Toner is considered one of the essential steps in a skincare routine. This toner is natural and safe as it contains cucumber, mint, and lemon, which are natural ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work together to provide numerous benefits for oily and combination skin. Cucumber helps moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation and redness, while mint helps cleanse pores, reduce oil production, and acts as a natural antiseptic. It also helps in clearing clogged pores and reducing excess oils. Lemon, rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, helps brighten and even out skin tone, in addition to its antiseptic properties that help fight the bacteria causing acne. This toner provides deep cleansing, balances skin pH, and reduces the appearance of large pores and pimples. Here are some simple steps to prepare it.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of cucumber juice
• 1 tablespoon of mint tea
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Substitutes:

• Cucumber substitute: Aloe vera can be used instead of cucumber as it has soothing and moisturizing properties for the skin.
• Mint substitute: Chamomile can be used instead of mint as it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for the skin.
• Lemon substitute: Apple cider vinegar diluted with water can be used instead of lemon as it helps balance the skin’s pH level.

Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the mint tea:
   • Place a few mint leaves in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
   • Strain the mixture once it has cooled completely to obtain the mint tea.
2. Prepare the cucumber juice:
   • Wash the cucumber thoroughly, then peel it.
   • Cut it into small pieces and place it in the blender.
   • Blend the cucumber until you get a smooth juice. You can strain the juice to remove excess fibers if necessary.
3. Mix the ingredients:
   • In a clean bowl, mix the cucumber juice with the mint tea and lemon juice.
   • Stir the ingredients well until they are well combined.

Benefits of the Ingredients and Their Substitutes

Cucumber:

• Cucumber is an excellent natural moisturizer, rich in water, vitamins, and minerals that help soothe and rejuvenate the skin.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and irritation.
• Cucumber contains compounds that help protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
• It provides the skin with a variety of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K and B vitamins, helping to nourish the skin and make it appear fresher.

Mint:

• Mint has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help cleanse pores and reduce acne breakouts.
• It works to tighten pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Mint helps improve blood circulation in the face, giving the skin a brighter and more vibrant appearance.
• The refreshing scent of mint can help improve mood and reduce stress.

Lemon:

• Rich in Vitamin C, lemon helps brighten the skin and remove dark spots.
• It acts as a natural exfoliator, helping to remove dead skin cells.
• The citric acid in lemon helps regulate oil production in oily skin, reducing shine.
• Lemon's antiseptic properties help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of pimples and blackheads.

Substitutes:

Aloe Vera:

• Aloe vera helps soothe inflammation caused by acne or skin irritation, reducing redness and irritation.
• Aloe vera helps maintain skin pH balance, protecting it from dryness and irritation.
• Aloe vera accelerates cell regeneration and helps heal small wounds, burns, and pimples, reducing the appearance of scars. It also alleviates the effects of sunburn.
• Aloe vera contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals and delay the appearance of aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties that help kill bacteria and fungi causing acne and skin inflammation.
• It works as a gentle natural exfoliator, helping to remove dead skin cells and cleanse pores, improving skin appearance.
• Apple cider vinegar helps restore skin pH balance, protecting it from dryness, irritation, and harmful bacteria.
• It helps reduce the appearance of large pores, tighten the skin, and make it soft and radiant.

Chamomile:

• Chamomile provides light hydration without increasing oil production in the skin.
• It helps reduce redness and irritation caused by burns, allergies, acne, or environmental factors.
• Chamomile has antibacterial properties that help combat acne and reduce associated inflammation.
• It helps moisturize, nourish, brighten, and even out the skin tone.
• Chamomile protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Storing the Toner:

• Pour the toner into a clean, airtight bottle.
• Store the bottle in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and cool.

How to Use:

• Use the toner after every face wash for best results. Apply a small amount of toner to a cotton pad and gently wipe your face.
• This toner helps shrink pores and cleanse the skin thanks to the refreshing properties of cucumber and mint, while the lemon juice brightens the skin and removes excess oils.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid direct sun exposure on your face after using lemon juice, as lemon can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Test the toner on a small area of skin first to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
• Store the toner in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and cool, enhancing the feeling of refreshment upon use.
• You can add a few drops of natural essential oils like lavender oil or tea tree oil to the toner for a refreshing scent and additional therapeutic properties.

Note: This recipe is suitable for oily and combination skin only. It is recommended to avoid using it if you have sensitive or dry skin, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.