When you opened up your cupboards to make breakfast this morning, did you realize that most of the stuff in there could be used on your face? Safer, less expensive and all-natural facial cleansers are right under our finger tips. So why are we spending tons of cash on soaps, creams and lotions that are loaded with foreign and potentially hazardous chemicals?
So tie back your hair, roll up your sleeves and get ready to give these rejuvenating facial purifiers a try
Facial Cleanser
The best cleansers that are out there also have an exfoliating agent to help clean out our pores and slough off the dead skin that collects on our face every day. Nab some oatmeal out of your cupboard, and grind it up into a fine powder (you can do this with a mortar and pestle or even your fingers) and then add enough warm water so that it is a smooth paste. Using your finger tips in a circular motion, gently apply the oatmeal to your face and neck. Rinse away with warm water once finished. You will be amazed just how smooth your skin will feel!
NOTE: Oatmeal is great for all skin types, regardless of how dry or oily or sensitive your skin may be.
The Steam Facial
Why bother to buy an expensive “steam facial” machine when you can just as easily do this yourself at home? Fill a pan with four to five cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add two to four tablespoons of herbs to the pan and cover. While waiting for the herbs to steep, grab a towel that is large enough to cover your head and shoulders. After ten minutes have passed, lift the lid and place your face close to the pan. Place the towel over your head and pan so that it is somewhat like a “tent” and enjoy for several minutes.
Wondeirng what herbs to use? Sensitive skin will benefit from orange peels, roses, fennel and chamomile. Oily skin works well with any “spicy” tea blends and herbs such as basil, lemon peel, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. All skin types can try green tea and rooibos tea steams.
The Mask
Honey is, hands down, the best facial mask that you can ever apply to your face. All you need to be sure of is that your hair is no where near your face and that your skin is dry before application. After applying the honey, leave it on for up to 20 minutes for best results.
There are some other great mask options, such as banana or avocado pulp for dry skin; pineapple or banana pulp for sensitive skin; and papaya or strawberry pulp for those with more oily skin. After applying the pulp to your skin, leave the mask uon for up to 20 minutes and rinse.
TIP: If your fruit pulp mask is too runny, try adding in some oatmeal or cornmeal to beef it up a bit.
The Moisturizer
I don’t think anything is as luxurious as a good quality moisturizer. The best quality moisturizer for all skin types is that bottle of olive oil you use for cooking. All you need to do is apply a few drops to moistened skin and, after a few minutes, remove any access with a soft cloth.
For extra moisture, break open a capsule or two of vitamin E and apply the oils directly to your face and neck.
TIP: No olive oil in the kitchen? If you have dry or mature skin, try avocado oil or sesame oils. Sunflower and almond oils are great for sensitive ski and canola, grapeseed and safflower oils work well for oily skin.
photo by DJ Virusz
