Oil Cleansing: Say Goodbye to Dirt and Hello to a Glowing Complexion

Hey there, beautiful people! Lately, my clients have been asking me about natural ways to cleanse their face. So today, we’re going to talk about one of my favourite skincare practices: oil cleansing! If you’re tired of traditional cleansers that leave your skin feeling dry and stripped, oil cleansing may be the right method for you.

Oil cleansing is a popular skincare trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years. It involves using oil to cleanse the face, which is a natural and effective way to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. It is also an excellent way to deep clean, moisturize the skin and improve its overall appearance. Let’s explore the benefits of oil cleansing, discuss the base oils that can commonly be found in your pantry, and the right way to oil cleanse!

The Benefits of Oil Cleansing

Some traditional cleansers on the market can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Oil cleansing on the other hand can help to balance the skin’s natural oils. Many people who have oily or acne-prone skin believe that they should avoid using oil on their face. However, using the right oils can actually help to regulate the skin’s natural oil production, reducing the appearance of oiliness and breakouts.

One of the best things about oil cleansing is that it’s natural and effective. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, you’re just using oil to cleanse your skin. This helps to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is so important for keeping your skin soft and supple.

Oil Cleanse to Remove Makeup and Impurities

Oil cleansing is fantastic for removing makeup, sunscreens, and other impurities from the skin. If you’ve ever struggled to fully remove your makeup at the end of the day, you’ll love how easily oil cleansers melt away even the most stubborn products!

My Favourite Oil Cleansing Bases

Now, let’s talk about the base oils, some of which you can find in your pantry.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil

One of my favourite bases to use for oil cleansing is jojoba oil! It’s a great all-around oil that’s gentle on the skin and won’t clog your pores. Jojoba oil is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help to protect your skin from environmental stressors.

MCT Oil

MCT oil

MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is another great option for oil cleansing. It’s a lightweight oil that’s easily absorbed by the skin, making it perfect for those with oily or acne-prone skin. MCT oil is also antibacterial, which can help to reduce breakouts and inflammation.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil

Avocado oil is a fantastic choice for those with dry or mature skin. It’s rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. Avocado oil is also great for reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production, which can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil

Last but not least, grape seed oil is a great all-around oil for oil cleansing. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and won’t clog your pores. Grape seed oil is also rich in antioxidants, which help to protect your skin from free radical damage.

The Right Way to Oil Cleanse

So, how do you oil cleanse? Oil cleansing may seem simple, but there is a right way to do it for the best results. Follow these three simple steps below and your oil cleansing routine will be effective and hygienic!

My Simple 3 Step Oil Cleansing Method

Oil cleansing method

Step 1: Apply Oil to Dry Skin

Start by adding 2-3 drops of your selected oil to your palm, rub your hands briskly together, and apply all over your dry face. Make sure your face is completely dry! This is important since oil does not mix with water; applying oil to wet skin makes it difficult to properly remove dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and other residue from the day.

Step 2: Massage Oil into Your Face

Gently massage the oil into your skin using circular motions with your fingertips for 1 minute. Take your time, focusing on areas that are prone to congestion or breakouts, and don’t forget your neck. Massaging the oil heats up both your skin and the oil, helping to break down and lift dirt and impurities from your pores.

Step 3: Use a Warm Fresh Face Wash Cloth

Use warm water and a damp washcloth to gently wipe away the oil in sweeping motions. Gently press the wash cloth onto your skin for a minute, allowing the heat to emulsify the oil. The emulsifying effect is key for proper oil cleansing. Rinse the cloth with hot water, wringing it out, and lay the warm cloth over your face for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat this three times to ensure that all the oil is removed from your skin. The warmth of the cloth gives you a mini steam, helping to soften built-up debris in your pores, while the cloth itself will help to remove the oil and any dirt or impurities that the oil has lifted.

Pat dry with a clean face towel, follow with toner, serum, and moisturizer.

And that’s it! Enjoy the benefits of a clearer, more radiant complexion!

*Hot Tips for Oil Cleansing*
  1. Have a set of 10 to 15 washcloths available on rotation to use during the week for oil cleansing. This ensures you always have a clean one on hand. White washcloths will become stained with make-up and sunscreen, so choose a dark colour if this might bother you.
  2. When laundering your washcloths, use a high-quality laundry detergent, a long wash cycle and hot water to thoroughly clean them. This will prevent any bacteria buildup and ensure your skin stays clean and healthy. Add vinegar and baking soda or Oxiclean to the wash cycle, especially if you wear heavy make up or mineral sunscreens.

