The Pagan Heart
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August-September 2005 Issue
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Spoil Me...Please Recipes
Equinox Skin Care This issue I thought I'd offer up some of the tasty and soothing recipes available that feature Equinox appropriate ingredients - balance out your skin as you balance out your soul in the following home facial!
Tomato and Milk Cleanser and Peel How does a creamy tomato soup sound for cleaning your face? Decidedly odd, I bet. Still, it's actually very very beneficial. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Add the antioxidant boost and you have a powerful tool in your home beauty care. This particular recipe also performs a mild peel through the actions of the lactic and fruit acids. This helps slough off impurities and roughness, and acts to exfoliate while cleansing:
Process the tomato into pulp and strain to remove seeds and skin. Add the juice to the milk, cover and store overnight in the fridge. Lay cotton pads or a light washer liberally soaked in the liquid over your face and neck and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse away with warm water.
Because of the type of cleansing offered by the Tomato and Milk Cleanser, it's important to soothe the skin with a gentle steam. Chamomile, mint, or calendula work equally well for this recipe:
Toss the herbs or teabags into the hot water and cover. Let it seep for 2-4 minutes, and then place face above the water and steam for 10 minutes. Use a towel to create a tent so the steam is trapped and able to bathe your face.
Follow the steam with an Apple Mask to draw out deep buried dirt and other nasties. At this time of year the apple plays a dominant role in ritual, magic, and spirituality. Known for its rejuvenating properties, the apple is the fruit of immortality and beauty. Try this recipe:
Stir all ingredients together and mash with a fork to create a pulpy mush. Smooth this over your face and neck and relax for ten minutes and then wash off. The nutrient rich apple feeds your skin while the oatmeal cleanses and heals it. The honey heals fight any bacteria and the milk nourishes. What a pampering treat for autumn-stressed skin.
After cleansing your skin it is important to tone - this helps restore the correct pH balance and close the pores. Avoid alcohol-based toners as they dry out and destroy the delicate facial skin. If your skin is oily, then use an astringent toner such as witchhazel. Otherwise stick to cucumber juice - puree and strain. Keep in the freezer in an icecube tray and defrost a cube each morning for use through the day as needed. Toner can refresh tired skin, soothe irritation, act as a mini-cleanser if in a hurry, and prepare your skin for moisturiser. Use a cotton pad soaked in toner to gently wipe over your face in upward motions. Follow with a moisturiser suited to your skin and the time of day - lighter in the morning, heavier at night. |
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