Cleanliness is your Number One priority
One of the golden rules in making skincare is to work as cleanly as possible. Be meticulous about hygiene and sterile equipment. No one wants germs or dirt in their skincare, and contamination can massively shorten its lifespan, so do take care.
Top ten tips for cleanliness
Here are my top 10 tips to make sure you get the best, healthiest results:
CLEANLINESS RULE 1: Kit yourself out to work cleanly
You know the basic rules – make sure your hands are clean (guidance on good hand washing here; don your favourite apron and make sure your hair is well out of the way.
CLEANLINESS RULE 2: Create a clean environment
Wipe down surfaces using an antibacterial cleaner – use your normal one, or you can make a good surface cleaner yourself. One of the simplest ways to make your own is to put 3 cups of water and ½ cup vinegar into a spray bottle, then add 15 drops lavender essential oil, shake and spray-away!
CLEANLINESS RULE 3: Use clean equipment – Sterilise with boiling water
Make sure all your equipment is scrupulously clean – any pans, spatulas, whisks and spoons all need to be spotless. Metal, glass and china are easy to sterilize using boiling water. First wash them in hot soapy water, as normal, then place them in a bowl or suitable container and pour boiling water all over them. Leave to stand for a few minutes and then lift out and allow to drain. Either air dry (you can use a hair dryer to speed this up) or use clean paper towel. If you’re using oils, make sure your kit is absolutely dry because you don’t want water getting into your product (that would severely shorten its lifespan).
CLEANLINESS RULE 4: Use clean equipment – Sterilise with sterilising fluid
If any of your equipment is plastic, or won’t take kindly to being immersed in boiling water, use sterilizing fluid instead (available in supermarkets – look among the baby products, Milton is the commonest brand). Buy this in a bottle or as tablets and dilute as directed. The same fluid can be used to rinse several pieces of equipment or you can have a large bowl of prepared fluid in which you leave items to soak for half an hour or so.
CLEANLINESS RULE 5: Use clean equipment – Sterilise with alcohol spray
One of the simplest ways to sterilize is with an alcohol spray. We’re familiar with the alcohol wipes and hand cleanser dispensers. You can make your own really easily by getting a bottle with a fine spray nozzle (such as a perfume atomizer) and filling it with the strongest proof vodka you can find. I use my alcohol spray on everything – surfaces, equipment, hands. After spraying, either leave to dry naturally or wipe with a clean paper cloth.
CLEANLINESS RULE 6: Use clean containers – Sterilise these too
Sterilize the container you’ll be putting your product into in a similar way. PET pots bought new from skincare suppliers (including those from Field Fresh Skincare) should be good to use right away. But if you’re using a pot purchased elsewhere, reusing pots, or opting to store your products in pretty china or glass, make sure these are sterilized using one of the methods above. It only takes a few moments. Once your container is sterilised, be careful to handle just the outside – don’t put your fingers inside your nice clean pot.
CLEANLINESS RULE 7: Work quickly and cleanly, minimise contamination
When the making is done, get your product into the pot as quickly as possible, then leave to cool for just a few minutes before securing the clean cap or lid, ideally with a waxed card insert.
CLEANLINESS RULE 8: Clean up after yourself
Clean any equipment you’ve used while it is still warm, or warm it again briefly to loosen any waxes and butters. The simplest method is to wipe around with an absorbent paper towel (if necessary pushing it into corners with a wooden spoon or similar implement) to remove all oil and wax residue. Then you can immerse in warm, soapy water to wash up as normal.
CLEANLINESS RULE 9: Keep the product clean in use
To maximize the life of your finished product, be aware of cleanliness whenever you’re using it. Only have the lid off the product while it is in use, replacing it as quickly and securely as possible. Ensure your fingers are clean before touching the product – or don’t touch it at all, instead use a spatula or clean cloth to take what you need. Try to touch as little of the surface area as possible. Treat it with gentle love and care.
CLEANLINESS RULE 10: Only use fresh products
If there are signs of your product ‘going off’ – you might notice a change in the smell or colour, for example – it’s time to stop using it and make a new batch. Typically products will last longer and remain fresher if kept in the fridge. Remember, you’re using natural ingredients so your skincare is akin to the food you make, it will have a shelf life and is best made and used fresh.
