Mask and Peel Your Face to Beautiful Skin

So now that we've cleansed and the steamed the face, step three, the next step is to mask and peel. This is a necessary step to further remove residue deep within the pores of the skin. It also nourishes the skin as it replenishes essential vitamins and minerals. -----Quick Skin Tightening Mask----- Beat an egg white until it is frothy. Apply to the face. The mask will tighten as it dries. After five minutes, rinse off thoroughly, first with warm water, then with cool. Pat skin dry. -----Soothing Mask Peel----- Ingredients: 1 small cucumber, 2 oz green tea (steeped and strained), 2 oz chamomile tea (steeped and strained), 1 packet unflavored gelatin, 1 oz aloe vera gel In a blender puree a peeled and seeded cucumber, then run the puree through a sieve (you can use a coffee filter or cheesecloth if you don't have a sieve), reserve the juice. In a small sauce pan, combine the green tea, gelatin, and chamomile tea. Heat on low, stirring until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and pour contents into a glass bowl. Add the cucumber juice and aloe gel to this mixture, then place into the refrigerator until it starts to thicken, approx. 25 minutes. When it is ready, spread mixture over your neck and face with your fingers. Allow to dry for 20 minutes, then peel off the mask. Rinse with warm water then pat dry. You can use this mask every morning, or if you are suffering from a sunburned face, you can use it three times a day. This mask is especially good for irritated skin. The cucumber is cool and soothing, and a mild astringent. The chamomile and green tea help to alleviate puffiness. The aloe vera will help to heal sunburned skin and to maintain the moisture balance of the facial skin. -----Protein Mask----- Ingredients: 4 Tbs. chickpea flour, 1 ripe banana, 1 egg Peel and mash the banana. In a bowl, combine the flour and the banana. Blend into a paste. Beat the egg, then add to the flour banana mixture. Once combined, apply to your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse well with warm water, and pat dry. Chickpea is a great skin-softening exfoliator. It stimulates circulation while rejuvenating the facial tissues. Bananas are rich in vitamin A and potassium. They are a natural emollient and help to reduce puffiness and redness. The egg tightens skin pores to leave your skin feeling fresh and revitalized. ----- Restorative Mask------ Ingredients: 4 large pineapple chunks or 1/2 cup canned, drained pineapple, 3 Tbs. cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil Put the pineapple and oil into the blender, blending until almost smooth. Apply the mixture to the face with your fingers. Leave on for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry. Pineapple is a mild astringent and skin freshener. It contains bromelain, an enzyme which helps rid the skin of dirt and dead cells. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps to counteract histamines. Olive oil is a good source of natural vitamin E and has excellent healing properties. It will help to restore the skin 's surface. -------Nourishing Mask ------ Ingredients: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 carrot, 1 avocado, 3 Tbs. honey Cook and mash the carrot. Peel, pit and mash the avocado. Then combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well, then spread over face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water and pat dry. Carrots are high in anti-oxidant vitamins and beta-carotene. Heavy cream is high in calcium and protein. Avocados are a natural and rich source of vitamin E . When you add these all together you get a facial mask that, when used regularly, will improve skin texture, rebuild collagen and diminish age spots. ----- Cleansing Peel----- Ingredients: 1 packet unflavored gelatin, 3 Tbs. distilled water, 1 papaya Peel and seed the papaya, then place in the blender and blend thoroughly. Then strain it and save the liquid. Combine the gelatin and water in a small saucepan, and dissolve over a low heat. Once dissolved, put gelatin in a small bowl. Add the papaya juice and place in the refrigerator until the mixture begins to set, approx. 20 minutes. Spread the mixture over your face and neck and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in warm water, then pat dry. The natural enzyme papain is found in the papaya. It effectively removes dead skin cells.

Getting into Hot Water

Step Two to Facial Care is the STEAM. Steam opens and cleanses the pores, while increasing blood circulation to facial capillaries. Steam deep cleanses the skin. You should steam cleanse at least one time per week. Make sure that you clean your face prior to steaming. In other words,
there is a reason that steaming is step TWO. You want the steam to work on the deep pore grime, not surface dirt! If you are going to skip steps in your facial routine, make sure you at least moisturize after the steam.

