"Everybody needs to be using an oil on their face at night. I know I've been saying it for years. But it makes such an incredible difference. There's your random thought of the day."
That's what started a rapid fireball response on facebook and in my email account. Friends, my mom/ cousins/second cousins/friends from college/ sorority sisters/elementary school friends/friends' mothers/ aunts/ their coworkers/ their church friends/ their fellow Junior League members wanting to know more, asking questions, making comments/ suggestions, etc.
It really intrigued me because I realized women (and men) really have questions and opinions about this and want to know more.
I have been a BIG proponent of oil for a LONG time.
Like since I was 13.
I never been oil-free.
I mean I'm naturally oil-free and it drives me BATTY!! I oil up before bed like most women lather up shampoo.
I fall asleep putting oil on my face and loved ones have had to wake me up. They think it's cute.
Weird. But cute.
It's just something I do, like brushing my teeth, because I think I always knew that oil-free just was not the answer. Not for me at least.
Look at anyone over 6o who you think has gorgeous skin.
Look around their eyes, their mouth.
Ask if they're oily. Either they will say yes. Or they will tell you that it's genes, that they used a thick cold cream since they were 12 or that they currently use SOMETHING with oil in it.
If you have oil in your skin, you will age more slowly. You will have fewer lines.
It is that simple.
Well, assuming you're not smoking a pack (or more a day) and adding baby oil to your naturally dewy skin so that you can fake & bake.
So what do those of us do who were not blessed by the angel with the oil wand?
We do it ourselves.
We oil.
It's simple. It's natural. It's fast. It can be super cheap. It FEELS GOOD.
And it's been done for centuries.
Don't ask me why our last few generations stopped doing it.
It has never made any sense to me.
So if you want the fastest way to beautiful skin - no gimmicks, no stupid surgery, no fake stuff.
Go lube up.
Oil your face and go to bed.
It'll be the nicest thing you ever did for yourself and you'll think me later.
If you have oil in your skin, you will age more slowly. You will have fewer lines.
Yes, it really IS that simple.
*
So I was asked on facebook and in a few emails: "What kind of oil? And what kind for dry skin? What if I have oily skin?" Obviously these were separate questions.
These are great questions.
And I have answers.
*Little disclaimer here. The answers, advice and suggestions I give here is solely from my experience and from trying out hundreds of various products on myself, friends, family and clients. I am not a dermatologist or doctor of any kind. I just want to see folks take better care of their skin and hopefully, enjoy it a bit while doing it.*
Oh, the possibilities. I have my own mix I use and love but until I've developed it for mass consumption (soon, I hope!) and am marketing it, here are a few of my faves that I've found:
*For DRY Skin*
1) I LOVE the Darphin 8 Nectar Aromatic Oil ($$$$ pricey at $160) but amazing & super rich if you're UBER dry like me)
2) Caudalie Moisturizing Concentrate ($$ reasonable at $39 & GREAT for dry skin, usually the first oil I recommend for everyone who is dry). Oh--and here's a great trick with all of the Caudalie concentrates: KEEP THE BOTTLE WHEN YOU'VE USED IT ALL. DON'T THROW IT AWAY! Every Caudalie oil/concentrate comes in great packaging with this perfect little dropper where you can control exactly how much you want with no mess, spillage or leakage. So when it's empty, if you love it, buy another one and use the bottle for another product. Or if you decide to try another oil, pour that oil into the Caudalie bottle. I have yet to find better product packaging for any oil.
3) I also like Darphin Jasmine Aromatic Oil for Mature skin ($$$ at $105) and
4) Darphin Myrrh Aromatic Oil for Dry skin ($$$ at $80)
*For NORMAL/COMBO/MOST SKIN TYPES:
1) I heart the Caudalie Energizing Concentrate ($$ again at $39) PARABEN FREE
2) Trader Joe's Vitamin E Oil ($ ridiculously cheap at $5.99) - No I'm not kidding. And this stuff is really, really good.
If you're on a budget and who isn't today, run out to Trader Joe's and buy one. Oh, you don't live near one? Call a friend and have them send it to you. Offer to pay $5 extra. Whatever. It's worth it. It basically is just Vitamin E oil, Soybean oil and Coconut oil. It is NOT sticky like your mama's Vitamin E oil was. This is silky, lovely and hydrating.
This is the oil I usually recommend to someone when they're a little dubious of this whole "oil" scam. They think it's going to break them out and tell me that their dermatologist has told them to always use "oil free" products, yada yada yada. Okay, that's swell, just go spend $5.99 and try a few drops and see if your skin doesn't feel less tight, look at least 50% better, and if people aren't telling you how great and well-rested you look.
3) Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil ($$$ at $60) - This is perfect for those of you who love department store brands and want to know where your oil is coming from. It's Bobbi Brown. It's rich but not so rich that it's like the Darphin.
I would however, recommend pouring it into a dropper bottle because it can get a little messy.
It's a great basic oil of sesame, olive, almond and jojoba.
A great starter oil that you will probably stick with for life.
I would recommend it for Normal to Dry.
4) I also like Darphin Rose Oil ($$$$ at $80) for all skin types
*For OILY Skin*
I know, I know. Oil for oily skin? This makes no sense.
Actually, it makes all the sense in the world.
If you don't use any oil on your oily skin, the oil glands will actually be stimulated to produce more oil (the glands think they need to compensate for the lack of oil).
So, how do you avoid clogging your pores while using this kind of "oillogic"?
Use the right kinds of oil that will help to balance oily skin...
which I want you to, from this moment forward, view as A GIFT!!!
1) Caudalie Purifying Concentrate ($$ at $39) I won't lie. It smells a little bit like a fresh wood cleaner (a la Pledge) with all of the lemongrass, carrot, grapeseed, catnip, and hazelnut. But its claim to purify and reduce oils in the skin is not just a claim, it's true.
2) Darphin Niaouli Aromatic Oil ($$$ at $80) It purifies and eliminates blemishes and blackheads and reduces large pores (who doesn't love that?) with the antiseptic essential oil of Niaouli.
It then clarifies AND hydrates with lemon while soothing with antiseptic lavender.
*For Sensitive/Special Condition Skin Types*
1) Darphin Chamomile Aromatic oil ($$$ at $80) soothes and protects with oils of chamomile, sage, horse chestnut, jojoba, ruscus and with aloe vera.
2) Darphin Tangerine Aromatic oil ($$$ at $80) perfect for someone who wants to prevent premature aging and wants to use an oil rather than a serum. This would be a great starter "anti-aging" regimen. With oils of Tangerine, Jojoba, Apricot, Orange and Carrot Essential Oils; Plus Vitamins C and E, this is nutrition for the skin to keep it as youthful and glowing as possible.
*
Okay, pick an oil, buy it.
Wash your face at bedtime, pat dry.
Keep the oil next to your bed so as not to forget.
Put a few drops of your chosen oil on your lovely visage.
Apply your moisturizer on top, if so desired.
And...
Night night!
Wake up to your dewy, glowing, and GORGEOUS best YOU!
No makeup needed. Natural skin is the most beautiful.
Thank God.
Oh...and if you have any questions while oiling up by the oil-burning lamp, I'll be up late myself;
most likely falling asleep reading THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE while applying my oil to my face. Don't hesitate to email or comment on my blog or facebook me.
I'll get right back to you as soon as I'm properly oiled and fully awake again.
Take care out there...especially of that gorgeous skin!
xoxo,
Dawn
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