Tone, Tighten, & Brighten Your Complexion With White Willow Bark!

 [source]

Herbs, natural oils and Aloe Vera have pretty much replaced all of the commercial products in my arsenal of skin care products. They are easier on my skin [no more peeling and redness], easier on my pocketbook, and much more effective. With the right combination of ingredients, you can have four-star spa quality facial treatments at home several times a week. Here are a few of my favorite White Willow Bark treatments that are formulated to help brighten those dark areas, firm up the sensitive areas around the eyes, and tone your skin which results in an even; smooth complexion. 

White Willow Bark is an excellent additive for those with extremely oily skin, and those that have issues with acne, blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed skin. White Willow Bark contains high amounts of Salicin, which is the mother of Salicylic Acid [Salicylic Acid is derived from Salicin, and is used in most skin care products formulated to eliminate acne].  

White Willow Bark Facial

Ingredients

4 ounces of distilled water

1 tablespoon of White Willow Bark 

1 teaspoon of Kaolin Clay

1/2 teaspoon of honey 

To prepare treatment: 

Bring water to a boil; add herbs, then remove from heat. Allow herbal infusion to steep for about 10 minutes. Cool. Strain mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Add Kaolin clay and honey to strained mixture, and mix well.

Instructions for use:

Massage entire amount into the skin and neck area. Allow to sit for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Recommendations: 

Use once weekly for acne prone skin; use bi-weekly as a preventative treatment for normal-combination skin. This facial can be used to clear up body acne as well. 

About this formulation:  

• White Willow Bark: Acts as a powerful antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent clearing acne, imperfections and dark spots. 
• Red Kaolin Clay: Kaolin Clay helps control oily skin, and the sulfur found in Kaolin Clay helps eliminate acne.<--Don't use Red Kaolin Clay if you have sensitive skin, use White or Rose Kaolin instead. 
• Raw Honey: Raw Honey doubles as a uber-moisturizer-extraordinaire and anti-bacterial additive that is very beneficial to your skin!

White Willow Bark Toner

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon White Willow Bark

4 ounces of distilled water

1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

To prepare toner:                                                                                                                                       

Bring water to a boil; add herbs, then remove from heat. Allow herbal infusion to steep for about 10 minutes. Cool. Strain mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Add Aloe Juice {or gel} to the strained liquid. Pour into clean, spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
                                                                                                                                                                     
** You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of White Willow Bark extract to your shampoo for those with dandruff, or psoriasis. You can even add 1/4 teaspoon of the extract to your favorite bottle of liquid body wash to combat body acne! 

Where do I find these ingredients?                                                                                                          

• You can find Red Kaolin Clay & White Willow Bark at select Health Food stores, or; you can find them online here: {Mountain Rose Organics} and here: {From Nature With Love}
• Alternatively, you can find the extract here: {From Nature With Love}  

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2 Simple DIY Facial Masks To Help Beat Hyperpigmentation

i love her hair. [source]

Hyperpigmentation occurs when patches of skin become darker than the areas around it. This happens due to an excessive production of melanin, and is usually your skin's way of trying to protect itself from damaging ultraviolet rays. Often, when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays for extended periods of time, your melanocyte cells [cells which produce melanin] go into overdrive producing melanin to absorb the rays from the sun. This excessive amount of production is what causes hyperpigmentation; those dark spots or freckles you may find on your face, arms and hands.

Before you spend several hundred dollars on microdermabrasion, bleaching creams, and chemical peels, try a simple yet effective facial mask [mask can be used on your body as well] that can help treat dark spots left behind due to hyperpigmentation. 

Lemon & Raw Honey Facial

4 Tablespoons of fresh Lemon Juice

4 Tablespoons of fresh raw honey

 

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply to hyperpigmented areas. Cover with a warm towel for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse. 

 

About This Formulation:

Lemon Juice: The lemon juice in this formulation acts as a skin whitener and gentle exfoliant due to the amount of natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids found naturally in some fruits. An exfoliant is needed to remove damaged surface skin cells.

Raw Honey: Hydrates and softens the skin. Raw honey also helps protect from bacteria, thus reducing your bouts with acne as well.

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Yogurt & Green Papaya Mask

3 Tablespoons of fresh squeezed Lemon Juice 

1 Tablespoon of Organic Yogurt

3 Tablespoons of crushed Green Papaya 

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply to hyperpigmented areas. Cover with a warm towel for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse. 

