Three Steps to Get Rid of Those Pimples!

Sometimes, I look in the mirror and think, "I'm 28 years old. Why TF do I still get pimples?!" And I'm an aesthetician! This shouldn't be happening, right?! 

Well, it does. Hormones, bad habits, diet, stress - all these things contribute to breakouts, and no one is totally immune to it. So when you have a pimple (or several) pop up, how can you get rid of it quickly? Try these tips for a clearer face (Note: sometimes, there are deeper issues that topical treatments can't alleviate - please see a dermatologist or your primary care doctor to check your hormone levels to see if there's something else going on).

1. Double-cleanse your face with an oil cleanser.

Not sure what an oil cleanser is? You can read up on my favorites here. Basically, this is the process: Oil disintegrates oil. If you use an oil cleanser, it can help balance out any excess oil your face may be producing. Double-cleansing ensures you get rid of all the makeup/grime with the first cleanse, and the second cleanse allows the oil to really get down to the pore and help clear it out. You can double-cleanse with an oil cleanser every day as a replacement for your regular cleanser, or save it for when you're having a rough time with clogged pores.

2. Wear a clay mask.

Go and scoop up the super popular Indian Aztec Clay, or any bentonite clay mask you can find, and use twice weekly. The oil cleanser in the previous step has loosened up and cleared away most of the oil, so now the clay mask can absorb and pull out what's left. Leave the mask on until it hardens, and then rinse off gently. You can use a gentle toner afterward, such as the Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel.

3. Use a BHA.

BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid. The most well-known and effective BHA is Salicylic Acid and you'll generally see that listed on the product. This acid is great for working below the surface of your skin and blasting through any grime and extra oil in your pores, so they're cleaned out and in turn, look smaller and your face looks clearer. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties so it can help heal those pesky pimples. Grab a box of alcohol-free Stridex pads and use after your mask two to three times weekly, and you can use it on its own several times a week. Let it dry and follow with your moisturizer.

And there ya go! This is a simple, quick way of fighting those blemishes. Your face won't be totally cleared up the next day (it's skin care, not magic), but you should see a major difference after adopting a steady routine like this. And of course, you can always come see me for a facial!

Using Oil to Wash Your FACE?

Using oil to wash your face? Um... sounds counterproductive, right? But yes, you can absolutely use oil to cleanse your face.

"But I have oily skin! Why would I want to put more oil on it?!"

For some people, overproduction of oil is caused by dehydration. If your skin is being thrown off balance by harsh cleansers or other improper care, the natural surface oils may be stripped, so throughout the day your skin tries to overcompensate. Ever notice you get shinier throughout the day? If you get super oily, your skin may be overproducing to try and balance itself out.

And did you know that oil also disintegrates oil? So all those pesky clogged pores and congestion you feel underneath the skin can be dissolved by massaging the areas with oil. It will loosen up and begin to disintegrate the oil and dirt that is trapped in the skin. The oil also leaves your skin soft and helps protect against further water loss. So while you're getting rid of the dirt and clogged sebum (a.k.a. your skin's natural oil), you're still leaving behind the moisturizing effects of the cleansing oil - so your skin won't feel like it has to produce a ton throughout the day.

Mind blown, yet? 

Now, before we get into how to do oil cleansing, I want to make the disclaimer that since not everyone's skin reacts the same, you may find the oil cleansing method doesn't work for you. Or, you might find that your skin hates rosehip oil (like mine does), but loves jojoba oil. And while coconut oil is super comedogenic (which means it very easily clogs pores), it works like a charm for some people. Always patch test to check for reactions.

Anyway, let's get to the good stuff: How the heck do you do it?

To make it easy, I buy pre-mixed cleansing oils. The one I use on my clients is this one. I use this one on myself since I tend to save the luxury items for my freelance kit. 

On totally dry skin (not "dry" as in skin type, but literally dry), rub one or two pumps of oil gently all over your face. Massage and really work it into the skin. If you feel little bumps on or under your skin, pay extra attention to those to allow the oil to work its magic and break up those clogs. They won't all break up in one go, but you might feel little gritty pieces and see specks of grey or black on your fingers. These are hardened, clogged oil that have been released. 

If you use the pre-mixed cleansing oils, they will easily rinse away. And if you wear makeup, cleanse twice (and dry your face in between). The first time, you're getting most of the makeup off, and the second time is for getting a deeper clean. Pat dry.

Note: You can also use plain ol' oils (such as jojoba or mineral oil), but those are more of a pain to rinse. You will really need to take those off with a warm, wet microfiber towel since they don't rinse off easily.

Then continue with the rest of your routine if you have one (such as applying toner and moisturizer). I will do another blog post detailing the various steps that are possible in a skin care routine, but it'll be hella long so for now we're just focusing on the cleansing portion.

So there's the lowdown on oil cleansing! I love it. It's done wonders for my skin and I hope it works for you, too!

I'm always available for lesson, consultations or makeup applications, so email me if you want some hands-on help.