Facial mists may be the most misunderstood of all the skin care products in existence. The role of a facial mist seems simple enough: it works to hydrate your face. That isn’t all these refreshing sprays are good for, though, as they offer more benefits than you realize. Not only do facial mists have skin-healing benefits, but their aromatic nature also promotes mental well-being.
It may surprise you to learn that facial mists have been around for thousands of years. Historically, people used them between cleansing and moisturizing steps because people used to wash their faces with bar soap. Bar soap is very alkaline and mist tends to be more acidic, helping to rebalance the skin’s pH. The role facial mists play has remained constant throughout history, in that they prepare the skin for maximum absorption of moisturizers, oils, or serums.
Facial mists refresh, cool, and soothe facial skin, but they also provide a few other benefits. Some facial mists exhibit rich aromas by way of plant extracts and essential oils. The powerful scents may lift your spirits, boost mood, and even promote higher energy levels. Depending on the ingredients, some facial mists may also give you an antioxidant boost. For those who wear makeup, a quick spritz after applying face makeup may give your skin a dewy finish.
Mint
Mint is an integral component to many popular beauty products, including face washes, conditioners, shampoos, conditioners, and more. Loaded with aromatics and an impressive nutritional profile, mint leaves offer an array of healing properties. The menthol in mint exhibits strong antibacterial properties, making it an excellent toner and astringent. Mint also contains specialized plant compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. They all help to reduce inflammation, which is why mint helps to fight acne. Mint also helps to control the secretions of sebum oil in the skin, drying up acne and cleansing pores in the process. Because mint is an astringent, it works to tone the skin, remove dead skin cells, and leave your skin looking more supple.
Lemon
As a rich source of vitamin C and citric acid, lemon does wonders for your skin. Because lemons have a lower pH level, they work to decrease inflammation and oil that may contribute to acne development. The citric acid in lemon also works to break down dead skin cells that lead to noninflammatory forms of acne. Lemons also exhibit antimicrobial effects, helping to reduce the bacteria that leads to inflammatory acne. Some people who use lemon on the skin claim that it helps to increase collagen in the face. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which may prevent free radical damage to collagen, leaving your skin smoother, softer, and healthier.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common household plant with powerful healing and moisturizing properties. Applying a small amount of aloe vera to the face on a regular basis may help reduce the presence of acne, eczema, and sunburn. The anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce swelling, pain, and soreness, while the antibacterial properties reduce the risk of bacterial infection. In addition to supporting the production and release of collagen, aloe vera also supplies the body with water, helping to moisturize and hydrate the skin.
DIY Cooling Mint Facial Mist
Ingredients:
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup rosewater
Instructions:
- Add mint leaves and aloe vera gel to a blender and blend to combine.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, collecting the liquid in a bowl or vessel.
- Add the lemon juice and rosewater to the strained liquid and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and screw on the lid. Your mist is ready to spray whenever you feel like it. It’s beneficial to spray your face twice daily.
