Oil Slick

Many of you have asked me about clogged pores, large pores, cleansers, oily skin, acne and other facial dilemmas. I think I can help all of you in this post. I know it's hard to wade through all the stuff written about skincare. It is even more difficult to choose what to buy. Skin care is almost always expensive, requires so many steps and you can't even get a guarantee that it will work! I have a solution that I know works.

Cleansing with oil is the solution. I wasn't convinced at first but once I tried it I was sold. I have been cleansing my own skin and my client's skin for over a year with fantastic results. Prepare to be amazed.

We have all been taught since puberty that our goal should be removing the oil from our face as it causes blackheads and acne. The natural solution for this is to buy a detergent based products, or so we thought. The problem is that when we strip our skin of it's natural oils our skin actually produces more oil. Oil is the skin's natural defense system to protect, moisturize and heal. Our largest organ knows how to adapt. It will work hard to protect itself and you will be left with an oil slick.

It's not hard to understand why we have been taught the way we have. Skin care is a thriving business that makes millions of dollars each year. Everyone wants to sell their product. If they teach us to remove our oil and then tone and moisturize they are selling us 3 products instead of one! It really is a vicious cycle and I know very few women who are happy with their skin despite spending gross amounts of money on skin care from the zombies. Yes, I said zombies. Don't turn in to a zombie by just buying whatever the commercials or your customer service representative tells you. Most of the time your best interest is not in their best interest!

Oil cleanses oil. Yes you heard me right. Do not be afraid to put oil on your face or even in your hair. Oil alone does not cause blemishes. Acne is caused by other factors like hormones, bacteria and dead skin cells. If you have skin problems the best thing you can do is use an oil cleansing method.

There are many oils to choose from and I am going to highlight a few along with the technique. I am still doing a bit of research on oils but can give you a good start. Remember that you do not need to use makeup remover as you will be unclogging and cleansing your pores. You can do this every few days or as needed.

Technique First
1. Find an empty container. Glass is always best but plastic will work,
2. Blend your oil using the guide below.
3. Pour a quarter size amount into you palm.
4. Gently massage all over face in an up and out motion. Do this for a few minutes.
5. Steam your face. You can do this with a facial steamer(20 bucks from amazon.com) or you can use a washcloth. Soak the washcloth in hot water and cover your face. Repeat this several times.
6. Gently remove oil from face with wash cloth. Scrubbing is not necessary.
7. Use a small drop of oil if needed to moisturize.

OIL BLENDS

Sensitive skin: Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Camelina Oil

Mix 50/50 with Olive Oil

Skin Conditions: Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Black Seed Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil,Shea Nut Oil

Mix 50/50 with Olive Oil or Almond Oil

Acne: Neem Oil, Black Seed Oil,  Castor Oil*, Coconut Oil

 Mix 60/40 with Almond Oil, Sunflower Oil or Olive Oil

*Castor Oil does pose a threat to human rights due to the way it has to be harvested. FYI

Aging Skin:Baobab Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Camelina Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Wheat Germ Oil

Mix 50/50 with Sunflower Oil, Almond Oil or Avocado Oil

Dry Skin:Safflower Oil, Argan Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, 

Mix 50/50 with Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil or Almond Oil

Oily Skin:Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil

Mix 50/50 with Sunflower or Almond Oil

Mountain Rose Herbs is a great place to buy oils or do more research.

Vegetable Oils.org is also very helpful.

Good Luck!