When cleansing, it’s important not to strip the natural oils from your skin. We’ve gathered some do-it-yourself recipes for natural cleansers that anyone can make. They work with the skin. The benefit of creating your own cleansers is that you know what’s in it, you can customize it to your skin, make it in appropriate quantities, and support a clean environment.
A recent study showed that microplastics have been used to replace natural exfoliating materials in cosmetics and have been reported in a variety of products such as hand cleansers, soaps, toothpaste, shaving foam, bubble bath, sunscreen and shampoo. These microplastics are contaminating our oceans and waterways. The lead scientist exclaimed: “As the study unfolded I was really shocked to see the quantity of microplastics apparent in these everyday cosmetics.”
When cleansing you may be tempted to use washcloths or scrub brushes but fingertips are the best way to apply a cleanser. Basic cleansing steps are:
1. Apply a non-abrasive cleanser with clean fingers.
2. Rinse with warm water.
3. Pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
4. Apply moisturizer.
Excessive washing is not good for skin. Wash your face in the morning and evening and after sweating. Sweat can irritate skin.
A note of caution: DIY recipes may not be for everybody. If you have super sensitive skin, eczema, or are allergic to ingredients such as nut oils you should consult your dermatologist or physician before trying them.
Clay facial mask
We found this DIY natural facial mask on the RAWMAZING website. It uses Kaolin clay, which is a mild clay suitable for all skin types. It can draw impurities out and away from skin. We recommend you use ceramic or wooden bowls and spoons when working with clay. Avoid metal as it can react with the clay’s minerals. Always apply this mask to a clean face.
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon Kaolin Powder Clay (white cosmetic clay)
• 1 tablespoon raw cacao (purest form of chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon distilled water or cooled green tea
Instruction
1. Place kaolin clay and cacao powder in a bowl and blend well with a spoon.
2. Add purified water or cooled green tea to produce a paste that is of medium consistency — not too thick, not too runny.
3. Using your fingers, apply a thin but evenly distributed layer of the paste to your face in upward strokes paying particular attention to your t-zone and nose, but avoiding the eyes and lips.
4. Allow the mask to dry for 15 minutes. Take this opportunity to put your feet up and relax. Once the mask has dried slightly, gently rinse your face with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Hand sanitizer
Betsy Jabs at DIY Natural website shared this natural recipe for hand sanitizer. If you have trouble finding ingredients check out the link. She uses essential oils with antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties.
Ingredients
• 5-10 drops pure lavender essential oil
• 30 drops pure tea tree essential oil
• 1 Tablespoon witch hazel extract
• 8 ounces 100% pure aloe vera gel
• ¼ teaspoon Vitamin E oil – a natural preservative to increase shelf life.
Instruction
1. Add essential oils and Vitamin E oil to a small glass bowl or container and swirl to mix.
2. Add witch hazel to the oils and swirl again.
3. Combine this mixture with the aloe vera gel and mix well.
4. Shake gently before each use. (Sanitizer should last several months with the addition of Vitamin E and alcohol to help preserve.)
We recommend applying sanitizer on the inner side of your hands and fingertips.
Body wash
Stephanie Gerber at Hello Glow website shared this easy recipe for a natural body wash using Castile soap and essential oils.
Ingredients
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup raw honey
• ½ cup liquid Castile soap
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E
• 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 10 drops lemon or grapefruit essential oil
Instruction
1. Scoop coconut oil into a microwave safe bowl and heat on medium setting for 30 seconds until melted.
2. Add honey, essential oils and vitamin E and whisk together.
3. Add Castile soap slowly, stirring gently to avoid creating suds.
4. Transfer to glass or plastic bottle.
5. Shake before each use.
Our Favorite Cleanser / Toner
I use Braggs Apple cider vinegar “with the mother” about three times a week at night before applying YASOU’s cell renewal night cream. It fights and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has been known to help clear acne and cystitis as well as toning the skin. It’s super easy to use.
Ingredients
1. Dilute the apple cider vinegar with water about ½ teaspoon of vinegar with
¼ teaspoon of water to start.
Instruction
2. Soak a cotton pad or cotton cloth in diluted apple cider vinegar.
3. Dab on your skin.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Pat dry.
6. Wait a few minutes and moisturize.
For sensitive skin, be sure you do a test before applying on your face. You may need to dilute the vinegar more. You’ll need to experiment on how much to dilute the vinegar for your skin type.
If you don’t have time or a desire to make your own natural skin cleansing products, stay aware of natural ingredients used in DIY recipes. Then look for those ingredients in the products you buy.
Not really into drinking coffee but using them as skin cleanser is a great idea. Trying this one out soon!
Let us know how it goes.