Keeping yourself
healthy inside and out can be a lot of work. But you’re worth it! When it comes to skin care, it’s especially important to pay attention to ingredients in the products you use, as what you apply on the surface is absorbed and can affect your inner health. Many products used for external beauty are made with chemical components that should be avoided if you’re trying to live a natural lifestyle.
Facial cleansers are essential to all skin care routines. Sadly, conventional cleansers can include harsh astringents with high alcohol levels. While they do a great job of cleaning your face, astringent cleansers also dry out your skin. For people with acne-prone skin, this can be beneficial; however, using these products long term may have adverse effects. And using them if you don’t have acne can lead to chronic dryness (which, in turn, leads to
fine lines and wrinkles!).
Of course, you can choose
natural skincare products, including
facial cleansers formulated to remove makeup and clean pores without stripping away moisture. Another option for keeping your skin at its cleanest and healthiest is making your own natural face wash. This way, you control every ingredient used and tailor those ingredients to best fit your skincare needs.
Here are five easy-to-create recipes to get started.
5 DIY Skin Care Recipes for Facial Cleansers
1. DIY oil facial cleanser
Believe it or not,
cleansing with oil is actually good for all skin types (and can help get rid of blackheads!). This recipe features three main ingredients: jojoba oil,
tamanu oil and frankincense essential oil. In a lidded jar, combine a mixture including 75% jojoba oil, 25% tamanu oil and 9 drops of essential oil (for every 2 ounces of oil mixture). Shake to combine.
To use, pour a small amount of the mixture on your hand and apply all over your face, avoiding getting close to your eyes. Use circular motion to gently rub the solution in. Let it sit for a minute or two, then use a wet washcloth and warm water to remove. If desired, follow up with a quick wash using a foaming cleanser or other cleanser of your choice.
2. DIY foaming facial cleanser
Some soaps are less impactful than others in terms of cleansing. Basic soaps can dry out your skin, forcing your body to produce more oil as it perceives a deficit. However, the right kind of soap applied the right way can cleanse your skin – and provide other benefits!
To make your own foaming cleanser, combine the following ingredients in a foam soap dispensing bottle, then shake well to combine.
*Essential oils are optional, but a great way to enhance effects. Be sure to wash and rinse with warm water after use.
For a deep-cleansing, moisturizing treatment, consider this two-step method. Choose an oil with nourishing compounds—canola or olive oil work fine. Other options include jojoba oil,
hemp oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil or rosehip oil. Massage a quarter-sized dollop of oil into your skin for a couple of minutes. Next, use the foaming cleanser that you’ve made to wash your face clean.
3. DIY grain facial cleanser
Grains are loaded with beneficial plant-based compounds – including protective antioxidants – that can be great for your skin. For a
grain cleanser, you’ll choose a grain, grind to a powder, make a simple paste, then apply that to your skin and rinse with warm water afterward. Do this a few times weekly for best results.
Most grains can be ground using a mortar with a pestle, but others may require pulsing in
a blender or food processor. Oats are a popular choice, but you can experiment with other grains such as rice, quinoa or millet to see which works best for your skin. For an exfoliating cleanser, pulse grains slightly for a rougher texture (as opposed to a powder).
4. Honey facial cleanser
Honey is well known for its natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties. You’ll be astonished by what it can do for your skin!
For a homemade honey-based cleanser, start with a quarter cup of honey—
raw honey is best. In an 8-oz. (or larger) jar, mix in:
- 1/4 cup of either rose water, coconut water or distilled water
- 2 Tbsp. liquid castile soap
- 12 drops essential oils of choice
- 1 tsp. avocado oil
Combine all ingredients, but don’t shake the jar. Once the ingredients are well combined, scoop a small amount into your hands and massage it into your face (avoiding your eye)s. For exfoliation, add a bit—just a pinch—of baking soda. Use warm water to rinse.
5, Clay, coconut & jojoba balm facial cleanser
For the ultimate facial cleanser, try this luxurious DIY recipe featuring some of the best natural skincare ingredients.
You’ll need:
Directions
- In a saucepan over low heat, bring about 2” of water to a boil.
- Add beeswax to a heat-proof bowl; place bowl over boiling water to melt beeswax. Add in coconut oil and stir to combine. Remove bowl from heat, add jojoba oil and stir to combine.
- Add clay, essential oil and baking soda; stir to combine. Transfer mixture to small lidded container.
To use, massage mixture into skin, then use cleansing wipes to remove. Wash face using foam cleanser and rinse clean.
