Bay leaf face tonic

For the vast majority of ordinary people, bay leaf is an aromatic seasoning suitable for soups, meat, and winter preparations. Someone will remember that winners have been crowned with laurel wreaths since ancient times. But not many people probably know that bay leaf lotion helps in skin care.

Bay tree - a symbol of love, victory and taste

According to ancient Greek mythology, laurel is a tree in memory of love. Apollo's beloved Daphne, tired of the persecution of a handsome god who was not dear to her heart, turned into a laurel tree, a wreath of whose leaves Apollo began to wear in memory of his beloved. The laurel tree has long been a symbol of beauty, success, and victory. Laurel leaves decorated not only victory wreaths, but also ordinary homes, giving the premises a subtle aroma of freshness. Since then, bay branches and leaves have been used as an aromatic seasoning for various culinary dishes.

Bay leaf: beneficial substances

The leaves and fruits of the laurel tree began to be used in ancient times as disinfectants - they were hung in rooms to get rid of unpleasant odors, boiled and the decoction was used as an antiseptic. Modern research has confirmed the presence of a huge number of active components in the leaves and fruits of laurel. This plant contains essential oils, phytoncides, tannins, bitterness, fatty acids, vitamins and microelements. Bay leaves and fruits are widely used to treat kidneys, joints, diabetes and allergies. It has been scientifically proven that preparations based on bay leaves can be used as:

1. antibacterial
2. antipyretic
3. astringent
4. immunostimulating
5. hemostatic
6. diuretic
7. anti-allergenic
8. antifungal
9. antimicrobial
10. anti-inflammatory
11. anticancer
12. decongestant
13. antiemetic.

Also, decoctions and infusions of laurel can be used as a means of increasing appetite and improving digestion. These folk medicines also have the ability to lower blood pressure. When using traditional medicine, it should be remembered that herbal medicines have contraindications, like traditional medicines. Decoctions, infusions based on leaves or fruits of the bay tree are not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with stomach and duodenal ulcers, with chronic constipation, blood clotting disorders, with acute and chronic kidney diseases. All this should be taken into account when deciding to use a decoction, infusion or lotion of bay leaves in the treatment of certain problems.

Bay leaf in cosmetology

Since bay leaves and fruits contain tannins, fatty acids, and have antibacterial activity, they should be used to treat acne and acne. There are not so many industrial cosmetics based on laurel, but they can be prepared at home. For example, bay leaf lotion will provide an effective cosmetic remedy for inflammation.

Raw materials for lotion

The bay tree is a resident of warm regions. The Mediterranean, Krasnodar Territory, the Caucasus, and in any region of the subtropical climate you can see this tree. In areas and countries where the seasons are not like the endless spring and summer, bay leaves can be purchased in a regular store, in the spice department. Or you can walk through the market and buy almost freshly picked branches with leaves. In any case, the leaves can be used both fresh and dry for preparing cosmetic lotions and decoctions. A lotion made from bay leaves for acne, the recipe of which may vary, will solve the problem with your appearance. In addition, in pharmacies you can purchase various additional ingredients that can complement a cosmetic product based on laurel - dry herbs and flowers, essential oils, vitamins.

How to make alcohol lotion?

To prepare an effective lotion from bay leaves at home, you can choose any recipe that suits your specific situation. After all, the leaves of the bay tree have many medicinal and cosmetic properties. They fight acne, inflammation, redness well, saturate the skin with anti-aging vitamins, and improve complexion. To make a very effective acne lotion from bay leaves, you can use the following recipe.

Prepare 100 grams of bay leaf and half a liter of vodka. Break the leaves, but do not crumble them, put them in a glass jar and fill them with vodka. Close the lid tightly and put the jar in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. Strain the contents of the jar through cheesecloth and squeeze. The lotion is ready! Since it is very concentrated and effectively fights total inflammation, it must be applied with a cotton swab only to the pimple! You can’t smear this product all over your face, it can cause irritation.

Vitamin bay lotion

Vitamin facial lotion from bay leaves is prepared based on a decoction. Wash 5 large bay leaves and dry on a paper towel. Place in an enamel bowl and pour 400 ml of boiling water. Place on the fire, bring to a boil, cover with a lid and boil for 3-4 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool at room temperature. When the broth has cooled, pour it into a glass bottle with a tight lid. Add 10 ml of liquid vitamins A and E to the decoction, which you can buy at the pharmacy. Close the bottle and shake. Before each use, the contents of the bottle must be shaken so that the components are evenly distributed. This product should be used for inflammation, applying it with a cotton swab to problem areas 2-3 times a day.

