Many moons ago I wrote a post on the oil cleansing method and showed you how to wash your face with a combination of essential and carrier oils. The oil cleansing method is great for your skin because your skin is covered with a layer of oil called sebum. When the sebum blocks your pores your skin can develop blackheads, breakouts and other yucky stuff. Since like attracts like, using oil to cleanse your face can dissolve the sebum and clean out your pores with “good” oils that will help keep your skin clear and breakout free.
Check out my post on the oil cleansing method for more details on how to do it. Really though, you just take a few drops of oil, rub it into your skin and then wipe it off with a warm, steamy washcloth.
I have been using the oil cleansing method for several years now and I have never had my skin break out from washing it with oil. Sometimes if I feel like my skin needs some extra exfoliation I will add some baking soda into my hands and rub it on my face in a circular motion to help slough off the dry and dead skin cells. When I am done cleansing my skin it feels smooth and looks radiant.
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Sometimes if my skin is feeling particularly dry, even after using the oil cleansing method I will want to add a little extra oil to my skin to help if feel more moisturized. I love to brew up different oil combinations and create my own skin care products. Here is one of my recent favorite recipes:
Neroli Rose Facial Oil
Neroli oil comes from the flowers of the bitter orange flower. It takes 1,000 pounds of orange blossom flowers to produce one pound of neroli oil. Because it takes so many flowers to produce, neroli is one of the more expensive essential oils. I love the smell of neroli. In aromatherapy neroli is valued for it’s calming and relaxing properties. Neroli oil can help with circulation, acne and even help with digestion issues.
Rose oil has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. Rose oil can help treat acne, rosacea and other skin issues. It can also help treat anxiety, depression and naturally balance hormones.
Start with a base of almond oil to use as your carrier oil. You never want to apply essential oils directly to your skin. They are strong and direct skin contact can cause skin irritations, burning or increased sensitivity or allergic reactions.
You can use regular almond oil that you find in the grocery store or use sweet almond oil or another carrier oil produced for use in cosmetics.
Pour 1 oz of almond oil into a small glass bottle or dropper.
Add 10 drops each of rose oil and neroli oil. Gently roll the bottle to mix the oils together.
You can actually use this facial oil to cleanse your skin if you want or you can just use it when your skin is feeling a little dry or dehydrated. Place a few drops of the oil into your hands, rub your hands gently and then press them onto your skin.
Now, check out your beautiful self in the mirror!