As a matter of fact, we value our skin and want it to be in its best shape, not just now but decades later as well. Whether we follow step-by-step skincare routine or skin-minimalism, at some point in time we do resort to natural cleansers to take care of our skin. This also brings us to our ancient and traditional homemade skincare remedies that have been tried and tested over the years, passed on from one generation to another.
Before we discuss any home remedies, I would like to say that I personally believe the most essential part of skincare is cleansing. Whatever skin type you may have, you need to thoroughly and regularly clean your skin to let it breathe. The more you neglect this basic skincare technique, the more problems you will face, losing radiance and glow in the process.
If you have some reservations in using commercial products, head to your kitchen and make use of natural, everyday ingredients. They are nature’s best gift for skincare.
Natural skin cleansers are usually gentle on your skin plus you have the advantage of knowing exactly what you are using.
Before using all these cleansers, make sure you wash your face and pat dry first before using them. This helps clear out the dirt on the surface and allows for maximum cleansing.
After getting the basic cleansing out of the way, here’s a list of 11 natural cleansers easily available in your kitchen cabinet to help clean your face and make it glow naturally.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain several skin-benefiting vitamins and nutrients that can give you the skin of your dreams.
Cut a cold tomato in half and gently rub it all over the face and neck. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes Wash off to get smooth, soft and glowing skin.
2. Potatoes
Potatoes, known as the king of vegetables. And besides their culinary benefits, they work amazingly well to give you a soft smooth skin. They are a rich source of iron and vitamin C and help treat blemishes, sunburn, dark spots, fine lines, and dull skin.
To use potatoes as cleansers, extract the juice from one medium-sized potato in a bowl. Apply and massage it to your face and neck in a circular motion. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes (until it dries), and wash it off.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has so many benefits, and not just for your health, but also for your skin. It not only helps brighten your face but also clear out acne.
Before using on your face try a patch test to ensure that it doesn’t irritate your skin.
Start the cleansing process by diluting ACV in a ratio of 1:2 with water. Apply a few drops of it on your face and gently massage to remove signs of dirt, debris, sweat and oil. Rinse it off with cold water.
5. Aloe Vera
6. Fuller’s Earth or Multani Mitti
Fuller’s earth is a natural clay that has been used since time immemorial to cleanse and clarify the skin.
Ayurveda also emphasizes on the benefits of fuller’s earth for skincare.
Take 2 teaspoon of this clay and add a pinch of powdered camphor to it and mix with water. Massage onto wet skin and wash off.
7. Raw Milk
8. Papaya
Mashed papaya mixed with oatmeal and a little milk can work wonders. Scrub the mixture all over the face and neck and wash off.
This not only cleanses the skin (papaya has powerful cleansing enzymes) but also help in reducing tan, dark patches and add natural alpha hyroxy acids to the skin.
9. Honey
10. Strawberries
One of my all-time favourites is mashed strawberries. Strawberries contain natural enzymes which are extremely good for the skin.
Just mash three to four strawberries and rub into the skin and leave on for 5 minutes before washing off. Not only will it help soften the skin but also make it look brighter and give an external dose of Vitamin C.
11. Yogurt
Whatever your choice of natural ingredients may be, use them wisely to make your skin smile and be cleansed naturally.
So, reach over to your kitchen cabinet and grab one of these natural cleansers and start today with cleansing as the first step of your skincare regime.
