Oil Cleanser for Clogged Pores

This recipe is an advanced formulation for acne-prone skin that uses the

basic principles of the oil cleansing method where the oil and dirt that are

clogging your pores are drawn out, hardened plugs and all, and replaced

with a healthy amount of beneficial botanical oils. You see, in the

chemistry of skin care, oil dissolves oil. That may sound counterintuitive,

but it’s true. Use this cleanser once per week for clean, clear pores and progressively fewer blemishes.

YIELDS: 4 ounces

4 tablespoons hazelnut oil

2 vitamin E capsules

6 drops tea tree essential oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops chamomile essential oil

1 tablespoon castor oil

1 tablespoon Rosemary-Infused Jojoba Oil

4 tablespoons grapeseed oil

What you will need: funnel, dark-colored 4-ounce bottle—one with a

cap or pump top is ideal

1. To Make: Place the funnel over your bottle and add the hazelnut oil. Pierce

the vitamin E capsules and squeeze them out into the bottle, discarding the

gel caps. Add the essential oils. Next, add the castor oil and rosemary-

infused jojoba oil, and fill up the bottle with grapeseed oil. Shake for a

minute or so to blend.

2. To Store: Store out of direct sunlight in bottle. Will keep for up to six

months.

3. To Use: Oil cleansers are best used at night, when your skin is in need of a

deeper cleaning. Shake well before use, as the heavier oils may settle to the

bottom. Start with dry rather than wet skin. Massage a pump or two into

your skin using gentle circular, upward strokes. It is completely worth it to

take the few extra minutes to massage areas of wrinkles and clogged pores

for at least 3 minutes and up to 10 minutes. Avoid any active blemishes or

recent eruptions. The longer you massage, the more debris you will feel

(i.e., de-clogged pore gunk). It’s gross, but fabulous, right?

4. Next, run hot water over a washcloth. Wring the cloth out a bit, letting it

cool so it’s not too hot. Set the cloth on your face, steaming the oil, dirt,

makeup, and grime out of your pores, then gently wipe the oil, dirt, and

grime off your face. Rinse out the cloth well and repeat the steaming

process 2–5 times. Use a few times per week, up to once per day as a facial

cleanser. Start with once per week, working your way up in frequency

depending on how your skin responds

HELPFUL HINTS

Some people can use oil cleansers daily, but it’s a once a week

treatment for others. The oil cleanser draws the deeper toxins out to

the surface, so do not be surprised if a few pimples form. These are

not newly created, but were pre-existing, laying low, waiting to be

brought to the surface to heal. This cleans out the deeper dermal

layers of your skin, which is a necessary step for sustained clear,

pimple-free skin. Be aware that you should not use an oil cleanser

too often or it will dry out your skin.