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I’ve written several blogs about how to get great looking skin by moisturizing, exfoliating and nurturing your skin on the outside. It’s only fair that I let you know however, that if you don’t take care of yourself from the inside, none of that will do any good. Healthy skin starts with healthy living. Of course, healthy living leads to all kinds of good things, but sometimes it takes a bit of vanity to give us a kick start.
You won’t have to turn vegan and spend 4 hours a day doing yoga (though by all means go for it if you want!), but there are some basic dos and don’ts you’ll want to be aware of to achieve and maintain your youthful glow.
Over the next two blogs I’ll give you some tips and insights to get you started. Today, let’s talk about some stuff you should definitely avoid.
Smoking
Cigarettes are of course bad for your overall health, but if you want to keep your skin looking youthful for as long as possible, this may be your reason to quit.
Nicotine increases carbon monoxide levels in the blood, and constricts blood vessels. This restricts oxygen flow to all your organs, including your skin. Smoking depletes the skin of vitamins A and C, reduces collagen production and degrades already present collagen. It effects the deeper tissues of your skin, and leaves the surface layers dry and brittle. All this adds up to making your skin age much faster than you’d ever want it to – up to five times faster than average according to some studies!
Alcohol
Studies have shown that a drink a day (two for men) may have beneficial effects on overall health, but any more than that can cause serious problems. For skin, alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, and consistent excessive drinking wears blood vessels out, keeping them dilated. This can bring a permanent flush to the face, and exacerbate rosacea. Alcohol also causes dehydration, causing the skin to be dry from the inside out which leads to premature wrinkling. It also damages the liver, an organ vital for flushing toxins. When toxins cannot be properly removed from the body, unhealthy looking skin can be a result.
Sugar (my biggest weakness)
Indulging in your sweet tooth now and then won’t do much harm, but give in too often and you may see the effects when you look in the mirror. A rapid increase in blood sugar (brought on by the obvious sweet culprits, but also from pasta, bread, potatoes and rice) can cause a process known as glycation, in which glucose randomly reacts with proteins, DNA and other molecules. This can tear down the collagen in your skin and make it more susceptible to sun damage. It can cause the skin to lose elasticity and become brittle.
Sodium
Too much sodium causes fluid retention and is often the culprit for chronic puffy eyes. Over time the consistent fluid retention can cause skin to lose its elasticity. The average American diet already contains far too much sodium, but if you eat a lot of processed food, take out or fast food, you’ve been getting even more sodium than average. To keep looking youthful, try finding healthier alternatives, and avoid adding any salt to your meals.
Now that you’ve got an idea of the things to avoid, in my next blog I’ll tell you what things you can be doing to get beautiful skin from the inside out.
My blog posts are usually about natural beauty tips, but today I venture slightly off topic. I want to share an easy way to get great smelling laundry, that’s eco (and skin!) friendly, inexpensive, and totally customizable.
A friend inspired this post when she mentioned that she had recently switched to a ‘free and clear’ version of laundry soap and dryer sheets, meaning they contain no fragrances or dyes. She wanted to get away from the synthetic chemical fragrances, but had to admit, with absolutely no smell, it felt like her clean laundry was missing that fresh feeling. I told her she could add a touch of scent while still avoiding synthetic fragrances by using essential oils with her laundry.
Essential oils are volatile liquids from plant compounds such as flowers, herbs and citrus peels. They are most commonly produced through a distillation of the plant compound, or are occasionally extracted by a cold pressing method when the oil is abundant, such as in citrus peels. They are usually extremely concentrated and have a variety of uses, including scenting natural products such as perfumes, soaps and lotions.
The most common essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, lemon and peppermint can be found at most health stores. If you don’t have a health store nearby, you can find most any essential oil online. Be sure to do a bit of shopping around, as the most expensive oils do not necessarily mean the highest quality. There are several companies that overcharge for their oils in my opinion. Conversely, if you find oils that seem far cheaper than other brands, it’s quite possible they are ‘watering down’ the oils by mixing them with vegetable or other oils.
The price of essential oils will range dramatically depending on where the oil is coming from, how abundant the plant is, and how easy it is to extract the oils. Lavender and peppermint, for example, are easy to grow, and the oils are easily extracted through distillation. This makes them fairly inexpensive. Rose, on the other hand, does not contain a lot of easily extractable compounds. It takes 3 or 4 pounds of rose petals to make just one ounce of oil. As a result, pure rose oil is quite expensive.
