astringent – katie: normal girl

The 21st Century Herbalist: Volume 1, Issue 18

Welcome, Gigglers, to week 3 of DIY Skin Care Month. Today we’re talking about toners and astringents, and the reasons you should you use them. Both toners and astringents are water-based solutions that are applied to the skin after cleansing but before moisturizing. They help remove excess oil and perspiration, along with any residue left behind by your cleanser. They also balance your skin’s pH level while preparing it to better absorb your moisturizer.

Astringent vs. Toner
Astringents are usually stronger than toners, often containing isopropyl alcohol or acetone (yes, the stuff that nail polish remover is made with), which can be drying and harmful to your skin. Astringents should only be used on oily, combination and normal skin types. Toners are gentler than astringents and can be used on all skin types but are especially beneficial to those with dry or

Homemade: Easy, All-Natural, pH Balancing Facial Toner

It’s a bonus week for Sundays Homemade! Now that you’ve brewed your own Herbal Floral Water, you’ve got a bi-product that shouldn’t be lost down the drain. Turn it into an all-natural, pH balancing facial toner that’s great for all skin types, especially combination and acne prone skin.

You’ll Need:

4 cup, seal-able container (I prefer a large mason jar)
2 cups reserved Herbal Floral Water (dark water)*
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
10 drops peppermint oil

*If you haven’t made the Herbal Floral Water and would like to make this toner: simmer herbs (see herbal floral water for suggested herbs) in distilled water for 1-2 hours, then follow the steps below.

Strain the boiled herbs and their dark water through a fine-mesh strainer, lined with cheese cloth, into a large mason jar.
Add the vinegar and peppermint oil, seal the jar and shake.
After cleansing your face, apply toner and let dry before applying any lotions or creams.

I like to pour some of the final mixture into a container with a smaller opening than the mason jar, making it easier to wet a cloth or cotton pad, for application. The vinegar will act as a preservative, so the smaller batch does not need to be refrigerated; however, I do like to store the remaining mixture in the refrigerator.