As part of a daily skincare routine, using a toner is a great way to keep your skin clean and healthy. A toner is a liquid that is applied to the face after cleansing and helps to remove any remaining dirt or impurities, as well as balancing the skin’s pH levels.
Using a homemade toner is even better, as you have control over the ingredients used and can tailor it to your specific skin type. One popular homemade toner is witch hazel toner, known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Witch Hazel Toner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup witch hazel extract,
- 1/2 cup water,
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional).
Directions
- Combine witch hazel extract and water in a glass bottle or jar.
- Add essential oil if desired and mix well.
- Store the toner in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
To use witch hazel toner, apply a small amount of it to a cotton pad and swipe over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. It is recommended for oily, acne-prone or combination skin types.
However, people with dry or sensitive skin should be careful as witch hazel can be drying and irritating. If you experience any discomfort, discontinue use.
Where can I get witch hazel extract?
You can purchase witch hazel extract from many health food stores, pharmacies, and online retailers.
Look for a brand that uses natural ingredients and has a high percentage of witch hazel extract.
How to make witch hazel extract at home
Alternatively, you can make your own witch hazel extract at home using the following steps:
- Harvest witch hazel leaves or bark in the fall when they are mature.
- Rinse the leaves or bark thoroughly and let them dry completely.
- Chop the leaves or bark into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar.
- Cover the leaves or bark with distilled water and make sure they are completely submerged.
- Close the jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in a dark, cool place for 4-6 weeks.
- After 4-6 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any solids.
- Transfer the liquid to a clean glass jar and store it in a dark, cool place for up to 6 months.
It’s important to note that making your own witch hazel extract requires some knowledge of herbalism and proper safety precautions, such as using clean equipment and handling the plant material carefully. If you are unsure of your ability to make your own extract, it is best to purchase it from a trusted source.
What is witch hazel?
Witch hazel is a bush native to North America that has been used by Native Americans for centuries for its medicinal properties. It was later adopted by European settlers and has since become a popular ingredient in many cosmetic and skincare products. The extract is obtained from the bark and leaves of the plant and contains tannins with strong astringent properties that help tighten and tone the skin.
In conclusion, making your own witch hazel toner is a great way to incorporate natural and beneficial ingredients into your skincare routine. By following the simple recipe and instructions, you can create a toner that is customized to your skin’s needs and free from any harmful chemicals or additives. So, give it a try and see the difference it can make for your skin!
Three More Homemade Witch Hazel Toner Recipes
- Lemon and Witch Hazel Toner: Mix together 1/2 cup of witch hazel, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of water. This toner is recommended for oily and acne-prone skin as the lemon juice helps to remove excess oil and unclog pores.
- Chamomile and Witch Hazel Toner: Steep 1-2 bags of chamomile tea in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Once cooled, mix the chamomile tea with 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract. This toner is recommended for sensitive and dry skin as chamomile has calming and soothing properties.
- Green Tea and Witch Hazel Toner: Steep 1-2 green tea bags in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Once cooled, mix the green tea with 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract. This toner is recommended for all skin types as green tea is rich in antioxidants that help to protect the skin from harm caused by free radicals.
