I have been cleansing my face naturally with just glycerin soap and cold water for the past several years during the winter months. In the summer after my soap wash I’ve added a rinse of raw apple cider vinegar diluted in water and applied with a cotton ball. This routine has been working for me but lately I’ve started wearing makeup again. I now find myself needing a makeup remover or a cleanser that removes makeup and cleanses. So I started doing some research and want to share it with you.
Some say soap and water (Micellar water) works better than makeup wipes. Flat cotton pads are  an excellent initial step in removing makeup—in fact, they’re best used to remove makeup before cleansing the face. Using water and a natural face wash is what’s really going to remove residue and prep your skin for a good night regimen. I believe you need to remove your makeup first. Make a ritual out of it, go slow, be loving while removing your makeup. Maybe do a short eye massage and then move into a cleanser or soap and water wash. A few natural ingredients to remove makeup are:
1. Coconut Butter or oil. I use this a lot because it works for me and my skin type plus coconut butter can thicken thin eye lid skin
2. Olive Oil. Known to work for all skin types.
3. Jojoba oil (or Olive Oil) mixed with natural beeswax (yellow). About ¼ cup of oil and 1 tablespoon of beeswax.
4. Cucumber Cleanser. Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties, so they help soothe irritated and/or acne-prone skin. Use a blender, mash the cucumber until it’s pasty, add a little Olive Oil and you’re ready to apply.
5. Wash your face twice a day? This really makes a difference.
6. Apply a raw apple cider rinse and then a good moisturizer.
If you just don’t have the time to work with the above natural recommendations there are many naturally-derived cleansers and makeup removers in the market. Just do a little research, read your labels to find what sounds right for you and your skin type. Avoid harsh sulfates, added fragrances, a lot of stabilizers and harmful preservatives.  Look for naturally-derived:
Surfactants. Remove dirt, oil and debris from the skin. They are often combined with other ingredients.
Emollients. Natural emollients can be plant- or animal-based so if you are vegan make sure to ask. They help reduce the amount of moisture lost in the skin when washing.
Exfoliant. Natural exfoliants remove dead, dull skin cells and leave your skin looking brighter and feeling clean and fresh.
Humectant. Humectants work in a similar manner to emollients to help your skin retain moisture while cleansing. A common natural humectant added to face cleanser is glycerin. I love glycerin.
YASOU is researching and hoping to launch a cleanser/makeup remover sometime this year so stay tuned. We hope you find the above info useful. Let us know if you have a favorite ingredient or product you love to cleanse with that also removes your make up. We love to hear from you! Email us at terry@www.yasouskincare.com.  (photo: cotton bro | pexels)
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