Useful extras

June 20, 2008

Save face

By Kashi Read more beauty, daily challenge, and research
Challenge Yourself for: 24 Hours

It might be time to give your face-washing regimen a makeover. While water alone cannot dissolve the pollutants of the day, using too many products may be comedogenic. And harsh scrubbing can damage delicate skin. What to do? Challenge yourself to do a little research about natural face washing options and find new ways to get clean naturally. Consider your needs. Do you need a daily wash? Is your skin oily? Dry? Sensitive? If you wear make-up, do you need a product to remove mascara in addition to needing something to remove makeup from your skin? Many of the natural skincare lines from companies like Jason, Alba, Burt’s Bees, Zia, Dr. Hauschka and others include specialized products like facial cleansers for daily or twice-daily washing, toners to balance pH and prepare your skin for moisturizing, all-over facial moisturizers, and specialty products for cleaning eyes and lips. Some are specially formulated to deal with problems like dry skin or acne.

Track Your Progress

My Progress: Join this challenge and start watching your progress grow!

Community Progress: 92% success

Community Stats

97 participants 52 entries logged

Have something to add? Share it here.

  1. User_48
    gator2003 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I use anti age creams and moistuirzers due to my age. I do like burt bees products I just recently tried some of there natural products.

  2. User_48
    delloveskashi commented on this. over 2 years ago

    KatLuvsShoes, THANKS for the YouTube link. The woman, RiceBunny, has some other good videos: http://www.metacafe.com/tags/ricebunny/ on face care. I already use the egg white mask from time to time and the tomato/sugar scrub is something I’ve done before, too. Again, thanks for finding and sharing this!

  3. User_48
    honeyalmond commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I have a male friend who has psoriasis, anyone have anything to help with it?
    Thanks!!

  4. 48_100_0473
    sydneysgirlwanda commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I’ve been using soap on my face for all my life, but I’ve decided to start using a facial cleanser instead. It is really helping me. In addition, I use a cleansing mask once per week. In addition to these, I moisturize my face twice per day: morning and night.

  5. User_48
    JoL commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Last year I started using raw honey as a masque and now use it whenever I have irritated skin or even bug bites. It does not clog pores and is not difficult to rinse off. It leaves my skin feeling great. Try it. You might be surprised at how well you like it. If you google honey, you’ll find dozens of other uses for it too.

  6. 48_ron_amy
    mronaldmorgan commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Swe3tBabyCakesx16, I can’t get this to reply directly to your comment, but I also use toothpaste to take care of zits like that. Every now and then, I get zits inside my nose which are really painful and annoying, and the toothpaste works like an absolute charm on those.

    I don’t know what type of toothpaste the expressions is, but I was told that for the toothpaste trick to work, it can’t be a gel; it has to be the plain solid white paste-y toothpaste.

  7. User_48
    Swe3tBabyCakesx16 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I recently stopped a trick of mine because it wasnt working anymore!!!! i think it might be the new product i switched to. To further explain myself, I used to get zits and pimples all the time!!! so i would put a small dab of crest toothpaste on it, leave it overnight and wake up in the morning, wash it off and repeat the following night. It would clear it up in no time! i recently switched to that new expressions toothpaste and it doesnt work!! must be something about the regular toothpaste. id give it a try!!!

  8. User_48
    blythem commented on this. over 2 years ago

    NutriBiotic makes FANTASTIC all-natural face cleansers. I love them and have used them for years! They are not expensive and the bottle lasts ages. I buy mine at Whole Foods but you can order online. http://www.nutribiotic.com/non-soap-skin-cleansers.html

  9. User_48
    blythem commented on this. over 2 years ago

    For eczema try a plain unscented bar of Dove soap and Eucerin lotion. I know it is not all natural but it will do wonders! You can also use Aquaphor or vaseline over some hydrocortisone cream. Wash your face twice daily with luke warm water. Too hot will dry out the skin.

  10. 48_dsc06305
    katemcrugg commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I have rosacea and VERY sensitive skin and have had EXCELLENT luck with the Kiss my Face Olive Oil facial bars. They are dirt cheap and never irritate my skin. I used Dr. Hauschka for a long time and still use some of the products (which I love) but this is my go-to cleanser.

    1. 48_dsc06305
      katemcrugg over 1 year ago

      Forgot to add that the kiss my face bar has a plain OO, honey and also a chamomile. I use the honey in the winter for extra moisture and the chamomile in the summer when I am more sensitive (allergies, sun etc.) .

  11. 48_ron_amy
    mronaldmorgan commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I’m a 23 year old guy who’s skin is relatively sensitive and gets oily very quickly. I have to shave about once every other day because of how quickly my facial hair grows, but this also results in an immense number of blemishes and ingrown hairs on my face & neck.