The vitamins in this product can be replaced with tea tree oil, then it will acquire the ability to effectively tone - the skin will be elastic and toned. A product based on bay leaf and tea tree oil can be applied all over the skin without fear of irritation.

More cosmetics with laurel

Another homemade beauty product uses chamomile and bay leaf. The lotion recipe is simple:

1. 100 gr. bay leaf
2. 200 gr. chamomile
3. 1 liter of boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the mixture of chamomile and bay leaves, cover with a lid and let cool at room temperature. Strain and squeeze out the resulting infusion. Store in a glass jar in a cool, shaded place. Use this lotion as a cleanser in the morning and evening, wiping the skin of the face and décolleté with a cotton pad.

Decoction-based invigorating remedy

The prepared bay leaf decoction can be used in interesting ways. Boil a few bay leaves in plain water, cool and pour into containers for making cocktail ice cubes. To freeze. As needed, when the skin needs to quickly return to a healthy color, invigorate, take such a cube out of the freezer and wipe your face, neck, décolleté, and hands with it. Ice cold homemade lotion made from bay leaves gets impressive reviews. As many women say, the effect is amazing - the skin will turn pink, become more elastic, even small wrinkles will disappear for a while.

Not only for acne, but also for freckles

Bay leaf lotion can be supplemented with various components. For example, add fresh cucumber juice to the decoction or infusion. It is best to do this just before use - pour the prepared laurel leaf decoction into a cup, squeeze out the juice of fresh cucumber into it, literally a tablespoon. Mix well and wipe your face with a cotton swab. This product can remove not only inflammation and acne, but also discolor freckles. Moreover, the effect of this cosmetic product will be noticeable after several regular uses.

Cosmetologists' opinion

Homemade cosmetics are very often used to keep the skin fresh and healthy. They do not contain aggressive components, as they are prepared mainly from vegetable raw materials. For example, the same acne lotion made from bay leaves. Even professional cosmetologists leave only good reviews about it. This product actively fights the problem of inflammation and acne, removes redness. Cosmetic preparations made from bay leaves in water help to maintain a healthy complexion, saturating the skin with vitamins and microelements, without drying it out. One little secret from professional beauty assistants: clay masks can be diluted not with water, as indicated in the instructions, but with herbal decoctions. For example, boil 5 bay leaves for several minutes in 100 ml of water, cool and strain, and then dilute the clay mask. The effect of such a procedure will be much more effective and noticeable.

Buy or cook?

Bay leaf lotion is a good remedy for home cosmetology. It is not difficult to prepare it yourself, since it does not require a huge number of components or complex production technology. In addition, homemade cosmetics always contain natural ingredients, without harmful “chemicals”. Naturally, if you wish, you can buy bay leaf-based cosmetics ready-made, which are produced by the cosmetics industry. But there are not so many such products most often in pharmacies you can find ointments for joints based on laurel leaves. So it’s easier to make bay cosmetics yourself, spending only half an hour of personal time and ten rubles on a bay leaf from the spice department in the nearest store.

Lavrushka is truly a multifunctional product. Not only is not a single borscht preparation complete without it, but with the help of these leaves you can also take care of problematic facial skin. Every girl should know what helps and how to use bay leaves for acne.

Bay leaf for acne

Cosmetological properties of bay leaf

The benefits of using bay leaves in home care are explained by its rich composition:

1. essential oil
2. organic acids (caproic, acetic)
3. tannins
4. saturated fatty acids
5. vitamins of group B, PP, A, C
6. such micro and macroelements as zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium, manganese, etc.

As part of masks, lotions and tonics, these bay leaf components help fight acne, as they are excellent antiseptics, tighten pores, normalize sebum secretion, soothe inflammation, cleanse the skin and lighten it a little.

In addition, laurel helps renew the skin, smooth out fine wrinkles and tone the skin. As a result, the skin becomes elastic and silky.

And the unique properties don’t end there. Leaves from the tree of winners are the secret remedy for beautiful hair of Georgian girls. A decoction is made from them to rinse hair after washing.

