If you’re like me you want something in your morning/evening routine that’s simple, fast, and good for your skin. I sometimes use a homemade honey facewash, but I like to follow up my cleanser with a port tightening toner. This DIY toner with apple cider vinegar is the perfect way to wake up in the morning with invigorating mint!
How Does a DIY Toner Work?
A toner is a product that tightens and reduces the appearance of pores. A face wash will cleanse and remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil, but it won’t minimize the pores.
Using the right toner will also restore the skin’s pH. Skin is supposed to have a pH of about 5.5, but soap has a pH between 7 and 10. A toner helps restore the acid balance on our skin which helps keep out harmful pathogens. This is also why I don’t use alcohol on my skin or DIY hand sanitizer... it destroys the protective acid mantle.
Why an Apple Cider Vinegar Toner?
Raw apple cider vinegar is acidic, which helps to restore the skin’s proper pH. When pH is happy our skin won’t be too dry or oily and there’s fewer acne and blemishes. Mint is refreshing and invigorating, but it also doubles as an astringent to tighten pores. This herb is also great for acne and clear skin since it’s anti-inflammatory.
This toner can be made two ways, as an infusion, or with essential oil.
To make an herbal toner infusion:
Fill a clean glass jar halfway full of dried mint or stuffed full of fresh mint. Pour raw apple cider vinegar on top of the herb until the jar is full. If you’re using fresh herbs be sure that no plant material is sticking up out of the vinegar or it may mold. Close the jar and let it sit for 2-3 weeks. Once the vinegar has infused, strain and discard the herbs.
Benefits of Mint for Skin
Peppermint may not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to toner. Toothpaste maybe, but on the face?? This herb can work wonders in a skin regimen though. Peppermint is stimulating and refreshing, helps balance oil production, and soothes. It can calm skin irritation and improves attention and focus. Despite its long list of impressive benefits, I regret to say peppermint won’t clean the kitchen for you though.
Refreshing Mint and Apple Cider Vinegar Toner
A skin soothing mint toner to tighten pores and refresh skin.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup herb infused raw apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup distilled water or floral hydrosol (witch hazel, lavender and rose and chamomile are all good options)
- 10 drops mint essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a glass bottle.
- Store away from direct light and heat.
- After cleansing, apply liberally to the face with a cotton swab or DIY reusable facial wipe. If using the essential oil, shake vigorously before each use.
Notes
Be sure to not get this around or on the eyes! Acid and mint in the eye is not any fun.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Thanks for sharing the process and the ingredients, where did you buy the apple cider vinegar? Is it safe to use for sensitive skin?
xo,
~Pauline @Kallony
I’m sorry Pauline but I just saw your comment! I bought Bragg’s raw and unpasteurized acv at my local Kroger. You can find it at any health food store or grocery store with a good health food section. From my experience it’s safe on sensitive skin, but you can do a patch test on your arm first to make sure. Just put a few drops onto the arm and leave for 24 hours. If any redness or irritation occurs then don’t use it.
would this help with breakouts and acne? I have very oily skin and huge pores.
Yes! It’s wonderful for breakouts and acne. I would add a quality tea tree (melaleuca) and lavender essential oils along with the mint to really help with the acne. It’s a toner so it will help to reduce large pores.