There are many great cosmetics on the market, and most of the main lines actually perform as advertised. However, some of the most used ingredients in conventional products are actually bad for your skin in the long run. As more and more people learn the dangers of such things as parabens, emulsifiers, and artificial colors and fragrances, 'clean' (chemical free) cleansers and moisturizers are gaining in popularity. Here are some reasons why using a natural face scrub just makes sense.
If you prefer to buy a ready-made product, you should know which ingredients to avoid. Emulsifiers, added to keep the contents of a bottle from separating, are not recommended by many holistic experts. Look for the chemicals polysorbate, cetearyl, stearate, steareth, ceteareth, and emulsifying wax; you don't want to put them on your face. They can leave a soapy residue that clogs pores and traps dirt and bacteria.
Parabens have gotten such a bad reputation that many products are labeled 'paraben free.' These chemicals, with names like methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, or propylparaben, should be avoided. Experts say that they can disrupt hormonal action in your body.
There are many more chemicals on the 'avoid' list. Even some natural ingredients can have less than desirable effects. Ground walnut shells or apricot seeds are supposed to be good scrubs, but experts say that they are too harsh, with sharp edges that can cut your skin. These cuts may be microscopic but they harbor bacteria. Your clean, scrubbed face may still break out because of this infection.
Doing all this research and label-examining can be a lot of work. Many people simply make their own facial scrubs at home. A quick and easy one that leaves skin wonderfully smooth is coffee grounds added to your regular soap suds or cleansing lotion. You can use fresh ones or ones left over from the coffee pot; coffee contains many valuable antioxidants and is gentle enough for almost any skin type and condition.
Other easy and effective scrubs: a spoonful of honey and half a spoonful of sugar gently smoothed over a wet face; use a circular motion to loosen dead skin cells and cleanse pores. A little baking soda mixed into a paste with water. A little cornmeal mixed with water. Steel cut oats mixed with water and lemon juice.
There are more recipes to be found online. You can try almost anything that doesn't dissolve completely in water to exfoliate your face, but make sure it is neither harsh or drying. The recipes you will find online have been tried and found effective. Many make good masks, too, if allowed to dry. After they have done their drawing and tightening work, rinse off with water, scrubbing gently to loosen the mask and clean your skin.
The internet is full of great DIY facial scrubs. All you need to do is find one that appeals to you and try it. You may find that it is just what you want or you may need to try a few different ones to get what suits your skin best. Remember to be gentle and to moisturize after a cleansing to protect your very clean skin.
If you prefer to buy a ready-made product, you should know which ingredients to avoid. Emulsifiers, added to keep the contents of a bottle from separating, are not recommended by many holistic experts. Look for the chemicals polysorbate, cetearyl, stearate, steareth, ceteareth, and emulsifying wax; you don't want to put them on your face. They can leave a soapy residue that clogs pores and traps dirt and bacteria.
Parabens have gotten such a bad reputation that many products are labeled 'paraben free.' These chemicals, with names like methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, or propylparaben, should be avoided. Experts say that they can disrupt hormonal action in your body.
There are many more chemicals on the 'avoid' list. Even some natural ingredients can have less than desirable effects. Ground walnut shells or apricot seeds are supposed to be good scrubs, but experts say that they are too harsh, with sharp edges that can cut your skin. These cuts may be microscopic but they harbor bacteria. Your clean, scrubbed face may still break out because of this infection.
Doing all this research and label-examining can be a lot of work. Many people simply make their own facial scrubs at home. A quick and easy one that leaves skin wonderfully smooth is coffee grounds added to your regular soap suds or cleansing lotion. You can use fresh ones or ones left over from the coffee pot; coffee contains many valuable antioxidants and is gentle enough for almost any skin type and condition.
Other easy and effective scrubs: a spoonful of honey and half a spoonful of sugar gently smoothed over a wet face; use a circular motion to loosen dead skin cells and cleanse pores. A little baking soda mixed into a paste with water. A little cornmeal mixed with water. Steel cut oats mixed with water and lemon juice.
There are more recipes to be found online. You can try almost anything that doesn't dissolve completely in water to exfoliate your face, but make sure it is neither harsh or drying. The recipes you will find online have been tried and found effective. Many make good masks, too, if allowed to dry. After they have done their drawing and tightening work, rinse off with water, scrubbing gently to loosen the mask and clean your skin.
The internet is full of great DIY facial scrubs. All you need to do is find one that appeals to you and try it. You may find that it is just what you want or you may need to try a few different ones to get what suits your skin best. Remember to be gentle and to moisturize after a cleansing to protect your very clean skin.
About the Author:
Find a summary of the benefits of using a natural face scrub and view our selection of natural skin care products at http://james5beauty.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment