Let’s be real, everybody’s face is different. Whatever product works for one person can be different for another. So, finding an essential product is not always easy, especially when the price is more expensive than it needs to be. But don’t fret, these skincare alternatives are sure to be helpful if added into your routine.
1. Cleanser: Black African Soap
Originally made from family recipes in West Africa, this cleanser is intended to help rejuvenate the face and prevent inflammation. Each recipe is unique, some contain coconut oil (anti-inflammatory) and plantain skin which according to StyleCraze, “contains antioxidants, such as riboflavin, vitamin C, thiamine, and folic acid.” You can buy one of your own from the different recipes sold by natural product companies like Shea Moisture or homemade from the hands of people in Ghana, Africa.
For acne-prone skin, you should wash your face with Alba Botanica’s face & body wash. Botanica said, “formulated with proven zit-zappers Salicylic Acid and Willow Bark Extract plus ground walnut shell, this scrub buffs away oil, dirt and pore-plugging dead skin cells.”
2. Toner: Witch Hazel
Also known as “La Agua Maravilla” which translates to holy water in Spanish, this is the best toner for any skin and face type. Strongly effective on eczema or acne-prone skin, it doesn’t dry out your skin and it wards off infections, studies say. “One test-tube study, found that the tannins in witch hazel exhibited antiviral effects against both influenza A and human papillomavirus (HPV),” said Healthline.
Used for centuries by Native Americans, ”The bark, twigs, leaves and roots of witch hazel has been used to treat a host of ills,” said The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
3. Moisturizer: Rose Water
Created by distilling rose petals with steam, the sweet smell of rose water is not the only benefit. Full of antioxidants, rose water can reduce redness and puffiness of the face. Along with a better complexion, rose water can also elevate mood, according to Healthline.
“Rosewater can have strong antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. A 2011 study found that the extract of rose petals can relax the central nervous system in mice. This resulted in antidepressant and antianxiety effects,” Healthline said.
If you want to stay moisturized while also protecting your face against the sun, Alba Botanica offers a natural SPF formula that has lavender and unscented options that can suffice enough to go along with a spritz of rose water.
4. Acne-Focused: Tea Tree Oil
After washing, toning, and moisturizing apply tea tree oil for as a spot treatment.
Since it’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it reduces redness but also prevents/reduces acne scars, Healthline said.
Keep in mind, this product must be diluted because of how strong it can affect the skin. Healthline advises to “dilute 3 drops of tea tree oil into 2 ounces of witch hazel. Use it as a toner throughout the day. You can use a face wash, moisturizer and spot treatment containing tea tree oil as well.”
5. Mask: Aztec Healing Clay
This mask has to become a staple in your face care routine. It can clear out acne scars after several times of use by removing old skin cells and letting it rejuvenate new ones. “Indeed, Aztec healing clay stimulates the skin to produce elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. This innervates blood flow and cell regeneration. The skin builds these substances to fill up the scars with a new layer,” according to the Healing Clay.
You’ll have the best results if you mix the mask with apple cider vinegar. This mask exfoliates and unclogs pores according to StyleCraze. It also brightens and tightens the skin. “the negatively charged ions in the clay attract and draw out the toxins to the skin surface. The clay also contains magnesium, silicate, copper, iron, and potassium – all of which further boost skin health,” according to StyleCraze.
On average, if you are able to purchase and have all of these in your bathroom cabinet, it can equal out to an estimated $40 which can last for an entire year! So, why not make the investment in prime quality to better your complexion?