Face washes are very common. The only thing about commercially available face washes is that they are loaded with chemicals. Using too many chemicals on skin may cause a lot of harm in the long run. Additionally, these tend to age your skin faster. So what is the solution?
India had a tradition of a using natural powdered mixes on body and face. These herbal powders have been a part of Indian traditions since ages. A powdered face wash acts as a natural face cleaner made. Ayurvedic face powder is prepared from natural beneficial ingredients and gentle on face. Most of these mixes can be easily prepared at home using kitchen ingredients.
How it works?
You simply need to combine the mix with little water to help cleansing grains turn into a soothing paste. Some may be a little granular to gently exfoliate skin. When prepared in right proportions and quantities, these can do wonders to skin. A herbal face powder prepared at home will help keep skin soft, healthy, and moisturized.
Why not use soap?
As already stated above; soaps & shampoo are loaded with harsh chemicals. These tend to strip the skin of its natural beneficial oils. In most cases, the soap may lead to imbalances and underlying skin issues. The skin tends to get drier with time and oily skin reacts by causing acne.
Cleansing face wash powders are suitable for all skin types. These are natural and gentle enough for daily use. Most people using these powders have reported improved tone and texture of skin by enhancing moisture and gentle exfoliation of uppermost layer of skin.
Here’s how you can prepare herbal face wash powder at home:
Daily Homemade Face Wash
Ingredients
Whole oats – ¼ cup
Bentonite clay / kaolin clay – ¼ cup
Almonds – 2 tablespoons
Dried flowers (a mixture of rose petals, calendula flowers, lavender flowers) – 1 tablespoon
Lavender essential oil – 10 drops
How to Prepare
Grind oats, almonds, and dried flowers in a grinder into until a fine powder. Now sift carefully through a fine-mesh strainer. This will help remove large pieces. Now add this mixture to a glass or wooden bowl. Add clay and essential oil. Mix well with a spoon. Use non-metal bowls and spoon to avoid clay losing its beneficial properties.
Store the mixture in a glass jar and close with a tight-fitting lid. The lid should be non-metal. A glass spice jar with shaker top works well. Store the face wash powder in a cool dry place.
How to Use
Add about ½ – 1 teaspoon of powder face wash in the palm and add several drops of water to prepare a thin paste. Massage onto wet skin. Rinse with water. This method will work as a cleanser.
You can also use the face wash powder as a weekly mask. Mix a few teaspoons of the powder face cleanser with a little water. Prepare a thick paste and apply on face. Massage onto skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Once dry, rinse your face with warm water.
Face Wash Powder and Mask
This cleansing powder can also be used as a brightening and exfoliating mask.
Ingredients Required
Besan (chicpea flour) – 2 tbsp
Helps cleanse and mildly exfoliate the skin.
Oats – 2 tbsp
Known for anti-inflammatory properties, oats are rich in saponins helpful in effectively removing dirt and oil from pores.
Rice flour – 2 tbsp
This is a magical ingredient of face wash powder. Rich in natural anti-ageing and oil-absorbing properties, it helps treat oily and acne-prone skin. Rice flour has micro exfoliating property which makes skin smooth and fairer naturally.
Liquorice powder – 1 tbsp
This natural ingredient is known for moisturizing skin and keeps hydrated. Licorice is powerful in brightening skin and making it fairer.
Cocoa powder – 1 tbsp
Loaded with flavonoids, cocoa powder acts as the antioxidant for the skin.
Fenugreek powder – 1 tbsp
Also used for hair, fenugreek is also helpful in maintaining beautiful skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also helps reducing acne.
Turmeric Powder – ½ tbsp
It has been used as a beauty and skin care product since centuries. Turmeric powder removes blemishes, scar marks and other issues including eczema and psoriasis.
Mix all of the ingredients and preserve it in an airtight container. The face wash powder will last for about two months. I have a normal to dry skin, but it feels soft and supple after using this cleanser. Make sure you store it away in a cool dry place.
Clean skin with this cleanser. For mask, apply and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water. Follow with moisturizer.
Results – This face wash powder has a mild scrubbing action. It effectively removes tan and brightens skin. The cleanser will help maintain beautiful skin all-round the year.