About This Formulation:

Lemon Juice: The lemon juice in this formulation acts as a skin whitener and gentle exfoliant due to the amount of natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids found naturally in some fruits. An exfoliant is needed to remove damaged surface skin cells. 

Organic Yogurt: The lactic acid found in yogurt also acts as a skin whitener and gentle exfoliant. Think of this ingredient as a low-grade chemical peel without all the nasty side-effects. 

Papaya: The enzymes found in Papaya gently exfoliates damaged/dull surface skin cells, tones the skin, and removes toxins.

 

Tips for those experiencing bouts of Hyperpigmentation:

Minimize your use of essential oils that cause photosensitivity. Photo-sensitivity means that you will be more receptive to light and ultraviolet rays, which will increase your risk of sunburn. Here's a list of photo sensitive essential oils:

Ginger

Lemon

Lime

Lemon Verbena

Lovage

Angelica Root

Cumin

Cassia

Melissa

Avoid using products on your face, arms, hands [and any other areas that are exposed to sun for long periods of time] that contain alcohol or mercury, as these are also photo-sensitivity causing agents as well. 

For those with chronic hyperpigmentation, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 50, while treating the affected areas. This can speed recovery and will also help prevent the same areas from darkening again, as a single day of unprotected sun exposure can undo months of treatment.

 

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Natural Skin Care Quick Tip: Do Away With Dark Knees And Elbows With This DIY Exfoliating Knee & Elbow Scrub

My knees and elbows have always been "problem areas". They were always darker than my normal skin tone, sometimes rough, and super unsightly. The skin in those area tend to produce less oil versus the rest of your skin, which is what contributes to it's dryness. Also skin in the area around the elbows and knees can be a little on the dark side due to the buildup of dead skin cells. 

The remedy to this issue is an heavy duty exfoliating scrub coupled Alpha Hydroxy and fruit acids to gently remove layers of dead skin. While this may seem like something that may require a plethora of complex ingredients, you can actually make this at home with a few easy to find ingredients! Exfoliating is essential for removing dead skin cells, and helping the skin renewal process; revealing smooth skin.

Exfoliating Scrub Recipe:

1/2 Cup Cane Sugar

1/4 cup Orange Peel Powder

8 Tablespoons Jojoba Oil  

To Make:

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Transfer mixture into a clean container and store in a cool, dry, place. Mixture keeps well for up to four weeks [provided you don't introduce water into the mixture].

Benefits:

Cane Sugar: Helps to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate the skin, protect the skin from toxins, and gently exfoliate superficial skin cells.

Orange Peel Powder: Helps remove dead skin cells, brightens skin tone, and protects skin from toxins. Orange peel powder can be found in Health Food stores and in most Indian Grocery Stores. It is also available {here}

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil nourishes and hydrates the skin. Jojoba is also very similar to the structure of the skin's sebum therefore it penetrates the skin quickly. Jojoba Oil can be found in Health Food stores, or online {here}

To Use:

Twice weekly, exfoliate your elbows and knees in a circular motion by applying a dollop of your exfoliating mixture to a gentle loofah. 

Moisturize your knees and elbows with a thick moisturizing cream or lotion while skin is still damp. 

For extra benefits, try a lotion formulated with Alpha Hydroxy Acid, as it will continue the exfoliation process while providing hydration. Here are a few lotions that fit the bill:

Body Lotions & Creams by Jergens
Body Cleansers at Walgreens

[photo source]

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Skin Care Quick Tip: 5 Reasons To Eat These Five Healthy Foods

What you put in your body can actually be more significant than what you apply topically. It is for this reason that I am trying to be more careful of what I eat. My snack-time selections runs the gamut from chips, to candy, sometimes shakes, and other things I'm not proud of; but as of late I have made some healthy substitutions.

Try substituting some of these healthy snacks throughout the day and see the difference it makes in your skin!

Berries [Strawberries, Blackberries, Cranberries]: Berries are chock full of antioxidants! Antioxidants helps to protect your skin from harmful free radicals, gives your complexion a radiant glow, and fights the molecules that damage skin cells which leads to premature signs of aging . Berries also help the body produce collagen which keeps skin, soft, youthful and supple.

Nuts [Walnuts, Brazil Nuts]: Walnuts & Brazil nuts are high in Fatty Acids, so they help lend a supple, smooth appearance to your skin. Brazil Nuts are high in Selenium which helps fight free radicals and also improves the elasticity of the skin.