    My stepmom told me that sugar is good for exfoliating and healing blemishes on the face, but I have to be careful with how much I use and how I use it, since the sharp sugar grains can leave my neck hurting worse than when I started. What are other natural, gentle treatments for skin like mine?

    1. User_48
      mvrllo over 1 year ago

      Here’s a suggestion that might work. Use a baby’s washcloth. Since it is gentle enough to exfoliate a baby’s skin, it should be gentle enough to use every day on your skin with a gentle cleanser.

  12. User_48
    YayaX3 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Thanks for the recipes, Aimee. I also love pumpkin puree and honey. I warm it up just a little and pat it all over my face and neck, leave it on for about 15 – 30 minutes, then rinse it off. It is wonderful!
    I have tried many different ‘natural’ face cleansers. At 51, I have found the best to be ‘Skin Trip’ coconut soap bar. It does not sting my eyes, takes off mascara beautifully and leaves my skin feeling clean and moist.
    I am in love with Lily Organics of Colorado moisturizer and 7 oils. I put the moisturizer on first, let it absorb and then follow it with the oil.(No, it doesn’t make my face oily. The lady who makes these had terrible acne before.) They are not cheap at first glance, but last forever. They are completely organic and natural. You can check out the website www.lilyorganics.com or see if your local healthfood store carries it. Our local Vitamin Cottage does and it’s a bit cheaper than the website – although she has regular specials on the site.
    All that said, the best way to keep your complexion it’s best -especially if you have excema – is to start from the inside. Sugars, bad carbs, processed foods affect what you see in the mirror. Take care of the inside as well as the outside. No amount of natural skin products are going to solve your skin problems if your body is being fed junk.

  13. User_48
    redjulesa commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I have used everything over the years and have found the best success with Arbonne. The entire kit can be purchased on Ebay for about half of the regular price and it last 6-9 months. You can also try it free through an Arbonne distributor and see for yourself. I am constantly stopped and asked by women and a few men what my secret is to my beautiful skin.

  14. 48_100_0228__2_
    tessa64 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Love the comments about face care. I am trying the honey. Thanks for the info.

  15. User_48
    amyvic888 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    i have sensitive, acne-prone skin. i have trouble finding a good makeup remover to remove my facial makeup that won’t make me break out. i use an astringent to get off what washing doesn’t, but now that i am older (mid-30’s) i feel like it is too harsh and causes my face to dry and wrinkle. does anyone know of any natural products that work well for oily, acne prone skin?

  16. User_48
    greenpeach06 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I would love to start using more natural products in my skincare regimen, although cost is a factor for me. Any suggestions for something inexpensive that easily takes off waterproof mascara??

    1. User_48
      joyanne over 1 year ago

      I don’t think it’s considered especially “natural” but baby oil does a good job on waterproof mascara. it’s cheap and leaves your eyes moisturized.

  17. User_48
    angelmc commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I am having a flare up of eczema on my face. I can’t seem to get it to go away, I have tried coconut oil, emu oil, and now am trying hemp face protector from the Body Shop. Anyone have any other ideas that may work. It looks as though I have been punched in the face.

    Thanks

  18. 48_pic
    KatLuvsShoes commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I found this great youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByP2YvqfnnI) about how to make your own rice water toner. I’ve used many toners in the past and I found that rice water is the most moisturizing of them. I hope this helps. Find discounts on all your favorite products on Shop.com and find me on Twitter. Keep Connected.
    Luv,
    Kat

  19. 48_b_w_gretchenlee
    Gretel commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Aimee, Thanks for posting the recipes for natural skincare… can’t wait to try some of this.

  20. 48_b5dde4ac
    Hubris commented on this. about 3 years ago

    Today I tried washing my face with raw wild honey, and it actually worked just as well as regular soap, but without drying up my face. And of course, it’s pretty cool to have a sweet-tasting face wash.

  21. User_48
    sybilschon commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I’ve just turned thirty’s and i’ve noticed the beggining off my wrinkles so i’ve started to rub on my face and just leave the tomato pulp and it actually does make the wrinkles softer.

  22. 48_n567966143_709188_9530_1_
    Semily commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I use Ponds products. They seem to work well and are hypo-alergenic and contain organic white clay. (and other stuff)Although this is all what I am reading from the back of the bottle I havent had any problems with it.

  23. User_48
    Lorene commented on this. over 3 years ago

    If delicate or sensitive skin is an issue, I would reccomend the St. Ives Apricot Scrub/ Cleansers. They don’t have any harsh chemicals, and the brand also carries a natural oat moisturizer if you need the extra boost. Plus, they smell great.

  24. 48_blue-rose
    Aimee_Aken commented on this. over 3 years ago

    ♥ Anti-Wrinkle Treatment ♥ : Banana is very good for a natural anti wrinkle treatment. Mash or blend a banana until it is very smooth then apply all over the face. Leave it for 15 min and then rinse off with warm water.

