Beauty Potion - Corn Silk

Corn this summer has been delicious.   The Murphys have been enjoying produce from Youngman's Orchards Farm Market, which is just a stone's throw from camp.  While preparing and consuming corn is a highlight of summer, did you know that you can make an awesome "toner" from the silk?

Corn Silk powder was a popular beauty product first manufactured in the 1960s.  Apparently it's been making a come-back.  As far as I'm concerned, it's usefulness never went out of style.  The challenge being put forth today, is to entice you to try the beauty routine that I am following each morning, now that I am retired and don't have to rush out the door every day.

First, make the corn silk toner/wash by boiling distilled water.   Put the corn silk in a jar, then cover with boiling water and let steep for about ten minutes.  Drain and discard the strands, and store the corn water in a tightly closed jar.  This concoction does not need to be refrigerated as it will generally be used within a week, however if a refreshing/cool toner is desired, by all means keep it in the fridge.  You could also use cobs for this, but I'd rather re-use them for soup.

Upon waking in the morning, slather plain yogurt on your face.  Let this sit for 1/2 hour.  Pass the time by drinking some hot green tea with apple cider vinegar and raw honey.

Saturate a cotton ball or clean wash cloth/rag (perhaps torn from an old white sheet) with the corn liquid and to remove the yogurt.  It may take a couple of dips and swipes.

Once all of the yogurt is removed, gently pat skin (but don't completely dry it), then rub fresh aloe vera on as a moisturizer (if you don't have a plant, please consider getting one -- it's best used fresh!).  Let skin dry naturally.  If you find the water leaves a yellow cast to your skin, by all means wash it off with water  before applying the aloe.  If you are putting on makeup, a yellow tint will help cancel out any facial redness, so that can be beneficial.

The result will be soft and clean skin that doesn't feel tight.  The appearance of pores will be nicely minimized as well.  It doesn't matter if your skin is dry, or if it's oily and you have acne.  It will help either way!

When summer has passed and the supply of fresh corn silk dries up, make the toner using rice.  Soak equal parts rice and warm water to make the liquid.

One of these days, I am going to concoct a mask to make use of the left over corn silk or rice.  But for now, I'm just interested in convincing others to try this morning routine.