Our top natural skincare routine
It is important to cleanse our face daily to maintain a clear complexion. No other part of our body is exposed to as many chemicals and grime – from makeup, city pollution or just from the dust in the air. Gradually, a build-up of dirt and grease seeps into the pores of our skin clogging them up. Eventually, the skin pores can develop keratin caps that keep the sebum trapped in the follicles. Light coconut oil is a gentle, yet thorough cleanser as the fine, spreading texture of the oil enables it to seep deep into the pores and hair follicles dissolving any hardened sebum. Suited to all skin types, our lightweight coconut oil softens any hard residue and makes exfoliation much easier by bringing any accumulated dirt or toxins to the surface of the skin. The dehydrating effect of air conditioning can also leave our skin feeling dry, flaky and in need of moisture, so an oil-based cleanser also helps keep the skin hydrated. Applying a steaming flannel to the face, further gently exfoliates the skin by helping to remove any dirt or dead skin cells from deep within, leaving the surface layer renewed and fresh.
A quick and effective natural skincare cleaning ritual
This simple, quick and effective morning skincare cleaning ritual only requires a few basic steps:
1. Using about 1/2 Tbsp of light coconut oil, massage it into your face and neck using gentle upward strokes to remove any dirt. This same routine can also be applied at night to remove make-up naturally.
2. Saturate a flannel or cotton cloth under a semi-hot tap or under a warm shower, then wring it out and place the warm flannel onto your face. Leave the flannel on the skin for a minute to two.
3. Gently rub the coconut oil off your face using the flannel, until the skin no longer feels greasy.
Tips for dry skin
For very dry skin, delicate or mature skin, you can replace the coconut oil with jojoba oil – or use a 50/50% mix – for an extra moisturising effect. Jojoba oil has a remarkable biochemical likeness to our skin’s own sebum, so it also makes an excellent cleanser. Be careful not to use very hot water on your face during the rinsing process, especially if you have delicate skin.
Tips for combination skin
For combination skin and to help balance the complexion, mix 2 Tbsp colloidal oatmeal with enough coconut oil to make a smooth paste and apply to the face, gently massaging in a circular motion. Then saturate a flannel with semi-hot water and place it on the face for a few minutes before washing off with warm water.
Tips for oily or blemished skin
For oily or blemished skin, mix a squirt of honey with light coconut oil to gently exfoliate the skin, massaging it in with a circular motion. Honey is highly effective in helping to get rid of blackheads by thoroughly cleansing the pores without disrupting the skin’s pH balance and has good antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Use a warm flannel to cover your face for a few minutes then finally rinse the face with warm water.
Finish by spritzing your face using a cold flower water suited to your skin type to tone the skin and help close the pores. Allow the face to air dry a little then gently apply a personalised serum or facial oil to lock in the moisture. See our unique Blending Notebook which is full of recipes on how to make a personalised facial oil or serum to suit your complexion.
NOTE: Always have a few flannels to hand in your bathroom and pop each cloth in the washing machine immediately after use to keep flannels bacteria free and to ensure freshness.