Ger-Nis INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Herbs & Health: Kitchen Herbs for a Soothing Facial

As we lose our sun-kissed summer color, we often find ourselves in the doldrums. The weather is getting colder, we’re back to our back to school schedules, and suddenly we feel the onset of that old hibernation feeling. But, fall and winter is also the time to dig out our lovely warm sweaters and boots, dust off our favorite soup and stew recipes, and pull out the table leaf for the numerous family gatherings to come. Okay, maybe the family gatherings don’t get you that excited but try to think about great conversations and getting so see familiar faces, not long and harried workdays in the kitchen.

One of our favorite ways to pamper ourselves (especially after one of those harried days in the kitchen) and give our faces a little pick-me-up is homemade facials. Might we add that in these belt-tightening times, homemade facials are also inexpensive? No matter what your skin type, fresh herbs and their antioxidant and cleansing qualities are perfect additions to any facial recipe.

Let’s start with a pore-opening facial steam. The humidity and temperature of the steam drains impurities from the skin and readies it for a soothing facial. Add a sprig each of rosemary, parsley and mint to 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Once boiled, remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes, otherwise the steam will be too hot and uncomfortable. In the meantime, grab a towel, set your pot on a sturdy table in front of your comfiest chair. Place your face about 12 inches above the pot and cover your head with the towel. If the steam is still too hot, wait 5 more minutes and take in the relaxing fragrance. Once under the towel, your steam should last 10-15 minutes. Afterward, your skin will feel soft, full and supple.

Now, take advantage of your pores being open by applying a homemade mask. For an all-purpose facial mask, put ½ cup oatmeal with 1 sprig each of rosemary, sage, and chervil in a blender or food processor. Blend or pulse until the mixture resembles a mealy flour. Add to the blender bowl, a few slices of peeled cucumber, 2 egg whites, and a few tablespoons of water (if needed to bind). Cut an extra few slices of cucumber for your eyes while you’re at it. Cover your face with the oatmeal mixture, lay back, and place the cucumber slices over your eyes. Relax!  After about 10-15 minutes (once the mask has dried and begun to crack), gently rinse off with water.

For a final toner cleanse, mottle 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice with two sprigs of fresh parsley and two sprigs of fresh lemon balm. Add 1 cup of lukewarm water to your mixture. Strain everything through a sieve. Once you’ve dried your face after your mask, put some toner on a cotton ball and gently wipe your face and neck (using upward strokes on your neck, cheeks and mouth area and downward strokes on your forehead and nose – use this rule when applying any moisturizers as well). Use your favorite nighttime moisturizer to end this quick and easy, yet well-deserved, spa treatment.

And please don’t forget to keep protecting your skin with SPF creams during the fall and winter days.