7 Natural ingredients that double as facial cleansers

Skin Friendly: 7 Natural ingredients that double as facial cleansers

Dione Chen

27 May 2016

updated the Friday, May 27, 2016

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Coconut Oil
The antifungal and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil remove dirt and oil from the surface of the skin, allowing the skin to feel healthy and smooth. Simply apply a portion of coconut oil, solid or liquid, the size of a quarter directly onto your face and pat dry with a washcloth.
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Honey
Raw honey is one of the best remedies for skincare. Antibacterial, moisturising, clarifying and full of antioxidants, honey targets a whole range of skin problems like acne and aging and works well on all skin types. Just warm about half a teaspoon of raw honey on your fingers and apply directly to your face. Leave on for at least 10 minutes for the best effect, then rinse off with water.
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Yoghurt
Rich in protein, lactic acid and fatty acids, yoghurt is perfect for detoxifying skin. In addition, the calcium found in yoghurt is also responsible for your skin's health. Make sure to use plain, unsweetened yoghurt when intending to apply it on your skin. Massage a thin layer over your face and leave on for 10 minutes, rinsing it off with water after you are done.
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Olive Oil
The antioxidants and Vitamin E present in olive oil work to fight aging and UV damage to the skin, while hydrating the skin so that it becomes smooth and radiant. This is a very popular beauty booster in skincare routines as many people find that olive oil works better than store-bought cleansers. Rub a small amount of oil onto your face, leave it on for a couple of minutes and wash off.
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Chamomile Tea
Chamomile was used in ancient times as medicine, due to its calming, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied on skin, chamomile tea has a soothing effect which helps treat acne and ease skin irritation. Make sure the tea is brewed properly so that the active ingredients are extracted into the tea solution.
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Lemon
Lemon targets a range of skincare woes that is precisely what makes it such an effective facial cleanser. Its antibacterial properties help to treat acne and blackheads, while Vitamin C naturally lightens dark and uneven spots. In addition, lemon reduces excess oil, eliminating the unwanted shine on your face. Try slicing a piece of lemon and rubbing it on your face. Alternatively, you could squeeze the juice first, then apply it generously on your skin.
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Baking Soda
Besides cleaning the pots and pans in your kitchen, baking soda consists of many health properties that help to clean your face as well! This alkaline substance has antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that work together to fight problems like acne, sunburns and uneven skin. Dilute a pinch of baking soda in a bowl of water, then wash your face with the solution. Remember to rinse off with water after.

Instead of searching for facial cleansers that contain natural ingredients, why not do the reverse instead?

We’ve taught you how to make your own facial masks, hair masks and body scrubs, all with completely natural products you probably already have stored in your kitchen cabinet. What about the most basic step in our skincare routine – cleansing? Can it be done without all those expensive chemicals available at the drugstore?

Yes, of course! In our gallery, we introduce to you 7 ingredients that work as facial cleansers as well. Who knew cleaning your face could be so safe and simple? No more wondering if the store-bought face wash is good for you. Just go for an au naturel one!

Dione Chen

Photos: Getty Images

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