I had run out of my usual toner which I totally loved, but since it’s quite expensive I decided to make my own toner out of rosewater and cedarwood.
Rose water
Rose water is a liquid made from water and rose petals. It contains numerous powerful antioxidants which can protect the cells in the skin against damage. Rose water also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can be put on the skin to soothe any irritation caused by conditions such as eczema. Due to its antiseptic properties, rose water has been shown to be useful for preventing and treating infections, which can be beneficial when dealing with acne.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation from wood of the Cedar wood tree. The components found in cedarwood oil include cedrine, cedrol and thujopsene. These are believed to have the following properties: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, insecticidal and anti-fungal. Because of the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, the oil is thought to be beneficial for skin conditions like acne, although repeated studies are still needed to confirm the effects of cedarwood on humans. Always make sure to do a patch test first to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Cedarwood has also been used as a mosquito and insect repellant for a long time, which sounds like a win-win situation to me!
Combining rose water and cedarwood oil was a logical choice for me – as they both have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, I reasoned the power of these two combined would make a lovely toner with a calming, soothing scent.
I use this toner after washing my face every morning and evening, as it’s refreshing and reduces the redness of my skin.
Rose water and cedarwood oil toner
Ingredients
- 250 ml water
- a handful of dried rose petals
- 1 drop cedarwood oil
Directions
- Put a handful of dried rose petals in a heat resistant bowl.
- Now pour 250 ml of boiling water over the dried rose petals and let it cool down for about ten minutes.
- Add one drop of cedarwood oil and mix well.
- Pour the liquid into a (glass) spray bottle and make sure to shake well before every use.
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