Bay Leaf in Cosmetology

The bay leaf enriches not only the taste of borscht but has also been used in more ways than just cooking. Before it became popular in culinary uses, the bay leaf gained prominence in cosmetology. The bay leaf gives hair a healthy shine, stimulates blood circulation, and treats skin inflammations. It is a powerful antioxidant containing valuable essential oil with a unique chemical composition .

Bay Leaf for the Face

Bay leaves are added to antiseptic soaps, masks, creams, lotions, and tonics, as well as to bath salts and cosmetics for the feet and body. Bay leaf is popular in cosmetology due to its antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and tightening properties. Take advantage of simple and effective recipes with bay leaves for the skin.

Bay Leaf Tonic

Grind 8-10 bay leaves in a coffee grinder or mortar, pour a glass of water, and boil for 5 minutes. You can choose not to strain it. Use this tonic to wipe your face twice a day after washing - as a bonus, you will get rid of freckles.

Bay Leaf Lotion for Oily Skin

Grind several bay leaves, pour a glass of boiling water over them, and let it steep until completely cool. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or 5 drops of lemon essential oil, 2 tablespoons of vodka or alcohol to the infusion. You can strain the lotion from the bay leaves if desired, but I wouldn’t recommend it - the infusion will be more beneficial and potent.

Masks for Oily Skin with Bay Leaf

1. Steep powdered bay leaf in two tablespoons of water, then simmer in a water bath for a couple of minutes. Add an egg white to the paste and apply it to the skin. Rinse off after 20 minutes.
2. Mix a strong bay leaf infusion (6 ground leaves in 0.5 cups of water) with 2 tablespoons of blue clay (or any cosmetic clay) to make a thick sour cream consistency. Apply to the skin and rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water.

Masks for Dry Skin with Bay Leaf

1. Pour 100 grams of warmed olive oil over 2 tablespoons of powdered bay leaf and let it steep for a day, then refrigerate. For the mask, take a portion of the oily mixture and add a dessert spoon of ground oatmeal, apply to the skin, and after 20 minutes, remove with a napkin. If the skin is very dry and flaky - do not wash your face after using the mask.
2. Steep a tablespoon of powdered bay leaf in a minimal amount of water, mix with a teaspoon of fat sour cream and a teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil. Apply for 20 minutes, remove with a napkin, and rinse with room temperature water.

Creams with Bay Leaf

Nourishing Night Cream for Dry Skin. Boil 1 teaspoon of powdered bay leaf in a water bath with 2 tablespoons of butter for a couple of minutes. Allow to cool, add a teaspoon of honey, mix well, and store in the fridge. Apply a thin layer, pat gently, and “press” the cream before bed for an hour. Before sleep, wash your face with warm water; if your skin is very dry - remove excess with a napkin and do not rinse off the cream.

Antiseptic Cream for Oily Skin with Bay Leaf. Steep a teaspoon of ground bay leaf in just enough water to create a paste. Add a tablespoon of aloe juice or pharmacy aloe gel, and an ampoule of vitamin A. Mix everything and store in the fridge. Remove residue with a napkin, preferably do not wash your face.

Ointment with Bay Leaf

Antiseptic Ointment with Bay Leaf is prepared by steeping a tablespoon of crushed bay leaf in a tablespoon of olive oil or any other base oil. To the infused bay leaf oil, add a tablespoon of melted natural beeswax and 4 drops of thyme essential oil. This ointment can be used for treatment with laurel .

Bay Leaf for Feet

For sweaty feet, prepare a strong bay leaf infusion, which you can add by the cup to foot baths. Brew 100 grams of bay leaves in a liter of water and let it steep for a day. Use a cup of the infusion per foot bath. This procedure will eliminate fungus and unpleasant odors and reduce foot sweating.

Bay Leaf for Hair

Rinsing hair with bay leaf infusion prevents hair loss, treats seborrhea, and stimulates growth.

Hair Mask with Bay Leaf. Mix the paste made from soaked bay leaves with honey in equal proportions, massage into clean scalp and distribute through the hair. Cover the head with a warm cap. This mask can be worn for several hours, then rinse with warm water without shampoo.

You can grow a bay tree at home on your windowsill if you are lucky enough to acquire fresh bay seeds.