You’ve heard and read that your face is your window to the world. Natural ingredients such as plant-based oils/carrier oils are a great source when caring for your beautiful dark skin. Not only did your ancestors use soap and water to cleanse their skin, improve their hygiene and standard of living, they used oils. They especially used oils to cleanse their face and neck.

The ancients used oils generously and massaged it into their body. The excess oils would be scraped away along with dead skin cells. Then a fresh amount of oil was used to keep their skin protected against the elements and harsh climates. In African and South America it was Shea and palm oils that were used. In the Mediterranean it was the use of olive oil to soften and soothe their skin.

When Choosing Oils To Cleanse Your Face …

There are two possible methods. One being taking an amount of oil in the palm of your hand and rub them together applying it to your face and neck, thoroughly massaging it into your skin. The oils will lift makeup, along with dirt and dry skin cells.

Once your face is covered with oil, place a hot (not hot enough to burn your skin) washcloth over your skin. Make sure all the water is wrung out. The heat allows your pores to open and release oil and debris. After a minute or so wipe the excess oil from your face and neck. Pat your skin dry, after which you’ll apply a nourishing facial oil to maintain moisture in your tissues.

I mentioned two possible methods. the second involves using a little hydrosol or pure water with the oil in the palm of your hand. Rubbing them together vigorously, you’ll create an impromptu emulsion. You’ll apply it to your face and repeat the step of applying a hot washcloth to your face for a minute or two and removing the oil, following up with a moisturizing oil.

Not All Skin Types Are The Same …

Therefore, your choice of oils should best reflex your skin type:

Dry skin would benefit from high monounsaturated oils such as olive, avocado, sesame and almond oil.

Normal skin would use oils such as apricot kernel, argan or baobab oil.

Oily skin would benefit from oils high in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that help to calm, replenish and normalize the skin. While it’s great for all skin types, Jojoba oil which lacks triglycerides is especially helpful for skin that over-produces oil. Other oils to consider are chia seed, blackberry, kukui and flax seed oil.

When using oils to cleanse your face and neck, you can incorporate scents by adding essential oils. Essential oils have therapeutic qualities that can help with certain skin conditions and enliven a dull complexion.

Helichrysum or chamomile can help control inflamed tissues, while lavender can soothe the nervous system while toning and calming your skin.

We’ll talk more about oils, oil cleansing and essential oils in articles to come. That’s it for this week. As always …

Dedicated to Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care