Amanda Birch: Seed to Skin. Nourish the Skin. Restore the Mind.
Amanda has had a passion for holistic skincare for as long as she can remember, and has been a facialist for over 25 years. Through her work at some of London's top salons as well as her own boutique, Amanda has learned how to listen to the skins' needs and how to source, and apply, the best ingredients to feed and nourish the skin. All of the products Amanda uses in her facial are formulated by hand in her studio in Vermont's Green Mountains using the whole plant infusion method. When it comes to looking after your skin, Amanda believes that less is more; the same way we need to feed our bodies with nutrient rich food, our skin needs the same to look and feel healthy and youthful. Amanda has created an extremely effective, yet soothing organic cleansing balm with added herbs, flowers, and clays to gently lift away all traces of makeup, dirt and pollutants from the skin whilst nourishing, moisturizing, and feeding the skin with mineral and vitamin rich active phytonutrients.
Amanda's Daily Ritual
Nourishing Cleansing Clay - Morning and Nightime
Warm a small amount of the Nourishing Cleansing Clay in the palm of your hand, add a little warm water to soften the flower petals and herbs and gently massage into the face and neck (avoiding the eye area). Take a few moments to gently massage areas of tension in the facial muscles and inhale the aromas of mint, grapefruit, and chamomile to calm and soothe the skin and relax the mind. Take the muslin washcloth provided with the clay, soak it in warm water, wring out excess moisture and gently wipe away all traces. The infused oils will calm, soothe and hydrate, while the gentle clay and flowers will cleanse away every trace of dirt, makeup, and pollution. Use morning and night. Follow with The Restorative Oil, or Photo-Retinol Oil.
Restorative Oil - Morning
After cleansing with the Nourishing Cleansing Clay, add 4-5 drops of Restorative Oil to the palm of your hand and press both palms together to warm the oil and help release the active ingredients. Cup your palms in front of your face, close your eyes and slowly inhale the aromas of lifting Neroli and calming Chamomile essential oils. Press the oil into your face and neck until it has been absorbed into the skin. Use every morning (can also be used at night instead of, or after, The Phyto-Retinol Oil for more moisturization). It is recommended to apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 in the morning.
Phyto-Retinol Face Oil - Nightime
In the evening after cleansing, with Nourishing Cleansing Clay add 4-5 drops of Phyto-Retinol Oil to the palm of your hand and press both palms together to warm the oil and help release the active ingredients. Cup your palms in front your face, close your eyes and slowly inhale the aromas from the oil. Press the oil into your face and neck until it has been absorbed into the skin. Use evening only.
Phyto-Retinol Face Oil is a highly effective facial oil with a natural alternative to Retinol, Bakuchiol. This amazing anti-aging ingredient comes from the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea Corylifolia. Studies have shown that when used daily this wonderful ingredient helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and improve the general appearance of your skin without the negative effect that you may experience with Retinol. Great for sun damaged and acne prone skin. Packed with protective antioxidants, essential vitamins and phytonutrients to feed, repair and rejuvenate your skin.
Amanda's At Home DIY Facials
Amanda's having fun making face masks, toners, and steam facials using ingredients found in her kitchen and herbs that are popping up now in Vermont. Give them a try.
Soothing Oatmeal and Avocado Face Mask
Mash half a ripe avocado and add to a blender.
Add 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey (or good quality local honey).
Add 1 tablespoon of organic oat meal
Add 1 teaspoon of evening primrose oil or avocado oil, or coconut oil.
Blend together until smooth.
You are now ready to apply!
Make sure your skin is clean by using a gentle oil based cleanser like my Nourishing Cleansing Clay. When your skin is still damp apply the mask on to the face and neck. Leave for 15 minutes, and remove with a washcloth and warm water. Spritz your face with rose water or calendula and apply your normal face oil or moisturizer.
Soothing Facial Steam
A great way to relax the facial muscles, soothe dryness, and help clean the pores.
Equal amounts of the following:
- Calendula flowers
- Rose
- Dandelion flowers
- Chamomile flowers
Place 1-2 tablespoons of blend into a large bowl, cover with 3-4 cups of boiling water. Drape a towel over your head to capture steam. Enjoy the gentle heat and aroma for 10-15 min as the herbs gently purify and cleanse your pores. You can add a drop or two of rose, neroli or lavender essential oil to create a wonderful aroma.
Egg White Firming Mask
There are so many masks on the market at the moment that really tighten your skin making you look like refreshed and lifted. There is a really easy alternative… all you need is chickens! Whisked egg white when applied to your skin gives that same effect of tightening your skin and brightening the complexion. Here’s her corona- recipe:
- One egg white
- One capsule of probiotic
- One drop of rose and/or neroli essential oil ( just to add a nice aroma :)
Pop all of the ingredients in a clean bowl, whisk until the egg white is fluffy and stiff. Cleanse your skin and make sure it’s dry, apply the mask with a brush, or your fingers. DO NOT LAUGH, or smile!!! Leave for a good 15-20 m minutes. Remove by massaging with your hands and warm water to lift the mask, then wipe over with a wash cloth and warm water. Apply your favorite oil serum.
Note: Statements made here have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For external use only. Consult with a doctor if pregnant or nursing. Once opened please use within six months.
