DIY Soothing Antioxidant Toner

This article contains affiliate links from my favorite brand Mountain Rose Herbs. I love their high quality organic/fair trade products, and am blown away by their commitment to zero waste.

After minimizing my skin care routine, I stopped using toners and serums.  Well now I'm at least back to using a toner because I can easily make it myself for almost nothing.  The truth is that toners do clean the skin of any residue left behind from facial cleansers and clays, as well as refresh and prep the skin for your favorite moisturizer.  A good toner will also help exfoliate the skin and tighten pores.  Here is a simple toner recipe that is packed with antioxidants as well as natural alpha hydroxy acids that you can find right in your kitchen.

What you will need…

• 1 cup of purified water

• two green tea bags

• 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar (preferably raw and organic)

• 2-3 drops of blue chamomile essential oil

Simply steep two organic green tea bags in one cup of boiled water for 30 minutes or longer.  Now add one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar.  Finally add 2-3 drops of blue chamomile essential oil and place in a clean container.  Use organic cotton balls with new toner after you cleanse your skin to prep for your moisturizer.  Because this is a toner without preservatives I suggest refrigerating it.  It should last for at least 1-2 weeks.

So why these ingredients?

Green tea is your natural antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and also contains caffeine which energizes the skin and tightens the pores.

Apple cider vinegar is the perfect alpha hydroxy acid.  It’s best to always use diluted as it is very acidic.  Apple cider vinegar is known to detox the skin, clear acne and blemishes, and even out and brighten skin.  I've seen many online skin care boards swear by apple cider vinegar to clear up acne completely.  Many also suggest using a higher percentage of apple cider vinegar than what I've included in this recipe.  I'm using a low dosage for its benefits while also being gentle on the skin.

Blue chamomile essential oil has a high azulene content with anti-inflammatory skin healing properties that are very soothing to the skin.  You can also use Moroccan chamomile essential oil or Roman chamomile essential oil as it will still have calming and soothing properties.

Enjoy!

Image by D Sharon Pruitt