Whether you are looking for the most effective anti-aging protocol or just basic skin care, cleansing is the first step in every skin care treatment. If you want to lessen your body’s toxin load with the use of natural and effective skin care practices, then choosing an organic facial cleanser with zero chemical toxins should be the first step towards the goal of clean skin care:
What Do You Mean By Sulfate-Free Cleansing?
Due to the reported ill effects of SLS/SLES (sulfates), many companies market their cleansers as being ‘sulfate-free’. But did you know that even when you are using a sulfate-free facial cleanser, your skin may still be exposed to a variety of synthetic ingredients? For instance, when Cocamidopropyl Betaine or CAPB (one of the most popular ingredients in sulfate-free cleansers) is used as surfactants in facial cleansers, they can be the main culprits behind irritation and increased skin sensitivity.
In the most practical sense, sulfate-free cleansers have natural lathering agents, and are made of ingredients obtained from natural sources.
Do Natural Ingredients Deep Cleanse?
As our habits have formed over the decades, we may find it hard to feel ‘squeaky clean’ unless we see some foam or bubbles lathering up on the face. However, this is only psychological satisfaction. Throughout history until recently, there were no sulfates or synthetic chemicals, and yet people were able to stay hygienic with the use of natural and organic alternatives.
What Are Some of the Best Natural Ingredients For Facial Cleansing?
Here are two of the best natural alternatives that we use in our cleansers:
1. African Black Soap
The base for African Black soap is naturally obtained from sustainable and fair-trade sourced local African plant remains obtained with a mixture of water and ashes of palm tree leaves, empty cocoa pods, shea tree bark, and plantain. African Black Soap serves as the base material for both our PVO Daily Foaming Cleanser (for Dry to Normal / Vata Skin) and Pore Perfect Cleanser (for Oily Skin with Enlarged Pores / Kapha Dosha).
This ingredient’s surfactant (dirt, oil and grime dissolving agent) rids skin of excess oil and surface grime, leaving pores deep cleaned and clear The base also has a somewhat rough texture, making it an excellent natural exfoliant.
The natural oils in African Black Soap base prevent excessive moisture loss by creating a waxy protective film on the skin. Besides keeping skin soft, it is also rich in sulfur, making it effective when it comes to eradicating acne-causing bacteria.
2. Yucca Root
Yucca root is obtained from the plant Yucca Schidigera, which grows in the dry climate of the Southwestern United States, Canada, Mexico, and some parts of South America.
Yucca root contains saponins, making it a gentle and effective natural alternative to soaps. Rich in Vitamin C and natural humectants, Yucca root also brightens complexion and hydrates the skin without making it feel greasy. It can be used both as a daily cleanser or as an exfoliating mask or scrub. Natural yucca root is smooth in texture, and thus gentle to the skin. The fibrous roots also contain the anti-aging ingredient ‘resveratrol’ (found in extracts of red wine from grapes and berries).
Our products with Yucca root as one of the key ingredients include: SBR Cleanser (for Sensitive, Blemished & Rosacea-prone / Pitta Dosha ) and Pore Perfect Cleanser (for Oily Skin with Enlarged Pores / Kapha Dosha), Papaya & Honey Exfoliation Mask & Scrub (for Normal/Dry/Oily Skin) or the calming SBR Papaya & Honey Facial Mask (for SBR skin).
How To Properly Cleanse Your Face with Organic Cleansers?
Here are the steps to follow for proper cleansing every 2X p/day:
- Wet your face with clean, lukewarm water.
- Take a small amount of the cleanser on your palm and spread it over the wet face.
- Gently massage for about a minute.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel, leaving skin slightly damp before applying the correct hydrator.
- Finish by hydrating/ toning with a suitable Organic Hydrator and Serum Treatment.
Early investing in good skin care rewards you for years to come. For the most effective skin care, beware of green washing in beauty products and always choose natural, organic, clean, and sustainable formulas.
