What do you use to wash your face?

[poleidopy]

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, I wasn't really sure where to post. I was wondering what - if anything- you use to wash your face. Before going raw I had really bad acne. Now, the acne is gone, but I still have clogged pores, despite the raw diet. I was wondering what natural products I could use to clean my face. I was using Dr. Bronners, but it makes my skin all dry & flaky. Any suggestions?

[freshlight]

pure water works best for me. Try to play with the temperatures: cold-warm-cold.......or the other way round :) See whether it makes a difference.

[streetsurfer]

Have you tried the Bronner's Shikakai soaps? I use the mint or baby one. They are less drying/burning to my face, and it works well for a shaving soap.

[Revvell]

I make my own sugar scrub and use that.

[freshlight]

how do you make it or is it a secret recipe? ;)

[JennaHoneyBear]

I never really wash my face
I rub jojoba oil on it though :D

[poleidopy]

I've also heard that using coconut oil is really good for your skin. I just can't seem to get past the idea of rubbing OIL into my skin. Has anyone tried it?

[RawSar]

What has worked really well for me is The Oil Cleansing Method.

http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

I broke out a bit at first, my skin wasn't use to any oil because I use to over exfoliate to get rid of my clogged pores but now my skin so clear with no redness, not even around my nostrils which was an issue for me.
I find this method very gentle and works to get those blackheads out and gone.

[SevenKindsOfCookie]

I've also heard that using coconut oil is really good for your skin. I just can't seem to get past the idea of rubbing OIL into my skin. Has anyone tried it?

Most skin care products use oils, so what's so strange about that idea?

My skin loves almond oil. But I find that the bottles I buy go rancid before I'm able to finish them, which makes it rather expensive. So I've switched to coconut oil instead, and I use olive oil for my sugar scrubs every now and then.

[freshlight]

What has worked really well for me is The Oil Cleansing Method.

http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

I broke out a bit at first, my skin wasn't use to any oil because I use to over exfoliate to get rid of my clogged pores but now my skin so clear with no redness, not even around my nostrils which was an issue for me.
I find this method very gentle and works to get those blackheads out and gone.

thanks for posting the link, that one sounds really interesting and I'm planning to try it too.

[freespirit]

coconut oil is the only thing that touches my face as far as cleansing is concerned. I use it to take off my makeup, and moisterize. i love it!

[poleidopy]

coconut oil is the only thing that touches my face as far as cleansing is concerned. I use it to take off my makeup, and moisterize. i love it!
so...putting oil on your face *doesn't* make it more oily??? That's my only fear when it comes to the coconut oil. My face already has oily patches & I don't want to make them worse...

[beckx]

i love the oil cleansing method. i usually just use water, but it is a treat when i do it. it can take a little time to figure out the right ratio of castor oil to olive oil for your skin but it's worth it. :)

[RawDawn]

Nope, oil cleansing doesn't make your skin more oily at all. Actually less so, b/c your skin doesn't have to overproduce its own oil like it does if you use oil-stripping cleaners. I'm 36 and this is the first time I've had almost totally clear skin (still get the occasional tiny pimple, but it's rare. I never had serious acne but for my whole life would usually have some sort of blemish on my face somewhere. Usually the kind where people who say they couldn't see it, but it was there, darn it!) I've been raw for about seven months and coconut oil-cleansing for I think all of that time. I also use only mineral makeup (and no lip stuff with mineral oil...that's a biggie for me....)

[Tenuho]

i dont use anything, when i wake up theres allways sweat on my face and it seems to have its own 'sweat out crap' mechanism, i used to use just a light cleanser but it seemed to be dryin out my skin alittle so now i use nothing.....aslong as i get enough sleep its fine....

[kitlynne]

I used to make a sugar, seasalt scrub with orange juice. About 1 cup of juice, 1 table spoon of salt, 1 table spoon of sugar...

Worked pretty well, then moved to coconut oil.. right now just wate r=)

[margoss]

I'm intersted in trying this. How often do you clean your face with this & then just warm water in between to clean & remove makeup? Did anyone have increase in blemishes? I really don't get them now except occ. My skin seems to be pretty clear but am concerned about increase in blemishes. thanks.
RAWDAWN....do you mix the coconut oil w/castor oil?

