Facial cleansing products are a must-have in the beauty kit of every woman, no matter what her skin type. Cleaning your face is as essential for hygeine as cleaning the rrest of the skin on your body. However, without proper knowledge on your skin type and what ingredients will irritate it, many modern cleansing products, if not gentle enough, can be too harsh on your face, causing unwanted redness. Additionally, many commonly available facial wash products contain petrochemicals, which are not only derived from fossil fuels and are therefore bad for the environment, but these petrochemicals also have been identified as the cause of skin conditions such as acne. It is therefore no surprise that many people are turning to natural and homemade face wash products. The following recipes are for easy-to-prepare facial washes and cleansers that are cheap to make and gentle on the face.

You Will Need:

• 1 orange skin
• Small amount of milk

Leave the orange skin to dry until it becomes rather brittle. Once this has been achieved, grate it up into small, but not too fine, granules in a small bowl or container. Add a small amount of milk until you reach a pasty texture, then apply the mixture to your face, gently rubbing in the orange peel for exfoliation.

You Will Need:

• An aspirin
• 1 tbsp water

Crush the aspirin into small granules between two spoons, then mix it in a bowl with the water. Apply to your face and exfoliate before leaving it to sit for two minutes. Wash it off with water.

You Will Need:

• 1/2 cup crushed or ground oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1-3 tbsp cocoa powder

In a small bowl, crush or grind your oats, if you haven't bought them pre-ground. Add around 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of baking soda and mix, before adding 1 - 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, depending on your preferences. This powder can be stored in a clear plastic sandwich bag and used as needed. To use, simply put a tablespoon of the mixture into a bowl or container and add enough water to make a runny paste. Spread on your face and wash off.

You Will Need:

• 1 tbsp lemon rind
• 1/2 cup peppermint tea
• 1 tsp ground zinc

Steep a peppermint tea bag in a mug of boiling water for 10 minutes. Add half to a bowl and drink the rest - its good for you! Next, add your lemon rind and zinc. The zinc can be derived from supplementary tablets available at any supermarket. Apply to your face and rinse off with water. This mixture is great for combating acne.

Any of these recipes can be varied or added to in order to create the mixture just perfect for your skin. Don't be afraid to experiment with different additives such as herbs, different supplementary vitamins and powders.