Updated Cleanser & Toner

(Side note, this is a lengthy post - please do enjoy!) 

Frustration comes in the morning when I look at the mirror and see few pimples that keeps on recurring. I have been having red bumps on my forehead that grows in size to become painful and stubborn pimples for a while now. It is an eyesore because takes about a week just to wait for it to reduce into scars. For about 3-4 months, I have been using the Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Organic Soap as my cleanser. I also use it for my body. Check it out (here). I know I know, generally people advise not to use soap because it is too drying.


But, I realised my skin doesn't dry out. And if my skin does really dry out at my cheeks and chin area, I will apply some extra virgin olive oil as my moisturiser in the night. You can put any type moisturiser that you like. :) Depending on the condition of my skin, I sometimes switch my cleansers because my skin somehow gets "immune" to any cleansers I use.


I lather it up the cleanser of my choice with my pore cleansing brush - I have 2 of it (RM6 each). It looks something like the picture on the right. I massage this soap onto my face in a clockwise and anticlockwise motion. I normally leave it on as long as I can, about 3 minutes while I brush my teeth and apply conditioner to the ends of my hair.


The first few months of using this cleanser, I really like the results because my pimples has become more controlled and less visible in a matter of days. So if you have dry skin, I only advise you to use this soap when you need it and remember to apply your moisturiser!

But after the first few months, I noticed my skin became 'immune' to the tea tree oil products. I tried finding some salicylic acid to combat my painful bumps but the products are not very effective and the smell of it was not to my liking. Just 4 days ago, I found out that oats can be a good natural and effective cleanser. I found out this beauty tip from one of my favourite beauty guru, Bubzbeauty from Youtube. Here's a link to her video about oats. (Click here) 

Oats works remarkably well for cleansing, softening, moisturising, healing. It has anti-inflammatory properties which helps to soothe redness and clean your skin without stripping off the natural oils on your face. Oats is not only affordable and healthy to be consumed but also keeps your face radiant.

Just by 4 days of use, my skin is becoming clearer. The redness of my skin is starting to fade and my pimples scars are starting to heal. I keep a plastic container of oats in my room for convenience purposes. I recommend to cleanse with oats near the sink so that any fall outs will be washed away. :)

Here's the steps on how I apply the oats on my face:
1. It's okay to have your face dry while doing this. Grab about less than a palm size of oats with your fist. 
2. Run your fist under warm tap water (preferably) until you feel your oats starting to get soaked.
3. Open up your palm and use your other hand to take some of the slightly damp oats.
4. Gently spread the product on your face.
5. You'll realise that the oats will have a slightly milky and sticky texture when it is smeared on your face.
6. Be careful because some of the oats might fall off your face.  


If you do have time, apply this oats for 10-15 minutes to be used as a mini mask. If not, you can apply this cleanser before you take a shower so that you can reap out the benefits of this cleanser while washing your hair and body. :) 


As for toner, I switched it up with my Burt's Bees Rose Water and Glycerin Toner when I'm using the tea tree soap bar. Check out my review of it here. (click here) When I'm using oats as my cleanser, I use my home made aloe vera as my toner and a pimple cream at the same time. It is wonderful if you have an aloe vera plant at home.

Here are the list of benefits of aloe vera before I continue on my homemade aloe vera toner:

• Aloe vera is beneficial for cracked and dry skin.
• Aloe Vera acts as a natural barrier and shields our skin from dangerous toxins.
• Aloe vera is helpful for frostbite, burns, insect bites, blisters and allergic reactions.
• Aloe vera products contain the highest concentrations of healing agent which is beneficial for the skin.
• It makes the skin smooth and glowing.
• Aloe vera is used for treating various skin conditions such as eczema, burns, psoriasis, inflammations, wounds etc.
• It is an excellent skin moisturizer that keeps the skin flexible by giving oxygen to the cells which in turn increases the strength and synthesis of skin tissue.
• Aloe vera improves the ability of the skin so that it can hydrate itself.
• It is helpful in removing dead skin cells and has the ability for effective penetration and transports healthy substances through the skin.

As you can see, aloe vera has many beneficial properties to the skin which is why it will make a wonderful toner. :)

What you will need:

• 1 piece of aloe vera leaf
• Knife
• Chopping board
• A blender
• Container or glass jar (preferably) to put the product
• Sakae, a Japanese alcohol (it's okay if you don't have this)

Steps:

1. Slice out the green part of the aloe vera with a knife. Be very careful because the aloe vera has a slimy texture.
2. Wash the jelly part after cutting. Blend the aloe vera inside a blender. If the blender doesn't thoroughly blend the aloe vera into juice, add in some water.
3. Apply 1-2 caps of sakae if you have.
4. Store the aloe vera toner in the fridge when not in use, it might sting a little due to the sakae. 
5. Apply it on your face and neck with a clean cotton pad. You can also apply it onto dry areas of your skin! It acts as a magnificent moisturiser. :)


Sakae too, has many beneficial properties. I will talk about it next time if I have the time. :) With sakae, the toner might last 1-2 weeks. Without it, I recommend to finish the toner in a week time. Remember to always smell the aloe vera juice before you apply it on your face. The smell of the aloe vera is odorless. Thus if it starts to smell weird, stop using it immediately and throw it away.

P.S - If your skin can take it, it will be better to use the tea tree soap bar for your whole face because it can reduce blackheads around your cheek areas which are more stubborn.

"For poise, walk with knowledge that you will never walk alone" - Audrey Hepburn

With love,