By Margaret Badore / Source: TreeHugger

rosebath2.

Some of the oldest beauty treatments in the world incorporate flower petals and oils. Flowers not only enhance the fragrance of DIY recipes and can be used for aroma therapy, but they also have chemical properties that can be used to benefit your skin and hair. On the following pages, you’ll find different ways to add some flower power to your DIY beauty routine.

These recipes use oils, fresh petals and dried flowers. Regardless of whether you’re picking your own flowers or buying them, it’s important to avoid blooms that have been treated with pesticides. Look for organic ingredients whenever possible, because commercial flowers can be subjected to particularly heavy pesticide treatment.

rose-face

Rose petals are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which have been shown to protect cells and have anti-inflammatory properties. This scrub from the blog Hello Natural combines rose petals with the soothing benefits of chamomile flowers, plus a light oil for moisture and oatmeal for a bit more exfoliation. This scrub can be used for daily cleaning, and is great in combination with a steam treatment.

rose2

Facial steams can help improve circulation to the face and open pores, while this blend can help soothe skin. Plus, treating yourself to a facial steam can be incredibly relaxing. The petals of the calendula flower, also commonly called marigold or pot marigold, are anti-inflammatory. The camomile has been shown to have calming properties.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup dried caledula petals
1/4 cup dried camomile flowers

Instructions:
Boil 2 quarts of water and remove from heat. Add the flowers and let them steep for two minutes. Then, place your face at least 12 inches over the pot (getting too close can burn), and drape a towel over your head to create a tent over the pot. For an even more relaxing experience, you can add a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil. Allow the steam to bathe your skin for a minute and then come out for a few breaths of fresh air. You can repeat this process about five times.

After the steam, you can rinse your face with cool (not cold) water or a mild cleanser, and follow with a moisturizer.

If you don’t feel like mixing your own, LoveWild sells an all-organic facial steam mix.

rose3

Rose petals give this lip balm an extra pretty look, while also moisturizing with coconut oil and shea butter, and sweet almond oil. These are some of the best natural moisturizers around, and are great at fighting chapped lips. Sweet almond oil is high in vitamins E and A, and also contains a number of protective antioxidants, according to “Natural Beauty Alchemy” by Fifi M. Maacaron. You can make this recipe with either dried or fresh rose petals.

Get the full instructions for the rose lip balm at My Baking Addition, along with a recipe for lavender rosemary sugar scrub!

Read more @ TreeHugger