Create Your Own Herbal Skin Toner Using Evergreens

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The Beauty of Autumn Evergreens in Skincare

As the colors of autumn fade and trees shed their leaves, the steadfast beauty of evergreens stands out against the changing landscape. These trees offer a sense of continuity and abundance even as the seasons shift, making them a natural source of inspiration for my herbal practices. Each walk through the woods reconnects me with the wisdom of my ancestors—generations of Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck who honored the gifts of these plants.

In our culture, cedar holds a special place as sacred plant medicine. We use it to purify and protect in ceremonies and healing rituals, carrying its calming energy into our homes and daily lives. One of my favorite ways to honor these traditions is by using Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) in my herbal skincare creations. Despite its name, Eastern red cedar is a type of juniper, not a true cedar, yet it carries similar properties that make it a powerful ally in skincare.

This autumn, I’m excited to share an easy recipe for an evergreen-infused skin toner that harnesses the properties of Eastern red cedar. This toner not only helps balance and soothe your skin as the air gets cooler and drier, but it also brings a bit of the forest’s energy into your daily self-care routine.

Creating the skin toner isn’t just about making a product—it’s about connecting with the land, harvesting and preparing with intention, and appreciating the gifts these plants offer.

Why Use Eastern Red Cedar in Skincare?

Eastern red cedar, with its fragrant needles and striking red bark, is deeply valued by the Nipmuck, as well as other Indigenous tribes for its healing properties and spiritual significance. It’s used to cleanse, purify, and protect, making it a powerful addition to any skincare routine. However, if Eastern red cedar isn’t available to you, don’t worry—many other evergreens can be used in its place, each bringing unique benefits to the skin.

Hemlock, white pine, and spruce are excellent alternatives, each offering natural astringents and antiseptic properties. White pine is known for its high vitamin C content, which supports skin healing and rejuvenation. Hemlock needles contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds that make it great for acne-prone skin. Spruce is rich in antioxidants that help protect and nourish the skin, making it an ideal choice for skincare preparations.

Using any of these evergreens allows you to incorporate the calming, grounding energy of the forest into your daily ritual. Whether you choose cedar, pine, hemlock, or another local evergreen, each plant carries its own wisdom and healing properties that can soothe and balance the skin. Their woodsy aromas provide added aromatherapeutic benefits, supporting mental and emotional well-being while gently caring for your complexion.

No matter which evergreen you select, embracing these sacred plants in your skincare routine is a beautiful way to honor the land and the wisdom of our ancestors. Let their healing energy become part of your daily rituals, bringing the essence of the forest onto your skin and into your heart.

Ingredients and Tools Needed for the Evergreen Toner

Creating your own herbal skin toner with Eastern red cedar is both simple and rewarding. This recipe highlights the nourishing properties of the plant while incorporating other soothing ingredients to balance and care for your skin. Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather everything we’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 cup Eastern red cedar tips, dried: If you’re foraging for your own, be sure to only take small amounts and give gratitude to the tree. Choose healthy branches with vibrant green tips. Learn how to dry evergreens here.
1 cup witch hazel extract: A classic ingredient in toners, witch hazel helps tighten pores, reduce inflammation, and provides a gentle cleanse.
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin: This natural humectant helps draw moisture to the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. You can also substitute with aloe vera gel if preferred.
Optional: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: For a more astringent toner that’s ideal for severely acne-prone skin, add a small amount of apple cider vinegar in the final step.

Tools:

Glass pint jar: Choose a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. Glass is best to avoid any reactions between the ingredients and the container.
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth: This will help you strain out the cedar tips after infusion.
Clean Amber glass spray bottle: For easy application, a small spray bottle is ideal. Make sure it’s sterilized before using.
Labels and marker: Clearly label your bottle with the contents and date so you can keep track of its shelf life.

Having these items ready before starting will make the whole process of crafting your homemade skin toner smoother and quicker. Remember to approach your work with a sense of mindfulness and intention—whether it’s harvesting the cedar tips or infusing them, each step is an opportunity to connect with the plant and the medicine it holds.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Herbal Skin Toner

Making your own herbal skin toner is a beautiful way to capture the essence of Eastern red cedar and incorporate its healing properties into your skincare routine. This process not only results in a nourishing product for your skin but also allows you to build a deeper relationship with the plant and its medicine. Here’s how to create your evergreen skin toner:

Prepare the Cedar Tips –Lightly crush the dried cedar tips and place them in a clean glass pint jar. This exposes more surface area for infusion. Pause to offer gratitude to the plant for its medicine.
Add Witch Hazel – Pour one cup of witch hazel extract over the cedar tips, filling the jar. Stir gently to ensure the tips are fully immersed.
Infuse – Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking gently every day or two to encourage infusion.
Strain – After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the cedar solids.
Bottle and Customize – Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin (or apple cider vinegar for acne-prone skin) and shake well.
Label and Store – Label your bottle with the date and ingredients. Store in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
Use and Enjoy – Mist onto your face and body after cleansing. Use daily or as needed to refresh and balance your skin. The woodsy aroma and gentle properties of the cedar skin toner can also soothe other areas prone to irritation or fungal issues.

This simple yet powerful ritual brings the calming energy of the forest into your skincare routine, honoring the spirit of cedar with every use.

How to Use Your Evergreen Skin Toner

Now that you’ve created your own Eastern red cedar skin toner, it’s time to put it to good use! This herbal skin toner is a versatile addition to any skincare routine, providing a natural boost that helps balance, hydrate, and calm the skin. Below are some tips and application techniques to help you get the most out of your toner:

Daily Facial Toner – After cleansing, shake the bottle and spritz the toner on your face and neck. Press gently into your skin to absorb. Ideal for reducing redness and tightening pores, especially for oily or acne-prone skin.
Body Toner – Apply on areas prone to irritation or fungal infections, like under the bust or on the upper back. Spray after showering and let air dry.
Calming Facial Mist – Use throughout the day for a refreshing mist. The cedar’s grounding scent helps reduce stress and centers your mind.
Shaving Aid – Spritz on freshly shaved skin to calm inflammation and prevent irritation. Use before and after shaving for best results.
Mix with Other Products – Add a few sprays to your facial serum or moisturizer for extra hydration and enhanced absorption.

Additional Tips

Storage: Keep your toner in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve its potency and freshness.
Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test before using the toner on your face or body. Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if any irritation occurs.
Shelf Life: This toner should last up to six months if stored properly. Be sure to smell and visually inspect it periodically—if you notice any off smells or discoloration, it’s time to make a fresh batch.

Using this cedar toner is a wonderful way to incorporate the powerful, protective energy of Eastern red cedar into your self-care routine. Each mist serves as a reminder of the cedar’s role as a healer and guardian, offering a moment of reconnection to the natural world and your own inner balance.

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Disclaimer:

The Outdoor Apothecary website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification and usage.

Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned on this website.