Oily Fish [Prawns, Tuna, Salmon, Sardines]: The Fatty Acids present helps to prevent dryness, clogged pores, and improves skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to healthier cell membranes. Fatty acids regulate the health of the cell by keeping toxins out, and allowing nutrients in. Healthier cell membranes means that your cells are able to retain more moisture, and more moisture means younger looking skin.

Citrus Fruits [Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits]: Citrus fruits contains high levels of Vitamin C [otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid] that is instrumental in keeping your skin health and youthful. Vitamin C [often found in most anti aging serums and treatments] is a water soluble vitamin which means it cannot be stored by the body. This is why it's important to consume at least a few servings of Vitamin C daily. The Vitamin C found in Citrus fruits acts a powerful antioxidant that aggressively fights free radicals while keeping your skin smooth and firm.



Dark Green Vegetables [Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Watercress]: Like many of the foods mentioned before this food group, dark green veggies are high in antioxidants. The Vitamin A present in green veggies also helps regulate the production of sebum, which is good news to those with oily, acne prone skin. Vitamin A strengthens the cell membrane and also regulates the release of toxins from the cells.

[photo source]

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Mixology Quicktip: Make Your Own Anti-Aging Serum

Nia looks absolutely wonderful in these photos. However I was floored when I found out she was knocking on 40's door. Granted her budget may allow for more pampering and R&R, but don't count out youthful just yet. - You can make spa quality treatments at home minus the preservatives, pretentiousness, and high price tag with just a few ingredients. 

Here is a simple anti-aging serum formulation that will tone, tighten and bring that youthful glow back to your skin!

You Will Need:  

A scant pinch of Hyaluronic Acid [in powder form]

A scant pinch of L-Ascorbic Acid [in crystal form] 

1/4 cup of Aloe Vera Gel 

To Make: 

Add Aloe to small bowl and drop in Hyaluronic Acid & L-Ascorbic Acid. Mix well until H.A & L.A is well blended.

Transfer mixture to clean container with a secure lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To Use:

Apply a small amount of this facial serum on your face and neck nightly. Allow your skin to soak up the properties of the serum for up to 15 minutes before applying a moisturizer.  

Where to purchase ingredients?

All ingredients can be purchased at The Herbarie or via your favorite raw ingredients vendor.

About This Formulation:

• Hyaluronic Acid is found in healthy, supple skin. As we get older our levels of HA tends to drop. Adding Hyaluronic Acid to this formulation will increase the skin's ability to retain moisture, and will also keep skin soft, smooth and supple.

• L-Ascorbic Acid also known as Vitamin C is one of natures best natural anti-oxidants. The L-Ascorbic Acid in this formulation will help soothe and protect your skin.

• Aloe Vera Gel is filled with regenerative properties that help soothe and protect the skin [AVG is filled with anti-oxidant and anti-viral properties]. Aloe Vera Gel is also chock-full of skin loving nutrients and enzymes that will impart a radiant glow and fade blemishes if used regularly.

[photo source]

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Reader Question: HELP! How Do I Find Out My Skin Type?

"I read your post yesterday about not using Olive Oil on skin that has acne flareups and I think this is me. I used Olive Oil and I broke out all over my face and I'm afraid I don't know what my skin-type is. Please help! thx"

This is a very common issue for those that oil cleanse. I want to stress this to everyone reading this post, it is imperative that you choose the right oil for your skin type. Using an oil that is too heavy for your skin could lead to additional breakouts as well as blackheads. While using an oil that is too light can have the same results as well. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when attempting the oil cleansing method.

In this post, we will cover the different skin types as well as the oils that are best suited for your type. Please note that the recommended oils listed are for your secondary oils only. The main oil should be Castor Oil as this acts as your cleansing oil.If you have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments so that I can address them. Read on for the deets:

How do I know if I have oily skin?

• Your skin is blemish prone [acne - whiteheads - blackheads]
• Your skin is shiny due to excessive oil production
• You have enlarged pores on your cheeks and chin area

How do I know If I have Normal skin?

• You experience little to no breakouts
• Your face is hydrated and smooth
• Your pores are not visible
• You have an even, bright complexion

How do I know if I have sensitive skin?

• You experience burning or peeling with lots of products
• Your skin is very thin or delicate
• Your skin is prone to allergic reactions
• Your cheeks "flush" easily

How do I know if I have dry skin?

• Your skin appears ashy or dull [especially in women of color]
• You have wrinkles around the eye or mouth area
• Your pores are barely visible
• Your cheeks are flaky at times
• Your skin feels tight
  

How do I know if I have combination skin?

