Make your own facial cleanser

A good cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean, fresh, soft and supple. However, many shop-bought cleansers use harsh ingredients that may make your skin feel tight, red or irritated. Making your own facial cleansing oil is simple and also economical. A home-made cleansing oil will leave your skin feeling pampered while saving pounds for your purse.

Vegetable oils, such as olive oil, can effectively remove make up and dirt from your skin and, if used correctly, will not leave behind an oily residue. To cleanse your skin with olive oil:

1. Choose a good quality olive oil, such as virgin, cold pressed
2. Wash your hands (always cleanse your face with clean hands)
3. Pour a teaspoonful of olive oil onto your palm and apply to your face using upward sweeping movements from chin to forehead
4. Using fingertips, massage the oil in small, outward circular movements all over your face (avoiding eyes)
5. Remove with a hot cotton flannel or muslin cloth (do not use cotton wool as this will not effectively remove the oil and will leave an oily residue on your face)
6. Dry your hands and repeat the steps above again – the first cleanse removes make up and surface dirt, while the second cleanse deeply cleanses your skin
7. To finish, wipe a cool, damp cotton wool pad across your face, acting as a simple toner to close pores and refresh the face

This cleansing routine is suitable for most skin types, even problem skins. However, for those suffering from an extreme skin condition, such as severe acne or eczema, it is best to follow a skin care routine as advised by your doctor.

Massage movements for skin care

Applying your skin cleanser in sweeping upward movements from chin to forehead will make sure that you lift up the fine layer of hairs on your face, and allow the oil to thoroughly clean your face. Massaging the oil in circular outward movements – such as from the middle of your forehead outwards to temples – will help to drain excess fluids and toxins from your face into lymph nodes. This method helps to keep your skin looking clear and glowing.

Essential oils for facial cleansers

While a vegetable oil such as olive oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, is sufficient to remove make up and deep cleanse your skin, you will benefit from adding essential oils to suit your skin type. To make a simple aromatherapy facial cleansing oil, blend two to three essential oils in a base (vegetable) oil. The simple aromatherapy recipes below are provided to suit different skin types. All recipes are based on a 3% dilution of essential oils to vegetable oils, which is safe for all skin types in adults.

Basic aromatherapy facial cleanser (all skin types)

• 30 ml olive oil
• 9 drops lavender oil
• 9 drops geranium oil

Lavender and geranium oils in equal combination help to maintain the balance of your skin. They promote healthy skin and regulate oil production in skin that is too oily or too dry. If you suffer from oily or dry skin, you should notice an improvement in the condition of your skin after a couple of weeks of use. This cleanser is also suitable for problem and sensitive skins.

Dry or dehydrated skin cleanser

• 30 ml sweet almond oil
• 6 drops lavender oil
• 6 drops Roman chamomile oil
• 6 drops sandalwood oil (can be substituted for rosewood or frankincense oils)

Sweet almond oil acts as a gentle, nourishing base for dry or dehydrated skin, while lavender oil helps to regulate and balance the skin's own oil production. Roman chamomile has a gentle and soothing action on dry skin that may be prone to sensitivity, while sandalwood oil is moisturising and nourishing (as are the cheaper alternatives of rosewood and frankincense).

Oily or problem skin cleanser

• 30 ml jojoba oil
• 6 drops lavender oil
• 6 drops geranium oil
• 6 drops tea tree oil (alternatives include palmarosa, niaouli or manuka oils)

Jojoba oil is known to mimic the production of the skin's natural oil, sebum, and helps to balance the skin. Lavender and geranium oils are also balancing, and lavender is helpful for spots and acne. Tea tree has been shown to be as effective at tackling acne as benzoyl peroxide without the drying or irritating side effects. It can be substituted for palmarosa, niaouli or manuka, which are also helpful for problem skin types.

Anti-aging skin care oil cleanser

• 30 ml sweet almond oil
• 6 drops lavender oil
• 6 drops frankincense oil
• 6 drops tea tree oil

Sweet almond oil is a nourishing base for this anti-aging aromatherapy blend. Frankincense is renowned for moisturising and restoring the skin, being effective for preventing wrinkles and smoothing out fine lines. Lavender and tea tree oils have a regenerative effect on skin and promote the renewal of new skin cells. This blend is also a far cheaper alternative to many shop-bought, anti-aging moisturisers. It can be used as a nightly facial oil, applied after your cleansing routine and left to nourish skin overnight.

Soothing cleansing oil for sensitive skin

• 30 ml sweet almond oil
• 3 drops blue chamomile oil
• 3 drops lavender oil

This soothing and gentle blend uses a 1% dilution of essential oil to base oil for very sensitive skin types. Lavender is gentle and soothing for even very sensitive skins, while blue chamomile (despite its pungent smell) has a highly anti-inflammatory action that is helpful for sensitive skins that are prone to flare ups. This blend can be helpful for those suffering mild eczema, although a 24-hour patch test is recommended.

When blending the above aromatherapy recipes, pour into a dark glass bottle and shake thoroughly to blend the essential oils with the base, vegetable, oil.

Storage and shelf life of home-made cleansers

Always store an aromatherapy blend in a dark glass bottle. Essential oils or blends containing essential oils should not be stored in plastic containers as they may corrode the plastic and cause the blend to become contaminated. The base, vegetable oil, of an aromatherapy blend usually has a shelf life of about 3 months. Ensure the shelf life of your cleansing oil by keeping it stored out of direct sunlight (to prevent oxidisation which will turn the base oil rancid) and in a cool, dark place.

Contraindications

The blends included in this article are not advised for use in pregnancy or on babies and children without seeking advice from a medical practitioner. Do not use aromatherapy blends to remove eye make up.

Tip

Cotton flannels or muslin cloths can become a breeding ground for bacteria and can also easily become clogged with oil. Use a clean flannel daily to ensure good skin health.