Juniper makes a very good aromatic water for cleansing and toning the skin. As an astringent and antiseptic juniper is good for oily skin and acne. Juniper stimulates the circulation and acts as a blood purifier, making it useful for eczema, dermatitis,and perhaps psoriasis. You can use juniper berry in herb form as a tea/and or skin wash as well as using the essential oil in skin care blends.

Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is a popular form of treating acne, but can dry the skin because of the astringent properties of lemon. Essenital oil of lemon, diluted in either aloe gel, or as part of a facial oil blend is a gentler choice. Calendula's orange petals are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, properties that can relieve acne. You can use calendula oil in combination with other oils, and in creams and lotions to treat your skin. Calendula also makes a gentle and soothing fash wash. A lotion made from one cup of fresh calendula blossoms simmered in two cups of milk is an excellent wash for the complexion.

Using Herbs to detoxify

Blood purifying acne treatments:Dandelion root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria,toxins and excess hormones, including the androgens that trigger acne breakouts. Burdock root also serves the same purpose, helping to fight acne breakouts from the inside out. Make these tonic herbs a part of your general health regimen. A favorite of the old writers is a little known herb called Fumitory :M. Grieve mentions "the infusion of the leaves of the above-described plant is said to be an excellent specific for removing these freckles and clearing the skin. The herb can be taken as a tea, or the infusion is used as a pack or compress for skin problems.

Using Aromatherapy

Natural facial treatments for acne: Use pure essential oils that are astringent and antiseptic, blend with light carrier oils and apply lightly to troubled skin. Juniper, lemon,and Sandalwood oil are all good for oily skin and acne. ³ Lavender or tea tree essential oils can be used undiluted for acne, just dot a few drops onto individual blemishes with a cotton swab as needed.

Herbs Used for Acne

Aloe * Burdock * Calendula * Cedar * Dandelion * Fumitory * Juniper * Kukui Nut Oil * Lavender * Lemon * Sandalwood * Tamanu Oil * Tea Tree *

Aloe vera gel For: Acne
Profile	Applying a thin layer of aloe vera gel will help ease discomfort caused by painful skin irritations and acne.

Calendula For: Acne, antibacterial
Profile	Calendula's orange petals are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, properties that can relieve acne. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Dandelion root For: Acne, excess hormones
Profile	Dandelion root helps the body dispose of unwanted skin bacteria,toxins and excess hormones, including the androgens that trigger acne breakouts. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Fumitory For: Skin tonic, freckles, acne
Profile	French and German physicians still prefer it to most other medicines as a purifier of the blood; while sometimes the dried leaves are smoked in the manner of tobacco, for disorders of the head. Dr. Cullen, among its good effects in cutaneous disorders, mentions "the infusion of the leaves of the above-described plant is said to be an excellent specific for removing these freckles and clearing the skin" (Grieve, M.,329) Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Juniper essential oil For: Acne, Skin Toner
Profile	Juniper oil makes a very good aromatic water for cleansing and toning the skin. As an astringent and antiseptic juniper is good for oily skin and acne. Juniper stimulates the circulation and acts as a blood purifier, making it useful for eczema, dermatitis,and perhaps psoriasis. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Lavender Oil For: Acne
Profile	Acne responds to gentle herbal oil treatments that are much lighter and less harsh than over-the-counter chemicals. . Dot essential oils of lavender, tea tree and lemon on blemishes to kill bacteria. You can also blend essential oils with light, astringent facial oils like almond and grapeseed.

Lemon For: Acne
Profile	Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is a popular form of treating acne.

Sandalwood oil For: Acne
Profile	Sandalwood's astringent action helps with acne and other inflammatory skin conditions

Tamanu oil For: Acne scars
Profile	Tamanu oil helps clear acne and fade acne scars

Tea tree oil For: Pimples
Profile	For the occasional pimple, apply 1 drop of tea tree oil directly to acne spots.

Acne Information

• Facial and Skin care :
  Nature's oils leave skin gleaming, glowing and truly healthy, with no toxic additives, chemicals, or synthetic perfumes.
• Varicose veins :
  Home remedies for varicose veins. Using herbs for vein health.
• Cellulite Reduction :
  Aromatherapy oil treatments for cellulite. Using essential oils helps get rid of cellulite while you improve overall skin tone and suppleness. Use essential oils in baths as well - the oils work by osmosis.
• Hair Care/Shampoo :
  Both whole herbs and essential oils can be used to promote hair and scalp health. Many of the commercially available products leave a residue on your hair that can dull its natural shine, and may even contain toxins such as phthalates.
• Deodorants/Perfumes :
  Hydrosols, (flower waters), or a few drops of essential oil make a good balancing and sweet smelling perfume.
• Natural Skin Care-Oils & Herbs :
  Vegetable, nut and seed oils have many uses which include acting as a carrier for aromatherapy essential oil applications, healthy cooking, and as a base for your homemade cosmetics.