I know what it is like to have acne, I have dealt with it personally for the last 20 years. In this guide, I will share with you my method for treating acne, based on years of trial and error and experimenting with different products. You will find links to helpful content as well as product recommendations. I hope this page becomes a useful resource for you (bookmark it so you can come back again later!)
There are various methods for treating acne, some topical and some internal, and everyone will have individual responses, based on their unique constitution. It can take trial and error, as well as patience to find a method that works for you. The problem is most people give up on their treatment routine too soon.
It can take up to 3 months of consistently doing the same regime to actually see the results!
At The Best Organic Skin Care, we are focusing on topical methods of managing acne. We know that internal factors such as hormones, diet, and stress can contribute to acne, and we hope you are also addressing these issues along with our topical advice.
The topical treatment of acne is a great way to see *quick results, so you can feel better in your skin and therefore feel more inclined to take care of yourself internally.
*quick is a relative term, acne is a slow healer and nourishing the skin takes time, but in general, topical treatments will reveal results faster than diet changes.
I have called my method of acne control, The Clear Skin Made Simple Method (stay tuned for ebooks and courses!)
On this page, you will learn:
- What is happening in acne-prone skin and why it leads to breakouts.
- The basics of my Clear Skin Made Simple Method of acne control.
- The steps to treating acne, from cleanser to moisturizer.
- What products I use and recommend.
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below and we may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won't put anything on this page that we haven't verified and/or personally used.
What is Acne?
Acne is a complex skin problem that occurs mostly on the face and neck, but can also affect the back and chest. To put acne in the most basic language:
- Dirt, oil, and dead skin cells build up in a pore, leading to what is known as a microcomedo (clogged pore). Clogged pores are the perfect environment for the bacteria known as P. Acnes to grow and thrive, triggering the immune system to respond with inflammation and pimple formation.
Contrary to popular belief, P.Acnes bacteria is not the sole cause of acne. Everyone has this type of bacteria on their skin. The problem comes when dead skin cells and sticky sebum get trapped in the pores, creating a space for P. Acnes bacteria to proliferate.
People with acne have these things in common:
- Their skin produces dead skin cells faster than people with non-acneic skin.
- Their sebum is often deficient in an omega fatty acid called linoleic acid, making their sebum more sticky and comedogenic (pore-clogging).
- Their skin produces too much oil in response to drying products.
- Their skin hosts various strains of P. Acnes bacteria.
- Their skin reacts with inflammatory responses that trigger papule and pustule formation.
- They may have a damaged skin barrier that allows in bacteria, making the skin more prone to breakouts.
Fact: It can take 90 days from the first formation of a microcomedo until it reaches the surface to create a pimple.
How to Treat Acne Topically
Treating Acne Topically Requires:
- lowering dead skin cell build up.
- minimizing the overproduction of sticky sebum.
- controlling the proliferation of P. Acnes bacteria.
- reducing inflammatory responses in the skin.
- repairing the skin barrier.
- nourishing, rather than fighting the skin.
- diligence, consistency, and patience.
The most critical aspects of dealing with acne topically are reducing dead skin cell build-up and lowering inflammatory responses. Other aspects include repairing the skin barrier, controlling P. Acnes bacteria, and minimizing the overproduction of sticky sebum.
Lets tackle each of these points individually
We will talk a little about each of the requirements needed to treat acne. In the next section, I will go into my Clear Skin Made Simple Method and offer specific product recommendations.
Lowering Dead Skin Cell Build-Up
As the skin regenerates, dead skin cells build up on the surface. People with acne-prone skin have been shown to produce dead skin cells at an accelerated rate, making them more prone to clogged pores.
Dead skin cells are at the root of the acne problem, they are the first cause that we need to treat if we want to see results.
Exfoliates are the best way to minimize dead skin cell build-up. There are two types of exfoliates, chemical and physical.
Chemical exfoliates digest dead skin cells and includes alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, as well as fruit enzymes. Physical exfoliates remove dead skin cells with friction and include anything you use to "scrub" your face.
Both types of exfoliation can be beneficial, but chemical exfoliates are better for acne because they digest dead skin cells rather than scrubbing them off. Abrasive scrubs can cause micro-tears in the skin and lead to more inflammation and irritation.
My favorite daily chemical exfoliate for acne is salicylic acid.
Minimizing Oil Production
People who have an overproduction of oil in their skin tend to be more likely to have acne. However, you don't have to have oily skin to have acne, there are plenty of people who have dry skin and acne.
Many people try to fight breakouts by using drying products that strip the skin of all oils. This is counter-productive because what happens is your skin tries to compensate by ramping up its oil production.
By avoiding drying products and applying the right oils to the skin, we can help balance oil production and calm the skin's overproduction of oil.
Reducing the Stickiness of Sebum
People with acne tend to have sebum that is deficient in linoleic acid (see the study here); this makes their sebum sticky and comedogenic. Topical application of oils high in linoleic acid can help reduce the stickiness of sebum and keep pores from getting congested. Keeping the skin properly hydrated and using the right oils to balance our skin will help keep sebum from being overly sticky and causing breakouts.
Articles To Read:
Controlling P. Acnes Bacteria
We are learning that there are many different strains of P. Acnes bacteria. To be the most effective, an acne treatment should target multiple strains and types. This explains why treatments such as tea tree oil only work for some people. Tea tree oil is only effective against type 1 P. Acnes. If a person is dealing with type 2 or 3 P. Acnes, the tea tree oil will have no effect.
