Restorative Face Mask

The Rose Family

"The rose is a rose,

And was always a rose.

But the theory now goes

That the apple's a rose,

And the pear is, and so's

The plum, I suppose.

The dear only knows

What will next prove a rose.

You, of course, are a rose -

But were always a rose. "

-Robert Frost

     

     I am turning 34 years old this year and although I enjoy the respect that comes with getting older I do not enjoy the fact that I am still fighting acne breakouts on my skin. As a teenager I dealt with the usual hormonal acne and was quite relieved when I got old enough to notice clearer skin. Unfortunately acne doesn’t go away at the end of puberty and different factors in my life are still contributing to breakouts on my skin.

     I am grateful for discovering just how amazing natural skin care can be.

     As a teen I would use any product that promised clearer skin regardless of what side effects may be attached. I remember one clarifying lotion I used that was so harsh it actually bleached the fabric of my pillow case! Now that I am older, and wiser, I look for skin care that will do good things for me without any harsh chemicals. 

     The naturally inspired skin care created at Time Laboratories is by far the best I have ever used. In fact the high quality and gentle, yet effective, skin care products they offer are what got me interested in working for them. After using their elderberry cleansing mousse 6 years ago I have yet to try anything else! I encourage you to visit their shop and browse through their great Salon & Spa catalog to find the best cleansers, toners, serums, and creams for your skin. There are so many options!

     Today, however, I am here to share one of my all-time favorite recipes that you can make at home to keep your skin healthy and clean. Face masks have always been a popular DIY spa treatment and you can find recipes all over the internet but if you are wanting a simple and effective mask with natural ingredients look no further.

     The base of this restorative face mask is Argiletz IlliteFrench Green Clay. This clay powder is rich in minerals and is excellent at absorbing excess moisture and toxins when applied to the skin. I am not surprised that an esteemed french doctor, Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz, boasts big results when he used this clay to help treat people with leprosy! A little bit goes a long way 1 or 2 tablespoons is all this mask requires and it is important to use glass, wood, or ceramic containers because the clay will actually leech the chemicals out of many plastic and metal containers and utensils. (By the way this clay can also be taken internally for a number of digestion complaints).

     The next product we will be using in our face mask is an ounce or two of Bulgarian Rose Hydrolat, or flower water. Rose Essential Oil is very popular for dry, mature, and problem skin but the high cost limits most people from utilizing it. A great alternative is the Rose hydrolat. During the distillation process the essential oil is separated from the water of the plant and the water that is left over still contains some of the essence and fragrance of the plant. This is a less expensive yet effective way to use the essence of rose!

     The final element of our mask is 1 or 2 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil. Frankincense is healing to the skin and helps rejuvenate dry, cracked, wrinkled, or mature skin while also helping to tighten pores and slow down the signs of aging. I also love the smell!

      With just these three ingredients you can treat yourself to an easy, effective, and luxurious at home spa treatment.

Recipe:

-1 TBS Argiletz Green Clay

-A splash of Bulagarian Rose Hydrolat (you want to wet the clay, but not soak it)

-1-2 Drops of Frankincense Essential Oil

Directions:
     Start with about 1 Tbs. French green clay powder in a ceramic or glass dish. Slowly add Bulgarian Rose Hydrolat and stir with a wooden or glass utensil until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. (Adding more clay or floral water until you reach the consistency  you like). Add 1 - 2 drops of Frankincense essential oil and continue mixing. Once you get the desired consistency apply the mask to clean, dry skin. Leave the mask on your skin until it has dried. Gently wipe face with warm washcloth. Pat dry. Apply moisturizer.
     We recommend our Dermacalm Body Butter for a non-greasy, skin soothing, facial creme. Designed to hydrate skin and repair tissue in dry, sensitive, and mature skin.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Written By:

Phil Shepard

Store Manager

Time Laboratories

About Phil

Phil Shepherd is an avid aromatherapy enthusiast who enjoys working for Time Laboratories and Windrose Aromatics. As a southeast Idaho native, Phil enjoys working in his local community theater and spending time at home with his husband and his pets.
Phil loves working with aromatherapy, particularly making custom fragrance blends. Phil manages the local retail outlet for Time Laboratories, is a proud NAHA volunteer, and feels privileged to have had the opportunity to work closely with a pioneer of American aromatherapy, Ms. Annemarie Buhler.