[freespirit]

I have less blemishes. I use the coconut oil to clean my makeup off too...i guess thats the only time I really use it. It keeps my skin balanced

[Raw.N.It.Out]

So Experimentation with natural oil:
-I've heard Jojoba & Lavender Oil mixed together work well too.
-Witch Hazel makes a good astringent/toner.
-I got the idea from off of on here somewhere to use my left over Steel Cut Oats with some water to apply to my face to soften/moist my skin.
-I also have always mixed raw sugar (IDK what it's exactly called) with a bit of a cleanser & water (usually in the shower) & rub in circular motions on my face (with a cloth/or a little exfoliating pad). Really helps clean off dead skin & helps the new skin glow. 2-4 times/week
-Lush Products are Vegan friendly too, made with natural ingredients

I'll have to find my full list.

I am also someone that has had acne for a long time, since I was 8 yrs young. In the last two weeks just from adding some grapefruits/oranges to my daily regime, my skin has cleared a bit. It's coming along!! :)

[RawSar]

thanks for posting the link, that one sounds really interesting and I'm planning to try it too.

Your welcome freshlight :)

[buffalogal]

I do the oil cleansing method every night (using coconut oil and castor oil) and my 61-year-old skin is amazing...I'm always getting compliments on it. I love coconut oil. I also use pure shea at night as a moisturizer. Give the oil cleansing method a try and see if it works for you!:)

[snoops]

I have hardly ever used anything on my face except water. I even lied to my Mom when I was young and she asked if I used soap!!:o

[Tirza]

I like the idea of oil cleansing but I don't know if I could do that exclusively. I have this problem with my eyes getting teary from the salt on the skin of my eyelids and surrounding I guess. Once they start tearing, I wipe them, and it seems to deposit more salt in them so it becomes a vicious circle until I can wash. Just plain water helps, but it nothing works as well as some soap and rinsing really well. I wonder if that is because soap is alkaline? But then we have the drying problem...

[areana33]

I found my skin got more oily when using coconut oil or any type of oil.

What I do is first exfoliate using a warm pumice stone and water. I dry it with a towel and then use apple cider vinegar on a cotton pad as my "astringent".
Doesn't smell pleasant, but my skin is just glowing and everyone comments on my clear complexion.
They always ask me what type of make-up I use...and the answer to that is of course 'none'.

[mstrish]

I make my own...use many different oils. Oil does remove black heads. I use unrefined shea and argan oil at night and my face is so soft in the am. Check out my site. I custome formulat too.

[RawDawn]

Margoss, nope, I just use the coconut oil. For my skin the castor oil is too heavy. All I really do is coat my face well with coconut oil before showering, then rinse it off (or wipe off with washcloth if I have make-up on) right before I get out. Works great for me! :)

[skier2]

The BEST thing to keep skin blemish-free (aside from simply eating raw) is tea tree oil. I either apply it with a Q-tip to problem areas or mix some with a little lotion or olive or coconut oil and apply it to a wider area. It is amazing. I haven't had a pimple in at least a month or two.

[margoss]

I'm only 3rd day of this & feeling amazing!! My makeup/skin looks better. I think I look younger...therefore, I am!!! getting comments on 'you look good, what are you doing?' or it may be, 'have you gone out with someone?' No..just no soap or shampoo. then comes the 'look of confusion'.
I thought about getting a facial for my b-day but now am concerned about all of those things being put on my skin after being like this for a month by that time. I was washing it in a 'clean' spearmint soap then co b4 getting out. Anyone get facials at a salon or beauty college?

[jennisonruther]

Hi
I use soap and im also facing same problem like you ...what will do ???

[joya]

I tired the oil cleansing method on a few occasions, and everytime I broke out horribly.

Right now I just use soap (Kiss My Face - olive oil) and water. Then follow up with a really light organic moisturizer.

Everyone is different. What works for others, might not work for you. It's kind of an experiment.

[margoss]

11 days and looking soo good!! I have a brown 'sun spot' on my cheek that I've had for yrs & it darkened after pregnancy. I truely think it's lightened up. It's on the side so it's hard for me see but I'm going to watch it. I know the spots left over just above the jaw line are lighter. I'm adding this to my neck & maybe my entire body!!

