Natural DIY Cleansers for Summer
Much as I love the long, sunny days of summer, I have to admit that getting all the sunscreen, makeup, dead skin cells and grime accumulated during a sweltering D.C. day can be a challenge. Alhough it’s tempting to scrub your face clean with a strong cleanser, this can actually send the sebaceous into overdrive in compensation, leaving you with a face that’s oilier than before. Your skin should be gently cleansed and exfoliated while maintaining its protective lipid barrier.
Rather than splurging on expensive skin cleansers that may contain unhealthy chemicals, however, you can make your own with ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen. Try the following DIY skin cleansers, adapted from Healthy and Natural World, for great skin.
Yogurt-apple cleanser for dry/combination skin
Yogurt has natural cleansing properties and is full of proteins and lactic acid that soothe and moisturize dry skin. Honey and olive oil cleanse and nourish the skin. Apples are full of vitamin C and antioxidants that rejuvenate aging skin. Tip: you can easily substitute strawberries now that they’re in season.
- Peel and slice 1 apple. Blend the slices in a food processor or blender with 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon olive oil (or coconut or another oil of your preference) and 1 teaspoon honey until smooth.
- Massage the mixture onto your skin.
- Leave on for a few minutes and rinse with warm water.
Oats & lemon exfoliating cleanser for oily skins
Oatmeal exfoliates the skin and absorbs excess oil. The antibacterial properties of the lemons will help you to kill bacteria and stop acne breakouts. Honey is a superb humectant with antibacterial benefits as well.
- Combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup water and 1/2 tablespoon honey in a bowl until well combined.
- Massage onto your skin.
- Rinse with warm water.
Mint & cucumber cleansing masque for normal/combination skin
I do love a refreshing chilled mint cucumber soup on a hot summer’s day! It’s just as refreshing to slather it on your face. Cucumber is an excellent natural astringent and mint counters inflammation and skin irritation.
- Blend 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 peeled cucumber and 6 mint leaves.
- Massage onto the skin and leave on the skin for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
Avocado cleanser for dehydrated/irritated skin
Avocado oil is one of the most deeply penetrating oils, making it perfect for plumping out fine lines on dehydrated skin. If your skin is feeling a bit desiccated from too much sun, try this cleanser.
- Mash the avocado in a small bowl. Add a little lemon as a natural astringent (but not too much as it dries the skin as well) and a bit of honey for its moisturizing and softening effect.
- Apply onto your skin and leave for 10 minutes.
- Remove with warm water and washcloth.
Tip: you can use the same recipe with mashed pineapple, papaya or strawberries, all of which contain enzymes that remove dead skin cells and calm irritation.
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.