Cold weather is on its way and the winter season is just around
the corner. What does this mean to your skin? Cold weather can
be damaging to your skin. If your face is not properly
protected, it can dry out, crack, and wrinkle! It is imperative
to have a good moisturizer. But do we need a toner too?

For years I concentrated on cleansers and moisturizers,
neglecting toners. The only time a toner was used was when I
purchased a complete skin care regimen set that contained a
toner at the department store. When I began to make my own skin
care products, I was concerned mainly with lotions and
moisturizers. I finally began to realize that a toner has many
benefits that I was missing out on by not including it in my
daily skincare program:

o Removes traces of cleanser that was left behind after cleansing
o Help restore your skin to its nature acid PH
o Refresh your skin throughout the day
o Set make up
o Adds additional moisture
o Conditions the skin

One thing to remember is to keep it simple. Prepare a toner
that can be used for both a toner and a refresher. Before you
make your toner, be sure to have the bottle available for
storage. A good choice is a spray bottle, so you can use your
toner as a refresher throughout the day. Be sure to store your
toner in a cool place, the refrigerator is ideal. You may use a
cotton ball to apply your toner after cleansing and also spritz
throughout the day.

A couple of easy toners you can make to help nourish, protect,
and moisturize your skin during the winter are the PH Toner,
Herbal Refresher, and the Aloe Soother.

PH Toner

1Cups distilled water
4 TBS Bragg's Apple Cider vinegar(or any other nature non-
distilled apple vinegar)
10 drops of rose oil
8 drops of chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients in your bottle of choice and shake
vigorously before each use. You may use a cotton ball to apply
your toner after cleansing and spritz throughout the day.

Herbal Refresher

1 cup witch hazel
½ cup distilled water
1 chamomile tea bag
10 drops of Lavender Oil
6 drops Sandlewood Oil

Heat water to boil and steep the tea bag in the water for 15
minutes. Add the chamomile water to the witch hazel and add
essential oil. Shake before each use.

Aloe Soother

½ cup aloe vera gel
1 cup distilled water
10 drops chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients and shake well before each use.

All three toner recipes are great to help you get through the
cold and wintery harsh months that follow. Your skin will thank
you by remaining soft, refreshed and healthy.

Author's Bio: 

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health,herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. For more information vist Danielle's website http://www.wrapyourselfslim.com This article is copyright (c) 2003 by Danielle Sims, and may be reprinted in it's entirety as long as this byline and copyright statement is included.