Carol On The Lake: makeup remover

I’ve shared before about trying to get rid of chemicals in my home. In our modern world, it’s almost impossible to get rid of everything, but you can greatly diminish your exposure to chemicals and protect your family by choosing carefully and/or making your own personal care products. Have you read the ingredients in your over-the-counter products? Can you even pronounce them?

Today, let’s talk about a natural approach to face cleansers and make-up removers. I don’t really wear make-up everyday like I did before I retired. That doesn’t mean I don’t need a good face cleanser. If you do wear makeup, I’m hoping you’ve investigated the ingredients in your products and are avoiding the toxic pit of loads of different commercial products.

There are lots of natural recipes out there on the internet. I don’t believe that one recipe can fit all women. Let’s face it, we have different types of complexions. I’ve had oily skin since the age of 12. I have more mature skin now, and sometimes, your skin type changes with age. My skin is less oily now than 20 years ago, but it’s still oily. I still break out if I use oil. Many recipes include various oils. I know without trying, they won’t work for me.

My mother had incredible dry skin. She faithfully cleaned her face daily with cold cream and removed it with a dry wash cloth. It was hard work trying to get the oil out of her face wash cloths. She then applied a good face cream and was set for the day. When she died at 72, her ivory complexion was still beautiful. Her skin loved oils.

Many of us have a combination skin. Combination skin is a common, often inherited, skin type defined by having oily skin in some areas and dry or normal skin in others. Typically, it features an oily "T-zone" (forehead, nose, and chin) due to excess sebum, while the cheeks and jawline (the "U-zone") feel dry or, in some cases, dehydrated.

Your first responsibility to your self is to know your skin type. If you are unsure of your skin type, check out WedMD’s What’s Your Skin Type?. Also, learn what your skin likes, and what it doesn't like. After I started developing allergies, I could have reactions to lots of things from bras to soap bars to lotion. I had to read ingredients looking for a problem. If your skin sensitive, do spot tests on your arm.

Let’s look at some of the natural recipes I’ve found and at what skin type would benefit from it. If you don’t think a recipe will work for you, don’t use it. Never use ingredients you’re allergic to. A doctor told me some years ago to NEVER PUT ANYTHING ON MY FACE I CAN’T EAT. I have lots of food allergies, and that meant I had fewer choices for ingredients. Let’s find the perfect solution for you. Experiment and modify to meet your needs. I always try the simplest solutions first.

First is an oil cleansing. Use oils like sunflower, safflower, avocado, almond, and coconut. Some ladies swear by coconut oil for cleaning and moisturizing their faces. Again, it’s an oil and works with dry skin. Does your skin love coconut oil? Do you feel like you have too much left around your eyes after you remove the makeup? Some people believe it works for all skin types, but I am the exception to the rule. You may find a mix of oils works best for you. Experiment with a mix in a small glass bottle. Use quarter-sized dot of oil and massage into your skin. Place hot, damp washcloth over your face for a minute. Use clean side of cloth to wipe your face.
Next is a simple recipe of milk and sweet almond oil. This sounds good for dry and normal skin. Mix a tablespoon of oil with a few drops of milk. Dab on face with cotton ball. Remove with plenty of water. I have not tried this one as I would surely break out. Just be sure to remove it all as milk can be a medium for bacterial growth.
Mix 1/4 cup witch hazel (alcohol-free) with 1/4 cup jojoba oil, almond oil or olive oil. Several recipes used a combination of oils in this recipe such as 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil, 1 tablespoon jojoba oil, and 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Witch hazel is an herbal extract and has been used for centuries in skin care. Be careful around your eyes – it could sting. It works with many skin types. (Ok not mine.)

Use witch hazel alone or diluted 1:1 with water on a cotton ball to remove make-up. Works with normal and oily skin. I personally like Humphrey’s Homeopathic Remedy Witch Hazel Astringent and often dab some on my face in the afternoon when I’m feeling oily and sticky. It helps cut the grease while being gentle and soothing. It’s made from 100% natural extracts that can work with even sensitive skin. Don’t be fooled by many commercial witch hazel brands which may have chemicals added. Read the label. Another brand I want to try is Thayers Witch Hazel Toner with organic witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and rose-water. They also have versions with lavender or cucumber.

Honey cleaning is another option. Apply local natural honey to your face in circular motion. (Some national brands in the supermarket are “fake honey”. They contain some honey with other sweeteners like corn syrup. Don’t be fooled!) Let sit for 4 to 5 minutes and then remove with a warm cloth.
Mix aloe vera gel and honey. This lovely blend can actually moisturize my oily skin without oil! Yeah! It works with all skin types. Blend together and apply in circular motions to your face. Let it sit for about 4 to 5 minutes and then remove with a warm cloth. You’ve just given yourself a facial!
Rose Water Wash from the Wellness Mama. The link gives you directions on making your own rose-water which is legendary in skin care. Mix 1 cup rose-water, 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 2 teaspoons glycerine, & 1 teaspoon liquid Castile soap. Use a quarter-size drop on your hands or wet wash cloth and apply in circular motion over your face. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. I believe this one would work for all skin types.

Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner Alcohol-Free - Rose Petal

If you find making these too much trouble and prefer to buy a facial cleanser, look for more organic and natural ingredients in your skin care products. I buy from Vitacost, Amazon and other sites that offer products with natural ingredients. I always have handmade olive oil soap (not commercial detergent bars) available in bathrooms. That is my go-to for bathing. I also buy liquid olive oil soap which is also gentle. Check each item for ingredients used. Below are some examples of the skin care available.