Happy DIY Wednesday! (and pre-4th of July weekend)

It has been HOT, HOT, HOT in PA – so I wanted to share a DIY product that is refreshing and great for these hot, humid months when your skin is less than cooperative – sweaty, greasy, and you breakout even if you normally have clear skin.

This week’s product is an astringent, which is similar to a toner. The purpose of an astringent is to remove cleanser residue, balance pH, and remove excess oil.

This specific DIY product is cooling, has a fresh scent and can be kept chilled, making it super refreshing! It can be used on the face as well as on the body (underarms, legs, bikini line) after shaving to prevent ingrown hairs.

I recommend this product to those of you with normal, oily, acne-prone or combination skin! It is not for dry skin (because of the alcohol content) - but seriously, who has dry skin in the middle of summer?

Ingredients for Refreshing Astringent:

• 2 tablespoons dried (OR 4 tablespoons of fresh, chopped) peppermint, spearmint, or lemon balm leaves.
• ½ cup plain vodka (don’t waste the good vodka on this recipe – any vodka will do) (Why vodka for my skin? See explanation below.)
• ½ cup witch hazel (or water)
• 12 drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil
• As always, all ingredients are easy to find locally - or on Amazon if necessary

How to Make It:

• Combine all ingredients in a glass jar / mason jar. Screw on the lid, label, and date. Set jar in a cool dark cabinet to steep for 2 weeks, shaking vigorously every day.
• After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine strainer lined with a coffee filter to remove all the solids.
• Store in fridge or cool cabinet – use within 6 months.

Application:

• Shake well and saturate a cotton ball or pad and apply astringent to the face, neck or body.
• Use 2 – 3 times per week, or nightly on acne / acne-prone areas as a spot treatment.
• Avoid eye area!
• Follow with light moisturizer (and sun-screen for day time)

OK - now for the big question - Why "waste" vodka on my skin?

Vodka acts as a natural astringent or toner, and due to its disinfectant properties, it can deep-clean your pores. (Just be sure to dilute it with at least equal parts witch hazel or water first.) It'll also tighten the skin on your face and can calm acne breakouts with it's drying and detoxifying properties.

Below are a two additional articles highlighting the beauty benefits of vodka for skin and hair. As with anything you put on your skin: test, test, test it for yourself.

Vodka for Skin and Hair

Beauty Benefits of Vodka You Must Know About

Enjoy your 4th of July weekend with Family and Friends - and stay safe in the sun!

Alicia 💛💛