Clear, ageless skin is surely among the list of desired assets for most of us. While the age part hasn’t been too big of an issue for me yet (I see those faint lines forming), the clarity of my skin is something I’ve dealt with on and off for most of my adult life. You think once you’re out of high school acne is no longer an issue, but I’ve found it to be quite the opposite.
Every few years my skin seems to go through some havoc. I consistently have the occasional breakout around a certain time of the month, but things like stress and pregnancy seem to bring breakouts on even more. When I was pregnant last winter my skin went into a stress that it’s never really gotten out of. I’ve used Proactiv since I was 16 but finally got to the point where I was ready to try something new (and hopefully something more gentle on my skin).
I tried oil cleansing. I had such great results with a more natural approach to my hair that I thought it was worth a shot. It went against everything I’d been taught, but I’ve been washing my face with oil for a little over six months now, and here is what I’ve found.
THE PROS
1. It’s cheap. I bought a big bottle of cold-pressed (important!), organic olive oil for about $17 at the health food store and a $5 bottle of castor oil at the drug store. I haven’t even used 1/4 of either of them.
2. It’s natural. I do think about what I’m putting in and on my body, and I felt really good about using natural things on my skin.
3. It’s so simple. You just mix 2/3 olive oil with 1/3 castor oil in a bottle (this varies depending upon your skin type), shake, us a nickel-sized amount to massage into your skin, let sit a few minutes and wipe away the oil with a warm, damp washcloth. That’s it! No other creams or moisturizers needed. It took no time at all and left my skin feeling incredible.
THE CONS
1. I’m still breaking out. I saw some clarity for a bit, and the redness around my nose was gone for a week or two after starting, but the level of acne is back to how it was when I started.
2. While my skin feels wonderful right after washing, when I get up the next morning the texture isn’t great. It feels kind of tough, especially in the t-zone. I would say that my t-zone is the place that has really suffered. I’ve always had a lot of red around my nose, and it’s just as bad. The oil seems to be great for the rest of my skin, but my t-zone doesn’t seem happy.
3. Don’t forget the sunscreen. I got a lot more tan this summer and while most of it was probably due to the mild weather and country living, some of it was forgetting to lather up before leaving the house.
Overall, I think it’s a great method, but maybe for someone with a different skin type. If your skin tends to be dry, this might be the method for you. I wish it were the method for me, because the convenience and cost are going to be hard to give up.
The main reason I’m blogging about this is because I need your help. Do you have any recommendations for a simple, cost effective, and close-to-natural skin routine?
Chelsea says
You should try essential oils and coconut oil! I use Young Living and have seen great results! I use Frankincense for aging, melrose for even skin tone, lemon for breakouts and lavender for scarring. And these are all good for you without the added chemicals! Let me know if you want more info. 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Chelsea! I have heard those can do wonders!
Carolyne says
I've been thinking about giving oil cleansing a try, especially since my face has been breaking out worst it has in over ten years since my move. Have you considered switching from olive oil to another natural oil? I know different oils are better for different types of skin. I found this article helpful: http://www.autostraddle.com/queer-beauty-bar-wash-your-fcking-face-142734/.
Kristina Barbee says
Have you tried coconut oil? That helps my skin when it is dry and tight. I also have a quick diy on my blog on apple cider vinegar toner that really has helped my breakouts!
Kristina @ myownhomeblog.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
I haven't, but I might…I have a big old thing of it. 🙂 Thanks Kristina!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
I have been a downright student of skincare for the past 15-20 years. I've gone to bed without washing my face maybe 5 times in the past 20 years. I'm maniacal about it. I don't have perfect skin, still breakouts occasionally, and I don't use all natural products, but a few years ago I seemed to hit on a combination that keeps my skin pretty clear. It sounds like our skin types might be similar. At night I wash with a gentle cleanser then follow with a toner from Whole Foods for oily skin that really gets all the makeup off. A good hearty layer of Cetaphil lotion next – it's been the perfect balance of enough moisture and not greasy – and I do use a gentle benzoyl peroxide after that – I think Roche Posay makes it? I get it at CVS. Sounds like a lot maybe but it goes very quickly. In the morning I use my absolute favorite product ever – Dermalogica Microfoliant. It's a powder, very gentle exfoliant, and my skin feels AMAZING after. I put another layer of Cetaphil on after the Microfoliant. So obviously a lot more steps than you have going now. If I were going to suggest any product to try first it would be the Microfoliant. My skin really seemed to hit a turning point when I started using their products and especially that one in particular. I used prescriptions for a long time, Retin-A and an antibiotic one, and this routine pretty well mimics my results with the prescriptions.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Long reply much?
Ashley Brown says
Hi Gwen! I had the same breakout issues with my first pregnancy. It was awful, I tried everything and finally found something that works. I was my face with one love organics easy does it and then moisturize with pure jojoba oil at night. I'm pretty sure the jojoba oil cleared my skin. I also got the most amazing facial and homemade toner from my most favorite spa in Kansas City. Email me for more details if interested. I'm all about being conscious of what we are putting in our bodies as well as on. Hope this helps!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Ashley! I'll definitely keep this in mind!
Ashley Brown says
By the way I have tried this oil cleansing method and it did the same thing to my skin so that's why I think you might like the above suggestion.
maggie luent says
Hi Gwen!
I hear ya sista! Ever since I hit 30 I've been at war with my complexion! Back in high school I never washed my face at night and never broke out, but once I had my daughter I noticed my complexion change and is now more on the oily side. I feel like I have tried everything. I still get breakouts but I have found something that is helping tremendously – an Oil of Olay face brush (like the Clairsonic). I find that if I use it everyday my breakouts diminish a lot. I recently took my daughter to the dermatologist (she has oily skin as well) and she recommended washing with Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam wash. I've used it in the past so I've switched back and am liking it. The face brush is the ticket though! Good luck! OH!!! and for breakouts, I put toothpaste on them at night! Works like a charm. My breakouts are gone in a few days. ~Maggie
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for the tips, Maggie! I have heard good things about Cetaphil. Thanks again!
Heather Southard says
Try coconut oil, it is a natural antibacterial, antimicrobial solution. It cleanses, moisturizes and smells amazing! Plus it is all natural , really transformed my skin!!!!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Heather!
Jennifer@decoratingdelirium says
Thanks for the tips! I hear you with the post high school break outs. It is soo frustrating. I am 36, so facing both wrinkles and zits. Good times!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Glad I'm not alone, Jennifer!
Heather Smith says
I've been using a little sweet almond oil (because it's what I had on hand) squeezed onto a cotton pad each morning for the past week. I just wipe it thoroughly into my skin. Amazing how much dirt it removes. My skin is looking more even toned so far and the white and black heads (phone face anyone?) are almost completely gone.
I like coconut oil too but the solidifying/melting makes it too messy for me in the morning. Simple is best in our crazy am routine.
themakerista@gmail.com says
What a great thought, thanks Heather!