[Green_Woman]

I found my skin got more oily when using coconut oil or any type of oil.

This is quite normal, and does pass. :)

SAD facial cleansers dry your skin out and can actually cause your skin to become more oily and pimply because your skin is constantly trying to overcompensate for the trauma the SAD cleanser is causing. ;)

I've been doing the oil cleansing for about a week now. My skin is definitely clearing up some deep-rooted issues! But it no longer burns when I wash it, so I believe this Castor Oil + Olive Oil cleansing is heading me in the right direction, at last, for skin care... :)

I need to perfect it, though! Just like eating Raw, there's a learning curve with natural skin care.

[RawSar]

Anyone get facials at a salon or beauty college?

I still love going to the spa for facials. Not regularly but a few times a year. I just love them. I go to a spa where I know the girls and they know my lifestyle and I've worked with the skin care line they use. Its Eminence Organic skin car from Hungry. Its amazing. I do use some of their products as well.
Facials are so relaxing! mmm my face is craving one now :)

[Shine]

I have been using Jojoba "oil" (it really isn't an oil like olive oil is...) for a week now and I LOVE IT!!! My breakout is clearing up, the redness around them is going away, my skin is SUPER SOFT and does not feel oily AT ALL :D

[smiley]

The other day I mixed together almond meal (ground up almonds) and olive oil and rubbed it on my face and body. Wow! It exfoliated, cleansed, increased circulation, and gave a healthy glow. It even pumped up my lips. So simple and effective. :cool:

[areana33]

This is quite normal, and does pass.

SAD facial cleansers dry your skin out and can actually cause your skin to become more oily and pimply because your skin is constantly trying to overcompensate for the trauma the SAD cleanser is causing.

I've been doing the oil cleansing for about a week now. My skin is definitely clearing up some deep-rooted issues! But it no longer burns when I wash it, so I believe this Castor Oil + Olive Oil cleansing is heading me in the right direction, at last, for skin care...

I need to perfect it, though! Just like eating Raw, there's a learning curve with natural skin care.

My skin is naturally quite oily and whenever I put extra oils on it, they clog up my pores and make me break out.
I have been SAD facial cleanser free for around 8 months and 100% raw for longer and it still happens to me.
Exfoliating is my one clogged pore prevention method. :o

But everybody is different which makes all of us unique and beautiful at the same time. :)

[RawKnitster]

I have a long history of oily skin with adult acne and rosacea. The oil cleansing method sounded so wonderful with so many raw women advocating it, I tried it. It took six months for my skin to heal from the damage it caused.

What works with wonderful results for my sensitive skin is a natural organic Lavandin & Naouli Soap and Face Potion that a friend of mine makes.

[buffalogal]

Has anyone tried the Clarisonic? I just ordered one and I'm looking forward to receiving it. I've known many people who have it and love it. It supposedly does a great job on acne (although thankfully that's not a problem I have). I read many reviews before I made the big decision to buy one and probably 98% of them were very positive. It's quite expensive and a big investment, but I've known many with real skin problems who didn't have any luck with anything until they tried the Clarisonic, so it was worth it to them. Just a suggestion to those of you with skin problems you haven't been able to correct. Thankfully, I don't have any real problems with my complexion, but I thought I'd give it a try to see if I can make it even better.:) (Google "clarisonic reviews" for reviews and "clarisonic sale" for discount prices - I got it for 20% off). I can't wait to try it!:)

[Shine]

I have a long history of oily skin with adult acne and rosacea. The oil cleansing method sounded so wonderful with so many raw women advocating it, I tried it. It took six months for my skin to heal from the damage it caused.

What works with wonderful results for my sensitive skin is a natural organic Lavandin & Naouli Soap and Face Potion that a friend of mine makes.

My skin is VERY similar, I can't even exfoliate (except by using a baby washcloth) or I break out and any real oil gave me pimples that looked like cysts and were VERY painful. Same with my best friend....we looked like a couple of goobers for a while there :D I think this is why jojoba is doing so well on my skin as it is not an oil.

