Has this Winter Left Your Skin Feeling a bit Dull and Dry?

You are not alone! Although I know spring is still not quite “sprung” – it feels around the corner with the warm temps we’ve been having!

Possibly your skin took a beating this winter? If so…..stick around, I’m going to give you one of my favorite ways to help keep moisture locked in – not only for now, but to also help combat it in the future. You see, I used to struggle with terribly dry skin, but since I’ve worked over the years and experimented and developed this skin care line, I truly no longer fluctuate between this dry flaky skin, to greasiness. Sure there will always be some fluctuations, but the extremes have disappeared, and with just approaching skin care a little different than maybe you’re used too, you can truly work toward the skin you’ve always wanted!

Oil Cleansing

This method has drastically – and I mean DRASTICALLY changed my skin. It’s foundation and basis is the idea that oil dissolves oil, and that you can clean your skin, without stripping it by using harsh cleansers and “scrubbing” it squeaky clean. As the “all natural” movement continues to grow, this probably doesn’t seem as foreign as it once would. Most of us have probably been at least introduced to the idea that sulfates and things that “soap up” are not always the best for us. Without going into a full blown essay, we definitely want to get our hair, skin, clothes, etc. “clean”, with using as few as chemicals (or none) as possible, while maintaining the moisture we already have.

Meaning, if we “strip” and get our hair or skin squeaky clean, then we may be stripping ourselves of so much of the natural oil we have, that then our hair or skin goes into “production” overdrive mode and works overtime to make up for what was stripped away.

Oil cleaning of the skin comes into play by working to cleanse your skin, without stripping it’s oils. Your natural oils stay in tact, and therefore your skin does not go into emergency overdrive mode. The oils you use to “cleanse” go deep and work to really pull from your skin all the dirt, sweat, and bacteria. The oils you use help to dissolve the oils that you don’t want there!

The Method

Below I’ll list out some combos of oil based on different skin types – but here’s the “how to”:

• Place about a nickel to quarter size amount in the palm of your hand – rub hands together – then rub onto face – your face will be dry and all your makeup still on (be sure and pull your hair back!)
• Continue gently massaging into skin in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Gently rubbing your eye area (not in your eyes) to remove eye makeup and just in general all over your face.
• Take a washcloth and let it run under hot water and then lay over your face – in essence “steaming” your face. The washcloth will cool and you can repeat this, or if you feel you don’t need too, you can gently wipe off the excess oil.
• And that’s it…..you can then moisturize your skin if you feel like you need too (I put on my HA serum and moisturizer and eye cream) – some people don’t feel like they need to moisturize after this.
  • TO BE NOTED: There may be an adjustment period as your skin has many impurities pulled to the surface – blackheads will begin to disappear – generally 1 week may be needed – so if it gets worse before it gets better do not panic – unless it is red and itchy and seems like your skin is reacting – then by all means don’t panic, but discontinue use!
  • ALSO: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combos – depending on your skin type, you may do better with certain oils than others, but it doesn’t have to be complicated – the goal is to simplify and help your skin to be healthy and balanced!
  • I recommend doing this 1x daily!!! I usually do this at night – but 1x daily should be sufficient!

Oil Combinations

• For dry skin: 1/4 part castor oil mixed with 3/4 parts of sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil (or a combo of those 3). Castor oil acts as an astringent – so for drier skin use smaller amounts, oilier skin use more castor – I’ve always gotten along really well with this oil, occasionally people will be sensitive to this – in that case simply use another oil like olive oil or coconut.
• For combination skin: 1/4 part castor with 3/4 parts avocado, sweet almond, or sunflower oil.
• For oily or acne-prone skin: 1/3 part castor or hazelnut oil mixed with 2/3 parts jojoba, marula, or sunflower oil.

