**Part of our Herbal Homesteading Series**

by Kristy from The New Bohemians

Rose Milk Cleanser

Based on an old recipe from the 1800s.  This light yet luxurious cleanser only keeps for a few days in the fridge but it is so good for the skin.  Roses have been used for thousands of years in beauty rituals and are hydrating and smoothing for the skin.  Cows milk has lactic acid which is known to exfoliate the skin, lighten dark spots, and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  Modern skincare often includes a synthetic Lactic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid).  You could use half a cup of rose petals but a single rose will give you enough petals.  Only ever use rose petals which have not been sprayed with any pesticides.  A rose you have grown from your garden is best.

Ingredients:

Half a cup of Rose Petals (wilted overnight)

Half a cup of Cows Milk (unhomogenised)

Utensils:

Enamelled Milk Pan

Blender 

Wooden spoon

Bottle to keep the cleanser in (preferably skinny necked and with a lid)

Method:

1. Warm the saucepan over a stove top gently.  Place it on a heat proof surface, trivet or pot holder.

2.  Pour milk in.

3.  Scatter rose petals in.

4.  Stir and wait half an hour for rose petals and milk to warm gently.  The essential oils from the rose petals will be drawn out into the milk by the gentle heat.

5.  Either transfer to a blender or use a stick blender directly into the pot.

6. Pour into your bottle and keep in the fridge for one week.  

How to use:

Cover the bottle opening with a reusable cotton pad and tip up to cover with a small amount of the cleanser.  You may have some small bits of rose petals on the cloth and this is ok.  Gently rub the pad over your face.  Rinse with lukewarm water.