Fresh Rose & Almond Milk Beauty Treatments

Recently we received some questions about using plant-based milks, such as Almond Milk in place of dairy in fresh spa recipes and product formulations. While you certainly can use nutrient-rich milks made from nuts, hemp, soy, or coconut in skin care treatments they carry much different benefits than cow’s milk. Dairy products contain lactic acids which can provide gentle exfoliation. Similar acids aren’t usually found in plant-based milks. They are, however, chuck full of other goodies that you skin loves.

Almond Milk is a particularly great choice for skin care as it is loaded with Vitamin E. Store bought Almond Milks often contain additives such as flavors, sweeteners, and stabilizers, so it can be worthwhile to whip up a batch of fresh Almond Milk for your formulations. If you do use pre-made Almond Milk be sure to buy an unsweetened variety.

While you are making your own Almond Milk you may as well kick it up a notch by incorporating a beneficial Hydrosol or herbal infusion. Try swapping out the water in a basic Almond Milk recipe with either your favorite Hydrosol, or with a tea made from herbs like Chamomile, Stinging Nettles, or Lavender.

Fresh Rose & Almond Milk for Beauty Treatments
Makes about 3/4 cup

This recipe makes a quick sort of almond milk from raw almonds and Rose Hydrosol. This fresh mixture can be used as a wetting agent in facials, ubtans, and scrubs, or as the water phase in formulations such as lotions and creams. Since this is a fresh ingredient that includes water-based components it will not be stable at room temperature without the use of preservatives. Depending on how well you are able to strain your fresh Almond Milk it may retain some solid particles. Those particles will also be present in any lotions or creams you make with the milk – so just keep that in mind while you experiment with new formulations.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup raw almonds*
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup Rose Hydrosol

Directions

1. Combine the raw almonds and water in a small container. Refrigerate overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked almonds then place them in a blender or food processor. Add the Hydrosol, then blend on full speed for 1 – 2 full minutes, or until the almonds have been completely pulverized.
3. Strain the mixture through a nut bag, fine mesh strainer, or a cheesecloth. Reserve the fresh almond meal in a separate container. This milk can also be made in a juicer by adding the almonds and Hydrosol simultaneously.

Usage & Packaging

Rose & Almond Milk can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 – 5 days. The liquid may separate. Simply shake to re-mix.

*Look for unpasteurized raw almonds for maximum benefit

Fresh Rose & Almond Milk Facial
Makes one portion

Rose & Almond Milk is used as the wetting agent in this otherwise simple clay mask. The combination of soothing rose, antioxidant-rich almond, and gentle Rose Clay is both cleansing and enriching, making it an excellent choice for treating both dry and mature skin types. If you’d like to enhance this recipe even further, try adding a few drops of Rose Essential Oil.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh Rose & Almond Milk
• 2 tablespoons Rose Clay
• 5 drops Rose Essential Oil (optional)

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl combine the Rose Clay and Rose Essential Oil with 1 or 2 tablespoons (as needed) of the Rose & Almond Milk.
2. Stir to form a smooth paste.

Usage & Packaging

Apply the mask to clean skin, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and nostrils. Allow the mask to dry for up to fifteen minutes than rinse with warm water. Follow with toner and/or moisturizer as desired.

Fresh Rose & Almond Besan Scrub
Makes one portion

Fresh Almond Meal is combined with dry Chickpea Flour in this fresh body scrub recipe. This scrub can be used like an ubtan, acting as both a cleansing mask and an all-over exfoliant.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fresh Almond Meal
• 1 tablespoon Chickpea Flour
• 1 tablespoon Rose Clay
• 2 tablespoons fresh Rose & Almond Milk
• 5 drops Rose Essential Oil (optional)

Directions

1. Combine the fresh Almond Meal, Chickpea Flour, and Rose Clay in a small mixing bowl.
2. Add enough fresh Rose & Almond Milk to form a thick paste. Add the Essential Oils and mix again.

Usage & Packaging

Spread the mixture over bare skin and allow it to dry (like a mask) for up to fifteen minutes. Gently massage the scrub onto the skin in a slow, circular motion and continue until it crumbles away from the skin. Rinse, dry, then follow with a moisturizer as desired.