Cleansing is a very vital step of a skincare regime because it removes harmful toxins and environmental pollutants that block the pores of the skin and result in variety of skin issues (dull skin, dry skin, acne, redness etc.)
It is a fact that most skin cleansers available in the market today, are slightly expensive and contain harsh chemicals that may cause skin irritation. Fortunately, there are many natural safer and inexpensive alternatives for you to try, from the comfort of your own home.
We know that searching for the ideal homemade cleanser for your skin type can be a bit confusing, and we gathered for you the best 5 recipes for each skin type:
1.) Strawberry and lemon cleanser for oily, combination and acne prone skin
Strawberries and lemons contain vitamins, enzymes and AHA’s which have a mild exfoliating action and decrease large pores, acne scars and oiliness without causing excessive dryness. If your skin has the tendency to get really dry after cleansing, reduce the amount of lemon used or omit it completely to avoid any dry and tight feeling.
For this recipe you will need:
- 4 medium sized strawberries.
- 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- 1 teaspoon of honey (preferably organic).
Preparation process:
- Mash the strawberries with a fork until you form a cream-like texture.
- Add the lemon juice and honey and stir all the ingredients together.
Apply the cleanser for 1/2 to 5 minutes and rinse with luke warm water.
2.) Banana and Avocado cleanser/mask for rough and dry skin
Banana and Avocado are enriched with mutiple nutrients such as vitamins B, potassium and fatty acids which soften and moisturise dry skin giving it a healthy glow.
For the recipe you will need:
- 1 cup of mashed banana puree
- ½ of a cup of mashed avocado
- 1 teaspooun on olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of tee tree or tamanu oil (optional- for antibacterial purposes)
Preparation process:
- Combine the mashed banana and avocado with the olive and tea tree oil and stir until it forms a uniform creamy paste.
- Apply the mixture to the skin for 8-10 minutes and rinse with plenty of lukewarm water.
- Use your favorite skin toner to remove and oily residue (optional).
3.) Baking soda cleanser/ exfoliator for all skin types
Baking soda is one of my favourite homemade cleansers because it suits all skin types and removes dead skin cells on its own without adding any other ingredients. Frequent use will result in a smoother, cleaner and bright skin.
For this recipe you will need:
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of water (prefferably spring water)
Preparation process:
Mix the baking soda and water for a few seconds until you form a paste
Usage:
Apply the paste on your skin for 2-3 minutes gently massaging in circular motion.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
4.) Fresh cream, milk and chamomile cleanser.
The recipe is ideal for sensitive and dry skin types because it combines the lactic acid of the milk and cream with the soothing properties of chamomile.
For this recipe you will need:
- 4 tablespoons fresh cream
- 4 tablespoons Milk
- 2 tablespoons crushed chamomile flowers
Preparation process:
- Put all the ingriedients in a double boiler and let them simmer for 30 minutes ( do not let them boil).
- Remove from heat and let the liquid cool for 2-3 hours in room temperature.
- Refrigerate and use within a few days.
Usage:
Apply to your skin using a cotton pad.
5.) Green tea and cucumber cleanser/ toner:
This is one of my favorite recipes for cleansing, toning and moisturising the skin at the same time. It is ideal for all skin types and especially those with sensitive, damaged and dry skin.
For this recipe you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of dried organic green tea.
- 1 small cucumber.
Preparation process:
- Boil a quart of water and add the green tea.
- Let it boil for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool for a couple of hours
- Grate or blend a cucumber and strain to take out the juice. Leave the solid cucumber pieces aside( you can use them as an eye mask)
- Mix the green tea with the cucumber juice in a bowl and pour them in glass or plastic container.
- Refrigerate and use within 5 days.
Usage:
Apply the mixture with a cotton pad- no need to rinse with water.
Try coffee granules for cleansing. It also works well. I always look for new ways to reduce and reuse things in my daily routine, so i tried coffee grounds also and got really great results.
Love all of them ! Though my favorite is the last one. I used it before and I know that it really works for my skin.
I tried Avocado one. Did make it smooth enough but I think it worked ok. I think one can try it even if your skin is a bit dry.