How to Make a Marigold Facial Mask

Marigold, also known as calendula, is valued in skin care preparations for its abilities to soften and heal. Because of its cell-rejuvenating properties, marigold helps blemished or sun-burned skin repair itself, while it soothes skin irritations and reduces redness. Make a marigold facial mask from the flower petals of the plants in your garden or purchase dried marigolds from health and beauty stores.

Things You'll Need

• Marigold (calendula) flowers or petals, dried or fresh
• Chamomile flowers, dried or fresh
• Almond oil
• Carrots
• Lecithin granules
• Wheat germ oil
• Honey powder
• Spa facial clay
• Non-fat dry milk
• Oatmeal
• Aloe vera gel
• Calendula or marigold extract
• Lemon juice
• Yogurt
• Orange flower water
• Glycerin
• Witch hazel

Instructions

1. Boil 1/2 cup water and add 1 tbsp. each of marigold and chamomile flowers. They may be dried or fresh. Let them steep for 10 minutes. Slightly cook 1 tbsp. carrots and mash them well in a small bowl. Add 1/4 tsp. almond oil and mix. Pour in the liquid from the steeped flowers, along with 1 tbsp. lecithin granules and 1 tsp. wheat germ oil. Blend all ingredients well. A blender or food processor can be used for a smoother texture. After cleansing the face and neck, pat the marigold facial onto the skin, keeping away from the eyes. Relax for 15 minutes and remove with a warm wash cloth, followed by a warm water rinse.

2. Combine 1 tsp. honey powder with 1 tsp. each of spa facial clay and non-fat dry milk. Mix in 1 tsp. finely ground oatmeal. In a small container, mix 1 1/2 oz. aloe vera juice with 1/2 oz. calendula or marigold extract. Blend the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients to make a smooth paste. Wash the face and neck and pat dry. Spread the facial mixture onto the skin, staying clear of the eyes. Let the mixture dry and wash off with a warm washcloth, removing all residue.

3. Measure 2 tsp. plain, unflavored yogurt into a small bowl and add 2 tsp. of fresh or dried marigold flowers or petals. Mix in five drops lemon juice and incorporate all ingredients well. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes before applying to cleansed skin of the face and neck. Keep away from the eyes. After 10 minutes, rinse off with warm water.

4. Steep 1 tbsp. marigold flowers or petals in 1/2 cup boiling water for 15 minutes. Pour the liquid into a bowl and add 1 tbsp. aloe vera gel, 1/2 tsp. witch hazel, 1/2 tsp. orange flower water and 5 drops of calendula or marigold extract. Mix in 1/2 tsp. glycerin and 1 tbsp. honey. Combine all ingredients well and decant into an amber or blue glass bottle to keep light from affecting the mixture. Let it stand for one to two days before using. Shake the mixture and dab with the fingertips onto clean face and neck skin, but not the eye area. After 10 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Store in a cool, dark place for not more than six months.

Resources

• All Natural Beauty Site
• Therapy Garden Site
• Beauty Channel Site
• Cranberry Lane Site
• From Nature With Love Site