Depending on your nose and your budget, you can choose one or more essential oils that suit you. If you don’t know where to start, here are some of my suggestions:
For floral fragrances try lavender or ylang ylang. For more earthy tones try sandalwood, tea tree or rosemary. For pick-me-up scents use peppermint, lemon or any other citrus. You can also try mixing and matching your fragrances to create totally unique combinations!
So, now that you have your oils, how do you use them in your laundry? First, you obviously want to start with an unscented version of your laundry products. Even better would be to use one of the more eco-friendly products available. Seventh Generation and Ecos are popular earth friendly brands. When you’re ready to do a load of laundry, simply mix 2-3 drops of oil to your soap (powder or liquid) before adding it to the wash. This allows you to scent each load differently if you wish. Another way to get a customizable scent in your laundry is to add 2-3 drops of oil to a dryer sheet before popping it in the dryer.
If you’ve found a scent you really love and want to scent your entire container of soap, add 1-2 teaspoons of oil per half gallon (64 ounces). If choosing this method for a powdered soap, it would be best to mix the essential oil with a small amount of laundry powder, then mix that into the rest of the soap. And just so you know, essential oils may ‘cloud’ liquid soap, but it is still perfectly fine.
You may need to experiment with the quantity of oil you use, as different kinds of oil have different potencies. You will still be using small amounts, so one bottle of oil should last you a fairly long time. Just remember, essential oils are volatile and will lose their potency over time. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry, dark space to help them last as long as possible.
And there you have it! An easy, safe, inexpensive (unless you go for rose!) way to achieve almost any type of laundry scent imaginable.
I find that one of life’s finer, simple pleasures is a nice hot bath. Soothing, warming, relaxing… (dreamy sigh). At the end of a long day, or on a brisk, cool night, it can’t be beat.
When it comes to baths, most people will put the plug in the tub, run the water and call it good. Which is perfectly fine, and I do it on many occasions as well. But often I like to be creative and get some added benefits from my soak. My all time favorite bath is a milk bath. It’s simple, quick, and for just a few dollars can turn your regular bathtub into an all out spa treatment.
Why milk? Milk contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which aids in exfoliation. It helps soften and break up the ‘glue’ that holds rough, dead skin cells together. Milk also contains beneficial lipids, proteins and vitamins that moisturize and nurture the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
So how does one make a milk bath? Pretty easily actually. It can be as simple as adding two cups of most any milk to a warm bath. Buttermilk is particularly nice and hydrating. You’ll receive fewer benefits from low or non fat milk, but they still contain the lactic acid. And I always suggest going organic if possible.
Vegans can use substitutes such as soy, almond or coconut milk (my personal non dairy favorite). You won’t be getting the lactic acid, but each has it’s own unique and relaxing benefits.
My little secret? I actually keep cans of evaporated milk and powdered milk in my bathroom. I add one can of milk, plus a few hearty shakes of the box of powdered milk when the tub is about half full. Swirl around, sit and enjoy! For added exfoliation, use a loofah to softly scrub your skin after about 10 minutes. You’ll feel ever so soft when you’re done.
If you want even more benefits from your soaking experience, you can add other ingredients to your milk bath (or you can add them alone without the milk). Want a bit of a pick me up? Add a few peppermint tea bags to the mix. Want to relax more? I love adding several drops of lavender essential oil (found at most health stores). Extra moisture? Add a tablespoon or two of honey. Particularly dry or itchy skin? Add a cup of plain instant oatmeal. Sore muscles? Good ol’ Epsom salt. The possibilities are endless.
After you’re done soaking, you’ll want to remember to thoroughly rinse yourself and the tub. You don’t want to smell of spoiled milk after all!
When it gets hot and dry, my allergies attack. That means when I wake up in the morning my eyes are extra puffy. Here is a quick fix to help the puffiness go down, and get you looking more like your bright eyed self.
After getting up in the morning, dampen two paper towels. Fold them to quarter size and place in your freezer. Go take your shower, or do another of your morning activities for 10 minutes. Take the paper towels out of the freezer and place over your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. You could also rub ice cubes around your eyes, but the towels won’t drip.
It’s not a miracle cure, but will certainly help you start your day looking and feeling more refreshed!
Other quick tips for puffy eyes that require slightly more planning:
* Keep used tea bags in the fridge (for no more than three days) and place them over your eyes in the morning for 10 minutes. The caffeine along with the coolness will help with the swelling.
