Astringent lotions

Astringent lotions is largely used to remove the oiliness of the skin and close pores. It is normally applied on the exposed parts of the skin such as chin, forehead and sides of the nose. But avoid using strong astringent lotion as its overuse removes the protective layer that helps to keep the water in the skin leaving it tight and dehydrated. On the contrary, applying suitable mild astringent lotion keeps the skin smooth and beautiful. Lemon juice and cucumber are good natural astringent. The main ingredients in an astringent lotion are alum, glycerin and water.

Applying homemade astringent lotion on skin regularly removes harmful facial oils and is effective in closing the clean pores and removing acnes. After cleansing, use astringent lotion that helps in removing the last traces of dirt, oil and makeup to clean deep down to the pores. Astringent lotion can also be used to refresh your skin morning and night.

Following are homemade astringent lotions, which you can prepare easily at your home:

1. Rosemary astringent lotion

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon of rosemary powder

1 tablespoon of orange peels

2 tablespoon of lemon peels

½ teaspoon of sodium benzoate

¼ brandy

30 mint leaves

One cup of rose water

Method: Take a cup of rose water and soak lemon peels, mint leaves and orange peels in it by boiling for at least one hour. Mix all of them well and store the mixture in a bottle and apply it regularly on the skin.

2. Soft skin lotion

Ingredients:

One cup of dried chamomile and milk each

4 tablespoons of honey

8 teaspoons of wheat germ

Method: Steep chamomile in milk for 24 hours and then strain it. Put wheat germ and honey to the mixture and blend it well. Keep the prepared lotion into an air tight bottle and use it when required.

3. Lemon astringent

Ingredients:

4 teaspoon of lemon juice

8 teaspoon of witch hazel

2 teaspoon of alcohol

½ teaspoon of peppermint extract

Method: Mix all the ingredients together. Strain and pour the mixture into an air-tight bottle. This lotion is good for oily skin.

4. Honey astringent

Ingredients:  

2 teaspoon honey

2 teaspoons nutmeg

2 teaspoons coriander seed

4 teaspoons of grated lemon peel

1 teaspoon of cloves

8 teaspoon of alcohol

½ teaspoon benzoin

4 teaspoon orange flower water

½ teaspoon storax

8 teaspoons of rose water

Method: Prepare a lotion of all the ingredients by mixing them well. Pour this lotion in a large bottle for 24 hours to 48 hours. Then it is ready for use.

5. Sage astringent lotion

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons dried sage

3 tablespoons witch hazel

4 tablespoons vodka

¼ teaspoon of borax

Few drops of honey

Method: First steep the sage in vodka for fifteen days and strain. Then add borax dissolved in honey and witch hazel to it. Pour the mixture in a bottle and use it regularly.

6. Sandalwood astringent lotion

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons of sandalwood oil

2 teaspoons of almond oil

4 tablespoons of orange flower extract

1 tablespoon of honey

4 tablespoons of rose water

5 gm sodium bicarbonate

Method: Mix al the ingredients together and shake well. Store the lotion in an air tight bottle and keep it in a refrigerator. Apply the lotion on the skin regularly for good result.

7. Camphor Astringent

Ingredients:

½ cup rose water

½ cup witch-hazel

½ cup distilled water

1 tablespoon camphor spirit

2 drops blue coloring

Method: Mix all the ingredients well. Strain and store the mixture in a bottle. To the astringent stronger, you can add a pinch of alum. The lotion is effective if a person is suffering from large pores and spots.