Tag Archives: Sulphates

Use Facial Oil to Clear and Cleanse Your Skin

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Homemade Tincture” by Nekenasoa is licensed under CC by 2.0

Growing up I was always taught to avoid skincare products that contained any type of oils. The theory was that using oil on your face would clog pores and lead to acne. Having been an adolescent with less than perfect skin, I wasn’t about to put anything on my face that might worsen my acne. I continued to avoid facial oil into my adulthood, and used facial cleansers and other products that were intended to clear acne.

I became frustrated that I was now an adult and still needed to use acne products to keep my acne at bay. Aren’t teenagers the ones who have to deal with this problem? I started to do some research, reading and learning about other adult women who had similar concerns about their skin.

Through my research, I discovered healthy ways to clear my acne at the root of the issue that would provide lasting results. The most important decision I made was to improve my lifestyle and make healthier choices. I write about how I changed my diet and introduced supplements to my daily routine here.

I also discovered how to improve my skincare routine. Here is what I learned:

Oil-Free Cleansers can Damage Skin

Most commercial facial cleansers (especially those geared for acne) contain harsh detergents such as sulphates that strip natural oil from your face and drying your skin. Stripping natural oils (sebum) from your face can cause skin damage and accelerate the signs of aging. It can also further aggravate acne, eczema, and rosacea.

Facial Oil will Help Reduce Oily Skin

Using products that contain high quality oils can actually trick your skin into thinking it has already produced enough oil, and will decrease your natural sebum production.

Facial Oil will Clear Pores

Using oil to cleanse your face will actually help dissolve clogged pores such as whiteheads or blackheads. Water cannot dissolve oil – but oil can dissolve oil, so the oil will mix and clear up clogged pores!

Cleansing with Oil Removes Makeup

Nothing removes makeup faster and more gently than an oil-cleanser – even eye makeup! I use One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Oil Cleanser and Makeup Remover. Some other favorites to use are plain joboba oil or virgin coconut oil. This method is sometimes referred to as the “oil cleansing method.” The key is to massage the oil on dry skin, then wipe away with a warm wash cloth and rinse. You can follow with another cleanser for a deeper clean or just stick with the oil-cleanser.

 

Have you tried cleansing with oil? What are your favorite facial oils? Please share!

 

Condition Your Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar

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For several years now I have been using the “no-poo” or “low-poo” method to care for my hair. This means I do not use shampoos containing harsh detergents such as sulphates. I use gentle shampoos that do not strip the natural oils on my scalp. Many people who use the no-poo method simply use baking soda as a shampoo and apple cider vinegar as a conditioner.

I found the baking soda to be a little too drying on my fine curls, so I use a gentle shampoo such as Mop C- System Hydrating Shampoo

Once you stop using harsh (and often toxic) products on your hair, your hair will become much more moisturized, have more volume and shine, and require less styling products. 

A few years ago I started using apple cider vinegar (ACV) to condition my hair. For some reason (I can’t remember why) I stopped using the apple cider vinegar, and started a quest to find the perfect organic conditioner. I was looking for something light, yet very moisturizing and not too expensive. I can tell you I spent a lot of money in the process – and remarkably came back to what seems to work the best – apple cider vinegar!

Here’s why you should use give ACV as a conditioner:

  • It is antibacterial and anti-fungal, so it heals dandruff 
  • It seals the cuticle of the hair to reduce frizz, provide shine, and keep hair moisturized
  • It’s slightly acidic and is the perfect PH for your scalp
  • It clarifies and gently removes product build-up
  • It is very inexpensive and a little goes a long way

After shampooing, I add approximately 1 or 2 teaspoons to 16 ounces of warm water and pour all over my scalp and hair. There is no need to let it sit on your hair. You can rinse immediately. If your hair is thicker or longer, you may need to use more ACV. My hair is short and fine, so a little goes a long way for me! I have found that if I use too much ACV, my hair becomes greasy. There is a slight vinegar smell when using this in the shower. However, it dissipates quickly, and your hair will not smell like vinegar at all once it is dry.

If you are using the no-poo or low-poo method, you will not be able to use hair products containing silicones as they can only be removed from your hair by using a shampoo with harsh sulphates. The silicones will build-up in your hair, and it will become limp and dull. I am confident you will find that you don’t need products with silicone once you start using natural, gentle products on your hair.

You will notice a great improvement in your natural, “naked” hair! It will feel incredibly soft, and look much shinier when using ACV as a conditioner!

Give it a try!

 

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