***All steams, unless otherwise noted, require 1 gallon of ALMOST boiling water. Once the recipe is prepared, you will need to place a towel over your head and lean your face over the bowl, about 12 inches away, to absorb the steam and vapors. Don't forget to exercise extreme caution so that you don't scald your skin. If the inside of your nose feels like it is burning, wait a few minutes for the water to cool down before you try again.
Heat breaks down some essential oils, therefore you may need to allow the water to cool slightly before mixing in certain oils in order to maintain their full therapeutic value.***

*Rose Petal Facial Steam, for normal skin:

• Put 1 cup of fresh rose petals (roses are often treated to enhance color and increase longevity, so make sure that the ones you use are not chemically treated in any way) into a large bowl and pour 1 gallon of almost boiling water over them. Steam, breathing in the vapors, for 15 minutes, then gently pat dry.
  

Once you are done with the steam, you can use the left over ingredients to make rosewater. Simply strain the liquid from your steam and save the petals and water separately. Pour water into a medium saucepan and simmer over a low heat for about 30 minutes, or until there is about one cup of liquid left. Once it is reduced, pour this over the saved petals and steep for another 20 minutes, then strain liquid again. Discard the petals and pour the liquid into a glass bottle and allow to cool. You now have rosewater! Rosewater, a by-product of rose essential oil, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and toning qualities. It is a natural astringent that can be applied by cotton ball to the face.

*Rosemary Peppermint Facial Steam
This steam is not only helpful in opening the pores and extracting the skin's impurities, it is also known to clear sinuses and alleviate headaches.

• After the almost boiling (1 gallon) water cools slightly, add 4 drops of peppermint and 4 drops of rosemary essential oils. Steam for 10 minutes, pat dry.

*Oily Skin Sauna

• Add 6 drops of lavender essential oil to a gallon of almost boiling water. Steam for 10 minutes, pat dry.

Lavender is very beneficial for acne-prone skin, as it normalizes the secretions of sebaceous glands.

*Sauna for Blemished Skin

• Add 12 drops of bergamot essential oil to a gallon of almost boiling water. Blemished skin should not steam for longer than 5 minutes. Pat dry.

Bergamot oil is primarily used for its antiseptic properties. In a facial steam it reduces redness, irritations and puffiness.

*Ultimate Spa-Type Facial Steam for all skin types

• Add 2 drops each of bergamot, geranium, lavender and clary sage essential oils. Steam for 3 minutes, then pat dry.

This steam will promote peace of mind and relaxation, while cleaning and toning the skin.

Facing your Face Care, natural recipes for facial cleansing

Here are some recipes for the first step in facial care, cleansing. Tomato Rub for normal to oily skin:

• Take a slice of ripe tomato and rub it over your face and neck. Allow the juices to soak into your skin for five minutes. The mild acid in the tomato will bring dirt and impurities to the skins surface. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water, pat dry.

Daily Cleanser for normal skin:

• Take 2 sprigs of fresh thyme & crush it (fresh is best, but you can use 1/2 TBS. dried thyme) and mix in a bowl with 2 tsp. of crushed fennel seed. Pour 1/2 cup of boiling water over the fennel seeds and thyme. Add the juice of 1/2 a lemon and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture (called an infusion), throw out the plant material, and store the liquid in a jar in the refrigerator. To use, simply dab onto face and neck with a cotton ball.

As an infusion, fennel seeds can be gently cleansing and toning. They help reduce puffiness and superficial irritations. Thyme is used in antiseptic preparations and is a good natural astringent. This recipe is very gentle, so it makes a great daily morning cleanser. Oily skin cleanser:

• 2 TBS apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 TBS distilled water. Being careful to avoid the eyes, apply mixture to the face with a cotton ball. Rinse with tepid water and pat dry.

This is a fast, effective way to remove dirt and residue from the face. If you have normal skin, use this recipe only for those times when you are short on time and need a quick cleansing. For oily skin, use daily, or alternate with another recipe. As you begin to experiment with the various recipes, you will learn which recipes you prefer and what combination works best for your skin care. Everyday Cleanser:

• Take 1/2 cup of old fashioned (not quickoats) oatmeal and grind it in the blender or food processor. In a small bowl combine 2 TBS. honey, 1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk, and the ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until it has the consistency of paste. Smooth over face and neck, then leave on for 15 minutes. When time is up rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This can be used daily, but it is best as a morning treatment.

Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliator that removes dead surface cells and residue. It helps restore the skin's moisture. Also, it can be used as a mild cleanser instead of soap. Yogurt softens the skin, and honey is a natural humectant (meaning it draws moisture to itself). Altogether, these ingredients make this this a great daily cleansing moisturizer. Facial cleanser for everyone:

• Mix 1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (this is the purest, most mild, natural soap available), 1/8 cup distilled water, 3-4 drops of chamomile essential oil, and 1 TBS. orange or lemon juice. Place in jar and store in the refrigerator. This should last about 1-2 months. Wash your face with this daily, rinse with tepid water, pat dry and complete your routine care.

Next post will give recipes for step two of the facial care regimen, toners. Bibliography: The Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun, The Herbal Home Spa, by Greta Breedlove, Nature's Beauty Kit, by Deb Carpenter, and Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox.

Facing the Facts about Face Care

While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, it is also in the TIME of the beholder. The definition, or what constitutes classic beauty, changes with the years. The ancient Greeks believed that the facial proportions needed to be harmonious for a woman to be beautiful, while the Victorians favored thin lips, and Rubens portrayed goddesses with double chins and fat cheeks.
Today, per our magazine models, we seem to favor thin bodied women with full, lush lips.

Throughout history women have gone to great lengths to achieve the standard, "beautiful" face. Elizabethan women went so far as to cover their faces in lead, achieving the coveted ghostly pallor of the beautiful face. Roman women smeared wax on wrinkles and mercury based lotions on freckles and spots, to maintain the beautiful face.

No matter what you, or the magazines, feel is the face of beauty today, women all over want clean, healthy skin. You can cover your hands and feet, camouflage your skin in clothing, but your face remains out there for all to see. Too many late nights, exposure to weather, stress, and poor diet all affect the sensitive skin of the face. To maintain health and beauty it is important to care for yourself and your skin. Pampering yourself is the key to putting your best face forward!

There are five steps to a perfect face. 1. Cleanse. This will rid your skin of dirt, makeup and oils. 2. Steam. This opens the pores, increases blood circulation in the facial capillaries and deep cleanses the skin. 3. Mask or Peel. This will further remove residue deep in the pores. It also nourishes and replenishes the skin with essential vitamins and minerals. 4. Tone. Toner tightens the pores and prepares the skin to accept the moisturizer.
5. Moisturize. This replenishes the skin with fluid and gives it a fine coat of protective film.

Here are some more tips for face care, then the next post will offer some more recipes!

• Remember to ALWAYS clean your face BEFORE doing a steam.
• Pull your hair back so you can get right up to the hairline.
• ALWAYS wear sunscreen when outside.
• Don't forget to moisturize above your upper lip and the area above the cheekbones, but below the eyes. These areas tend to be particularly lacking in moisture.
• When applying peels and masks, use a dark towel to avoid staining.
• Steam your skin once a week for the benefits mentioned in the steps of facial care.
• Be cautious when steaming. You do NOT want to scald the skin. If the steam is burning the inside of your nose, wait a few minutes for the water to cool down, the try again.
• Eating more whole grains, eggs, leafy greens and broccoli will naturally increase vitamin E in your system. Vitamin E promotes skin elasticity.
• Eating more spinach, cantaloupe, carrots and pumpkin will increase the amount of vitamin A in your diet, which lubricates and heals the skin.
• Don't forget to cleanse and care for your neck, just as you care for your face. Neck skin ages the same way the skin on your face does.
  

Tips to Soak in about Moisturizing Your Skin

You should care for your skin by moisturizing it daily, immediately after your shower or bath, so that the skin is still warm and moist while applying. This facilitates a deeper penetration of the oils, as the skin's pores are open.
Be sure to choose a product that is suitable for your skin type, that doesn't make you feel greasy, and that will not clog your pores. To accomplish these goals you will need to stay away from petroleum based oils (such as baby oils) and ones that contain animal fat. These type oils are not absorbed by the skin and may irritate the skin as it forms a greasy layer on top it. In other words, the natural, earthy oils, ones that are plant and vegetable derived (warning, shameless company plug coming) such as the ones I make, are the best for your comfort and your skins' health.