* The cold cucumber trick is still a worthy one. Place a thin slice over each eye for 10 minutes. It’s more the cold that helps than the cucumber, but you may find the fresh scent an added bonus.
* Reduce your salt intake. Sodium causes fluid retention and will only make puffy eyes worse.
As a bonus tip, if you frequently have puffy eyes in the morning, try elevating the head of your bed slightly. This will help prevent the fluid from pooling around your eyes as you sleep.
So many great products for your skin and hair are as close as your kitchen and you probably don’t even know it. Well, right now, head over to your cupboards and see if you’ve got some apple cider vinegar tucked away. Go ahead, it’s worth the look. I’ll wait…
Have some? Great! Don’t? Go get some, because it’s a fantastic treatment for your hair. It rids your locks of product residue, adds shine and bounce, and leaves your hair softer than most any store bought product – with no chemicals and at a fraction of the cost!
What makes it a such wonder hair tonic? Mainly how it affects your hair cuticles. The outermost part of your hair is the cuticle, a scaly layer that protects your hair shaft. The cuticles of healthy looking hair are smooth and the ‘scales’ lay flat. This allows light to bounce off your hair, causes a smooth texture, and prevents tangles. If the cuticles are open or don’t lay flat the result is dull, coarse, damaged looking hair. Light is absorbed by damaged hair cuticles, and prevents that healthy looking shine.
When we wash our hair with standard shampoos and hot water, the hair cuticle opens. Unfortunately, more often than not, the shampoo leaves behind a residue, coating your hair cuticles rather than closing them. This makes the hair look clean and healthy, but over time that build up can weigh hair down and cause it to become dull. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) removes residue from the hair shaft, including buildup left behind from your shampoo, and closes the hair cuticles. This leaves your hair clean and shiny and touchably soft. In fact, it leaves my hair so much cleaner that the day after I use it is the only time I can go a day without washing my oily, thin, fine hair.
Best of all, these results are cheap. You can get a bottle of ACV from most any store for a few dollars. (Don’t let the hair care industry know…) Just about any brand will do, though I prefer one that is organic and unfiltered.
So now you know how it works, how are you supposed to use it? Well, I’ve got a couple of ways but you may have to experiment to see which is best for you and your type of hair. I’ll share some ideas and guidelines, but feel free to experiment.
As a rinse
One of the more popular ways to use ACV for hair is in a rinse. This can be done after shampooing your hair – and possibly as a replacement for normal conditioner.
Dilute 1 tbsp of ACV in 1 cup water, preferably distilled, but tap is fine. Double the recipe for long or thick hair. You can put your solution in a spray bottle for easy application, or in an applicator bottle used to apply hair color (found in beauty supply stores). Or, you can make a hole in the cap of an old, clean water bottle and put the solution in it.
After shampooing your hair, douse it with the rinse. Make sure to get it onto your scalp as well, as it can remove the residue from there too. It’s also great for dandruff. Leave on a few minutes then rinse. You may not even need to follow up with a conditioner. However, if yours is the type of hair that is easily tangled (much like my thin, fine hair) a touch of conditioner may further help with detangling – though you’ll likely need much less than you normally use.
You can experiment with your rinse. The quantities are only guidelines. You can use more or less ACV, depending on your hair, and you may need to experiment. If your hair is oily (you’ll likely really love this rinse) use more ACV. If it’s dry, use less. You can also make herbal teas and add the ACV to those. Brewing up some peppermint tea and adding ACV is an invigorating rinse! Or try making chamomile tea with ACV to brighten up blonde hair. (Any remaining solution should be kept in the fridge and used within a week).
Another part that requires experimentation is the frequency with which you use the rinse. This will vary from person to person. A basic guideline is once or twice a week. Those with oily hair may wish to use more often, those with dry may want to try less. If you just want a little hair pick me up from time to time, you can do this rinse once a month. If your hair has a lot of buildup, you can do every other day for a week or two, and then just once a week or month. It’s all up to you. Just go by your hair. If it begins to look or feel dry – either dilute your solution more, or use less often.
My little trick
If the whole rinse thing seems like too much work for you, then try this trick. Take some of your normal shampoo or conditioner (or both!) and put some in a small travel bottle (usually three ounces). Then add about 1 tsp of ACV and mix well. (Remember, more or less ACV depending your preference – but always start at the low end). Every other wash, use your ACV shampoo and/or conditioner. This is helpful for anyone who finds the rinse too drying, or too tedious. It also hides the smell of the vinegar as it’s usually lost in the smell of your normal product.