• You have large pores on your cheeks or chin
• You have acne on your cheeks, nose, forehead and chin [known as your T-zone]
• Your T-zone produces more oil than the rest of your face
• Your cheeks are drier than the rest of your skin

Now that you've picked your skin-type, it's time to choose the proper oils for your skin-type:

Combination Skin:

• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Hazelnut Oil

Sensitive Skin:

• Grapeseed Oil
• Borage Seed
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Apricot Kernal Oil

Oily Skin:

• Hazelnut Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba
• Apricot Kernal Oil

Dry Skin:

• Jojoba Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Olive Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Borage Seed
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Kukui Oil

Normal Skin:

• Jojoba Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Kukui Oil 

[photo source]

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Having Trouble With Oil Cleansing?

[source]

Are you experiencing issues with the OCM? Here are two very important pieces of information to remember as you dive face first into the world of oil cleansing;
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1. It is important that you use the proper oil for your skin type! For instance; those that have very oily, acne prone skin may have adverse reactions to Olive Oil as it is very, very heavy. While those that have drier skin may need heavier oils like Olive or Avocado. If you are in the dark about which oils to use for your skin type, check out these posts [post 1, post 2] before making your skin care mixture. It will save you a lot of trial and error.

2. Make sure you remove all traces of oil after oil cleansing. Sebum and bacteria-laden oil that is left on the skin can actually trigger additional breakouts. After removing oil, take a cotton ball filled with toner and sweep it across your face, if you see residue or dirt on the cotton ball, it's a friendly reminder to wash and rinse thoroughly.

Also make sure you keep these tips in mind; 

• Make sure your towel is warm enough so that the heat opens your pores. Remember the oil from your oil cleansing formula is what dissolves the oils trapped in your pores. It is important to open the pores in order for the enzymes in the oils to dissolve the blockage.
• Use a new washcloth daily to cut down on cross contamination. - When you drop your washcloths in the machine, add a bit of Oxyclean [or a similar product] to your cycle as it is very effective in removing grease/oils from fabrics. 
• Are you using too much Castor Oil? It is important to remember that Castor Oil is the cleansing agent. If your formula leaves your skin feeling dry and stripped, it may be time to lower the amount of Castor Oil in your mixture and up the amount of your secondary oil. 
• Make sure you thoroughly cleanse around the sides of your face, your hairline, and chin areas as those are all areas that are prone to breakouts. 
• Are you cross contaminating your face with cell phones and house phones? It's important to keep those devices clean as well. 

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Two DIY Natural Sugar Scrubs That Will Tone, Even & Tighten Your Skin

Whenever I am going out and plan to show a little skin, I beef my exfoliating regimen up to 4x's weekly.

Sugar scrubs are my secret to clear, glowing, even skin. I use my homemade sugar scrub to exfoliate my skin while in the shower about 3 times a week. Exfoliating your skin regularly helps gently remove dead skin cells which lends to an even appearance and skin that "glows". Exfoliating is also beneficial for clearing body acne, moisturizing the skin, tighting the pores and helping prevent future breakouts. You can create spa quality body scrubs at home for a fraction of the cost with some of the same great ingredients.

When applying the mixture, make sure to concentrate on areas like your elbows, knees, and feet to slough off dead skin cells.

I like using sugar in my scrubs versus salt because sugar is chock-full of glycolic acid [a form of alpha hydroxy acid] which helps to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate the skin, protect the skin from toxins, and gently exfoliate superficial skin cells. - I recommend using Brown Sugar in lieu of regular sugar, as it is a lot more gentle on the skin.


Eczema Sugar Scrub
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Tsp Raw Honey
2 Tsp Aloe Vera Gel
6 Tbsp Avocado Oil
10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

• Aloe Vera: Soothes discomfort associated with inflamed skin, strengthens skin tissues. The sugars in Aloe also helps to condition, improve skin's elasticity and hydrate the skin. The gum resins in Aloe Vera also delivers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to the skin, helping to effectively and naturally treat eczema.

• Raw Honey: Heals and moisturizes dry patches of skin and inflamed areas. Raw honey has strong antibacterial properties that can act as a protective barrier on broken skin [broken skin usually occurs during scratching]. Raw honey is also purported to stimulate skin regeneration.

• Avocado Oil: Very rich in vitamins, this oil hydrates dry skin, improves the elasticity of the skin and helps treat eczema and other issues pertaining to inflammation of the skin.

• Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender essential oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties making it an effective essential oil for treating eczema.
  

