Oil Cleansing

Oil cleansing is what you can replace your general cleanser/make up remover with. The science behind it is that ’like attracts like' and the 'good' oil you are using will help remove the 'bad' oil that’s built up on your face filled with dirt, impurities and makeup.

It is a much more natural alternative then most cleansers on the market to buy, as it is not filled with chemicals and is just the pure oil, Most the oils you can use for oil cleansers are filled with their own vitamins, minerals, and are moisturising.

First of all though before deciding to try this routine be aware that you are putting oil on your skin, some people may have to get used to the feeling, especially as when you wash it off you can still have a slight oily residue left on the skin, some people won’t mind this however if you don’t like having a 'greasy' feel then you may much prefer a micellar water to remove your make up.  Like all skin care routines it is whatever you find and feel most happy with, and feel is working for you.

We have been using the oil cleansing routine since February now to see what difference we would find on our skin, there are a lot of choices out there especially when looking on the internet there is loads of oils to use...all claiming to be the best. We decided to go basic and use just one oil rather than combining a few together, and chose Jojoba, which is known to be a good moisturiser, helps relieve inflammation and can help control the release of sebum on the skin.

The oil cleanse routine - It really is quite simple, take a small amount of oil in the palm of your hand, we used about a 10p piece, rub between your palms to warm the oil and then massage into your skin (eye makeup too!) using a washcloth and warm water gently remove the oil from your skin, you may want to rinse the wash cloth and repeat this step a couple of times to really feel you have removed the majority of the oil. Pat dry and you’re done!

The result? Smooth, blemish free skin...the odd outbreak of a blemish here and there naturally due to hormones, but on a whole makeup has removed thoroughly and skin feels soft and healthy! Like all skin care routines keep it up for about 4-8 weeks to really see the true result as when you change your skincare your skin has to have time to get used to the new routine.

After jojoba oil depending on your skin type you may feel like applying moisturiser or your skin may feel moisturised enough, we went will sweet almond after but only a small amount.

We hope that you enjoy the benefits of oil cleansing and have healthy, smooth and soft skin! :-)

Your Skin And Winter

Those cold harsh winter nights are starting to make an appearance, but don’t let your skin show any signs of winter.

During the winter months your skin has to deal with cold harsh winds, rain and snow, then when you go home the central heating is on all night both with which can be havoc on your skin!

To help your skin through these month here are some reminders...

Make sure you are moisturising your skin daily...Morning and evening

Ensure your daily moisturiser still has a SPF in it to protect against the winter sun

Ensure your night cream is full of vitamins and hydrating properties to heal your skin through the night

 If you can invest in a serum now is the time to do so, serums work deeper down into the surface of skin which means longer benefits for you. They have different properties but a hydrating one would be beneficial for these winter months.

Exfoliation is still important! Rid yourself of dead skins cells so your moisturiser can work on skin that needs it. At least once or twice a week you need to exfoliate, remember your face is more sensitive and delicate then your body so a specific exfoliator is needed (don’t use a body exfoliator on your face it is much too harsh)

Christmas generally means more parties and social gatherings...Which can mean more makeup is applied than normal. Make sure you cleanse your skin thoroughly on an evening before bed, if you are wearing makeup then make sure you cleanse your skin twice to make sure it is clean. Even if you wear no make up a cleanser is still important to clean your skin of pollution, dirt and grime that may have gathered on it that day.

At least once a week apply a face mask, this can be for 10-20 mins or a one you can apply and leave overnight, it will help replenish your skin of loss of moisture and vitamins and leave it feeling plumper, smoother and softer.

As well as external factors affecting your skin internal factors effect it also, to help your skin look its best make sure you are drinking plenty of water and herbal teas, avoid toxins like alcohol, smoking and caffeine, eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, and have a healthy balanced diet.

Skin is for life not just for Christmas!