Glad people are finding what is working for them, and glad I found what is working for my skin :)

[MightyKong]

I agree with what the majority are saying! :o) Coconut oil is AMAZING! I mix coconut oil with something exfoliating, such as brown sugar (I know it's not raw, but I'm not eating it!), and then not only is my face silky smooth, but it smells DELICIOUS!

Also, raw strawberries have salicylic acid in them, and make a GREAT cleanser or mask. Again, nice smooth face that smells good enough to eat!

If anyone is concerned about their face feeling too oily afterward, do what I do: I use the coconut oil scrub, then a strawberry mask. The strawberries take off all but a thin layer of the oil. My face glows now!

Nature has provided us with everything we need to take care of our bodies. Isn't it astounding?! :)

[MightyKong]

Has anyone tried the Clarisonic?

My sister JUST got hers in the mail! She has been using it for two days now, and I can honestly tell you her skin looks SO MUCH better already! She didn't have terrible skin to begin with, but had a few break out areas, and her skin always seemed to look oily. But in two days, her skin now looks wonderful! Let us know how it works for you!

[RawKnitster]

My skin is VERY similar, I can't even exfoliate (except by using a baby washcloth) or I break out and any real oil gave me pimples that looked like cysts and were VERY painful. Same with my best friend....we looked like a couple of goobers for a while there :D I think this is why jojoba is doing so well on my skin as it is not an oil.

Glad people are finding what is working for them, and glad I found what is working for my skin :)

Very similiar, indeed. What you describe happens to me, too. Not so much anymore, but I'm afraid to try anything different that might reverse the good changes. Still it would be nice to find something less expensive I can make myself.

I have not tried jojoba. Could you possibly do a followup in a few weeks? I would be grateful knowing if and how it continues to work for you.

[buffalogal]

How does your sister like her Clarisonic, MightyKong? I have had mine for a few days now, and I'm very happy with it. I was fortunate to have good skin to begin with, but I swear my pores have now completely disappeared! I don't know if it's my imagination, or wishful thinking, or what, but I really feel that my skin looks better already! I've only used it 5 times for one minute each time with the sensitive brush on the low setting and I really believe it's made a difference already!!! As always, my only complaint is why did I wait so long?! (Same with my VitaMix and Excalibur.) I'm 61 and these gadgets may last longer than me!! (Hopefully not!!):D;)

[margoss]

I had some lines under my chin that are no longer there! I've added almond oil to the coconut and a drop of Vit E. amazing the difference. I've even gone without any makeup except mascara a few days.

[Shine]

Very similiar, indeed. What you describe happens to me, too. Not so much anymore, but I'm afraid to try anything different that might reverse the good changes. Still it would be nice to find something less expensive I can make myself.

I have not tried jojoba. Could you possibly do a followup in a few weeks? I would be grateful knowing if and how it continues to work for you.

SO - UPDATE:

I have been using nothing but the jojoba for two months now and I could not be happier!!!! :D Sure, I have had a couple breakouts (hormonal) but it never got out of control and cleared up really quickly (for me.....week or so) and the BEST PART was NO SCARING :D

I have lessened to washing once a day in the shower and have stopped using the baby washcloth. My skin is very soft and looks healthy. I am SO GLAD that I stuck it out through the breakouts and so happy to have found something that really works for me - and I even found a Maine company that makes it so not only organnic but local too :)

[csmejkal]

For acne I use a fresh tomato. Smash a tomato and use a cotton ball to wipe the liquid and pulp to face! Let sit on face for 3 minutes applying again if needed (always needed). Then wash. Baking soda and water to pull out dirt from pores. Use a small amount of olive oil as makeup remover. Grind oats and mix with honey and some grapeseed or olive or coconut oil for a 20 minute facial. Exfoliate lightly everyday. You can use sugar or salt. I preferr brown sugar. DO NOT SCRUB. Just massage into face.
I love to use strawberries to wash my face. Hold onto the leaves and bite off the bottom half of berrie. Smear all over face and let it sit on face for 3 to 5 minutes. Strawberries cleanse and exfoliate. Simply wash off face with warm water. Always splash cool water on face to close pores lastly!