Nourish and Cleanse Your Skin Naturally

Remember to choose the right oil for your skin type, and to patch test any new oils before using them on your face. By following my oil cleansing method, you can nourish and hydrate your skin while removing impurities and maintaining your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Stick with it, and you’ll soon see the benefits of oil cleansing and how it may transform your skin for the better.

Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a comment below.

Happy oil cleansing!

~Mei xo

Seed Cycling: The Natural Cure for Hormonal Breakouts?

In my 22 years of working in aesthetics, I have seen how many of my clients try to manage hormonal breakouts with birth control pills and topical prescriptions. Unfortunately, these methods just mask the root cause of the symptoms.

Don’t give up! I am here to educate you on these natural beauty and lifestyle secrets! There is more that you can do to have a balanced body and clear skin.

Could something as simple as eating seeds help to balance hormones naturally?GOOD BYE mood swings, bloating, cramping, PMS and hormonal acne? HELLO happy days and smooth glowing skin?!

What is Seed Cycling, anyway?

Seed cycling involves rotating seeds such as flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds throughout the month to help balance hormones during women’s menstrual cycles. The concept behind the cycling is that the seeds contain lignans that help to bind and excrete excess hormones. On the other hand, they also contain minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that support the production of hormones at different phases of your cycle.

Eating seeds in a certain format can ultimately help your body find balance! The result? A more even mood and clear radiant skin!

Basic Principles for Balancing Hormones

Estrogen and progesterone balance are key to healthy body. Too little estrogen can lead to a thin uterine lining or a lack of ovulation and too much estrogen can cause irregular periods, depression, and harsh PMS symptoms.  Progesterone is essential for getting pregnant and sustaining pregnancy, but a deficiency has been linked to symptoms of PMS, fatigue, irregular periods and recurrent miscarriages.

Ok, with that said…

Throughout the menstrual cycle, the female body is dominated by estrogen for the first half of the cycle (days 1-14), and dominated by progesterone during the later half (days 15-28).

Seeds For BALANCING Estrogen (Days 1-14):

Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which allow the smooth transmission of hormones throughout the body.

Flax contains lignans, which blocks the absorption of and assists the elimination of excess estrogen out of the body.

Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, calcium and magnesium content, which allows the body to release progesterone, reduce cramping and clear the skin. The combination of these two processes allows for the balance between the two hormones.

Seeds For Progesterone (Days 15-28)

During the second half of the cycle, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds will encourage the production of progesterone.

Sesame seeds are high in zinc, calcium and omega 6 fatty acids which are essential to progesterone production. As well as, reducing acne, headaches, cramping.

Sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin B6 and selenium which support the liver, having a positive effect on the reduction of breakouts and removing excess hormones and toxins. They’re also rich in magnesium, which works with calcium to reduce cramps and calm mood. Just like the flax seeds the lignans in the sesame seeds deter excess estrogen production.

Eats the Right Seeds During Your Cycle

Keep in mindthis part is very important!–ONLY consume the seeds appropriate for your cycle on the given weeks. Aim to avoid sunflower and sesame seeds during the first half of your cycle, and avoid pumpkin and flax seeds during the second half.

Healthy Tip: Choose raw, unsalted versions of each of the seeds.

In the first 14 days of your cycle, have one tablespoon each of ground flax seeds and ground pumpkin seeds daily. In the latter half of your cycle, work in one tablespoon each of ground raw sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Grinding the seeds breaks down the tough outer layers and makes their nutrients more easily accessible to the body.

Add to smoothies, salads or soups or even blend with water or juice for a quick drink. Make a sauce, salad dressing or your own tahini or seed butter. Go ahead, get creative!

Smoothies, dips/spreads, dressings, sprinkle on yogurt, salads are great vehicles for your seed regimen.

ADD TO SMOOTHIES, DIPS: Daily Dosage GUIDE

Days 1 -14:  Add 1tbsp. of ground flax meal and 1 tbsp. of pumpkin seeds.

Days 15-28: Add 1 tbsp. sesame seeds and 1 tbsp. of sunflower seeds.

*For extra support, add 1500 mg of Fish Oil (EPA+DHA) on days 1-14; and add Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) on days 15-28.

And ONE last suggestion!

Did you know parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, etc. are found in every day beauty products? These are toxic chemicals that are absorbs through your skin, and can alter the natural rhythm of hormones. Scary right?

Use Natural Products and Facial Treatments

Therefore, f you’re going to give seed cycling a go, I would highly recommend  switching to (if you haven’t already) natural facial products and choose to have organic holistic facial treatments, which can help prevent further alteration of your hormones.

Hormones can take a while to balance using natural methods, so be patient and give yourself at least 3 months for this process.

Please let me know how you do, or if you have any questions! Feel free to drop a comment below.

Until next time,
Mei-Lana Chow RHN