DIY Calendula-Lavender Cleansing Grains
I first learned about cleansing grains in Rosemary Gladstar's book, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, and have been amazed at how well they clean and exfoliate the skin.
The wonderful thing about cleansing grains is they are extremely gentle. Much different to regular facial scrubs, cleansing grains can be used on a daily basis (and in place of a facial cleanser).
In fact, these are usually recommended as a facial cleanser.
They also double as a face mask. Just leave on the face for 15 minutes before wiping off with a warm washcloth. (I wouldn't do a face mask every day. But, they can be used as a mask when needed/desired).
To learn more about using clay as a face mask see: How to make Facial Masks with Clay
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Kaolin clay
1/4 cup ground oats
1/8 cup almond flour
4 drops lavender essential oil
2 teaspoons ground calendula flowers (use calendula flower powder or grind your own from dried calendula)
optional: ground sunflower seeds
optional: ground lavender and/or chamomile flowers
Method:
All ingredients should be ground to a fine powder. In some instances, they already area and you simply need to mix them together. But, if some ingredients are a little coarse (the ground oats, almond flour, or flower powder, for example), pulse in a coffee grinder until they become fine.
Mix all ingredients together in a clean bowl, with non-metallic utensils (a bamboo chopstick or wooden spoon will work).
Pour into a jar and close lid. Add a label.
To use:
Mix 1 teaspoon of the mixture with enough water, cooled herbal tea, or hydrosol to make a paste. Massage into the skin, avoiding eyes. Wash off with warm water. Follow with a facial toner and lotion or moisturizing serum.