Bay leaf essential oil

Laurel leaf oil deserves special attention. It may not be as popular as tea tree oil or lavender oil, but it is in no way inferior to them in its antiseptic qualities. Thick viscous ether is perfect for eliminating pustular inflammation, acne and blackheads. Plus it will help get rid of age spots and restore the protective skin barrier. It is used to treat even serious skin diseases such as psoriasis or eczema.

Application nuances

Those who don’t want to bother with mixing masks or preparing infusions are advised to enrich their daily cream with essential oils, but in the case of laurel you need to be extremely careful. After all, it is classified as an aggressive oil, and if there are no serious skin problems, it is better to choose another essential oil or add it in small quantities (1-2 drops) to other oils.

Laurel essential oil works well in conjunction with base oils: wheat germ, argan, sesame, etc., as well as with essential oils of sage, lavender, rosemary, pine, lavender, juniper, lemon, tangerine, clove, mint, etc.

Lotions, decoctions and tonics from bay leaves

Recipes for homemade bay leaf products are not at all expensive and are easy to prepare.

Acne toner

Prepare a half-liter glass jar, 4-5 bay leaves and 400 ml of hot water. Fill the leaves with water, close the jar with a lid and leave to infuse for 2-3 hours. Then strain the infusion. If desired, you can add 2 drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oil to the tonic. Wipe your face with this product in the morning and before bed.

A bay leaf acne tonic prepared according to this recipe helps not only eliminate existing inflammations, but also prevents the formation of new ones, while simultaneously caring for the skin.

Alcohol based lotion

You will need 10 gr. bay leaves (usually the weight of a standard bag from the store) and vodka in a 1:2 ratio. The crushed leaves are placed in a glass container and poured with vodka. Then the product is infused in a dark place at room temperature for about 14 days. The finished lotion must be filtered and applied to the face pointwise, i.e. only on problem areas.

This acne lotion made from bay leaves is recommended for those with oily skin types who are prone to breakouts. But you need to use it no longer than 10 days. If the product begins to dry out the skin too much, you can dilute it with 50-100 ml of clean boiled water. In this case, you can wipe your entire face with it.

You should also not replace vodka with other alcohol-containing drinks, such as moonshine or alcohol. This way you risk burning your skin. And choose high-quality vodka you shouldn’t skimp on your appearance.

Ice cubes

Brew bay leaves like regular tea - 3 leaves per glass of boiling water. When the infusion has cooled, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. Wipe your face with bay ice every morning. This will be an excellent toning and cleansing of the skin from bacteria that cause acne.

Decoction

Take 5 g. bay leaves and 300 ml of water. Boil water in a saucepan, then add bay leaf and leave to boil for another 15-20 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the stove, let the broth cool and pass through gauze folded in two layers. Now you can wash your face with it morning and evening.

This decoction is suitable for girls with dry skin. Its regular use for three weeks guarantees a reduction in blackheads and pimples.

Decoction for oral administration

Brew 3-4 bay leaves in a glass of boiling water and let stand for about an hour. The drink is drunk in small portions throughout the day.

The decoction helps cleanse the body from the inside, which makes the skin healthier and inflammation disappears. However, you don’t need to get carried away with the drink either for the first time, a course of three days will be enough. Perhaps already during this time a visible effect will appear.

Restrictions

Like every herbal component, bay leaves have contraindications for use. Thus, it should be avoided by pregnant women, as well as those who are breastfeeding.

If you have serious kidney problems and are individually intolerant to the drug, it will also have to be excluded from home care. Otherwise, be it a drink or even a lotion with bay leaf, it will not help, but will only harm your health.

You should not drink bay infusion if you suffer from constipation. This ban also applies to people with cancer.

Many people experience acne from time to time. There are quite a few reasons for this problem. These include dietary disorders, chronic diseases, and hormonal imbalances.

To cope with pathology, you can use bay leaf. This product contains a large amount of vitamins, organic acids and other components that improve skin condition.

Composition and beneficial properties

The product is obtained by drying the leaves of the noble laurel. It contains many organic acids, essential oils and other active ingredients that produce a pronounced healing effect on the human body.

The composition and properties of laurel leaves are given in the table:

Principle of action on the skin

Home remedies based on bay leaves have bactericidal properties and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to this, the composition becomes more effective and successfully copes with acne.

They have a number of positive effects on the problematic dermis:

1. tone
2. produce a disinfecting effect
3. improve metabolic processes inside cells
4. increase the elasticity of the dermis
5. tighten pores.

Positive changes are due to the presence of unique substances in the composition of laurel. The leaf extract of this plant is actively used to make cosmetics that are aimed at eliminating wrinkles.

