A friend in Ireland has sent me this article that she's written for the
magazine of the Irish Vegetarian Society and has given me permission to
pass it on. I can't wait to try some of them and am wondering if peanut
butter would work instead of almond butter!
Any feedback would be welcome.
Patricia

Nothing new but what's forgotten!

In this issue we get back to basics making cleansers, toners and masks
as naturally as our Grannies did. Making your own products may seem
daunting and time-consuming so most of us opt for the more conventional
shelf varieties. While many commercial beauty products are of good
quality it is creative and fun to make your own. These recipes are
completely vegetarian, using natural fruits and herbs. These creations
take only a few minutes to make and are literally good enough to eat!
As they contain no preservatives some need to be made every day. Some
products can be refrigerated and will last a while longer.

Cleansing
The following home-made cleanser makes a welcome change from
conventional synthetic cleansers containing harsh ingredients,
preservatives and fragrances. Gentle cleansing using the fingertips is
all that is needed. A muslin cloth is useful while rinsing with warm
water. Dry with a clean towel.

Almond Cleanser
What you need:
Almond butter
Porridge oats
Water

What to do:
Buy coarsely ground almond butter. Mix one teaspoon with a little
spring water to make a paste and apply it to your face. This will wash
away impurities while preserving the skin's acid mantle. It is
sufficiently gentle for dry or sensitive skin but is also healing,
mildly exfoliating and revitalizing for blemished skin. To make the
cleanser more effective, soothing and hydrating, add porridge oats to
the paste. Oats have moisturising and soothing properties. They also
contain vitamin E and antioxidants, which promote healing.

Herbal Toner
These mild toners are nourishing and soothing, containing a selection of
herbs. One or more of the herbs can be used to prepare the herbal
vinegar stock. Toners that contain medicinal herbs treat various skin
conditions. After cleansing in the evening with the Almond Cleanser, a
sprinkle of toner is sufficient and there is no need for a moisturiser.
Instead, it is important to allow your skin to breathe and work for
itself during the night.

What you need:
Cider vinegar
Choice of dried and/or fresh herbs
Water
2 glass jars with lids

What to do:
Place the herbs in the glass jar. Pour warm cider vinegar over the
herbs, almost filling the jar. Allow it to sit for two weeks in a cool
dark place, then decant the vinegar into a clean glass jar. This acts
as the stock toner concentrate. To prepare the toner add two
tablespoons of the herbal vinegar stock to one pint of water. For
sensitive skin one tablespoon is enough. For ease of use, bottle the
toner with a spray top so that a mist can be applied to the skin. Any
of the following herbs can be used.

Aloe vera (juice/gel)
This has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of skin
conditions and was used by Cleopatra as a skin rejuvenator. It is rich
in enzymes, minerals and natural antibiotics. It can be bought from
health-food shops. Alternatively, aloe can be grown at home and the
juice squeezed out.

Chamomile
Not only is this a widely used component of herbal teas, it is also a
mainstay in health and beauty. For years women have exploited its
properties to accentuate natural blonde highlights. In Germany it is
known as the alles zutraut or capable-of-anything herb, being widely
used for its anti-inflammatory, soothing and antioxidant effects.

Goldenseal
Being rich in the antiseptic compound isoquinoline, a toner containing
this herb will reduce inflammation, making it useful for treating acne
and rosacea.

Yarrow
The genus name Achillea is derived from Achilles, the famous figure in
Greek mythology who is thought to have used the herb to stop the
bleeding of soldiers' wounds during the Trojan war. Like goldenseal, it
is well known for its anti-inflammatory action.

Echinacea
Whilst generally recognised for its use in warding off cold and flu,
echinacea extract is believed to have an antioxidant effect and to
protect skin from UV damage, in which oxidative stress plays a part.

Masks

Avocado Mask
Home-made masks are an easily prepared luxury. Use once a week or
fortnightly for best results. This mask is a moisturising treat.
Avocados are rich in vitamins E, B and K. Eat the other half of the
avocado to reap the benefits of these micronutrients!

What you need:
½ ripe avocado

What to do:
Mash up the avocado. Apply a layer to clean skin and leave for 20-30
minutes. Rinse well with warm water and a muslin cloth.