How to make facial cleansing cream

For those with dry or aging skin, a homemade facial cleansing cream can remove dirt and oil without removing necessary moisture. Learn how to make your own with these recipes, instructions and natural

While the majority of facial cleansers are soaps, such products are not right for every skin type. In fact, people with dry skin may find that using a typical facial soap only makes the problem worse.

Of course, it is necessary to regularly remove dirt and excess oil from the skin to keep it looking its best. You need not, however, use drying soaps in order to achieve a clear complexion. For those suffering from dry skin, a great alternative exists in the form of cleansing cream. If you would like to try it for yourself, you may enjoy making it at home with a few simple ingredients.

Why Use Cleansing Cream?

As mentioned earlier, soaps and cleansing creams have drastically different effects on the skin. When soap is applied to the face, it bonds with dirt and all the oil on the skin's surface. This depletes the supply of natural oil, which can exacerbate already-dry skin.

Of course, some soaps contain moisturizing additives that will replace lost moisture, but dehydration can still occur. On the other hand, cleansing creams can grab excess residue and supply beneficial oils simultaneously.

This is because the cream is first rubbed into the skin, acting as a moisturizer. Once it has absorbed for a minute, it is wiped off along with all of the buildup with which it has bonded. Thus, the skin is gently cleaned and fortified with vital oils. For anyone whose skin normally feels uncomfortably tight and dry after washing, using a cleansing cream is an ideal option.

Basic Ingredients

Cleansing cream is essentially a lotion that is removed from the skin after application. Thus, this recipe can double as a facial lotion and cleanser depending on your needs. In order to make it, you will need vegetable oil, distilled water, and baking soda, all of which are available at the local grocery store.

Popular oil choices for the face are olive oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, and mineral oil, but and thin oil will work. Two ingredients you may have trouble finding are glycerine, a byproduct of soap-making, and powdered stearic acid. The former is sometimes available in the cooking aisle, but you can also find both items at craft stores or ask your pharmacist.

Glycerine gives cleansing cream extra moisturizing properties, while stearic acid is a thickening agent. Once you have assembled all the ingredients, you can prepare to make your cleansing cream.

Recipe

Begin by sterilizing the container in which your cream will be stored.

This can be done by submerging it in boiling water and then drying thoroughly. Make sure that your container has a tightly fitting lid and can hold a little over one cup, since the recipe makes approximately that much cleanser.

1 tablespoon of glycerine,
1/8 cup of baking soda,
½ cup water in a microwave safe glass measuring cup.

In another cup, blend 1/8 cup each of your chosen vegetable oil and powdered stearic acid.

Microwave this mixture, stirring it at ten-second intervals until the powder has dissolved. Now, microwave the other container until its contents begin to boil. Pour them into the oil and stearic acid mixture and whip them until you achieve a fluffy texture. Transfer the cream into your container and place it in the refrigerator to cool, capping it afterwards.

Alterations

The first recommendation I would like to offer is for those with sensitive skin.

With dry skin often comes susceptibility to irritation. If this is the case for you, consider substituting the above-mentioned vegetable oils for grape seed oil.

Unlike most vegetable oils, this oil is not known to irritate any skin type and thus can be used safely by anyone.

A useful alteration for skin that is inflamed or painfully red from dryness is the addition of aloe vera gel. This plant derivative, which can be found near lotions and sunscreens, is highly reputed for its soothing and healing powers. To include it in your cleansing cream, simply cut the water in the recipe by half and replace it with an equal quantity of aloe vera gel.

Usage Guidelines

Once you have created your first jar of cleansing cream, you will need to know how to use it.

Begin by washing and drying your hands thoroughly so that no dirt or bacteria are transmitted from them to your skin.

Next, scoop approximately a tablespoon of cleanser from the jar and apply it liberally over the entire face. Rub it in for about a minute, both to loosen dirt and to help the moisture penetrate your skin. Finally, use a tissue or a soft washcloth to remove any extra cleanser from the face.

You will be amazed to see just how dirty your face was. Better yet, you will be thrilled by how smooth and moist your skin looks and feels after a thorough cleansing.

If you have dry skin, you will be thrilled at the benefits a cleansing cream can offer your.

No longer will you dread cleaning your face and the painful parched skin that precedes it. Instead, you will look forward to pampering your thirsty face with deep-penetrating moisture as you wipe away dirt and oil.

By using your handmade cleansing cream, you can fight dry skin, slow the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and achieve a beautifully clear and moist complexion.