Since I am keen for my treatments to champion positive ageing I have chosen to train in Holistic Facials and Facial Rejuvenation (Natural Face Lift Massage), which is one of the most effective skin-freshing, lifting and toning treatments - all achieved without product - I have ever witnessed. On the Holistic Facial course our tutor, the deftly-skilled and supremely knowledgeable complementary therapist Mary Dalgliesh, had students whip up their own back-to-basics skincare and I was amazed at how a two-ingredient jojoba Oil and aloe vera cleanser could get all skin types glowing. It's so simple and easy to make, not to mention very effective too.
The Benefits Of Jojoba Oil And Aloe Vera
Commonly thought of as a fluid oil, jojoba is actually a liquid wax ester cold-pressed from the seeds and nuts of the jojoba plant. Its composition is very similar to sebum and, as such, is readily absorbed into the pores and epidermis where is has a softening, debris-loosening and balancing effect. Aloe Vera gel is well known for soothing irritated or sensitive skin due to anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and when blended with jojoba oil results in a light gel-creme cleanser that makes the perfect massage medium for removing make-up and debris.
Whilst generally suitable for all skin types this cleanser does have a decongesting action so would be best avoided prior to a special event. I would also recommend that those with active, cystic acne patch test on an area of their skin for at least a week (ideally a fortnight) to see how it responds before moving to full face application.
DIY Cleanser - How To Make Your Own
You will need -
Jojoba Oil
Aloe Vera Gel
A hand blender or mini food blender
A clean, sterile jar
Clean, sterile measuring cups
The ratio: two thirds aloe vera gel to one third jojoba oil
Using the above ratio you can make as little or as much cleanser as you wish. For example, to make 100mls of cleaner you would use 75mls of aloe vera gel and 25mls of jojoba oil.
The method: measure the ingredients into a bowl and blend until smooth with a hand blender. A hand blender works well with larger volumes of 200mls plus, for smaller yields use a mini food processor or try using a hand whisk and elbow grease. With the mini food processor method you will find that the mixture spreads around the inside of the bowl and may appear to separate. However, once scraped into your jar and stirred it will achieve the correct consistency. A tiny amount of rose water can be used to thin and smooth the cleanser. Although jojoba oil contains high levels of vitamin E (a natural preservative) I would want to use up a batch in 3-4 weeks.
To use: apply to the face on cotton pads or using fingertip massage. Remove with a flannel or muslin cloth dipped in hand-hot water until no traces of residue remain. Repeat the process for a double cleanse. Finish with a rose water spray toner or apply rose water with cotton pads to balance the skin.
Warm wishes,
Hannah
* For Holistic Facial and Facial Rejuvenation (Natural Face Lift Massage) courses with Mary Dalgleish visit: www.head2toemassage.co.uk/
