Thursday, January 1, 2009

Wined & Dined

By Annie B. Bond

There is good science (as well as a sense of fun!) behind this antiseptic facial exfoliator and smoother, made with kitchen-cupboard ingredients. Wine, for example, has been used for centuries by wise beauties to soften and smooth the skin (this formula makes a great use for any Valentine’s Day leftovers!) because of its alpha-hydroxy acids. Here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS
1 cup white wine
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon bay
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

1. In a small saucepan, combine the wine and the rosemary, bay, and thyme. Simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain out the herbs and discard them.

2. Add glycerin to the herbed wine mixture and combine.

3. To use: Pat formula onto clean skin and allow to remain for 10 minutes, if possible. Rinse, pat dry, and apply your favorite moisturizer.