Mint, digestive, antiseptic, antispasmodic—armed with these health virtues, mint is also a wonderful ally for quenching your thirst when it’s hot, very hot, especially in syrup. Did you know it also offers incredible refreshing, stimulating, and energizing properties for the skin and body? How to use it in the bathroom?
Craving refreshment all around—and especially for your skin? If you’ve got mint in your garden, you’ll likely have plenty of it: take advantage of it! It’s yours to enlist as a beauty ally as well.
Mint: a zest of freshness for your skin
Mint offers numerous cosmetic benefits thanks to its refreshing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps purify the skin, reducing blemishes and acne with its antiseptic abilities. Mint tones and refreshes the complexion, delivering an immediate sensation of coolness. It’s also effective for calming skin irritations and itching, thanks to its soothing properties. Mint stimulates blood circulation, which can enhance the radiance of the skin. Additionally, it helps tighten pores, leaving the skin smoother and firmer. Used in hair care, mint helps balance the scalp and reduce dandruff. Finally, its invigorating scent brings a sense of well-being and relaxation.
1. Mint against enlarged pores
If you tend to have enlarged pores, you’ll love this steam treatment to tighten them:
- Pour into a pot of boiling water equal parts of lemon balm, mint, parsley, and thyme.
- Hold your face above the steam for 5 minutes, and enjoy the benefits of the plants!
2. Mint as a makeup remover
- Chop very finely about a dozen mint leaves, and mix them with 2.5 dl (about 1 cup) of milk.
- Let it sit overnight in the fridge, strain the next morning, and you’ll have a completely natural makeup remover (keep it cool). Apply to a cotton pad and proceed as usual. Even delicate skin will revel in it!
- Finish with a lotion. The one below might work…
3. A mint-scented lotion
Extra for all skin types, and it’s incredibly simple:
- Drop 3 or 4 tablespoons of fresh mint into the equivalent of a large cup of boiling water, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let it cool, strain… apply!
4. Curious about a mint mask?
This one has purifying virtues that all skin types will appreciate:
- Prepare a paste with superfine clay (fine clay) and the lotion mentioned above.
- Apply to the face, leave on for 20 minutes, and remove.
- Finish with a floral water or… your mint lotion!
5. Fancy a homemade toothpaste?
If you’re interested in whitened teeth:
- Stir together 1 tablespoon of fine white clay with a generous pinch of baking soda and 1 teaspoon (or more) of ground dried mint. All that’s left is to find a tiny jar!
Optional: you can add 1 or 2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
With or without, this toothpaste should be used during the two weeks following its preparation.
6. Heavy legs, tired feet?
After a long day, nothing feels better than a foot bath to lift both you and your feet. Hot and infused with mint, it also helps deter sweating. Of course, do not use this if you have circulatory problems!
- Add a handful of fresh mint to cold water, bring to a boil for 15 minutes, strain, and add to your foot bath along with a handful of coarse sea salt.
Mint hair mask
- Mix 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
- Add 10 drops peppermint essential oil and mix well.
- Apply the mask to the scalp and hair, massaging gently.
- Leave on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
One more tip?
Common wisdom suggests people who always have cold feet slip a few mint leaves into their shoes to stimulate circulation. It’s free to try!
7. Relax your body
And to end on a soothing note, treat yourself to a bath that’s both relaxing and refreshing—perhaps even invigorating…
- Steep 3 or 4 generous handfuls of fresh mint in 1 liter of boiling water.
- Add to your bath water (ideally around 100°F/38°C) and enjoy for about 15 minutes.
