Herbs have long been valued not only for their benefits when taken internally, but also for their healing and beautifying properties when used externally. For the following facial and bodycare recipes, choose herbs and essential oils according to your skin type.

Dry Skin

Herbs: Chamomile, comfrey, elder flower, rose Essential Oils: Chamomile, sandalwood, lavender

Oily Skin

Herbs: Lavender, peppermint, rosemary, yarrow Essential Oils: Cypress, cedarwood, lavender

Normal Skin

Herbal BeautyHerbs: Calendula, lavender, chamomile, rose Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, rose

Mature Skin

Herbs: Chamomile, comfrey, lavender, rose, rosemary Essential Oils: Lavender, rosemary, rose

Sensitive Skin

Herbs: Calendula, chamomile, comfrey, rose Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, rose

Herbal Facial Sauna

An herbal facial sauna is the best method for deep cleansing your skin. The warmth of the steam relaxes your pores, and gentle perspiration washes away impurities. Herbal steams also help to hydrate the skin.

Bring 1 1/2 quarts of water to boil in a large pot. Turn off the heat, and add 4 to 6 tablespoons of the herbal mixture appropriate for your skin type, cover the pot, and allow the herbs to steep for 5 minutes. If you have dry skin, add 1 teaspoon of almond oil to the water.

Place the pot on a table, remove the lid, and make a towel tent over your head and the steaming pot. Stay under the towel for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the herbal steam to open and cleanse your pores. Lift the towel as necessary to regulate the temperature, and take care not to burn yourself with the steam.

Rinse with tepid water and follow with your regular cleansing routine or a facial mask.

Aromatherapy Facial Sauna

This fragrant steam is even simpler than an Herbal Facial Sauna. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and enjoy the benefits of the essential oils on your skin and psyche.

Pour 1 1/2 quarts of boiling water into a large, heat-proof bowl. Add 3 drops of an essential oil appropriate for your skin type.

Create a towel tent to capture the steam by covering your head and the bowl with a large towel. Lift the towel as necessary to regulate the temperature, and take care to not burn yourself with the steam. Breathe deeply, allowing the steam to gently cleanse your pores for 10 minutes.

Rinse with tepid water, and follow with your regular cleansing routine or a facial mask.

Aromatherapy Facial Compress

This quick and fragrant facial compress is like a mini-sauna. It’s a great way to wake up in the morning and can be used as a part of your regular cleansing routine.

Add 2 drops of lavender, geranium, or sandalwood essential oil to a basin of hot water. Soak a small handtowel or washcloth in the scented hot water, wring out the cloth, and gently compress your face and neck with the cloth. Repeat several times, wringing out the cloth each time in the hot water.

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