The product has antioxidant properties, eliminates free radicals from cells, which makes the dermis more elastic and smooth.

How to use bay leaf for acne at home?

You can use this product at home in various ways. Bay leaves for acne can be added to masks, tonics, and lotions. These products have a beneficial effect on the epithelium and effectively cope with acne.

Decoction

This product is usually used for rubbing the skin and washing. A decoction of bay leaves is recommended for external use.

There are several ways to prepare this product:

1. Place 5 leaves in a small saucepan, add 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until volume is reduced by a third. Cool and use for rubbing.

The product has a mattifying effect and copes with excess sebum. It is best to use this product in the morning.

1. Take 3-4 small leaves, add 250 ml of boiling water, wrap and leave to infuse. Use the cleanser twice a day – morning and evening.
2. Take 10 leaves per 250 ml of boiling water. This is a very strong decoction that is ideal for local compresses and rubbing the skin. To do this, just soak a cotton pad in the product and apply it to the affected areas of the dermis. Hold for 5 minutes.

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Baths

If you have acne on your body, you can take baths with the addition of bay leaves. To do this, you can make a decoction using the first method and pour it into the bath.

The duration of the procedure should not exceed 15 minutes. This method is absolutely safe. It is suitable even for children with skin problems.

If acne occurs on the face, you can use steam baths. To prepare a medicinal product, you need to put 4 leaves in a saucepan, add 1 liter of water and boil.

Wrap the container in a towel, then, covered with a blanket, bend over the pan. The duration of this procedure should be 15 minutes. It is not recommended to bend very low to avoid burning your skin.

After completing the procedure, you need to carefully dry the skin. To do this, carefully apply a clean towel to your face. Then you can apply toner and lubricate your face with moisturizer.

Method of preparing masks

To cope with acne, you can use effective mask recipes based on bay leaves. There are various ways to prepare such products.

The most effective means include the following:

1. Make a decoction of bay leaves. Take blue or white clay and mix with the broth to obtain a thick consistency. Keep on your face for 20 minutes, then wash.

Then immediately use a toner or moisturizer. This recipe is ideal for those with oily skin.

1. Beat the egg white until thick foam is obtained, add chopped tomato, 2 tablespoons of bay leaf decoction and 1 tablespoon of yeast. Mix all ingredients and apply to face for a quarter of an hour.

Then you need to wash your face and rinse your skin with chamomile infusion or green tea. This composition helps to cope with inflammation, dry out acne, and make the skin fresher and healthier.

1. Grind bay leaves using a coffee grinder. Take 1 large spoon of powder and add hot water to obtain the consistency of a thick paste. Add 1 large spoon of sour cream and leave for 10 minutes. Keep for 15 minutes.

Lotion

This composition literally transforms the skin. However, you should be careful. Many products contain vodka, which has a drying effect. Therefore, they should be used no more than once a day.

To get an effective lotion, you need to take a small jar with a capacity of 100-200 ml. It must be filled to the top with crushed leaves, add vodka and put it in a dark place for 2-3 weeks. It is recommended to shake the composition periodically.

The resulting product is used to wipe the inflamed areas of the dermis. It is recommended to store the finished composition in the refrigerator.

If you want a milder remedy, it is better to prepare an infusion. To do this, you need to fill the jar with leaves in the same way and add hot water. It is recommended to infuse the composition for 3-4 hours.

Then the liquid must be filtered and refrigerated. Use to wipe the skin up to 5 times a day. To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, you can add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the product.

Video: Lotion for problem skin

Tonic

This product should be used after basic skin care procedures. It helps tighten pores, combats oily shine, eliminates inflammation and has an antimicrobial effect.

To prepare a tonic, you will need a tincture based on bay leaves. You need to take 2 teaspoons of this product and mix it with a glass of warm water.

You need to wipe the skin with the resulting composition once a day. The duration of use of the composition should not be more than 2 weeks. During the cold season, you should not apply tonic before going outside.

Contraindications

Although the product has a good effect on the condition of the skin, formulations based on it have certain contraindications.

Key restrictions on the use of the composition internally include the following:

1. pregnancy
2. lactation
3. peptic ulcer of the digestive system
4. tendency to constipation
5. diabetes.

Photo: Before and after

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At the same time, it is very important to choose the right recipe for a product based on this product and use it regularly. If side effects occur, you should consult a dermatologist.