Nothing quite makes the skin feel cleaner than when you have used a foaming cleanser. Unfortunately, most of the cleansers you buy off the shelf are full of all sorts of unpronounceable additives that don't provide any benefits for our skin. They can often lead to irritation and dryness, but most of all they strip the skin of all its natural sebum and helpful bacteria.
So, why not provide your skin with not only something that will leave it feeling fresh and clean, but something that also only contains ingredients that nourish and moisturise it? No stripping of the natural sebum or bacteria our skin needs as its protective barrier. Just 100% safe and gentle.
WHAT'S IN THE BLOG:
INGREDIENT BENEFITS
1. MANUKA HONEY (or local honey)
This stuff is the "bees' knees" of skin care. Sadly, it can be a little pricey which always makes me think twice about when and how I use it. This face wash is one of the things I'm OK with using it for. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. However, local honey is still amazing!
It's also completely natural and safe to use on all skin types of all ages.
Why it's so good:
antibacterial (goodbye acne and blackheads)
moisturising
anti-aging
soothing (also great for acne-prone skin)
balance pH levels
anti-inflammatory (once again, great for acne-prone skin)
antimicrobial
antioxidant-rich (hello more youthful, radiant-looking skin)
The main benefits you will find from using Manuka honey on your skin are:
clearer skin
moisturised skin
glowing skin
soothed skin
What to look for:
If you want to go with Manuka honey, true Manuka honey only comes from New Zealand as the Manuka bush is native to New Zealand. When choosing what to buy, there are a couple of things to consider: the UMF number and MGO number. Aim for a UMF number of 60+ and MGO number of 250+ as indicator for a good quality Manuka honey.
2. GLYCERINE
Not a glamorous-sounding ingredient, but it packs a mighty punch in the moisturising department. It helps to keep skin moist and hydrated by slowing down the evaporation of water. But that's not all!
Why it's so good:
This moisture barrier also protects against environmental pollutants from entering pores
Not only provides moisture, but helps to strengthen the skin's natural ability to retain moisture
Softens skin
Helps skin to look younger
Aids in the resiliency of skin
Transports hydration to the upper layers of the skin
Non-allergenic
Can be used on all skin types
Helps to heal eczema, psoriasis and other skin issues
Treats acne and its scaring
What to look for:
There are three types of glycerine on the market, plant-derived, animal-derived and synthetic. Make sure you opt for the plant-derived version.
3. CASTILE SOAP
This is such a great product to have on hand for multiple purposes such as DIY hand wash and DIY dishwashing liquid.
Castile soap is derived from vegetables and is natural and non-toxic. It has been used in the
Mediterranean forever and is traditionally made from olive oil in the Spanish Castile region (hence its name). Nowadays, coconut, hemp, castor, almond, walnut and avocado oils can be used to produce Castile soap through a process called saponification. These oils give it its lathering properties.
Why should it be included in a face wash? Well, simple really, it's the main ingredient that does the cleaning :) Aside from that, it does have some properties that make it beneficial, gentle, and safe to use on all skin types.
Why it's so good:
naturally hydrating
helps to ease eczema and psoriases
doesn't clog pores
provides a balanced pH level for all skin types
removes dirt
antibacterial
What to look for:
Castile soap can be found as both a liquid and a solid bar. As with any ingredient you use, it is important to ensure you are using something pure and of good quality.
4. ALOE VERA GEL
We all know that aloe vera is soothing and moisturising, which is why it is most people's go-to for relief from that awful summer sunburn. Even back in ancient Egyptian times, Cleopatra was known for using it to prolong her beauty. It was even used as a healing balm for wounded soldiers by Alexander the Great. But, there is so much more to this incredible plant. There is a stack of varieties of this plant, approximately 420 that is, but the most commonly used is aloe barbadensis Miller .
Why it's so good:
anti-inflammatory
full of vitamins A and C
antioxidant rich
packed with enzymes
easily absorbed (even for oily skin)
alleviate eczema
contains amino acids and folic acid
has good fatty acids
fights bacteria
increases blood flow
promotes new cell growth (hello anti-aging!)
provides a protective barrier to keep moisture in
is able to be absorbed into deep tissue
What to look for: Some store-bought aloe vera gels can contain a bunch of additives, so look for one that its just plain old aloe vera minus all the extras. Using homegrown, fresh aloe vera is amazing, but it does require using a preservative or keeping your cleanser in the fridge. If you do use fresh aloe, make sure that after you have cut a leaf off, let it sit upright with the cut side facing down to let all the latex drain out before opening up the leaf and getting the gel out.
5. ESSENTIAL OILS
This is a big one to write about here. I will save all the ins and outs of essential oils for a special blog at another date.
But, in brief, they are incredible products that provide a powerhouse of benefits for the skin and many ailments. Many people have got on the bandwagon of essential oils and some of you may roll your eyes at the very mention of them, I get it! Because of this, they have been over-marketed and adulterated. Many people end up using synthetic versions, or very low-quality ones that cause more harm than good.
Why they're so good:
antibacterial
antiviral
antiseptic
What to look for:
a reputable brand using only pure essential, undiluted oils
promote balanced skin
soothes the skin
cleansing properties
6. Distilled water
The reason we are using distilled water instead of just filtered tap water is because distilled water has all minerals removed. This means that our product will have an extended shelf life. It is super easy to get a hold of either at your local supermarket or hardware store.
DIY FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER
It is important to have a foaming dispenser for this. You can always use it without, but you will go through a lot more of it and it obviously won't foam as well, making it a little messier to use. However, you can always put some of the cleanser on a cotton round and use it that way.
Ingredients
2 tbsp Manuka honey (or any local honey)
2 tbsp glycerin
1/2 cup Castille soap
2 tbsp aloe vera juice (optional)
5 drops essential oil (see below for recommended oils for different skin types and needs)
1 cup distilled water
Method
Mix all ingredients in a glass foam dispenser, except for the distilled water, into the foam cleanser until the honey is mixed through. Add in the remaining ingredients and gently mix.
CUSTOMISING WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Using essential oils can be overwhelming and some people can be a little scared of them. But, don't fear! Here is what you need to know to help use essential oils to customise this DIY for your skin needs. Remember that pure essential oils are strong, so don't exceed a total of 5-7 drops for the recipe above. NB: If using cinnamon, use only 1 drop as it is a "hot" oil.
HAPPY CLEANSING
And there you have it, folks! Your very own DIY foaming cleanser that's as kind to your skin as a warm hug from your favourite person. By using these natural ingredients, you’re giving your skin the love and care it deserves without the harsh chemicals and unpronounceable additives. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about using a product you made yourself, knowing exactly what's in it and how it benefits your skin.
So, next time you're washing away the day's grime, take a moment to appreciate the simple, natural goodness in your hands. Your skin will thank you with a radiant, healthy glow. Now, go on and share this little gem with your friends—they deserve some DIY skincare magic too! And remember, self-care is the best care. Happy cleansing!
DISCLAIMER: Whilst the author has done their best to provide well-researched information, everyone has varying skin types and needs, and can react uniquely to products deemed safe and suitable for all skin types. It is recommended that any of the ingredients listed on this page be used with caution.
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