Natural Face Cleansers: The Ins and Outs of choosing the right cleanser
Let’s talk face cleaners,
Cleansing should always be a high priority in your skincare ritual to keep your skin clear and healthy. But finding the right one that ticks all the boxes is a key first step. A great cleanser should remove make up, dirt, oil, dead skin cells and any other pollutant that has built up on your skin throughout the day, but it doesn’t stop there! We also need to make sure we unclog pores which might be another function of your cleanser or may require an added step in your routine. This is particularly important in preventing the formation of blackheads and acne in the future.
There are so many face cleansers on the market from gels, creams, foams, scrubs, soaps and now we are seeing an increase in oil and powdered cleansers. It can all be pretty confusing figuring out which is right for you. And we get it, while you’re trying to figure out what type of cleanser you actually need, you’ve gotten off track looking for all the hidden nasties, which we think should still be one of your main focuses. Finding a natural face cleanser should be the top priority.
If you are using a liquid cleanser, I can pretty guarantee that first ingredient you will see is water, which says a couple of things about the product. Firstly, the most abundant ingredient (that you're paying for) is water, probably in the order of 80-90% of the product and secondly, there must be a preservative of some description in the formula so it doesn’t turn funky!
I don’t want to go into too much detail and explain all those nasty ingredients we see on the labels; you know the ones we can’t even pronounce? (that’s for another one of Tammy’s blogs). I will say though, that preservatives (among many other cosmetic ingredients) can be toxic to our bodies. Now, let's just clarify something, there are natural preservatives, which we'll cover another day, but the vast majority of products will contain the powerful and not so friendly ones. Studies have shown some to be endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the functioning of our hormones as well as potential irritants. If you haven’t already read Tammy’s Blog on “Why you need to go clean” you absolutely have to read it (read it here), it’s such an eye opener and incredibly frightening knowing what we have been putting on our bodies AND our family's bodies!
Let’s just break down the type of cleansers that are available on the market, what they aim to do and what to look out for with each type.
Gel
With a clear gel consistency, these are generally light weight cleansers that deeply clean and can help to clear out congested pores and remove acne-causing bacteria. Given these are mostly composed of water they tend not to be drying and are usually suitable for most skin types. Our issue with these is checking that all important ingredients list to steer clear of the nasty stuff.
Cream
These have a slightly heavier consistency and like the gels are composed mostly of water (again, check for nasty ingredients). These tend to be more moisturizing but care needs to be taken as some included ingredients have the potential to clog pores. These also needs to washed off thoroughly or else the next step in your ritual won't be absorbed.
Oil
Excellent for removing makeup; remember, like dissolves like so oils picks up make-up, dirt and debris like a dream. Oil cleansers can require another cleansing step to remove all the residue, so they make are an excellent first step in a double cleanse regime. Highly nourishing to the skin but be sure to have a regular deep cleanse as well.
Clay
These have a bit of a clay mask vibe about them, same idea in that they are formulated with some sort of clay to absorb excess oils and detoxify. Not particularly useful for removing makeup so considered a better second step cleanser. Caution as they can be drying.
Powder
Given their composition, no water here (you add your own) so there shouldn't be any need for preservatives. Having said this, check the ingredients. There are natural ones, like our Free Your Face Cleansing grains which are highly concentrated in the good stuff and there are not so natural detergent based ones (these tend to be foamier when adding water). Powdered cleansers are good for both make-up removal and deep cleansing.
Bar
A correctly formulated face soap shouldn't contain any harsh detergents that strip the skin of their natural oils but instead be filled with nourishing ingredients (oils and left over glycerin) that gently cleanse the skin. An ecofriendly option that should contain plenty of skin loving ingredients. These may take a week or so for your skin to adjust to but are effective at deeply cleansing, may be exfoliating and soothing (depending on the ingredients).
Ok, so how to choose. Tammy with her clever natural formulating prowess has come up with the goods with three effective and completely toxin-free face cleansers to choose from.
A well balanced 100% Natural Face Cleanser soap full of gentle skin loving ingredients like Australian Pink Clay, Organic Hibiscus (known as Nature’s botox) and Rose petals. Hibiscus is enriched with anthocyanidin and antioxidants and will leave your skin feeling hydrated and completely nourished. Rose Flower prevents the soap from being overly drying. It’s pretty amazing! Your skin will thank you. It’s so easy to use and is completely waste free so it’s a double win! A face soap can make your skin feel tight and a little dry at first so we may sure to follow up with something hydrating like our Blossom and Plum hydrosol toner and a nourishing Face oil like our Face love Elixir which is perfect. Not recommended for dry skin. This baby comes in the perfect pack with our Blossom and Plum Toner and Face Love Elixir, check it out here.
