Why should you use glycerin? It moisturizes, calms, tightens, firms, protects, smooths, exfoliates, and brightens skin. It is anti-aging and improves your complexion.
Create Your Own Skincare Elixirs with Glycerin
A Simple Guide to Making and Using Glycerites for Better Skin
A glycerite is an infusion in glycerin. This combines the benefits of the plants or herbs with the benefits of the glycerin. I like to use it in my toner as it helps prevent loss of water from the skin. Do not mix more than one type of botanical in a single glycerite. Fresh plants can be used as glycerin is good at preserving fresh plant juices.
What Plants Should I Use?
Here are a few that are easy to find and beneficial to your skin.
Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and soothing. Use it on your sunburned skin to reduce redness and discomfort. It can help reduce puffiness when applied to your eye area. It contains antioxidants and is good for red irritated skin. It a great natural remedy for promoting healthy hair and scalp.
Calendula is good for reducing redness, itching and topical inflammation. Calendula helps to soothe and repair the skin and reduces injury recovery time.
Dandelions are anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, detoxifying and cleansing, and moisturizing. You can use dandelion to help with skin elasticity and fine lines. They are helpful for wounds and acne.
Hibiscus with skin elasticity, helps keep skin firm and helps with wrinkles. It’s a good exfoliator and regenerator and helps control breakouts. Drink it as a tea for acne.
Lavender is soothing and healing and is used to reduce inflammation and promote skin regeneration.
Mint I like to grow and use spearmint, but peppermint is great too and contains more menthol. Spearmint is antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It is refreshing and invigorating, cleansing and toning. It can help with oil control and redness.
Rose Roses are beneficial for both skin and hair. They hydrate and have a light floral scent. Rose water is great for dry or dehydrated skin as it is very hydrating and moisturizing. For more information, read Rose Tea for Self-Care.
Wild Violet My favorite use for wild violet is in skincare products. My son and I have eczema that gets red and itchy in the cold weather. It is gentle on skin and works wonderfully to soothe dry, itchy skin. It can also help acne and rashes as it contains salicylic acid. Violets are antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. You can get a wild violet essential oil, but it is often hard to find and expensive. I prefer to infuse my own oil. Don’t worry if it’s not springtime when they are flowering, as you can also use the leaves.
How to Make a Glycerite
If using dried herbs:
Fill a clean jar half full of plant material that has been ground, crumpled or smashed. In another jar dilute glycerin with distilled water in a 3:1 ratio. (3 parts glycerin, 1 part water). Put the cap on the jar and shake it to combine the glycerin and water. Pour the glycerin over the plant material until it covers the plants plus an inch.
If using fresh herbs:
For fresh plants, chop up the plant material thoroughly. Fill the jar with the plant matter and cover the plants with glycerin plus an inch.
Use a knife to release air bubbles.
Cap and label jar (don’t forget this part! I’ve done it many times and forgot what was in the jar).
Let the jar sit for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking every few days. Strain into a clean jar when done.
Recipes
Facial Toner
Ingredients:
- rosewater
- witch hazel
- 1 tablespoon glycerite
- 5 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)
Directions: Add essential oils to your spray bottle if you want to use them. Pour the glycerite in using a small funnel. Next, pour in equal parts rose water and witch hazel. Shake well before using.
Facial Serum
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
- 1 teaspoon glycerite
- 5 drops of rose essential oil
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and pour it into a dropper bottle with a small funnel. Apply a small amount to your face and neck after your toner.
Refreshing Face Mist
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 1 tablespoon glycerite
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- 5 drops of your favorite essential oils
Directions: Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle using a small funnel. Shake before using. Spray on your face whenever you need a refreshing lift.
Carrie's Herbal Infused Skincare Cookbook: How to Use Herbs and Flowers for Glowing Skin
Would you like to make your own plant-based skincare? Is it overwhelming to think about?
Discover the joy of crafting natural homemade skincare that's simple, effective, and tailored to your skin's needs! This book is your comprehensive guide to creating herbal, plant-based skincare products that will leave your skin glowing and beautiful.
You'll learn how to make your own skincare without the need for complicated or hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Instead, you'll use simple, natural ingredients that you can easily find or grow yourself. Best of all, making your own skincare can be a fun and rewarding experience!
The book is divided into three parts: a how-to section that covers the basics of skincare making, a section on plants and other ingredients that are beneficial for your skin, and a collection of easy-to-follow recipes. At the end of the book, you'll find a "my recipes" section where you can personalize the recipes to suit your preferences.
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