Creating a home facial routine is an essential step for healthy glowing skin. To get started just follow these 4 steps.

1. CLEANSE. Start your facial with a thorough cleansing of the skin. Try this recipe from Rosemary Galdstar’s Family Herbal book.
    

Exfoliating Grains:
2 cups white clay (available at health food stores & herb shops or online)
1 cup finely ground oats
¼ cup finely ground almonds
1/8 cup finely ground lavender
1/8 cup finely ground roses
 

Combine all ingredients. To use, mix 1-2 tsp of cleansing grains with distilled water. Stir into a paste and gently massage on the face. Rinse with warm water. Variation: Raw honey can be added. Note: Once prepared, the grains are only fresh for a few days.

1. STEAM: An herbal facial steam is a wonderful way to deeply cleanse and rejuvenate the skin while absorbing the pure essence of beneficial herbs. In a large pot, bring 2-3 quarts of water to a boil, toss in herbs: roses, marigolds, calendula, chamomile and lavender blossoms. Simmer for a few minutes. Transfer to a heatproof surface and drape a large towel over your head and the mixture to allow the herbal properties into your skin. You can always lift corner of towel for a breath of cool air if needed. Steam for 5-8 minutes.

2. MASK: Raw honey is antibacterial, highly moisturizing, smoothing, healing and softening for the skin. It is great for both oily and dry skin. Apply raw honey to the face. Leave on for approximately 5 minutes. Rinse with tepid water and follow with warm wash cloth to remove the rest.

3. MASSAGE. Choose high quality oil, such as olive, grapeseed, apricot, jojoba and mix with lavender or rose essential oils for dry skin and rosemary or tea tree for oily skin. Use 2-3 drops per tablespoon. Always stroke upward and outward. You can use circular motions and long sweeping motions up and away from the face.

If it is evening and you are ready for a restful night’s sleep, you can leave the oils on the skin. If it is morning, follow your morning skin care routine and enjoy.

Kate Gureki is an Esthetician and owner of Blue Morpo Organic Skin Spa. The spa is located at 320 Fourth Ave in Indialantic. For appointments or more information call 321-698-2368 or visit www.bluemorphoskinspa.blogspot.com.