A few final pointers
But, but, but – what about that smell?! Yes, it stinks. Can’t lie. But if you do the shampoo/conditioner trick, it shouldn’t be a problem. If you do the rinse, just make sure to rinse well with water and allow your hair to fully dry. If you still find the smell of salt and vinegar chips lingering in your hair, use a more diluted solution. But I’ve found that the smell always goes away once my hair has dried.
Those with very dry or color treated hair should use at lower doses and/or less frequently. You’ll still get awesome benefits, but frequent use or at too high of a concentration can further dry hair out, or possibly begin to strip color. Stick to once a week at most, and probably no higher than 1/2 a tablespoon of ACV per cup of water as a rinse, or 1/2 tsp per 3 ounces of shampoo or conditioner.
Oh, and don’t get any in your eyes. Ouch.
Okay, so now you know how great apple cider vinegar can make your hair look, and how cheap it is, this time really go check your cupboard.
A quick tip for today. If you suffer from headaches, asthma, allergies or skin rashes – you may want to check the labels on your favorite skin and hair products. The scents used in many products are lab created synthetics and are a frequent contributor to allergy related problems. Even if it’s labeled as a ‘natural’ product, that doesn’t necessarily mean the scents they used are. If the ingredients list ‘essential oil’, the product passes the natural test. If it lists ‘parfume’, ‘perfume’ or ‘fragrance’ the gig is up – they’re using synthetics, and it may be causing you problems. Ditch that product and find a more natural replacement.
I really really want to just tell you my all time favorite skin care recipe. And I will. But I can’t help myself. I have to explain why it’s so great first. But if you decide to skip to the end, don’t worry, I’ll understand.
My favorite beauty treat to myself is a face mask. But rarely have I spent the money to have it done at a spa. I learned 
a long time ago that the ‘active’ ingredients used in most all spa treatments are derivatives of plant extracts, the most popular of which are alpha hydroxy acids. The great thing is you can create them at home for a fraction of the cost.
We’ve probably all heard about alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) by now. They’re the work horse ingredient of most masks and peels. AHAs are derived from fruit and milk sugars. They work by exfoliating the skin, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, smooth the skin surface, unblock and cleanse pores, and even out skin tone. It is those benefits that make them so popular in beauty products. But it doesn’t take buying an expensive product or trip to the spa or dermatologist to reap the benefits. All it takes is a trip to your refrigerator (or maybe as far as the grocery store.)
First, let me begin by explaining the types of AHAs and where you can naturally find them.
- Glycolic acid – sugar cane, pineapple, papaya
- Lactic acid – soured dairy (sour cream, yogurt), fermented fruits
- Citric acid – Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes)
- Malic acid – Sour or tart fruits (green apples, green grapes)
- Tartaric acid – Grapes, bananas, tamarinds, wine
Many fruits with AHAs have more than one type, so the above is just a general guideline. But with that information alone, you can set about mixing and creating your own masks and peels (that’s how I started). But let me give you a few pointers.
Glycolic acid has been found to be the most beneficial and is the AHA found in most beauty products. The reason is that the molecules in glycolic acid are the smallest of the AHAs, meaning they can more easily penetrate the skin. All AHAs loosen skin cells on the outer most layer of skin, helping slough off the dead, dull skin cells. But glycolic acid penetrates a bit deeper, to the living cells, which has been shown to help even out overall skin tone and over time even diminish minor sun damage. Next in line for small molecular size are lactic and citric acid. Tartaric and malic acid can still ‘buff’ your skin, but do not have as strong of a penetrating ability.
Also, before you begin mixing up your own masks, it’s a good idea to know your skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin. Most AHA treatments you receive from a licensed cosmetician have gone through a chemical process and are at higher concentrations than naturally found. This is what usually causes the redness and irritation of a peel (but I should note that it does also give quicker, more dramatic results than natural products). AHAs, especially in the concentrations found in nature, are generally recognized as safe, but can still cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with ingredients that have a higher (there for less acidic) pH. To give a very rough example, the pH of milk products is somewhere around 5-6, the pH of lemon juice is around 2-3. If at any time you try a mask and find your skin becoming very irritated, rinse your skin thoroughly then apply a mask of baking soda and water for a few minutes. This will help neutralize your skin’s pH.
