There may be plenty of peaches in your favorite night cream, but it's also filled with chemicals to maintain its shelf life.  If you want a more natural way to pamper your face, try facial treatments crated from homegrown garden ingredients.

When creating your own lotions and potions, always work with clean equipment.  Use fruits and vegetables that have not been sprayed with toxic chemicals, and refrigerate leftover products no longer than two days.  If your skin is sensitive, spot-test the product on the inside of your arm.

After working in the garden all day, reward yourself with these eight great homemade facial treatments:

CALMING CHAMOMILE TONER.  Chamomile's antiseptic oils stimulate repair and have a soothing anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.  Place a generous handful of fresh, thoroughly cleaned chamomile flowers in 2 cups of boiling water. Let it steep and cool, then strain.  Pour the liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze.  Wrap a cube in a handkerchief and rub gently on cleansed skin for a refreshing toner.

HEAVENLY HERBAL STEAMING.  Steam softens the skin, stimulates circulation, and activates the sweat glands.  Place a generous handful of fresh herbs in a large pot and bring to a boil.  (Lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm work well for dry or normal skin.  Rosemary and sage are good choices for oily skin.)  Remove the pot from the heat and let the water cool slightly Drape a large towel over your head and shoulders to form a tent and trap steam.  Close your eyes, bend over the pot (no closer than 12 inches), and steam your face for five minutes.  Let your skin air-dry before applying a moisturizer.

UNDER-EYE SOOTHER.  The sensitive area under the eyes often become puffy from irritation or lack of sleep.  Mineral-rich potatoes have soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, reducing puffiness and lightening dark circles.  Divide a peeled, finely grated potato into two small cheesecloth sacks.  Lie down, close your eyes, and place the sacks under your eyes.  Relax for 10 minutes.  Rinse your face with tepid water.

COOL AS A CUCUMBER TONER.  Cucumber has a cooling, soothing effect on the skin and makes a perfectly pH-balanced skin toner.  Cut a large, peeled cucumber into cubes.  Place in 2 cups of water.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.  Cool, strain, and press through cheesecloth or a very fine sieve.  Using a cotton ball, gently apply the liquid to your face.  Allow it to dry before applying moisturizer.

COLORFUL CARROT FACIAL.  Carrots abound in Vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy skin.  Protein-rich mayonnaise is naturally soothing and nourishing to the skin.  Mix 1/2 cup of peeled, grated carrot with 1-1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise.  Spread on your face, avoiding eyes, and leave in place for 10 minutes.  Rinse your face with tepid water and pat dry.

HYDRATING PEAR MASK.  Pears are an excllent source of sorbitol, a substance that helps keep skin hydrated.  Puree or mash a ripe, peeled pear with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants.  Apply to your face, avoiding eyes.  Keep in place for 10 minutes before washing off.

PEACHY EXFOLIATING MASK.  Peaches, plums, and nectarines contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which help purge excess dirt and oils from your pores.  Honey has antibacterial properties, drawing blemishes to the skin's surface.  Cut up one large peach and steam in a small amount of water until soft.  Drain, cool, and mash with a fork.  Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of regular oatmeal (which is rich in minerals) for thickening.  Apply mask to skin and keep in place for 10 minutes.  Rinse well with tepid water before applying moisturizer.

GUACAMOLE MASK.  The next time your vitamin-packed avocado looks pathetically past its prime, mash it and slather it on your face.  Leave it in place for 10 minutes for a moisturing, green-goddess mask.

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH THESE HOMEGROWN FACIAL TREATMENTS THEN VISIT OUR STORE TO SEE ALL OF OUR LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS:  MASSAGE, DETOX, ESSENTIAL OILS, ZEN GARDENING, BONSAI, AROMATHERAPY, TEAS, AND MORE