RECIPE FOR A NATURAL TEA TREE OIL CLEANSER
I struggled with acne throughout my teen years and it has continued into adulthood. I would get pimples under the skin that were big and very painful. I tried different acne cleansers. I had sensitivities to some while others caused severe dry skin. One facial cleanser even bleached the color out of the towels I used to dry off my face. Not one of the face washes I tried was able to balance my face by preventing breakouts without drying out my face. I started looking at the ingredients in these face washes and realized that they were full of chemicals. This started my quest to find a more natural product. While searching, I found a natural tea tree oil cleanser. I was amazed at how well it worked. Not only did it balance my skin and stop breakouts without overdrying, but it improved my complexion dramatically. My daughter is going through puberty. We all know that acne is a part of that. Many of her friends have acne, but her face remains clear and her complexion beautiful because she uses the face wash every day.
Journey to this natural cleanser
I am a frugal person and although I really liked the natural facewash and it worked well, I did not like spending $40 per month of face wash alone. I knew there had to be a better way that I could have the same results for less. I decided to create my own formula. I found a couple recipes online and researched the benefits of each ingredient to come up with my own recipe. Not only does this recipe work, it now costs me a fraction of what I was paying and it only takes 5 minutes to make!
What causes acne
Lets briefly discuss what causes acne and then I will break down how each ingredient works to combat it. Hormonal changes are the main cause of acne. Examples of hormonal changes are puberty and a woman’s menstrual cycle. Each pore is a hair follicle. As hormones change, oil is excreted through the follicle. Dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria found on the surface of your skin clump together and block the follicle. The body then sends white and red blood cells to the area to combat a possible infection which can cause inflammation. This, in turn, turns into pimples.
The ingredients and their benefits
Now that we have a better understanding of acne, let’s break down each ingredient and learn its benefits. Please note: The benefits listed are pertaining only to skin health and fighting acne. There are many other wonderful properties that each provides. I recommend taking some time to research them to see how they can help in other areas of your overall health.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of a small tree called Melaleuca alternifolia and is native to areas of Europe. It contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties that naturally fight bacteria and fungus on your skin.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a liquid found in the seed of the jojoba shrub located in portions of the US. It contains Vitamin A and E and also contains antibacterial properties that help control bacterial growth in hair follicles. Vitamin E is a nutrient and antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals which damage cells and is said to slow the aging process of skin helping you look younger longer. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with powerful antioxidants and reduces inflammation.
Castor oil
Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor oil plant located in India as well as many other tropical regions. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also high in vitamin E and omega 6 and 9 which helps fight inflammation.
Grape seed oil
Grape seed oil is derived from the seed of grapes located all over the world. It contains high amounts of vitamin E.
After I wash my face I use an organic unrefined coconut oil which has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Please note: I am not a physician. I am merely sharing my experience and what works for me.
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Recipe For A Natural Tea Tree Oil CleanserWisk all ingredients together until well combined. Store the cleanser in a glass soap dispenser with a pump. This prevents contaminating the cleanser.
| ServingsINGREDIENTS1/2 cup castor oil3/4 cup grape seed oil1/2 cup Jojoba oil30 drops tea tree oil |  |
INSTRUCTIONS
RECIPE NOTES
To use:
-Rinse your face with warm water. This opens up the pores allowing the cleanser to get into the pores easier.
-Using a dime size amount of face wash, rub it all over your face, being careful not to get it in your eyes.
-Splash cold water on your face to close the pores do not scrub it off. This will allow it to continue working.
-Pat your face dry
-I use an unrefined organic coconut oil as a moisturizer after I wash my face. It has additional antibacterial and antimicrobial properties while also serving as a moisturizer.