As a final note of caution, use of AHAs will make your skin sensitive to sunlight, so take extra care to apply a sunscreen before going outside.
Okay, so are you ready for my favorite recipe? It makes use of glycolic and lactic acids and leaves my skin feeling extremely soft and smooth. (I almost always get comments about my skin the day after using this mask!). I should note this mask is best for normal to dry skin types, and should not upset sensitive skin. Oily skin may find it too rich. But I’ll give you an alternative below.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp sour cream (All natural and organic if possible. Try to avoid products with added starches and gums)
- ½ tbsp raw sugar (White sugar can be substituted, but the extra refinement steps it goes through make it less desirable in my opinion.)
Mix together and let stand for 5 minutes. This allows the cream to get closer to room temperature so it won’t be so chilly on your face, as well as gives the large sugar granules of the raw sugar a chance to dissolve. While you’re waiting, wash your face with a mild cleanser. Avoid using cleansers that also have alpha hydroxy acids before using any AHA masks or peels to avoid irritation. Stir the mixture again to distribute the sugar through the cream then apply all over your face, avoiding the eye area. Let sit for at least 20 minutes, but I like to give it an hour. The longer it sits, the better results I get. To rinse, gently massage warm (not hot) water over your face. You may want to use a wash cloth, 
just remember to rinse it thoroughly after so it doesn’t smell of spoiled milk, and only use the cloth once before washing it. If needed, finish with a mild moisturizer (again, no AHAs) or a few drops of jojoba oil.
Viola! Your skin is noticeably smoother and softer! Use this mask once or twice a week and watch your skin tone even out and your complexion glow!
FOR OILY SKIN
Substitute lemon juice in place of the cream. It’s a great exfoliate and toner. I recommend fresh squeezed rather than in a bottle, as they add preservatives. If you find the straight lemon juice too harsh, dilute with water.
In my last post, I mentioned that jojoba oil is simply one of the best products you can have. It’s fantastic for so many things, that I thought I would mention a few more. Read the first post to find out just why jojoba is so amazing, and my favorite uses for it. Read below for more great uses!
Hair
- If your hair is dry, add a drop or two to your normal conditioner before working into hair. Rinse as usual. If your hair is fine or thin, start with only one drop, as more may cause your hair to look greasy.
- For flyaways, rub a drop of oil between your palms and then run down hair to smooth them in place.
- If you have a dry scalp, massage several drops onto your scalp at night and wash out in the morning (you may want to lay a towel over your pillow, or use an old pillow case.)
- Before blow drying, smooth a drop or two over the ends of your hair to help seal split ends and prevent damage.
- To protect your hair while you swim, run several drops through your hair to prevent chlorine or salt water from drying and damaging your locks.
Skin
- For added moisture, add one to two drops to your normal lotion before smoothing over skin.
- Rub a drop over your lips for instant shine and moisture. A great conditioner for dry or chapped lips.
- Treat psoriasis by gently rubbing jojoba over the affected area.
- To prevent sunless tanner from making dark patches on dry areas such as elbow, knees and heels – rub a small amount of over these areas before applying tanner.
Nails
- For a moisturizing and nourishing cuticle treatment, rub one drop jojoba directly on your cuticles.
If I told you that there was one thing that could replace or enhance at least a dozen different products you might use in your beauty regimen, helping with everything from skin to hair to nails, you’d probably want to know about it, right? Well I promise you there is such a thing and since I discovered its benefits a few years back, now I could never be without it. I tell every woman I know to use it, and men, you shouldn’t miss out on this either. It’s versatile, relatively inexpensive (considering how many ways you can use it), safe and effective. Okay, I suppose I’ve built up the dramatic tension enough. My miracle product is jojoba oil.
Pronounced ho-HO-bah, it isn’t actually an oil, but a liquid wax produced from the seeds of the jojoba plant. What makes this ‘oil’ so useful, is that chemically it is very similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces. Because of this, it is easily absorbed and rarely causes allergic reactions, even on the most sensitive skin. It has antimicrobial properties, helping protect from some types of bacteria that attack the skin. It also contains several useful minerals and nutrients, including vitamin E, B complex vitamins, copper and zinc.
