated and more and more aware of the harmful ingredients being put into face creams (and many other personal care items in our bathrooms!). Remember, our skin is our largest organ, so if something is toxic to eat, I'm not really excited to slather it on my body either.

Today, I share with you how I "made" my own face cream and my experiences.

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Making this face cream was so much easier than I thought! I scoured the internet looking for inspiration and everyone seemed to be using the same ingredients - the same ones you'll see over and over in my natural living posts - coconut oil and organic raw shea butter being a few. Of course, sweet almond oil was involved, as were essential oils! I love essential oils :)

Speaking of essential oils, when I first tried this out, I used lavender. My husband hates the smell of lavender though (something about moths...), so for my next batch I chose something else. Check out this post from Body Unburdened (and seriously, the rest of her website - Nadia has a wealth of information!) for a list of top essentials oils for skincare and more. Fun fact: I've used 7/10 on this list (but not all at once).

At first I thought my concoction might be greasy, and though it does feel greasy as you take it on your fingers, once it's rubbed in, it isn't at all! I really appreciated that. Nothing worse than walking around with a shiny face all day...

I've been using this face lotion for several months now, and I have to say that it's one of the best I've used for my skin (I have really dry skin). I was impressed from the first time I smeared it on my face! It made the winter a bit more forgivable, and the cream (and drinking plenty of water) helped my skin stay hydrated.

I fully intend to try out a different lotion recipe, but for now, this is what I use. Never again will I spend $11 on face cream.

ingredients

1 TBSP Shea Butter
1 TBSP Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp Sweet Almond Oil (I've also tried with Vitamin E Oil)
2 tsp Beeswax Pellets
5-10 Drops Essential Oils

What to do

1) Melt shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil using the double boiler effect (small bowl or jar in a pot with water) on low heat.
2) Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sweet almond oil. 
3) Add essential oils and allow to solidify (I let it sit for 24 hours).

**Note: Once set, if you stir it with a popsicle stick, you will get a more "lotion-like" texture!

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There you have it! A super easy and natural face cream! That wasn't hard at all, was it? Next week, I'll be back with another DIY I've been testing out to share with you! I've had several on my shelf that I'm excited to write about! 

Now it's your turn. What do you think? Would you try this easy face cream? Why or why not? Comment below!