Homemade Chamomile Tea Toner

I'm obsessed with D.I.Y projects. I want to make stuff as much as possible (well except for stitching, haha!). But what I like doing most are different concoctions for skincare or for household use. For me it's a good way not only to save money but also to help in saving our deteriorating environment because you get to recycle stuff. Also it unleashes the creative side of me, which is cool. So in this particular blog post, I'm going to teach you how to make a chamomile tea toner for a healthy and brighter skin. It's very easy to make, believe me. ;-)

You will need a chamomile tea, witch hazel toner (Dickinson's brand or not), and a spray bottle. That's just it!

First step: Brew the chamomile tea and let it cool.

Second step: Pour witch hazel toner in the spray bottle until it fills 1/4 of the bottle (but you can still make some adjustments depending on your preference). This will serve as the astringent property of the homemade chamomile toner.

Third step: Pour the chamomile tea in the bottle until full. Shake the bottle and it's ready to use! You can either directly spray it on your face or on a cotton pad.

(Note: Don't waste the remaining chamomile tea because you can still drink it, besides it is also a source of antioxidants which fight free radicals!)

Chamomile has a lot of benefits when directly applied to the skin. It has healing properties--antiseptic and anti-inflammatory--meaning it is also good for treating acne problems. Not only that because according to some sources from the internet, chamomile can also lighten the skin. It is also said to sooth sunburnt skin and eczema and it may also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection. (source)

Who says you can only drink teas? This homemade chamomile tea toner is not only easy to make, but it is also free from harmful chemicals. You can find chamomile tea at any local grocery while the Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner can be bought at any Healthy Options branch. Good luck!

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Oatmeal as Facial Cleanser? SIMPLY AMAZING!

Just recently I talked about how to achieve a clearer and healthier skin by using natural products which include a toner, facial spray, and moisturizer (click to read). Then I realized that I forgot to discuss one thing...what about facial cleanser?

Months ago I have used Liquid Neutrogena Pure Mild Facial Cleanser as my everyday cleanser. Even though it claims to be a gentle cleanser since it is hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, it still dried out my skin. I also had tiny bumps (or pimplets as I call it) all over my forehead and cheeks. So I did a little research about the product's ingredients via cosdna.com, and found out that one of its ingredients called triethanol amine has an irritation level of 4 out of 5 (check analysis here). Thus, I stopped using it.

As I was researching about natural alternatives, I came across bubzbeauty's youtube video entitled "Beautiful Skin Remedy" (here's the link). She talked about using oatmeal as an everyday facial cleanser. Oatmeal, according to Bubbi, is really beneficial for the skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes itchy skin. Not only that, it also has the ability to cleanse and brighten skin. And most importantly, it's free from chemical and doesn't not strip off the natural moisture of the skin. 

(This brand's my favorite!)

I've been using oatmeal for almost 3 months now (I started using it last November). Unlike Bubbi's tutorial, I'm very much practical using it by just scooping 1 tablespoon of oats mixed with 3 tablespoon of warm water or green tea. I personally chose "instant" oatmeal so that it won't be too scratchy, but rather smooth and has this "cetaphil-feel" when massaging onto the face. Anyhow, it doesn't matter what type of oatmeal you use as long as it's not flavored.

So after some months, here's the result of my attempt to use oatmeal instead of any regular facial cleanser out there in the market.

NOVEMBER

You will notice the small bumps (or pimplets) around my left cheek.

Texture's not really that fine.

DECEMBER

Bumps are starting to disappear, but spots are still present.

JANUARY

This is my skin now. You will notice how clear it is now. (YEY!)

Now I won't trade my oatmeal for any expensive facial cleansers! It has definitely helped me a lot. My skin has gotten brighter and clearer. I'm not having bad breakouts anymore. I have even consulted my new "natural skin care regimen" to my dermatologist, and she was happy by how my skin has improved a lot. She told me to continue using it together with my homemade green tea and apple cider vinegar toner and extra virgin olive oil moisturizer.

So I suggest you give it a try (besides it's really affordable!), and enjoy a blemish-free skin that will surely boost your self-confidence as well as your self-esteem. Bubbi's indeed a life-saver b(^_^)d! Good Luck!

Skincare 101: Easy-to-make and All Natural "Golden Liquid"

I once encountered a saying that "There are no ugly people in this world, only lazy ones." And I somehow agree with that because in order to look and feel beautiful, one should definitely exude more effort in doing so. And it all starts by being comfortable with our own skin...literally. 

I've always been in search of skincare products suitable for my skin from the most expensive down to those which are affordable. I've tried many products but unfortunately, I felt that they weren't healthy for my skin because of its NUMEROUS CHEMICAL CONTENT which may lead to dryness, itchiness, and worse, more breakouts! That's why it is a must for you to know your skin type first before trying any skincare products because different skins have different needs.

I got really tired of finding the right products for my skin because there was no improvement at all, that's why I resorted to natural products which surprisingly can be found in anybody's kitchen -- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Green Tea, and Apple Cider Vinegar, which I called the "GOLDEN LIQUID" not only because of its color, but because for me it was a precious discovery.

(Homemade toner, moisturizer, and facial spray)

My skin has never looked this better. It's blemish-free, radiant, and healthy. All thanks to these homemade skincare remedies. Plus, it is free from those harmful chemicals.

The rule in a basic skincare regimen is you cleanse, tone, and moisturize. The following are some D.I.Y tutorials for your own natural toner, moisturizer, and facial spray:

As for the toner, you will need green tea (brewed for at least 30 mins), apple cider vinegar, and a container. Green Tea is said to be rich in antioxidant which is good for your skin, while the Apple Cider Vinegar, which is made from apples, has a cleansing properties that detoxifies and purifies your skin. It also balances the pH level of the skin as it heals blemishes such as pimples (you can even use it as a spot treatment). What I do is that I pour 1/6 ACV in a container and 5/6 Green Tea. If you have oily skin, you can add more ACV depending on your preference. Refrigerate to prolong its lifespan. You can use it for 2-3 weeks.

After toning, you should moisturize. As for the moisturizer, you will need extra virgin olive oil (the least processed of all olive oils), and vitamin E gel capsule (1 piece), and an airless pump bottle. Extra virgin olive oil or EVOO will provide a long-lasting shield of moisture, making your skin glowing, smooth, and supple. In ancient times, Cleopatra is believed to have used olive oil to massage her face. Don't worry, according to Journal, it is an essential oil that doesn't clog your pores. Pour the EVOO in a container. Prick the gel capsules and put the vit. E oil in the container, and voila! It's kind of heavy for a moisturizer that's why I only use it during the night. What I do is I pump the bottle once and rub it between my palms to warm it up. Instead of rubbing it on my face, I gently pat and slap it to stimulate my skin. Other people use it to massage their faces as well.

And lastly for the facial spray, you will only need green tea and a spray bottle. What I usually do is I use the remaining brewed tea after making the toner so that it won't go to waste. I just put it in the spray bottle and refrigerate it to prolong its lifespan. Use it anytime and anywhere you want to be refreshed. Green tea is also proven to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. 

These homemade skincare remedies are really some treasure. I have been using this for a week now, and I'm just wowed by the results. If you feel like nothing works for your skin, you only need some time and effort to look for these great ingredients in the supermarket. It's safe, easy-to-find, affordable, and most importantly, it works! \(^o^)/

Good Luck!