Facials
A facial refers to any type of cosmetic treatment meant to be used
on the face such as a facial steam or scrub. Facials help to improve the
appearance of your skin by removing dirt and debris from your pores.
Steam facial:
- Fill a large bowl with boiling water.
- Add 2-4 drops of essential oil to the water.
- Place your face a few inches above the water then cover your head with a towel to keep the steam from escaping.
- If you get too hot lift the towel to get some fresh air.
- Place the towel back over your head and continue steaming and venting until the water cools down and has stopped steaming.
- At the conclusion of the facial splash your face with cool water then pat dry with a soft towel.
- You may want to apply a toner to your face at the conclusion of the facial to help close the pores of your skin.
- If you have dry skin, you may want to apply a light lotion to your face after completing the facial.
Essential oils to use for oily skin:
Lemon, peppermint, rose geranium, rosemary, tea tree, ylang ylang
Essential oils to use for dry skin:
Lemon, orange, rosemary, lavender, rose, sandalwood
Floral Facial scrub:
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender petals
- 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
- 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
- ½ cup oatmeal
- 1/3 cup uncooked brown rice
Directions for Floral Facial Scrub
- Place the flowers and oatmeal into a coffee grinder and grind to a medium fine consistency, then pour out into a bowl.
- Add the rice to the coffee grinder and grind to a find consistency.
- Pour the ground rice into the ground oatmeal and herb mixture and stir until well blended.
- To store this mixture pour it into a container with a tight fitting lid.
- To use as a facial place 2 tablespoons of the scrub into a small muslin bag.
- Tie the bag closed with a piece of string.
- Briefly soak the bag in warm water to thoroughly wet the mixture then use it to scrub all over your face.
- Rinse your face a final time with cool water then pat dry with a soft cloth.
- This is a great way to help slough off dead, dry skin cells and will impart a more radiant and youthful glow to your complexion.
- This recipe may also be used as a body scrub while taking a bath or shower.
Gels
Gels can be used as a general facial tonic to help moisturize and sooth your skin. Gels are gentle enough to be used on the delicate skin around your neck and chest area.
Moisturizing gel:
- 1 tablespoon slippery elm powder
- 5 ounces rose water or plain water
- 10 drops rose geranium essential oil
Directions for Moisturizing Gel
- Mix the slippery elm powder with the rose water or plain water and place in an enamel or glass pan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes stirring continuously while the gel thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour the gel into a glass bowl.
- Let the gel cool down to room temperature, which will take approximately 30 minutes, then stir in the essential oil.
- Apply the gel to your face and neck area.
- Let the gel remain in place for 5-10 minutes then rinse off with water and a soft washcloth.
- Store any leftover gel in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Backyard Diva

