DIY Green Tea Toner Benefits and Recipe for Clear Skin (with thyme and ACV)

Do you follow the 5 steps of facial care religiously? Cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize, protect? I’ll be the first to admit that I rarely tone and I skip moisturizing often too but I made a promise to myself that as I approached the “golden” age of thirty I would begin taking better care of my skin.

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I had a grand plan that I would switch out all my beauty products for Oil of Olay and all would be solved but whaddaya know, this wonderful world of natural hair care has many great side-effects, one of which being the discovery of so many natural products that are beneficial for the hair and skin.

I don’t remember where I discovered the benefits of green tea and thyme for your skin, but I’m happy I did. Today I’m sharing with you the many green tea toner benefits to be had from this little DIY toner recipe.

Benefits of Thyme

One thing that struck me when I was researching different oils was the price of thyme essential oil. I thought it had to be some exotic thyme, couldn’t be the regular old thyme that grows abundantly in Jamaica and is used as a seasoning in every dish.

Apparently, thyme boasts antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant benefits. Regular external application of this herb helps in fading the face spots, scars and blemishes. I’ve also read that it can be used to treat scars from surgical marks, accidental injuries, measles, pox and acne. I have a few pox scars left over on my face so I’m about to test all this out as thyme is always in my fridge so….why not? It’s like a free toner.

Related: DIY Remedies for Hyperpigmentation (with Before and After Pictures)

Once upon a time, I didn’t even see the need for a toner. I thought it was only to remove any residue left over from soap so especially now since I haven’t used any kind of chemical or store-bought soap on my face in over a month, I really didn’t see the need. But I’ve been reading up and someone somewhere said something about balancing the pH of the skin.

Many toxins that affect the health and appearance of your skin come from industrial-made chemicals. Facial toners work to remove environmental toxins such as smoke, smog and other chemical residues from your skin. This helps your skin to look brighter and healthier, and long-term benefits may include less acne, acne scarring and wrinkles.

Large facial pores allow more dirt, oil and toxins to enter the skin and cause irritation and infections. Facial toners tighten your facial pores, allowing fewer oils and toxins to settle into the skin. This creates a fresher, cleaner and less oily appearance while preventing acne.

Acne can be painful and unsightly and can lead to facial scarring. It can also cause your skin to appear more oily, dull and and unbalanced. By removing oily build-up, residue and dead skin cells, facial toners assist in reducing the amount of facial blemishes and acne you may already have and work to prevent future breakouts.

Sold! In my reading, I have come across many different natural toners. Some you don’t even have to make, like rose water, though of course, you can if you want to. I do like the idea and the benefits behind rose water but organic rose water is a bit expensive to come by.

This toner uses green tea and apple cider vinegar as well. Let’s dive into the benefits of these ingredients too.

Green Tea Toner Benefits

Green tea toner offers several benefits for the skin due to its natural properties and antioxidant-rich composition. Here are some of the key benefits of using green tea toner:

Antioxidant Protection: Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins, which help fight against free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the skin. This protection can help reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

Soothes and Calms the Skin: Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin. It can be especially beneficial for individuals with acne-prone or sensitive skin, as it helps reduce redness and irritation.

Balances Oil Production: Green tea toner can help regulate sebum production, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types. By balancing the skin’s natural oil levels, it can help minimize excess oiliness and prevent clogged pores, leading to a clearer complexion.

Tightens and Tones the Skin: The astringent properties of green tea can help tighten and tone the skin. It can temporarily minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and improve overall skin texture, leaving the skin looking smoother and more refined.

Hydrates and Refreshes: Green tea toner acts as a lightweight hydrating mist, providing a refreshing boost of moisture to the skin. It can be used as a quick pick-me-up throughout the day or as a hydrating step in your skincare routine.

Enhances Skin Clarity: Regular use of green tea toner can promote a more radiant and clear complexion. It helps remove excess dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, leaving it fresh and revitalized.

Reduces the Appearance of Dark Circles and Puffiness: The caffeine content in green tea can help constrict blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Applying green tea toner in the under-eye area can help diminish these common concerns.

Antimicrobial Properties: Green tea has natural antimicrobial properties that can help fight acne-causing bacteria. Regular use of green tea toner can help prevent breakouts and promote a healthier, clearer complexion.

It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and it’s always recommended to patch-test new skincare products and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns or conditions.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) offers several benefits for the skin due to its acidic nature and natural compounds. Here are some of the key benefits of using ACV for the skin:

Balances pH Levels: ACV has a mildly acidic pH, which can help balance the skin’s natural pH levels. When the skin’s pH is balanced, it can function optimally, leading to a healthier complexion.

Acne Treatment: ACV possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat acne. It can kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce redness and inflammation, and help unclog pores. However, it’s important to dilute ACV before using it on the skin and do a patch test to avoid irritation or sensitivity.

Exfoliation: The natural acids in ACV, including alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), can gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother and brighter complexion. This can help improve the appearance of dull or rough skin.

Skin Toning: ACV can act as a natural toner for the skin. It can help tighten the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve overall skin texture. Diluted ACV can be applied to the skin with a cotton pad or used as a facial mist.

Skin Brightening: The mild exfoliating action of ACV can also help lighten and brighten the skin. Regular use can assist in reducing the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.

Soothes Sunburns and Insect Bites: ACV can provide relief for sunburns and insect bites. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the skin, reduce itching, and promote healing. However, it’s important to dilute ACV before applying it to sunburned or irritated skin.

Natural Astringent: ACV has astringent properties that can help tighten and tone the skin. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help control excess oil production and reduce shine.

Antioxidant Protection: ACV contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals. This can contribute to a more youthful and radiant complexion.

Again, ACV is highly acidic, so it’s important to dilute it properly before using it on the skin to avoid irritation or burns. Additionally, it’s advisable to perform a patch test of this recipe and consult with a dermatologist if you have any underlying skin conditions or concerns.

Thyme, ACV and Green Tea Toner Recipe

• 2 good quality green tea bags or two teaspoons of loose organic green tea leaves
• several sprigs, about 6 or so of fresh organic thyme
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons natural ACV with the mother
• small pot

Combine all ingredients except the acv in a small pot. Bring the pot to a boil then turn off stove, leave covered and let it steep until cool. This will make a rich, highly concentrated green tea and thyme solution. Add the ACV, strain the solution then transfer it to a misting bottle or another applicator.

I like this recipe for more than one reason, it does double duty! Who doesn’t love something that has more than one use? I’ll be using one cup of this as my toner and the other cup I pour (while still warm) over my raw black soap (pictured) to melt it and make natural shampoo!

Thyme is good for hair loss and shedding and helps with dandruff and general scalp care. Green tea’s anti-oxidant properties coupled with the ACV will make for a great clarifying cleanser.

When I just started this journey into natural hair, you couldn’t tell me I would have become such a mistress. I figured I would have instead gone the product junkie route! Who knew?! Do you tone? Try these natural options! Your skin and pocket will thank you!

Here’s my 4oz bottle that’s currently sitting pretty in my fridge! (Remember these natural recipes have no preservatives so keep them in the fridge and try to use them up in a couple of weeks.)

Related: The Best Skin Care Products for Your 30s and Beyond