I run out of my skincare products regularly, partly due to me using too much when you should probably only use a ‘pea’ size amount, I am way too generous in the amount that I use. I am the same with toothpaste, I use too much and the next thing I know is that I need to go out and buy another one.
But whereas toothpaste is easy to find, facial washes and cleansers aren’t so easy to purchase. Yes, if you are in your country you can just go back out and buy a replacement, but when you are travelling to far away places, such as the Middle East, popular facial washes back home have never been heard of here.
It’s one of my real frustrations living abroad as I always have to swap and change my cleansers for something different every time. The pharmacies here never seem to have 2 or more of the same product. Read more on how to get the glow with ingredients…
Natural is best
With the temperature reaching over 50 degrees in the summer, I have to be really careful with what I put onto my skin as it’s very sensitive and doesn’t always take well new products.
So with this in mind, it got me thinking about making my own facial wash from scratch. With a little research and trial and error, I now believe I have the best ‘go to’ facial wash that suits my skin type.
SEE ALSO: No makeup challenge – week 1
What you will need
• Lavender oil
• Coconut oil
• Lemon
Directions
• Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it into a large, heat-resistant bowl
• Add a few drops of lavender oil or another favourite essential oil
• While the water boils, apply coconut oil to your face to remove makeup and debris
• Then wipe it all off with a clean cloth
• When your skin is cleared of makeup and oil, carefully place your face about 6 inches from the top of the water and cover your head with a large towel
• Make sure to position it so the steam from the bowl is somewhat trapped under the towel tent
• Steam your pores for 1-3 minutes, breathing slowly and deeply
• Pat your face dry with a clean towel
• Slice the lemon in half and gently rub the flesh all over your face like you would with toner (being careful to avoid the eyes)
The acid in the lemon acts as a gentle microdermabrasion and it’s the most important part of this ritual
• Apply a clay mask and let it sit for 15 minutes
• Gently wash the mask off
• Pat your skin dry
• Apply coconut oil or your favourite moisturiser
Due to this recipe being free of harsh chemicals, you can use this as a facial wash everyday or when your skin needs a little TLC.
The benefits of the get the glow ingredients
Lavender oil
Lavender oil has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can fight the bacteria causing acne infections, thus reducing the swelling and redness. You can also dab some lavender oil on your acne blemishes or skin infections with a cotton swab. This will provide you with a healthy and unblemished complexion.
Besides soothing acne prone skin, lavender oil is a wonderful remedy for eczema. It relieves itching and decongests the irritated patches of skin by adding moisture, thus speeding up the healing process. Regular usage of this oil lessens eczema outbreaks to a significant extent.
RECOMMENDED: Lavender Essential Oil from Fushi
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, moisturising and, according to research, great for atopic dermatitis. Many women swear by its use as a nighttime moisturiser.
Coconut oil is also very good at hydrating your skin. It sinks in deep, conditions, moisturises, and softens skin. It isn’t pumped full of water or petroleum by products like many commercial cleansers or lotions either.
Skin is kept clean by an oily substance called sebum. When sebum mixes with too much dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells, it can clog pores and lead to acne and other blemishes.
Coconut oil naturally clears away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells.
Lemon
Lemons are immensely good for healing dark spots, age spots and freckles. Just apply the lemon juice on the affected area and you will notice a decrease in spots over time. The citric acid present in lemons can help to clarify and bleach your skin.
Direct application of fresh lemon juice extract on blackheads helps in removing them effectively. The citric component in the lemon helps in reducing the blackhead-causing oils in your skin.
Lemon contains citrus acid, which acts as a natural bleaching component. The bleaching properties in it help to brighten to the colour of your skin.
