Most of us use commercially available skin care products to cleanse our face, especially those with very dry or oily skin. But these products contain chemicals which might do more harm than good for your skin. An easy way to cleanse your face is to try the oil cleansing method. Here are some easy-to-make face cleansing recipes with readily available ingredients that will not only clean your skin, but also nourish it and regulate the production of your skin's natural oil.
Oil Cleansing Method
- This method involves applying oils to your face, and then washing them off with steam or hot water. This is a great way to clarify skin. Oil cleansing is also a safe and effective way to remove makeup.
- The primary oil used is castor oil. This oil is a powerful facial cleanser, and has anti-inflammatory and emollient properties as well. Being high in viscosity, another oil (referred to as a carrier oil) with a thinner consistency must be added to castor oil to dilute it.
- Sunflower oil, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are commonly used as carrier oils. These oils contain essential fatty acids which contribute to healthy cell membranes and help regain the skin's lost moisture, preventing excess dryness.
- Sunflower seed oil is the most preferred because of its excellent ability to penetrate the pores of the skin, and this lets castor oil do its job better by clearing the clogged pores.
Things Required
- Castor oil
- Sunflower seed oil
- Normal skin: 4 tbsp sunflower seed oil mixed with 1 tbsp castor oil
- Dry skin: 4 tbsp sunflower seed oil mixed with tbsp castor oil
- Oily skin: 3 tbsp sunflower seed oil mixed with 1 tbsp castor oil
In a sterilized bottle, mix both the oils as per the proportion given above according to your skin type. Blend well and store at room temperature, away from direct heat.
Application
Nighttime is the ideal time to do facial cleansing. Before you go to bed, take a few drops of the oil mixture and massage it onto your face in gentle, firm strokes. Focus on areas with blackheads and makeup. Relax and breathe deeply while you massage. After rubbing the oil all over your face for a few minutes, take a soft washcloth, wet it in hot water, wring it well, and then press it against your face. Slowly wipe your face with the cloth. Repeat this step thrice. Keep in mind that the washcloth must be hot enough, not just warm. Carry out this routine, twice a week, and you will find your skin beginning to look soft and clean, with no signs of blemishes.
Recipe 2
(This recipe uses a few drops of essential oils as well as aloe vera juice, which also acts as an astringent.)
Things Required
- 2 tbsp sunflower seed, jojoba, or almond oil
- 2 tbsp castile soap
- 2 tbsp aloe vera juice
- 1 tsp glycerin
- Dry skin: Sandalwood, Chamomile, Rose
- Oily skin: Lemon, Juniper, Sweet Orange (citrus-scented oils are better suited for oily skin type)
- Normal skin: Rosewood, Ylang-ylang, Jasmine
- Sensitive skin: Geranium, Lavender, Neroli
In a clean bottle, add all the above ingredients and blend well. The mixture should last for a month, if stored at room temperature, away from direct heat.
Application
Similar to the procedure above, rub a few drops of the oil mixture to your face and rub in gentle, circular motions. Then rinse it well with warm water, till the oil is washed away. Continue this procedure twice weekly, and you will soon see a marked change in your skin!
Facial oil cleansing is a safer, though slower way to achieve flawless skin. This method involves cleaning and moisturizing your skin from the outside. Remember that you need to hydrate the skin from the inside as well, so make sure you drink plenty of water. No beauty regimen is complete without regular exercise, healthy, well-balanced meals, and adequate sleep.