Although there are variables, and certainly more to take into account when creating a recipe, there a really only two basic categories of oil to look at for your moisturizing needs. If your skin is dry or damaged, choose a rich, heavy oil, and if you have normal to oily skin, choose a lighter oil. It is probably best to try pure oils first, but you can always experiment by mixing two or more oils. Gels, such as aloe vera, are water based and do not blend well with oils. They are better used alone, on normal to oily skin.

Some rich, heavy oils are; olive, sesame, and safflowers.

Some finer, lighter oils are; jojoba, grapeseed, and avocados.

-Sunflower Oil is lightweight, but it has a slower absorption rate and may feel a bit oily on the skin as it soaks in. It is, however, very high in fatty acids and natural vitamin E, so it is a great product for your skin. You may want to use it in a bath, as a massage oil, or mixed.
-Sweet Almond Oil is also a light oil. It penetrates well, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It is very rich in oleic and linoleic (essential) fatty acids, making it a great oil for damaged skin. It also happens to be cholesterol free, and great to use for cooking. The flashpoint of this oil is high, so it is great to use when cooking stir fry!
-Jojoba oil is really a liquid wax, rather than a true oil. But it is excellent as a moisturizer, and is readily absorbed by the skin.
-Hazelnut Oil is gentle and non-greasy and is highly recommended for extremely dry skin. The only draw back to this oil is that is best kept refrigerated and only has about a three month shelf-life. Good news though, it is also a great oil to cook with.
-Caster Oil is a thick, viscous oil, and is also a humectant. This means that the oil actually acts to draws moisture to the skin. That more than makes up for the natural odor of the oil., if you have very dry skin.

Aside from oils, you can also use butters to moisturize. Probably one of the best known, Cocoa Butter is an edible vegetable fat, coming from the seeds/beans of the cacao plant. It has a mild chocolate flavor but the chocolate aroma is very intense. It is solid at room temperature and melts when it comes in contact with the heat from your skin.
-Shea Butter also presents as a solid and melts as it heats. It is obtained from the seed of the Shea Tree (Butyrospermum Parkii), which is common to west Africa. From these seeds a soft, pliant "butter" is expeller pressed without the use of chemical solvents. It is high in vitamin E and well known for its skin softening and moisture retaining abilities.
-Mango Butter, another solid until heated butter, is obtained from the fruit seed of the Mango Tree. It is an excellent skin lubricator and moisturizer, and counters the drying effects of commercial bar soaps and cleansers.

Wether you use a butter or an oil is a matter of personal preferance. The important thing is that you USE one, and do so as part of a daily regimine. Caring for your skin will not only make you look and feel better, but it will help to protect you against premature aging and disease. Your skin is the largest system of the body (the integamentary) and it is your bodys' first line of defense against destructive organisms. Protecting and maintaining the health and elasticity of your skin benefits your over-all health.

Reference materials; The World Beauty Book, by Jessica Harris, Readers Digest Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation, by Eva Gizowska, Natural Beauty at Home, by Janice Cox, and Nature's Beauty Kit, by Deb Carpenter.

Sniffing out the Origins of Herbal, Floweral and Essential Oil Treatments

Today we call it "aromatherapy" and say we are "getting back to nature," but herbs, spices, citrus, and various flora have been used to treat mental, medical and skin conditions for centuries. In fact, by comparison, man really just recently strayed from this God-given form of medicine, as modernization took over, and civilization grew into high-rise, concrete jungles. If you are my age and you ask your Grandmother what kind of medicine she took as a child, you might be surprised at her answer. Had civilization not leaped into the industrial revolution, you and I would have been taught the healing properties of herbs and flowers, just as naturally as we were taught to speak. The knowledge use to be passed down from generation to generation, but medicine and skin care, just like the evening meal, has moved from the fields and gardens, to the dollar menu at the drive through.


