Cleansers

Our face is usually the first thing people notice about us which makes cleansing our faces the most important step of our daily beauty routine. If you don’t clean your face thoroughly, the next steps of toning, exfoliating and moisturising won’t have much effect.

 

In my opinion it is preferable to cleanse your face with the mechanical action of a gentle massage and scrubbing with a natural exfoliant than to use the chemical action of detergents or soaps that would destroy the skin’s natural oils.

 

So herewith some easy, effective and fun home made facial cleanser recipes for different skin types. For all of them, massage gently into face and neck and then remove with a muslin cloth and warm water followed by a cold splash. Pat dry. For the thicker cleansers let them sit on your face and neck for 10 minutes before rinsing. They will all have to be used fresh or kept in the fridge for a maximum of 2 days.

 

Sensitive Skin

Aloe and Chamomile

• 30 ml aloe vera gel (you can use the gel from a fresh leaf if you have the plant in your garden, otherwise buy the ready made gel from a health shop)
• 50 ml olive oil
• 30 ml spring/purified water
• 4 drops chamomile essential oil

Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or whisk them very well by hand. Decant in small bottles and keep in the fridge. Remember to shake well before use. This cleanser is also good for problem skin.

 

Dry Skin

Milk and Honey

The classic milk and honey cleanser is a very basic natural cleanser that has been in use for thousands of years. The milk cleans and soothes while the honey cleans but also acts as a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture and keeps it where it belongs: under your skin.

1 teaspoon dark organic honey (we have plenty in Zambia!)

1 tablespoon whole milk (or cream)

Warm up the honey until it becomes runny (not too hot!) by putting it in a small glass or metal bowl which is immersed in hot water. Mix the honey and milk or cream well. Prepare fresh each time you use it.

 

Oily Skin

Cucumber and Mint

10 cm piece of a fresh cucumber

5 mint leaves

50 ml milk

Place chopped cucumber, torn mint leaves and milk into a food processor and whizz until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pan over a medium heat, gently simmer for 2 minutes and allow to cool. Pour it into a sterilised bottle.

 

Buttermilk and Fennel

1/2 cup Buttermilk

2 tablespoons crushed Fennel seeds (you can grind them in a coffee grinder)

Put the ingredients in a double boiler and let them simmer for 30 minutes. Remove it from the heat and let it steep and cool down for 3 hours, then strain it.

 

Normal and All Skin Types

Almond and Lime Scrub

2 tablespoons finely ground Almonds

1 tablespoon Cream

1 teaspoon Lime juice

Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth substance.

 

Aloe and Paw Paw

2 tablespoons aloe vera gel

1 slice peeled fresh papaya

1/2 tablespoon dark organic honey

1 teaspoon plain yoghurt

Put all ingredients in a food processor and whizz until you have a smooth mixture.

Oats and Yoghurt

1/2 cup oatmeal or cornmeal (you can grind oats in a coffee grinder)

2 tbs of plain yoghurt (or enough yoghurt  to form a paste)

Mix ingredients well.

 

 

 

 

This monthly column is written by Paola from Essential Skincare (essentialzambia@gmail.com)