[MysticTree]

I don't use anything much ... every now and then I do a gentle exfoliation and then go back to nothing again. If it gets really grubby from gardening then I might do a bit more to it!!

[csmejkal]

Try using flax seed oil and sunflower oil to moisturize skin all over body. I use 1 oil at a time and my skin benefits from using different oils. They all have different levels of fatty acids, oleic acids, linoleic acids, ect. I am allergic to certain foods, therefore, I cant use walnut oil or alvocado oil. You cant use oils which you might be allergic to, but I would encourage you to try more oils. Macadamia nut, sweet almond, jojoba, flax seed, argon, sunflower, buriti, sea buckthorn, rice bran, cranberry, meadowfoam. There are so many oils to use that can target all different kinds of ailments.

[maggiesdaddy]

I use a sugar scrub that I make or I use Kiss My Face and a washcloth. I have terrible pores, but it helps some.

[January Noir]

As stated earlier in this thread.... Coconut Oil!!! It's amazing!

[Seductive Arts]

I only cleanse my face with oil to take off my water-resistant sunscreen, but I need some kind of "soap". I use Neutrogena 2% salicylic Acid Grapefruit face cleanser and I alternate with L'oreal 360 Degree Sensitive Deep Cleanser.

Sometimes, if I am feeling cheap I might use Dove Sensitive Skin Moiusturizing Bar.

The oil cleansing method alone does not work for me. I feel like my skin is greasy and dirty and does not rinse well enough for me. Unless you are using commercial oil cleansers where the oils used are made to be water solulable, which natural oils are not.

I need a mild detergent of some kind for my skin, or I will break out or my skin will have a slight oil coated feeling on it.

[Seductive Arts]

I agree with what the majority are saying! :o) Coconut oil is AMAZING! I mix coconut oil with something exfoliating, such as brown sugar (I know it's not raw, but I'm not eating it!), and then not only is my face silky smooth, but it smells DELICIOUS!

Also, raw strawberries have salicylic acid in them, and make a GREAT cleanser or mask. Again, nice smooth face that smells good enough to eat!

If anyone is concerned about their face feeling too oily afterward, do what I do: I use the coconut oil scrub, then a strawberry mask. The strawberries take off all but a thin layer of the oil. My face glows now!

Nature has provided us with everything we need to take care of our bodies. Isn't it astounding?! :)


Stawberries do not have Salicylic Acid in them. Salicylic Acid comes from Willow Bark Root and exist in Willow Bark Root only. Strawberries, or any kind of acid from a fruit is a Alpha Hydroxy Acid aka AHA.

[rawready]

I use black african soap I get at the farmers market. It is a real clean feeling without anything left on your skin.

[KaleMama]

I just started using Nadine Artemis' www.LivingLibations.com "BestSkinEver" essential oil to wash my face. The product is a tad bit pricey but O-M-G leaves your skin feeling wonderful, moisturized and glowing. It is an ancient Gypsy secret to use essential oils to cleanse your face/body. I use spring water to wash my face, soak my hemp cloth, put about 4 drops of oil and rub it all over my face. Exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. This is the only product I use.

I also do a weekly mask of ACV & Bentonite Clay.

I have been using this for 2 months now and am so pleased. :throwhearts:

[CathyA.]

[QUOTE=January Noir;663474]As stated earlier in this thread.... Coconut Oil!!! It's amazing![/QUOTE

I agree. It is amazing!! :)

[GlimR]

Strawberry - Not Just A Beautiful Fruit
by Sharon Hopkins

What’s the first thought that comes to your mind, when you think of strawberry – a mouth-watering dessert of strawberries mixed with fresh cream? To end an interesting evening on sweet note, this is just the right dessert. Strawberries serve more than just fulfilling the sweet tooth. It is packed with hordes of health benefits, making a nutritious fruit for mind and body.

Eat this succulent fruit in its raw form or serve it as jams, syrups, salads, smoothies, wine, juices, and more. Strawberries are full of vitamin C, potassium, sodium and iron as well as being low in calories. Not just delicious, a strawberry is also a great skincare additive, especially due to its mildly astringent properties. Strawberry flesh and juice is recommended mainly for oily skin to improve texture, minimize greasiness and encourage a healthy and more radiant complexion. The ellagic acids in strawberries appear to inhibit the growth of tumors (cancer cells). They are also a good source of salicylic acid that removes dead cells and clean pores.

