I was recently talking to someone from Floral & Hardy* contemporary garden design about the practical uses of the things we find in our gardens, especially in regards to beauty products. While I love using natural and organic products, it is rare that I will get down to the nitty gritty and make my own version of something I can find on a shelf. Feeling inspired, I thought I would test out a little concoction (below) and was wowed by the results. It may well be psychosomatic, but I feel I haven’t done a face scrub routine with such nourished, non-irritated, and moisturised results in all my life!
A cheap home-made skin routine: face scrub and moisturiser
Ingredients used:
Lavender Sugar
Mint
Natural honey
Grapeseed oil
Why mint?
Mint leaves, especially when squeezed and rubbed around like they are in a facial scrub, are a powerful tool. Acting as an astringent, they have wonderful purifying properties and can dramatically reduce pore size due to their natural content of salicylic acid (you’ll find the chemical-laden version in almost every skin cleanser on the market).
Why honey?
Honey is an unbelievable skincare ingredient, come rain or shine. It has the ability to absorb and retain moisture, has anti-microbial properties, and acts as a natural antioxidant. Because it draws in impurities, honey is even a great treatment for those suffering with mild acne.
Why lavender and sugar?
Lavender is not only great for its soothing scent – it has also been proven as a strong antioxidant, especially in regards to protective against sun damage, toxic exposure, and bacterial infection. When mixed with sugar, we have a very nurturing exfoliant on our hands. Because sugar contains glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid that is crucial for maintaining healthy skin), skin is protected from toxins as well as being charged to draw in moisture.
Rinse with warm water.
Moisturise with grapeseed oil!
Taking inspiration from London garden design – though I would have no clue how to make it myself – is grapeseed oil. After the face scrub, this is the perfect cherry on top. Skin and hair oils are no newfangled beauty trend but there is a distinct lack of celebration over this moisturiser. Grapseed oil is full of nutrients, rich in antioxidants and OPCs (anti-ageing and tone-correcting!), and has a very faint smell.
*Floral & Hardy specialise in contemporary garden design on an individualized basis, whether that is for entertaining, relaxing, playing sports, growing vegetables, flowers and herbs – or a combination of all of these things. Total experts – I advise you check them out!