Natural Facial Cleansers

I recently got a question from Genevieve, who wrote:

Hi Brigitte! Let me start off by saying that I really love your blog! I just decided to start following a vegan diet and your blog is definitely one of the easier to understand and informative blogs out there! That being said, I do have a question; what do you recommend for facial care products? I am trying to eliminate harsh chemicals from my skin care routine as well, and I use coconut oil to wash my face but I really want to start using chemical free make up, lotion, etc. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you so much!
-Genevieve

When it comes to maintaining clear and beautiful skin, there are definitely certain things you want to avoid: Such as inorganic products that are animal tested, full of chemicals, preservatives, and other unwanted harmful substances that strip the skin of its natural and necessary oils. Our skin needs those oils to prevent dryness, premature aging, and damage. In order to have youthful and healthy skin, and to heal from any blemishes, you want the skin to be as clean as possible, as often as possible. This means avoiding the use of makeup whenever you are able to, as it allows the skin to breathe and repair damaged tissues. This also means using organic, natural, non-comedogenic products that are as close to the earth as possible. Non-comedogenic means it is a product has been specially formulated as to not cause pore-blockages. When it comes to skin care, I don’t even bother buying expensive creams or products. I simply cleanse my face with essential oils, natural astringents, makeup removers, and moisturizers, and fruit facial masks! All of these are completely harmless, and as close to nature as you can possibly get when it comes to skin care. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Seabuckthorn- Seabuckthorn is useful in the treatment of acne when taken internally or applied externally. Internally it helps boost the immunity, balance hormones, and reduce inflammation. When applied externally, seabuckthorn softens, soothes, and strengthens the skin, reducing inflammation, irritation, scarring, and swelling and is helpful in the treatment of acne as well as a variety of other skin disorders. Seabuckthorn comes in the form of oil which can be applied topically, and is also in many natural soaps that can be used for cleansing the skin. One of my favorite Seabuckthorn products is David Wolfe’s Best Skin EVER serum, which contains Seabuckthorn, Lavender, and other essential oils that are healing to the skin.

Lavender Oil- Lavender kills bacteria and stimulates new cl growth. It is a great antibiotic and antiseptic and can be directly applied to the individual blemishes.

Tea Tree Oil- A natural antibiotic and antiseptic. It can be used with just a few drops in water to wash your face with. 

Vitamin E Oil- Vitamin E oil helps heal scars and retains skin moisture. You can buy the oil or buy them in capsule form and then break them open. Cleanse the face without drying it, and then apply the oil and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing. For daytime use, use 5000 IU of Vitamin E for a less glistening effect.

Witch Hazel-When applied topically, witch hazel has astringent and healing properties. It also works to reduce itching and is a useful ingredient when it comes to skin care.

Rose Oil-A natural Antiseptic, Antibacterial, and Bactericidal, a few drops of rose oil can be added to water and used to cleanse the face.

Apple Cider Vinegar- Mix 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar with 10 parts water and apply to the affected area of skin. Doing this will help keep the skins pH balanced.  

Sandalwood- An age-old Ayurvedic treatment for skin disorders, sandalwood works by removing excess oils and bacteria from the face that would normally cause breakouts. Sandalwood has antiviral, anticarcinogenic, and bactericidal properties. It can be purchased in oil form, or in a natural soap.

African Black Soap- African black soap is a natural cleanser and great alternative to the harsh chemicals found in stores. While it does not work to remove existing acne, it works by naturally removing the excessive oil and bacteria which caused the acne in the first place. All it consists of is cocoa pod, roasted plantain skins, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, palm oil and natural sodium. I use the soap made by Shea Moisture.

For more information on healing blemishes and maintaining clear skin, check out my guide-book How to Heal Acne Naturally now available on Amazon.com.