Shall we start with the face? I developed closed-comedone acne when I was 27 years old. It was a rude awakening from the smug euphoria of having a perfect Irish complexion throughout my young life. Closed comedones are little plugs of sebum that collect in the pores. If they emerge on the surface, they oxidize, turn black, and become blackheads. If they stay trapped beneath the skin, they are whiteheads. They're the most difficult kind of acne to treat because it's difficult to get medicine down into a closed pore. I've used some things that have worked, like Retin-A and Obaji Nu-derm, but those things are really harsh. I was determined to come up with a home-made routine that would work just as well without the harshness.
Believe me when I tell you, I have tried TRILLIONS MILLIONS OCTILLIONS of different recipes over the years. I have SUFFERED FOR THIS, PEOPLE! I finally, after 20 years, have come up with something that has completely cured my acne. Not only that, but my face is moisturized, wrinkles are MUCH less noticeable, my skin is even-toned, and I can stretch my botox sessions out by at least an extra month, maybe two! Seriously, believe me when I tell you. Here's the routine:
Morning: Scrubby facecloth wash; Salicylic acid toner; hemp seed oil; sunscreen or mineral makeup
Evening: Scrubby facecloth wash or OCM (more about that later) if I've worn makeup; Salicylic acid toner
Once a week: Salicylic acid mask; Deep OCM cleansing
I'll go into each element one at a time. I'm going to start with the least interesting one. YAY!!! The scrubby facecloth wash!
You can purchase a starter kit with everything you need for your regimen at Miri.
Here's the deal: The pH of a healthy face is between 4 and 6.5 (the higher the number, the more alkaline something is, and the lower the number, the more acidic it is). The face is covered with an acid mantle that keeps bacteria, pollutants, and other things from getting into the pores. Soap is very alkaline, which disturbs the acid mantle, leaving the skin vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria. The pH goes back to normal in about 20 minutes unless the acid mantle has actually been damaged or is stressed. SOOOOO I've decided to stop using soap on my face. Instead, I scrub my face with a textury washcloth or a microfiber cloth using only warm water. This increases circulation to the skin, scrubs away any dirt and other nasties, and doesn't change your skin's pH. Sea sponges also work really well and they feel very bohemian and earth-girl-ish.
Here's how I use it: Moisten your skin with warm water. Wet the cloth with warm water and wring it out. Gently scrub your face in little circles. It feels awesome. Then rinse your face with warm or cold water.
Repeat if you want.
A lot of people do this! Not just me! It works for a lot of people.
How do you disinfect and how often? Seems like those would all be a playground for bacteria. Do you stick your washcloths in the wash or use them all week and then clean them?
ReplyDeleteHi again, Dru! I use the washcloth once and then throw it in the hamper. I wash them in a hot-water wash (in the machine). So far so good with them.
DeleteSo what is your recommendation for someone who wears makeup daily? -Last question I swear :)
DeleteI would do a short (like 1 minute) oil cleansing, followed by the toner. I don't usually put any more hemp oil on after that...
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