Alpha Hydroxy Cane Sugar Scrub

1/2 Cup Cane Sugar <-- Cane sugar has more glycolic acid vs regular brown sugar
1 Tsp Raw Honey
3 Tbsp Jojoba Oil
3 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil

• Raw Honey: Hydrates skin, acts as a barrier against toxins, evens skin tone and improves the elasticity of your skin. Raw honey also enhances collagen production which makes for tighter skin.

• Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil nourishes and hydrates the skin. Jojoba is also very similar to the structure of the skin's sebum therefore it penetrates the skin quickly.

• Grapeseed Oil: This oil is slightly astringent so it has some toning and tightening properties. Grapeseed oil also fades dark blemishes and evens skin tone.

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Sound Off! Why On Earth Would I Put Oil On My Oily Skin?

Love this pic! [source]

As I mentioned in my post Tue, some people may cringe at the thought of adding oil to a face that is already prone to acne. This is a logical and justifiable concern! Yesterday, I received a few questions in the comment section of my skincare post; and I thought it would be better served if I answered them in the form of a blog post for others that may have some of the same concerns.

In addition, if you have any questions/concerns on this post, or the oil cleansing method in general; please feel free to leave them in the comment section so that we can create somewhat of a resource for others who are looking for answers as well!

Your Questions:

"Is there even any conclusive, empirical, scientific, quantifiable, peer-reviewed EVIDENCE of the effectiveness of this so called method?"

"Furthermore what are the mechanisms that render it effective? HOW DOES WASHING ONE'S ALREADY SEBUM FILLED FACE WITH OIL IMPROVE ONE'S FACIAL CONDITION!?"

"I understand the spirit with which Chidi asked the question. So, MTM: Is there evidence, other than anecdotal, regarding the effectiveness of oils to cleanse skin, esp. those of us with problem skin?"

My Response:

Oil will not exasperate your issues with acne if you are breakout prone. Sebum is a non-polar molecule which means it is unable to dissolve in polar molecules like water. This is why most facial cleansers, laundry detergent, soaps, and shampoo's are formulated with harsh surfactants like Sodium Laureth Sulfate. This is a cheap, synthetic, man-made ingredient used to remove excess oils, dirt and sebum.

When you clean your face with products that contain harsh surfactants, it strips your skin leaving it dry. As a result, your glands go into overproduction mode to make up for the lack of moisture. What you are left with is an endless cycle of dryness coupled with an overproduction of sebum.

The general rule of thumb in chemistry is that "like dissolves like". Non-polar molecules are able to dissolve in non-polar solvents. Relating this to skincare, the oil in your cleansing mixture is able to dissolve excess oil and fatty deposits that are present in the pores and hair follicles of your skin. Scientifically this is possible because sebum [in this case the solute] and the oils mentioned in the post [we'll call these the solvents] are structurally compatible.

Excess sebum is due in part to the lack of Linoleic Acid present in the hair follicles, as Linoleic Acid reduces the output of sebum. Studies show that Linoleic Acid [a fatty acid found in many of the vegetable oils referenced in the post] reduces clogged pores [microcomodones] significantly when used topically [on the skin].

I don't want to veer off into the structure of oils, so I will keep it brief and note a few key pieces of information that may be of use; Jojoba, Hazelnut, Grapeseed, Evening Primrose, Avocado, Kukui and Borage Oil [all the oils mentioned in Tuesday's post] are high in Linoleic Acid. This means that these oils are effective in regulating excess sebum, and preventing clogged pores. These oils are all high in anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties which lends to their ability to deliver enzymes that dissolves the blockage in your pores.

There are many well known, high-end brands out there that consciously formulate products with the health of your skin in mind [albeit they are very expensive]. Take Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil which is formulated with Jojoba & Avocado Oil, or DHC Cleansing Oil formulated with Olive Oil. If you would like to see peer-reviewed evidence of the benefits of cleansing with oil. Check out the reviews on both products [Shu Uemura Review + DHC Cleansing Oil Review]. You can even do a search on the right-hand section of the blog to gain real-time insight [via on-going comments] from MTM readers who started the OCM method, or Acne.Org which has a plethora of reviews on the Oil Cleansing Method.

* Let me point out that the only difference between commercial based cleansing oils and oils that you can formulate in your kitchen, is that commercial based cleansing oils are formulated with emulsifiers that bind water and oil together. This means that when water is introduced to your mixture [lets say as you are washing the product off] a stable emulsion occurs. The emulsifying ingredient does not lend any therapeutic properties to the skin, or prevent skin inflammation. In the case of cleansing oils, it eases the wash-off process. - You can spend an upwards of $25 [8oz] for a product like this, or you can make it yourself for less than a fraction of the cost with the same ingredients [minus the emulsifier].

