A natural skin care routine that’s chemical-free, non-toxic and nourishing for skin. This skin care routine is prefect for any skin type, and doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils. So, let’s talk skin care.
Often, we as individuals need to cater our skin care routine to our specific skin type; oily, combination, or dry.
However, this skin care routine can be used by anyone, no matter their skin type.
But wait… There’s more.
It involves using 100 percent natural and inexpensive ingredients that actually work better than most commercial products, without all the harmful ingredients.
The Problem with Conventional Skin Care Products
Most skin care products are packed with chemicals and artificial ingredients that provide a temporary positive effect on skin, but over the long-term can bring about some negative side effects.
The Oil Cleansing Method can be used by any skin type as part of a natural skin care routine and involves using a specific combination of certain oils to cleanse the skin and balance the skin’s natural oils.
Oily Skin Care
I’m an oily skin kinda girl, so this is the skin care routine I follow to keep my skin healthy and breakout-free:
Natural exfoliator: Mix together equal parts sea salt and olive oil (or almond oil) to create a scrub. Gently exfoliate skin to remove impurities, then wash away with a warm, damp washcloth. This helps clean skin without stripping it of its oils.
All-natural cleanser: As a rule of thumb, those with oily skin need a higher amount of hazelnut/castor oil than the carrier oil (olive oil). Combining 2/3 hazelnut/castor oil and 1/3 olive oil seems to work best. This is a wonderful alternative to conventional cleansers which use planet-polluting plastic microbeads to clean away impurities, and which also strip skin of its natural protective oil barrier. To oil cleanse, simply:
- Massage the oil blend into skin for 1-2 minutes, or until the oil has completely saturated the skin. Leave the oil on for 10 minutes to really clean pores.
- Saturate a clean washcloth with hot tap water, then wring it out, open, and place over your face. This will create a steam layer to remove the oils and any impurities.
- Leave the washcloth on for one minute, then use the corners of the cloth to gently remove any remaining oil on your skin.
Natural toner: Apply a diluted apple cider vinegar toner to help remove any leftover dirt.
Natural moisturiser: Often if you have oily skin you’ll find that the natural oils from oil cleansing are enough to keep skin hydrated, and won’t need to follow up with a moisturiser. However, if needed, apply a very light layer of coconut oil.
Combination Skin Care
Combination skin types find their skin is neither oily nor dry, and will often adjust quickly to natural skin care alternatives.
Natural exfoliator: A homemade sugar scrub works well as a natural exfoliator, to help remove impurities from skin.
All-natural cleanser: Mix together 1/4 hazelnut/castor oil and 3/4 olive oil works well, but this can always be adjusted to suit individual skin types. To oil cleanse, begin by:
- Massaging the oil blend into skin for 1-2 minutes, or until the oil has completely saturated the skin. Leave the oil on for 10 minutes to deeply clean pores.
- Saturate a clean washcloth with hot tap water, then wring it out, open it up, and place it over your face. This will create a steam layer over skin to remove the oils and any impurities.
- Leave the washcloth on for one minute, then use the corners of the cloth to gently remove any remaining oil left on skin.
Natural toner: Mix together 50 mL rose water, 1 drop chamomile oil, and 1 drop geranium oil, and gently apply this toner onto skin to remove any leftover dirt or impurities.
Natural moisturiser: Like oily skin types, those with combination skin will often not need to moisturise afterwards. However, if needed, a dab of coconut oil will usually suffice.
Dry Skin Care
Those who experience dry skin will fall into this category. Using natural oils on the skin helps to balance oil production and stop skin becoming too dry.
Natural exfoliator: This step is usually not necessary for dry skin types, but if needed, a gentle homemade sugar scrub may help to remove dead skin cells without stripping skin of its oils.
All-natural cleanser: Mix together 1 teaspoon hazelnut/castor oil in 1/4 cup olive oil (as castor oil is the more drying oil, only a very small amount is needed). To oil cleanse, start by:
- Massaging the oil blend into skin for 1-2 minutes, or until the oil has completely saturated skin. Leave the oil on for 10 minutes to really clean pores.
- Saturate a clean washcloth with hot tap water, then wring it out, open, and place over your face. This will create a steam layer over skin to remove the oils and any impurities.
- Leave the washcloth on for one minute, then use the corners of the cloth to gently remove any remaining oil left behind on skin.
Natural toner: Apply some natural rose water to skin to help remove any leftover dirt or impurities.
Natural moisturiser: Following up with a homemade body butter or moisturiser can work wonders for dry skin.
Pre-Made Natural Skin Care Options
If you don’t have time or aren’t a huge fan of DIY-ing your own skin care products, check out this selection of ready-made natural skin care alternatives.
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
How do you take care of your skin? What natural skin care alternatives do you use? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa
