I haven’t purchased facial was in well over a year. Even after a hard days work outside, I can wash the grit and grime right off and my skin feels soft and moisturized with these easy recipes.
By using these ingredients, your skin will not get stripped of the natural oils it contains and it won’t try and compensate by becoming even more oily.
When I used to purchase facial washes, my skin always felt extremely dry right after washing and I couldn’t survive without tons of moisturizer. Now I just moisturize lightly and my skin feels better than ever. Everything becomes so nicely balanced.
I bet you have most of these ingredients right in your kitchen.
Coconut Oil
I literally have gallons of virgin coconut oil hiding in a corner of my basement. We use it for everything from cooking to body products. I just love the stuff.
Be sure to purchase extra virgin, as it has not been high heat treated and still contains the important antimicrobial components.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is both antimicrobial and antibacterial.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and vitamin A. It should be cloudy and a golden yellow color. This kitchen staple is known for its great moisturizing abilities and anti-aging benefits.
Whole Cane Sugar
The rough edges of whole cane sugar make a great skin exfoliant. Just try not to eat it as you wash your face!
Essential Oils
I like to use mild oils on my face. Tea tree is popular for a lot of skin issues, but if you don’t have problems with acne I would stay away from it. It can be a bit too harsh and there’s no reason to be quite so rough on your skin if you don’t need to be. My favorites are Lavender, Geranium and Frankincense, you just have to figure out which ones you like best.
Lavender is a universal oil and with regards to skin has antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. It is also well known for its calming benefits.
Geranium is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is refreshing and relaxing with a unique floral scent.
Frankincense has long been known as a ‘holy oil’ and it’s no surprise. The list of uses for this oil is almost endless, and it has been used for in anti-aging, anti-cancer and anti-depressant compounds due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties.
When choosing your facial ingredients, just remember that quality matters. After all, your skin is the largest organ of your body and you need to treat it well and take care to only put quality products on it.
Here are my recipes for a facial wash and facial exfoliant. I usually only exfoliate about once per week, unless I’m feeling particularly rough or dry.
Coconut Oil Face Wash
1/2 cup unrefined, virgin coconut oil
5 to 8 drops pure, essential oil
Place coconut oil into small jelly jar and add essential oils. Mix well and cover tightly with lid.
Apply a small amount of the mixture to a dry face and rub all over. Take a washcloth and soak in very hot water. Press cloth to face at least 30 seconds. I repeat several times, no need to fully ‘rinse’ your skin. The oils and hot water blend nicely into the skin to create a smooth and soft complexion.
Sugar Scrub
1/2 cup whole cane sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, just enough to make the sugar wet and spreadable
5 to 8 drops essential oil
Place all ingredients in jelly jar and mix well. Cover tightly with lid.
Take small amount of mixture and scrub your dry face. Take a washcloth and soak in very hot water. Apply cloth to face for at least 30 seconds. Repeat several times, wipe any remaining sugar from your face.
Have you tried any homemade skin care products before? What is your favorite?
Be sure to hop on over to my personal blog page for more great homemade tips and tricks.