All of this adds up to packing a powerful beauty product punch. It can help control acne, moisturize skin, soften hair, balance oily skin, treat cold sores, soothe sunburn, smooth flyaways, strengthen nails, treat dry scalp, heal psoriasis, (deep breath in), diminish fine lines and wrinkles, remove makeup, seal split ends, prevent scarring, AND can even be turned into a cheap, sustainable biodiesel which gives off fewer emissions and causes less engine erosion than petroleum-based diesel fuel. I know that last one isn’t about beauty, I just find it interesting.
You should be able to find jojoba at any natural food store. If not, it is easily ordered online. Just make sure it is 100% jojoba oil, no fillers. Organic is best, but that will cost extra. I use Desert Essence brand found at Trader Joes stores. When buying it there, a 4oz bottle costs me around $7 (though I know it costs more at other stores and online). That bottle lasts me 4 to 6 weeks, but I use quite a bit on a daily basis.
Below are just a few of the many ways you can use and benefit from jojoba oil. I will focus on skin for now, and in a later blog will continue with uses for hair and nails. Or, feel free to do your own internet search on the gazillion ways you can use jojoba!
Oily skin
It may seem counterproductive to put oil on oily skin, but you’ll have to trust me on this one.
As I said, this isn’t actually an oil, but a wax with many similarities to the sebum produced by your own skin (the stuff that makes you look like an oil slick at the end of the day). It is so similar that, when applied regularly, it tricks the skin into thinking it has produced enough sebum, and so it slowly begins to produce less and less. After several weeks of use, you’re left with a healthy glow, rather than a shiny mess.
HOW TO USE
After washing, rub two drops of jojoba on your face. I recommend only at night for the first week while your skin adjusts. You will feel pretty oily and may not want to deal with the extra oil during the day. But if you can make it past the first week or two, begin using a few drops in the morning as well. Within three or four weeks, you will notice your skin feeling less oily and more balanced.
Skin Moisturizer
What’s great about jojoba is that it can work for any skin type, making oily skin more balanced, and dry skin more moisturized. After taking accutane for a few months (explained more here), I went from having an oil slick face, to one that was too dry and flaky. An extra drop of the jojoba cleared that problem right up. Now that my skin is balanced, I no longer use any moisturizers, instead just using the jojoba. My skin feels supple and smooth.
It is also useful as skin ages. The older we get, the more tired our sebaceous glands become, so we begin to produce less oil. This can cause skin to look dull and can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles. Replacing that lost oil can help brighten skin and diminish those lines.
HOW TO USE
Just like above, after washing, rub a few drops of jojoba onto your face (or any other dry areas for that matter). Be careful not to use too much, even though it may seem like a good idea. The jojoba may cause your skin to stop producing what little sebum it does make, making your skin dry out more in the long run. When my skin was oily, I used two drops, when it got dry from the accutane, I increased to three, now I’m back down to two small drops. Experiment with your own dosage to find what works best for you.
And if you absolutely love the moisturizing product you already use, you can enhance it. Add just one small drop of oil to the normal amount of moisturizer you use at night and see the difference!
Acne
As I stated above, applying jojoba to skin helps decrease oil production. That alone can help with acne prone skin – but it gets even better. The antimicrobial properties of jojoba help fight against acne causing bacteria. AND, while jojoba is very similar to your own sebum, the biggest difference is that jojoba is non-comedogenic , meaning it won’t clog your pores like your own sebum can. And for those with acne, we know that’s where the problem starts.
HOW TO USE
You can rub a few drops on your face after washing, or add a drop or two to your current acne fighting treatment.
Makeup Remover
This is my personal favorite use for jojoba oil. It is great for removing all kinds of makeup, including foundation and mascara – even the water proof stuff! Plus, using jojoba is great before washing at night. Along with removing the makeup, you’re also removing surface dirt and giving your skin a little pre-wash conditioning treatment. This helps make the washing process less drying and irritating.
HOW TO USE
Take a cotton cosmetic pad and dampen it ever so slightly. I use a squirt bottle and give it a quick mist. This is just so the cotton doesn’t suck up all the oil, allowing you to use less. I hold the pad to the open top of my jojoba bottle and quickly tip upside down several times until most of the pad has some oil on it. Then simply wipe over your face. If using it for water proof mascara, I actually put a drop on my finger tip and gently work over my closed eyes, then wipe with the pad. The jojoba will moisturize and condition your eye lashes too!
I’ll share even more uses and benefits of jojoba in my next blog, so check back soon!