Honestly the combinations are endless – you can do a quick search and find so many suggestions – this is just the tip of the iceberg. Mostly though, just start with what you have – or if you order oils, just order 1-2 in small sizes – try and see if you even like this method of cleansing, then branch out from there. If you stick with it, you will begin to tell which oils you like and as you look into those oils, or problems for your specific skin, you can research what might be best for your skins condition and tailor it to your needs!

The Result?

Your skin will start to balance. It will no longer go into trying to overproduce oil or underproduce. If you were previously “dry” you will be able to retain your original moisture better. If you were previously “oily”, you probably spent a lot of time/money on things that would dry up and cleanse away the excess, in turn your skin would produce more excess…..so if you were oily, although there is some adjustment period, you will eventually maintain a more even consistency and not be overproducing.

Oil Cleansing Products I offer

After having such success with oil cleansing, I began to see a need for it to be simple and convenient. Also, I wanted the best oils for a variety of skin types – but specifically inflammation, acne, and redness, as it seems so many people suffer from these things.

I offer a Tamanu facial cleansing oil. This oil contains:

Tamanu Oil: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, stimulates collagen production, fights against acne, helps with redness and scarring from acne or wounds, diminishes redness, leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.

Jojoba Oil:   antioxidant, non-comedogenic, moisturizing, very similar to our skin’s natural sebum, anti-aging.

Sunflower Oil: rich in vitamin A and E, helps regenerate damaged skin cells, light and non-greasy, helps fight against acne.

Castor Oil:   reduces puffiness, antibacterial properties, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, astringent.

Grapeseed Oil: helps with skin elasticity and softness, helps tighten pores, reduces appearance of scars, heals acne, lightweight, noncomedogenic.

Carrot Seed Oil: anti-aging, contains skin mending vitamin A and collagen boosting vitamin C, antibacterial properties, anti-fungal properties.

This comes in a 2oz and 4oz size – glass dropper bottle – super easy to use and I have sold dozens and dozens of these!

Last year I took it a step further, and began offering a Solid Oil Cleanser. It contains:

Tamanu Oil: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, stimulates collagen production, fights against acne, helps with redness and scarring from acne or wounds, diminishes redness, leaves skin feeling softer and smoother.

Grapeseed Oil: helps with skin elasticity and softness, helps tighten pores, reduces appearance of scars, heals acne, lightweight, noncomedogenic.

Castor Oil:   reduces puffiness, antibacterial properties, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory – works as a carrier oil – cleanses deeply

Mango Butter: helps to moisturize and soften and full of vitamin E and Vitamin C.

Beeswax: helps to soften skin and form protective barrier to protect skin, has antiseptic properties and Vitamin A which is good for regenerating skin.

Camelina Oil: rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, replenishes dry skin while balancing oily skin, protects and soothes.

Safflower Oil: noncomedogenic, enhances texture and tone of skin – helps it retain moisture.

Sweet Almond Oil: full of fatty acids to help retain moisture, and give a soft smooth appearance, and is great for acne prone skin

Jojoba Oil:   antioxidant, non-comedogenic, moisturizing, very similar to our skin’s natural sebum, promotes skin aging well.

Kaolin Clay: has anti-bacterial properties to it, helps to cleanse well and remove impurities and reduce blemishes.

Bentonite Clay: helps to absorb dirt and oil and has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Carrot Seed Oil: contains skin mending vitamin A and collagen boosting vitamin C, antibacterial properties, anti-fungal properties.

To Wrap Up

You don’t need to purchase the oils above – you truly can start today by just experimenting with what you have on hand, grabbing a couple oils on amazon or at your local store. I offer these because they are proven to work, I use them with great success, and have sold so. many. batches that it truly is very humbling and exciting! Most of all, if you are struggling with your skin, don’t be afraid to try oil cleansing – it truly may transform your skincare routine.

And remember, no one has skin like yours, you can read all the articles and testimonials, but in the end, you have to try and adapt things for your own skin and the issues you are experiencing. The good news is…..there are so many options and info available to help – don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions and I’ll do my best to get back to you!