    ♥ Apple & Honey Face Mask ♥ : Finely grate or blend a medium apple. Add 5 tablespoons of honey and smooth onto the face. Leave it on for 10 min then wash off with cool water. (This recipe is good for people with oily skin or those prone to acne).

    ♥ Carrot Face Mask ♥ : Cook and mash 3 large carrots and mix in 4 1/2 tablespoons of honey. Smooth onto face/skin and leave it for 15 min. Rinse off with cool water.

    ♥ Exfoliate for Sensitive Skin ♥ : This recipe is for a gentle exfoliate for sensitive skin. Mix together 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1 quarter cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and a tablespoon of olive oil and 5 drops of tea oil. Mix this all together and use on your skin at least once a week.

    ♥ Firmer Breasts & Skin Lotion ♥ : Mix together a teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and an egg. Massage this lotion into the breasts and/or on skin for 15 min.

    ♥ Glowing radiant skin treatment ♥ : Mash a tablespoon of papaya with a tablespoon of honey and smooth it onto skin. Leave on for 20 min and wash off with warm water.

    ♥ Tropical Face Mask ♥ : Mix together a ripe banana, a teaspoon of olive oil and a couple of drops of orange and lemon essential oil. Apply this mixture to the face and leave on for at least 15 min. Rinse off with warm water.

  25. User_48
    hiker72 commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I love Biore, but after reading the ingredients i regret using it! I’m trying to switch to Burt’s Bees.

  26. 48_picture_001
    amer2eire commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I noticed that someone was dealing with eczema. I’m a holistic therapist, so I just wanted to let you know unrefined coconut oil works very well for this skin condition (when you get it, it comes as a solid, you should be able to warm it in your hands and melt it so you can rub it into the areas).

    1. User_48
      tree_stump50 over 1 year ago

      do you have anything you recommend for adult acne? I am 32 and I have tried it all. My acne is all hormone related, and it is getting bad again.

  27. 48_water_lilies
    kvalebear commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I like the natural aspect also. I have lots of various face cleaners in my cabinet. I try it and if I don’t like the results, I try something else. I’ve also noticed that my skin requires different products at different times — like now that it’s so humid (yes, I live in the South), my skin is more oily than normal.

  28. 48_mejpeg
    MustangMike commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I use a mild TeaTree oil cleanser. TeaTree Oil is a natural anticeptic and works wonderfully.

  29. 48_000_0902
    jdjacques commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I wash my face with honey. Raw honey works best. It doesn’t dry out my face, takes off my makeup (I use jojoba oil to take off mascera), and has improved my acne issues. I love how my face feels after I wash it and I don’t mind if some gets in my mouth. :) I usually put it on like a masque and leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes while I brush my teeth or get my shower ready.

    1. User_48
      verncamp over 1 year ago

      I can’t imagine honey getting a face clean…I would think it would feel worse and clog pores quite a bit…

  30. User_48
    acarter commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I am a big fan of DHC (www.dhccare.com) products from Japan. Their “mild soap” is made with olive oil and is great for sensitive skin.

    1. User_48
      DiBene over 1 year ago

      I went to that site…too expensive for me.

    2. User_48
      bgail over 1 year ago

      But the DHC products go a long way! You use such small amounts. I have had so many compliments on my skin—everyone thinks I am in my mid 40’s, and I will be 60 on my next birthday. I have sensitive skin, even the finest products have always eventually irritated my skin. Not so with the DHC line.

    3. User_48
      pberger over 1 year ago

      I agree with the comments about DHC. They do last quite a while. They are mild but do what they are supposed to do – cleanse, moisturize, etc.

  31. User_48
    patsydonny commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I love natural…. but can not give up BEAUTICONTROL products!

  32. 48_julie_enex
    julielarocco commented on this. over 3 years ago

    I’m 51, and so I started using products that are “anti-wrinkle.” However, now I’m dealing with eczema. I’m not sure if it’s the products I’m using or what. My question is, can I get my face clean enough with just water? Do anti-wrinkle products even work or are they screwing up what was once a darn nice complexion.

    1. User_48
      littlestar89 over 1 year ago

      Try the Basis bar. (It’s about $2 and is sold at Walmart, etc.) My sis told me about it a few years ago and it completely solved all of my skin problems. It’s an amazing product. Anti-wrinkle products tend to be acid-based to expedite the constant sloughing off of skin cells. The basis bar is PH balanced —- and since it’s just a soap, it can be used with anti-wrinkle products afterward.

    2. 48_scan2
      roxyroller over 1 year ago

      I couple times a week mix in organic sugar cane with my orgainic gel wash to clean my face,my skin feels soft & clean/fresh :)