I want to talk about dry skin today. For most of my early years I was oily. I was busy trying to get rid of oil and prevent breakouts! Boy have times changed. After having my first daughter my skin dramatically changed. On the positive side, I rarely deal with blemishes-but the negative side is that my skin has started to become painfully dry. I’m so dry that applying a moisturizer sometimes hurts. Do you know the feeling? Read on for some easy DIY remedies for tight, dry and aging skin.
Cleanse
First of all, let’s start with our cleanser. Soap can be so drying. The wrong cleanser can strip your skin of much needed oils. Did you know you could actually cleanse with oil? Yeah, it actually works brilliantly! It’s called The Oil Cleansing Method. The oil cleansing method is even recommended for oily skin but because this post is all about dry skin I’m going to give you my recommendations for what oils to use for dry skin. In the oil cleansing method Castor Oil is essential. It helps to cleanse and remove the other oil you pair with it. For dry skin I suggest you use Avocado oil (find it HERE), or Apricot Kernel Oil (find it HERE). You can mix Castor Oil and your other oil in a container and leave near your sink for easy access. Warning-Castor Oil can be drying so reduce my suggested amount if you feel it’s drying your skin out. Read more about The Oil Cleansing Method HERE, HERE and HERE.
In an 8 ounce bottle (a pump is awesome for this), fill 1/4 (1/4 cup for those who don’t like to eyeball things!) of the bottle with Castor Oil (find it HERE). Fill the rest of the bottle with your oil of choice (3/4 cup). Shake well.
The Oil Cleansing Method Directions:
- Turn water on as hot as it goes.
- Pour a quarter size of oil into palm and massage into skin for 1 minute.
- Completely wet your wash cloth under the HOT water and spread over your skin. Don’t get it too hot!!
- Press it into your skin until the cloth cools then turn it over and gently wipe the oil away.
- Repeat the hot cloth 1-2 more times.
You will most likely have a bit of oil left on your skin-this is ok-it’s good for your skin! If it bothers you read on for a gentle toner that will further remove the oil.
Tone
I find that while Apple Cider Vinegar as toner is very beneficial for the skin it can also be a bit drying. Witch Hazel is more gentle. Chamomile will soothe the skin and reduce irritation for over dryness.
1/2 cup Chamomile Hydrosol (find it HERE)
1/2 cup Cucumber Witch Hazel (find it HERE)
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (find it HERE)
Moisturize
I have found that with any lotion that is made with water, whether I’ve made it or bought it, it burns my skin when I am super dry. I prefer to use an oil mixture on my skin. It is essentially a serum. View THIS POST to find out what essential oils you can add to your custom serum/moisturizer to help your individual skin needs. I personally like to use avocado oil (HERE) as my base and a mixture of frankincense, geranium and/or rose. You can also use Jojoba or Apricot Seed Oil. Lord knows, Rose essential oil is expensive, so this of course is optional.
Fill a 1 ounce glass bottle (find it HERE) with your chosen oil.
10 drops Frankincense Essential Oil (find it HERE)
5 drops Rose Essential Oil (find it HERE)
2 drops Geranium Essential Oil (find it HERE)
Use this facial oil morning and night. Your skin will greatly benefit from a pure and simple oil with no fillers or harsh ingredients!
Remember that with oil it only takes a small amount. If you use too much it will just set on top of your skin. 4-6 drops is enough!
Using these 3 homemade products morning and night should replenish your skin in no time! I’ve often heard it said that the oil cleansing method delivers IMMEDIATE results!
xx, Jenni
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