Over the past 15 years I have collected many commercial books and reports on formulating personal care products [lame I know], and attended courses on the structure of the compounds used to create them. Over the next few months, I will try to get permission from various authors to scan and reproduce these articles on the site in hopes that it arms you with clear cut information about what's in your skincare products and how it benefits [or harms] your skin. Whether you decide to oil cleanse or cleanse using traditional methods like soap and water, we should all know how our products work for us and if there is a natural alternative to what is being offered commercially.

Comments Cited:

Chidi: "I must be bloody ignorant, but how does" [Weblog comment.] 9/30/2010. Clear + Hydrated Skin The Natural Way - Natural Oils Your Skin Will Thank You For. Nikole Crowe. themoptopmaven.com --. 09/29/2010. (http://moptopmaven.blogspot.com/2010/09/clear-hydrated-skin-natural-way-natural.html#comments).

Teachermrw: "Is there even any conclusive, empirical, scientific, quantifiable, peer-reviewed EVIDENCE" [Weblog comment.] 9/30/2010. Clear + Hydrated Skin The Natural Way - Natural Oils Your Skin Will Thank You For. Nikole Crowe. themoptopmaven.com --. 09/29/2010. (http://moptopmaven.blogspot.com/2010/09/clear-hydrated-skin-natural-way-natural.html#comments).

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Clear + Hydrated Skin The Natural Way - Natural Oils Your Skin Will Thank You For + Giveaway Winner Announced

Her skin + makeup + jewelry is totally on point! [source]

First order of business; I want to give a big thank you everyone who entered the Peace Images Giveaway! We had some amazing entries, but there can only be one winner! - The winner of the Peace Images Giveaway is; Michelle! Michelle said:

Where many see disaster, a fierce black woman sees a way, where many see despair, a fierce black woman sees hope, where many see no way a fierce black woman MAKES one. A fierce black woman is assertive,she is strong, she is bold, she is you, she is me. :)

Michelle please send an email with your name and mailing address to: nikole@themoptopmaven.com to claim your gift! - A big thank you to Camille of Peace Images for graciously sponsoring this giveaway! If you didn't win this week, check out the new giveaway this week from our gracious sponsor Casa Di Culture!

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Ok now on to the deets! - A lot of people cringe at the thought of using oil on the skin. However the truth is, if you use the right oil for your skin type you could have skin that is glowy, youthful and ultra hydrated. If you're looking to ditch your facial moisturizer, or you want to start experimenting with your Oil Cleansing Formula, here are a few must-haves your skin will definitely thank you for!

Dry/Mature Skin

Evening Primrose: This oil is high in Gamma-Linolenic Acid which beneficial in treating skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, as well as minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Evening primrose also hydrates the skin leaving it soft, supple and smooth.
- Can be found online {here} 

Kukui Oil: This highly absorbent ultra hydrating oil has an abundance of fatty acids and is beneficial for treating eczema, psoriasis and acne.
- Can be found online {here}. 

Avocado Oil: This rich oil contains amino acids, sterols, fatty acids, Vitamin A, B1, B2, D & E. Avocado oil makes for a wonderful dual-purpose moisturizer, as it treats skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea while keeping the skin soft, hydrated and protected.
- Can be found online {here}. 

Oily/Blemish Prone

Grapeseed Oil: Hands down one of my favorite oils to use on my skin. Grapeseed oil is incredibly light yet makes the perfect moisturizer for skin. Grapeseed Oil makes for a wonderful after shower moisturizer as well. The astringent and antioxidant properties of Grapeseed Oil means that it will leave your skin toned, clear, bright, and blemish free.
- Found in the cooking isle of most grocery stores. Can also be found online {here}.

Hazelnut Oil: This is another favorite of mine [I use this in my Oil Cleansing Mixture]. Hazelnut Oil also has mild astringent properties and is light enough for those with oily skin. This oil will keep your skin toned, even and most importantly, free of blemishes!
- This oil can be found in the beauty isle of most Health Food Stores, or {here}. 

Borage Oil: Borage Oil contains a high amount of Gamma-Linolenic Acids which is beneficial for treating various types of skin inflammation from acne to eczema as well as psoriasis. Borage Oil helps calm, sooth and reduce swelling in inflamed areas.
- This oil can be purchased online {here}.

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