Strawberry helps in soothing sunburned skin, skin blemishes as well as discolored teeth. An alternative to placing cucumber on the eyes, place a sliced strawberry to reduce the puffiness. They are known to fight heart disease and provide a number of vitamins and minerals that support overall human health. By adding strawberries to your diet, we build a healthy immune system. In addition to various nutrients and minerals, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Packed with immense health benefits, strawberries when added to beauty recipes for skin exude magic… Try out these homemade recipes made with this luscious fruit as main ingredient.

Kiwi Cucumber Strawberry Facial Cleanser - Blend 5 to 6 strawberries, 1 kiwi, peeled and 1/2 cucumber to a smooth paste, not a runny mixture. If the mixture is slightly runny, add bit of oatmeal until the potion is of proper consistency. Apply to your face and neck area with gentle massage to exfoliate the skin. Let the paste settle on your skin for 10 minutes and then rinse well with warm water. Your skin will feel fresh and clean.

Strawberry Facemask - Combine 2 or 3 ripe strawberries with 2 tbsp of finely grounded oats and 1 drop of lemon essential oil to form a paste. Spread the paste on to the face and neck area with fingertips. Relax for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water followed by a toner and moisturizer. The pieces of strawberry seeds aid in the skin treatment process.

Antioxidant mask with Strawberry and Papaya starring - ½ papaya, 4 strawberries, 1 tbsp rolled oats, 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice. Grind the oats, blend papayas and strawberries until smooth and warm honey until it is flowing freely. Combine and mix well all the ingredients. Apply this mixture on the face and let it remain for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water followed with moisturizer.

For beautiful and radiant skin – mash 1 or 2 strawberries mixing it with water to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your face, neck overnight. Rinse it in the morning.

Face Lifting Face Pack - 3 to 4 strawberries, 5-6 grapes, 1/2 pear, 1/2 apple and 1 ounce of orange juice. Before putting this paste on apply a coat of honey which is later on covered with this fruit mixture. Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse it with lukewarm water. For the final rinse use vinegar to give your face, a perfect lift.

Strawberry Mask – 4 to 5 strawberries, 1 tbsp. milk and 1 tbsp. cornstarch. Mix all the three ingredients to make a paste to be applied on your face for 20 minutes. Rinse it first with warm water, then cold water. You can better this pack by using a mild astringent and then use a light moisturizer. You can use this pack for week.

[GlimR]

Sources of salicylic acid.....http://www.food-info.net/uk/qa/qa-fi27.htm

[dime]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylate_sensitivity

Many people are allergic to salicylic acid, I'd be careful about it as it's clearly not a nice thing.

Both natural and synthetic salicylates can cause health problems in anyone when consumed in large doses. But for those who are salicylate intolerant, even small doses of salicylate can cause adverse reactions.
In general I myself would never put anything acidic on the skin. It may clean it, but it will also damage and irritate it.

[MyRedPanda]

I use this stuff:

http://www.betterlife.com/prod_home_page.asp?prod_id=40650&source=googlebase

I have really noticed a difference in my skin since I started using it. I have tried the Yes to Cucumbers and it does not work as well. I was using Boscia but it is like three times more expensive and the Tisserand works just as well in my opinion.

[karenisraw]

Hi,

Don't use cleansers and never have. Never had a pimple. I guess I had one once. Works best for me to have healthy skin from the inside out from eating well.


k:heart:

[CathyA.]

You are a lucky lady. I do have to admit a bit of jealousy of that. (no pimples)

[karenisraw]

I have not always been raw, but I have always eaten lots of veggies, fruits and salads and juiced along with as healthy as a SAD diet could get untill I discovered raw vegan diet. I attribute that to no pimples at least partially.

k

[Steren]

Hi. Skin is a sensitive thing and it needs lot of care and nutrition. I wash my face with dove because it is a moisturizing soap and good for skin.With it i use lemon paste on my face. Lemon paste makes face beautiful and acne free.