Aromatherapy Recipes for Cleansers and Toners (Skin Care)

Cleansers and toners enhance the effect of aromatherapy face oils and moisturizers, and accelerate the healing rate, when used in your daily routine. Use an unperfumed cleanser as base.

Cleansers remove entrapped dirt, clean the skin , calm and sooth any inflamed areas. These are particularly effective when used with essential oils that have strong antiseptic qualities, such as Lavender, Bergamot, Geranium and Grapefruit essential oils. Anti-inflammatory such as Yarrow and Chamomile essential oils are great, as are essential oils such as Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Benzoin, Rosewood and Rose, which all help to heal skin conditions.

The above essential oils are also great when used in toner recipes, although the more astringent ones are better for particularly oily skin (Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary and Lemongrass). These can be blended in unscented toners or for best results. One can also blend them with flower waters such as Orange blossoms and Rose water. Rose water blended with Witch Hazel has a good base for an oily skin. Witch Hazel gives the rose water a more astringent and antiseptic quality. Plain rose water is more appropriate for anyone with dry or sensitive skin.

• Toner Recipe 1 : Eau-de-cologne

  
  The recipe for Eua-de-cologne is very old. This version uses 4 of the original ingredients to make a refreshing, stimulating and astringent toner. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you might want to reduce the amount of Rosemary to 2 drops and add an extra drop of Neroli and Lavender each.
  
  Ingredients:
  1 drop Neroli essential oil
  2 drops Lavender essential oil
  4 drops Rosemary essential oil
  3 drops Bergamot essential oil
  40 ml (1.3fl oz) Rose water or unscented toner
  
  

• Cleanser Recipe 1 : Woody Cleanser

  
  A woody citrus like mild astringent, a blend which is superb for combination skin- it will help you to balance out patches of dry and oily skin.
  
  Ingredients:
  4 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  2 drops Geranium essential oil
  3 drops Cedarwood essential oil
  50g (1.8 oz) cleanser
  
  

• Toner Recipe 2 : Tree Toner

  
  A soothing blend which cools and calms the skin. It also helps to reduce the inflammation and infection associated with acme.
  
  Ingredients:
  7 drops Bergamot essential oil
  5 drops Sandalwood essential oil
  3 drops Lavender essential oil
  40ml (1.3fl oz) Rose water or unscented toner
  
  

• Cleanser Recipe 2 : Jolly Up Cleanser

  
  This a soft blend which will raise your spirit and improve circulation. Rosewood and Grapefruit are both mild astringents and together with Palmarosa they improve color and texture of skin.
  
  Ingredients:
  3 drops Palmarosa essential oil
  4 drops Rosewood essential oil
  3 drops Grapefruit essential oil
  50g (1.8 oz) cleanser