Facial cleansers are a critical part of any healthy skincare routine. Making your own daily face wash at home allows customization for your specific skin type using essential oils and other additives. Soaps often contain detergents and chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Homemade facial cleansers, however, typically contain much gentler ingredients that naturally cleanse your skin without drying or irritating it.
Step 1
Combine the liquid castile soap and liquid lecithin in a mixing bowl. Lecithin acts as a stabilizer and thickener in natural body care recipes. The substance also works as an emollient to soften and soothe all skin types.
Step 2
Add the apple cider vinegar and essential oil to the soap mixture. Stir well to combine. For best results, use an essential oil that compliments your skin type. In her book "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," Valerie Ann Worwood recommends using lavender for normal skin, lemon or orange for oily skin, and rosemary for dry skin.
Step 3
Transfer the mixture to a glass or plastic storage bottle, and secure the lid in place. Store your daily face wash in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, where it will keep indefinitely. Shake well before each use, as some separation of ingredients may occur.
Tips and Warnings
- Pour a quarter-sized amount of the face wash into the palm of your hand, and massage into your skin with a soft facecloth using gentle, upward, circular motions. Rinse well with tepid water, and pat dry. Purchase castile soap and liquid lecithin at health food stores, or order them online. Sue Dolan, author of "Naturally Skinsational," recommends adding aloe vera gel to your face wash if you have sensitive skin. Add 1 tbsp. pure aloe gel and reduce essential oil to 5 drops if your skin is prone to irritation. For very dry or flaky skin, add 1 tsp. vitamin E oil to your face wash Use your daily face wash once or twice a day if you have normal to dry skin. According to Princeton University Health Services, individuals with oily skin may need to wash their faces up to three times daily.
- Never wash your face using hot water, as this may cause excess dryness. Avoid using citrus-based essential oils such as lemon, lime and orange if you have dry skin. If you are unsure of your skin type, use an oil such as lavender or rose that nourishes all skin types.
Things You'll Need
- 2 oz. liquid castile soap
- 2 oz. liquid lecithin
- Mixing bowl
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 10 drops essential oil
- 4 oz. glass or plastic storage bottle
References
- Princeton University Health Services: Skin Care
- Mountain Rose Herbs: Organic Liquid Lecithin
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- "Naturally Skinsational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes"; Sue Dolan; 2009
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