Calendula and comfrey have skin-softening properties. They can be used in a facial sauna or to make herbal or floral waters. Comfrey also reduces redness and soothes irritated skin.

Add 5 drops of В lavender oilВ  or oat extract to bath water. After the bath, apply diluted evening primrose oil or aloe vera cream.

Drink teas of В chamomile, dandelion or peppermint.

Borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendulaВ  tea also helps improve the skin. Add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water and drink daily.

Tea tree oil has been known to penetrate into the skin’s cellular level. Add 1 drop of oil to your favorite day or night cream to help moisturize and smooth skin.

Herbal Facial Sauna

A weekly facial sauna using the herbs chamomile, lavender, and peppermint is good for dry skin.

Using a glass or enameled pot, simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the steam if you wish.

After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or pat it dry with a towel. Then either apply a good natural moisturizer or facial oil, or apply a clay mask.

After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cotton ball after cleansing.