Most herbs have stories and myths that date back several hundred, if not thousands, of years. In deed, most herbs and many flowers (that essential oils are made from) have the roots of their origins in Greek and/or Roman mythology. This, alone is proof (enough) of their longevity and historical value.
Perhaps one of the longest known, if not best known floral treatment, is the rose. "Rosa" comes from the Greek, meaning red. The ancient rose is generally thought to have been crimson (red). Mythology has it that the rose sprung from the blood of Adonis (some say Venus), which is why it was crimson. Rose distilleries are documented to have existed as early as 1612, in Shiraz, a part of Persia. Did you know that it takes 10,000 pounds of rose petals to produce one pound of rose oil? No wonder they invented a mechanical way to cultivate it!

Here are some other tidbits on herbs and/or flowers;
-The Egyptians used sandalwood to embalm, in medicine, and as aromatherapy in religious rituals. In the 1800's the French used it to treat chronic bronchitis and urinary problems.
-Cleopatra was famous for bathing herself in milk and herbs to moisturize and smooth her skin. -Roman soldiers bathed in thyme filled tubs, as the herb was thought to inspire bravery.
-During the middle ages, thyme sprigs were woven into the scarves of the Knights that were going off to battle to inspire their bravery.
-Lavender was used by the Emperors of ancient Rome and Greece to scent their hair, body, bed and clothing. It was an herb of royalty. When the insect repellent properties were noted is not clearly defined, but the French have heavily cultivated lavender for many years, and are largely credited for promoting its many uses, if not developing them. Lavender is the, or one of the widest known, and most used, herb and essential oil. Lavender has a wide range of use and will have its own dedicated page on this blog in the near future.

Although I could fill pages upon pages relating information about mythological origins of essential oils and various herbs, don't worry, I am stopping! I'll close by telling you that there are over 300 known essential oils in the world. Each one has a whole list of properties that it possesses, however it is said that you can take (just) a certain ten of these EO's, and you will be able to create a "basic survival kit" which will sooth ailments from the common cold to heart palpitations. These ten are, purportedly, all your Great Grandmother, or the local Doctor, ever needed to treat anything that might have befell a family.

Next post, more recipes, then on everything you never thought you'd need to know about moisturizers.

Herbal Bath Recipes

Here are some bath blends to make your soak a therapeutic one! After each recipe, you'll find the indications for the ingredients. Remember to tie these ingredients in cheesecloth or muslin and toss into the bath, as it is filling, or hang from the faucet so that the water flows over the bag as your bath fills. You should allow at least 5 minutes of steeping before getting into the tub. Make sure you toss out all used herbs. Also note that the oatmeal should be the old fashion, uncooked type. ____Revitalizing Blend_________ 4 cup ginger root 1/4 cup dried parsley 1/2 cup grated lemon peel 2 Tbs. oatmeal (uncooked, old fashion type) Oatmeal softens the water. Lemon is cleansing and aromatic. Parsley is a skin tonic. Ginger root promotes circulation. ___Invigorating Bath___ 1/4 cup dried rosemary 1/4 cup dried sage 2 Tbs. oatmeal Rosemary relieves mental fatigue. Sage treats loss of concentration. Oatmeal softens the water. ___Stimulating Blend____ 1/4 cup dried basil 1/4 cup dried eucalyptus 1/4 cup dried peppermint Basil regenerates mental powers. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration. Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, and revitalizes. ______Citrus Tonic_________ 1/4 cup lemon peel 1/4 cup grated orange peel 1 Tbs. dried parsley 1 Tbs. dried comfrey Lemon treats lethargy. Orange fights depression and anxiety. Parsley stimulates.Comfrey is a mild antiseptic. ___Relaxing Bath Infusion_____ 1 Tbs. dried peppermint 1 Tbs. dried lavender buds 1 Tbs. dried eucalyptus leaves 1 Tbs. dried chamomile flowers Peppermint alleviates mental fatigue and lack of concentration, it revitalizes. Lavender relaxes, sooths, promotes rest and sleep, and restores balance to the body systems. Eucalyptus treats lack of concentration, and helps you to breath deeply. Chamomile calms you and helps to tone the skin. And, on a slightly different note..........Try a seaweed therapy bath treatment. It is very relaxing, and seaweed is rich in iodine and protein. These are directly absorbed through the pores in your skin, as you soak. This bath will help to detoxify, revive, remineralize, and stimulate the body as a whole. The aloe compliments the effects of the seaweed, helping to regenerate and sooth damaged or dry skin. _____Seaweed Therapy Bath____ 1/2 cup freeze-dried seaweed powder (next to fresh, freeze-dried powder is seaweed in its purest form). 1/4 cup aloe vera gel Pour the seaweed powder and the gel into the bath water, the relax in bath for 20 minutes. Pat skin dry and moisturize after bath. *Seaweed baths can be draining so do not overexert yourself immediately after the treatment. **Disclaimer** Any information I provide on oils, fragrances, herbs and/or butters is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition, nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. The information may not be complete, or entirely accurate. You should seek professional medical advice for any condition or ailment.