Next up our Free Your Face Powdered Cleansing Grains, I really don’t know where to start on how awesome this natural face cleanser is. This one acts as a cleanser and a mild exfoliant. It’s base offers the cleansing power of Organic Oat and both cleansing and exfoliating prowess of Adzuki bean. It has the added exfoliant properties of Hibiscus and skin healing and purifying goodness of Tulsi (Holy Basil), Neem Leaf, Chamomile Flower and Orange Peel Powder. Smells delicious and leaves your skin feeling soft and purified. All you need to do is use a small spoon (we have a custom made Jade Lees-Pavey spoon to fit perfectly into the jar) to remove ½ a teaspoon into your palm, mix with a few drops of water to make a paste and massage gently into your skin. Rinse off with warm water and voila.
Introducing our new Natural face Cleanser: formulated with the perfect balance of Organic Camelia, Grapeseed and Organic Hemp oil, this oil cleanser is suitable for all skin types. While using an oil to clean your face seems a little weird, if we think of the composition of all the crap we want to remove from our faces, most of them are oil based or oil soluble like makeup, dirt, debris and pollution from the air. As previously mentioned, like dissolves like and using oil to remove all of these impurities is having a resurgence. Plus, it’s a great way to help maintain the natural lipid layer that lines and protects our skin, unlike many detergent based products out there.
Choosing the right cleanser for you!
So now you are probably asking what cleanser do I need? First things first; Let’s try and help you identify your skin type. Use the table below to try and find which best describes your skin. We have added in some suggestions on how to treat each skin type, things to look out for and some products that would be suitable. Be aware though, that some skin is a combination of some of these characteristics and skincare is also not a one size fits all situation. Everyone’s skin is unique and what works for one person with oily or dry or sensitive skin may not work for another.
|
Skin Type |
Characteristic |
How to look after |
Suggested products |
|
Normal |
🌿 Feels neither tight or oily, 🌿 No dry spots or excessive shine. 🌿 Occasional breakouts |
Cleanse (or double cleanse), tone and use nourishing moisturizer/ oil. A serum may be an option for an added hydration boost |
Daily: Any of the cleansers Blossom and Plum Toner Face Love Elixir Lite, care with T-zone. |
|
Dry |
🌿 Feels tight with dehydrated/rough patches and/ or flakiness |
Requires extra love to keep hydrated. Cleanse and use serums, moisturizers and oils that are rich in essential fatty acids and are deeply nourishing |
Daily: Bare My Face Oil Cleanser Blossom and Plum Toner Hyaluronic Acid serum Face Love Elixir |
|
Oily |
🌿 Feels oily all over with a noticeable shine. 🌿 Often see enlarged pores 🌿 Prone to breakouts |
Keep skin clean and free from pollutants by cleansing thoroughly to dissolve and get rid of excess sebum. Using an oil based cleanser is a good idea and follow with toner and some form of weekly treatment (mask) to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. Best to use a few drops of a light oil or moisturiser in the evening. Using a weekly mask after cleansing is a good idea. |
Daily: Rose and Hibiscus Face soap Blossom and Plum Toner Face Love Elixir or lite Elixir Weekly: Any clay based Face mask |
|
Combination |
🌿 Oily T-Zone with normal/ dry cheeks |
Aim to keep the T-zone clean and free from debris by cleansing thoroughly to dissolve excess oils in this area. Follow with a toner and a light oil. A weekly exfoliation and/ or mask treatment to keep breakouts at a minimum is a good idea. |
Daily: Any of the cleansers Blossom and Plum Toners Face Love Elixir Lite, care with T-zone. |
|
Acne prone/ Hormonal |
🌿 Reactive to hormonal changes (mostly around jaw & chin) 🌿 Blemishes, blackheads and clogged and enlarged pores |
There’s no quick fix with hormonal acne, you have to work on it from the inside out. This may using supplements to get those hormones balanced (speak to a professional endocrinologist or naturopath) or dietary changes. Choose skin care with ingredients that are noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores). Oils that have a higher comedogenic rating will cause blemishes, blackheads and clog pores. Drink plenty of water, Green and/or Tulsi tea |
Daily: Free Your face Cleansing grains OR Bare My Face oil cleanser Blossom and Plum Toner Lite Face Love Elixir Weekly: Rescue My face Mask |
|
Sensitive |
🌿 Red, irritated, tight and/ or patchy 🌿 Rashes, bumps, blemishes, visible capillaries across cheeks and nose. 🌿 More common in people with lighter skin tones |
Choose products free from fragrances, any nasty stuff and aim for pH balanced formulas. Opt for ingredient inclusions known to soothe like Oat, Calendula and Hemp (among others) and avoid ‘active ingredients’ |
Daily: Bare My Face Oil Cleanser Blossom and Plum Toner Lite Face Love Elixir Weekly: Rescue My Face OR Protect My Face Mask |
We always recommend patch testing of new products and if irritation occurs to stop use immediately. And again, we also appreciate that everyone's skin is unique and it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Should you have concerns with problematic skin we recommend seeing a professional skin specialist to try and resolve your issues.
Sarah
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