Oil Cleansing: a Vibrant Facial Experience

I read about oil cleansing as a natural alternative to chemically laden facial cleansers several years ago. I couldn't imagine how slathering oil on your face could possibly result in clean, bright, clear skin but, after much research on anti aging products, I decided to delve into the world of oil cleansing.

on May 6, 2015 at 5:50pm PDT

The idea behind oil cleansing is actually a science, chemistry to be more specific. "Like dissolves like" is a phrase used by chemists to describe solubility.Oil will not dissolve in water because it is a non polar molecule while water is a polar molecule. The Oil Cleansing method is effective because the cleansing oil dissolves the "like" impurities, sebum-oil in the skin. Have you ever wrestled with a sticky substance only to rub a bit of oil on it and have it easily removed? Oil cleansing works the same way. Did I lose you? I hope not. I find if I understand the functionality of a method I will be more prone to adhere to it :)

I'm a nerd. And sometimes a little goofy. We all know this ;)

Now to find the perfect combination of oil. I prefer almond and castor oil. Almond oil is said to remove dark circles under the eyes (never have those, nope, not me). Avacodo oil is a favored option however, I read that it can worsen the appearance of dark circles. Coconut oil is commonly used but I found it to clog my pores although some tout claims that unrefined coconut oil is noncomedogenic. Just like anything, each woman's skin will be different and require different cleansing concoctions.

My favorite oil mixture is 1/2 castor oil and 1/2 almond oil. Castor oil is thicker, stickier and has excellent oil dissolving qualities while almond oil is lighter yet moisturizing.

The Ricinoleic acid in castor oil combats acne while the fatty acids present in castor oil deeply penetrate the skin for an intense moisturizing experience. The fatty acids also reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks and encourage new skin cell production. 

Almond oil is rich in vitamins A, B and E. As I mentioned before, almond oil is known to reduce dark eye circles and diminish wrinkles. It is also a reduces redness and is anti inflammatory. Almond oil is a natural anti aging product as it contains high levels of vitamin A and E. 

When cleansing your skin, gently rub the oil mixture into your palm and massage the oil into your skin. Don't rush this process, gently take your time and do take care to press the oil into your skin in order to reap the moisturizing, cleansing and anti aging benefits. You want to massage the oil into your skin thoroughly and give it time to deeply penetrate. Put on some beautiful, peaceful music, brush your teeth, wash your hair, whatever you can do to let the oil seep into your skin for a few minutes. Then take a rag moistened with the hot water place it over your face for 15-30 seconds. Gently rinse the oil off using the wet cloth. Pay dry and enjoy a fresh night's sleep with your dewy skin. 

Three times a week I like to make a paste of olive oil and baking soda in my palm and gently rub this into my skin after I have applied the almond/castor oil moisture. This gently exfoliates and removes the oil. I simply rinse with warm water and enjoy the smooth, soft feeling of freshly exfoliated skin.

I enjoy this relaxing part of my evening routing and the luxurious feeling of the oils as they are massaged into my skin. I have noticed my skin is clearer, more even toned and more supple since I began the oil cleansing method. I am a believer!

Are you new to oil cleansing? Don't let it scare you :) Make it a part of your evening routine for a week or two and let me know how you like it!

Grace and Peace,

Adoring Family

"White Chocolate Mint Mocha" Caffeine Free, Dairy Free

 I concocted this little recipe to satisfy my very sweet tooth and give me energy on a cold afternoon. My kids enjoy this drink as well and we have found it can be savored any time of the day, even bedtime.  We call it a "white chocolate mint mocha" although there is no chocolate or coffee in it!

...See now, how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. 1 Samuel 14:29

Adoring Family's "White Chocolate Mint Mocha"

1 1/2 cups almond milk
1 1/2 Tbsps. raw honey
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tsp. vanilla
1/2 Tsp. pure mint extract

Combine ingredients in a small pot and heat slowly on a stovetop. I usually add the honey right at the end so as not to compromise the beneficial nutrients and enzymes in the raw honey. Blend with an  immersion blender for 30 to 60 seconds. 

If you want to make this a mint hot chocolate recipe, simply add 1 or 2 tsps. of cocoa powder.
I love the bubbly froth the immersion blender creates. My daughter calls the froth marshmallows :) I doubled the recipe and we sipped this warming treat by the fire while we had our Bible study this morning.  And then I had to make more :D

on Feb 15, 2015 at 3:30pm PST

Adoring Family's "White Chocolate Mint Mocha" has many health benefits.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a type of medium-chain triglyceride. This fat helps to increase thermogenesis, perfect for warming you up on a cold day. It also boosts metabolism and aids the body in burning fat. It creates a unique energy source and improves cognitive function. What momma doesn't need that in the afternoon?

Raw honey  contains the vitamins B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and the minerals calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc to name a few. Honey contains the antioxidant "pinocembrin" which has  antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits.

Half my kids cannot pronounce half of those words (but it's great when they try) so they obliviously enjoy the frothy mustaches and delicious sweet creamy taste while I smile knowing they are ingesting a healthy, sweet treat.

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste.

 Proverbs 24:13

Grace and peace,

Adoring Family

linked here:
Shine Blog Hop

 Urban Naturale
Raising Homemakers
This is How We Roll
Mom 2 Mom
Favorite Things
Get your shine on Thursdays
sarahcelebrates.com