Soaking in Everything You Should Know About Soaking in a Bath

Did you know that the best time to take a bath was on an empty stomach? If you experience light-headedness when bathing in hot water, adding salt to your bathwater will alleviate your discomfort. You should drink plenty of water or herbal tea after a bath to replenish body fluids. Always apply moisturizer after bathing, while the skin is still moist and warm. This will allow the lotion to penetrate the outer layer of the skin Morning baths are primarily for relieving physical fatigue, stimulating the body, and eliminating toxins. They should be tonics and the ideal temperature [for a morning bath] is around 96.8 F/36 degrees C. Baths intended to sooth muscles or joints after intense physical exertion or after an extremely stressful afternoon should be between 104 and 107 degrees F (40-42 degrees C). Evening baths are meant to be relaxing, stress releasing, and in preparation for sleep. These baths should be between 98.6 and 102 degrees F (37-39 degrees C). _Aromatic Herbal Baths_________________ The ceremony of bathing in herbs has become a daily rite in many cultures, as they mark a return to the source for the body and the spirit. Depending upon the blend, herbal baths can be detoxifying and aromatic, and also intensely relaxing physically and spiritually. The particular herb, or combination of herbs, is dependent upon what effects are being sought. Do you want to soothe the skin, promote sleep, stimulate circulation, relieve muscle aches and pains, or simply enjoy an aromatic experience? Whatever the effect you are striving for, the concept remains same: you'll be drinking in the aroma while soaking in a giant cup of herbal tea! To brew an herbal bath you can; -Toss several herbal tea bags (yes, the kind you drink) directly into bath water. This is the easiest method. -Fill a piece of cheesecloth or muslin cloth with herbs, then tie shut. You can toss the bag into the tub or you can hang from the facet, so that the water runs through it as it fills the tub. This is the better method for a therapeutic experience, and is the method that I will be giving recipes for in my next post. All information for this section was gleened from the following reference books; The Wellness Center's Spa at Home, by Kalia Doner Readers Digest Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation by Eva Gizowska The Natural Bath and Beauty Book by Casey Kelar

Recipes for problems

Sooth BEE STINGs with a simple home recipe. Mix 1/4 cup of baking powder with 3-4 drops of chamomile oil or extract. Then, run the powder through a sifter a few times. When mixed well, add enough water to make a paste. Stirring in a little at a time to ensure the proper consistency. When you have the paste made, apply to the affected area and toss out the left over, as there is no shelf life. With help for BUG BITES, mix 1/4 cup of sweet oil (sweet oil is the purest form of olive oil. Ask your pharmacist for it if you cannot find it), 5 drops of eucalyptus, oregano pure, and thyme essential oils (you may use oregano extract instead of EO if you want), and 6 drops of chamomile essential oil. Mix together well and store in a dark, glass bottle. It is best to keep in a cool, dark location also. There is a 5-6 month shelf life, so you can make a batch & use it all summer long! For SUNBURNS mix equal amounts of aloe vera gel, plain yogurt, and apple cider vinegar. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator and be sure to shake before you use. Apply once an hour for the first three hours, then as desired. This mixture will remain good for 1-2 weeks. For PROBLEM SPOTS on your FACE (pimples and acne), mix 1tsp. of tea-tree extract, 2 tsp. of witch hazel, and 1/4 tsp of wintergreen oil. Mix all together and shake well. You may store in a bottle for about 6 months. Dab a cotton ball into the solution and dab onto the problem area. This mixture has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic and analgesic properties. **Again, the basic recipes are from the Good Earth Bath, Beauty and Health Book written by Casey Kellar. Now see how good this book is? It is definitely worth the money to purchase it!