Black cumin seed oil is one of the few oils that is effective against both type 1 and 2 P. Acnes.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation and acne go hand in hand. When a pore becomes overrun with bacteria, the body responds with inflammation. Inflammatory pathways are triggered, and the immune system sends in white blood cells to fight the infection ( a pimple!) Calming stressed and damaged skin makes way for healing. Our skin will not be able to heal if it is inflamed, that is why anti-inflammatory ingredients are so important in treating acne.
Ingredients that target the specific inflammatory pathways involved in acne will offer the best results.
Repairing the Skin Barrier
People with acne often have a damaged skin barrier. Oily skin can actually be a sign that your skin barrier is not functioning optimally. The excess sebum your sebaceous glands are producing is a response to your skin being in a state of dehydration due to a damaged skin barrier. You can have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time!
A weakened skin barrier can make acne worse because it allows more bacteria, pollutants, and irritants into our skin. Skin becomes dry and thirsty, pores get less elastic and more prone to clogging, and sebaceous glands pump out more oil to compensate. All this leads to more breakouts.
Healing the skin barrier, providing hydration, and nourishing the skin will go a long way in helping prevent acne as well as speed the healing of any breakouts we may encounter.
Nourishing the Skin
We must work with our skin, not against it. Using harsh products to strip, dry, and destroy will ultimately damage our skin. I used to use benzoyl peroxide to control my acne, and it worked well at getting rid of my breakouts - but it came at a price. My protective skin barrier was eradicated and I ended up developing a sensitivity to beeswax on my lips. My skin was dry and was aging at an accelerated rate.
When I started working with my skin, by nourishing it and using gentle helpers to keep my pores clear, my skin reacted much better. My skin is plump and vibrant, with no dryness or irritation.
Consistency
When treating acne, we must be diligent. Pimples can take 30 - 90 days to form. That means that what we do to our skin now, may not give us results for 3 months! In order to see a change in our skin, we must stay consistent, we must do the same routine everyday, without fail.
When I switched to the current skin care that I am using to treat my acne, it took 3 months for my skin to get to the point where I didn't feel l needed makeup anymore. I went through a serious purge that made me breakout terribly and made me want to quit. I stuck with it, and I am glad I did, because now my skin looks and feels great.
About My Method
My Clear Skin Made Simple Method is based on my own experience and may not work on everyone. I have developed it over the years using trail and error, and by learning a ton about Acne. I would like to thank Moss Skincare for truly remarkable products made specifically for adult acne, and the founder Celestyna for the vast knowledge available on her blog. Without her information and products, I never would have been able to create the method I now use.
My method is based on the following framework:
- Daily use of a chemical exfoliate to remove dead skin cell build-up.
- Gentle skin care that isn't drying or stripping.
- Nourishing the skin rather than fighting it.
- Daily moisturizing with a simple homemade moisturizer.
The Clear Skin Made Simple Method
In the following section I will share my topical acne regime that will work with time and patience. I will link to recommended products so that you can get started on your path to clear skin. Included are links to luxury products as well as budget buys.
Cleansing
Cleansing acne-prone skin involves using a cleanser that will not clog your pores or irritate your skin. You want a cleanser that will wash away thoroughly but isn’t overly drying. Soaps and drying cleansers mess with the acid mantle and natural pH of the skin, causing the skin to compensate by producing more oil. A gentle, soap-free face wash or gel cleanser is best.
Avoid using cleansers containing chemical exfoliates, as they don't stay on your skin long enough to be effective.
There are three different types of cleansers I recommend for acne-prone skin, and what you decide to use is up to personal preference:
- Foaming Cleansers - these are a favorite choice for most people, as it is what they are used to.
- Micellar Water - I love these for how gentle they are and how easy they are to use.
- Cleansing Oils - These are oil mixtures that contain emulsifiers that help them rinse well off of your skin. They are great at removing makeup.
How to:
Use foaming cleansers or a micellar water every day, twice a day. Every few days, if your face feels dry, or when wearing heavy makeup, use a cleansing oil.
Articles:
Recommended Cleansers
I have a few favorite cleansers to recommend:
Micellar Waters
Foaming Cleansers
- Thesis Foaming Facial Cleanser - read my review
Cleansing Oils
Toning
Toners are used after cleansing to balance the pH of the skin and to remove any leftover cleanser or dirt. They also can deliver active ingredients and antioxidants to your skin. They are not a necessary step, but some people really like using them.
I use plant hydrosols as my preferred toner. A hydrosol, or "flower water" is created when plants are steam distilled to extract their essential oils. Plant hydrosols offer similar therapeutic properties to the essential oil, but are much less concentrated and do not have to be diluted. Hydrosols contain antioxidants and other compounds that are excellent for the skin.
How To:
If you choose to use a toner, wipe it gently over your face with a cotton ball after cleansing.
Recommended Hydrosols to Use for Toning
Serums
Serums deliver actives into the skin, they are usually highly concentrated and are designed to be absorbed deeply. You want to apply your serum to your freshly cleansed face, so that there is nothing in the way of it absorbing.
At this step, you can use an exfoliating serum, something that will help get rid of dead skin cells - the root of breakouts. There are two ways to get rid of dead skin cells - manual exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Manual exfoliation uses friction to remove dead skin cells - these are known as "scrubs". Chemical exfoliates remove dead skin cells with alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, as well as fruit enzymes. Acne is best prevented with chemical exfoliation.
Salicylic acid from willow bark is my top choice for exfoliation and keeping pores clear. Salicylic acid is more gentle than another popular acne exfoliate - benzoyl peroxide. I have used benzoyl peroxide (BP) in the past, and it does work [Read about the BP product I used]. The problem with BP is that it destroys the entire top layer of the skin, digesting healthy cells as well as dead cells. BP will accelerate aging and increase skin dryness.
Enzymes are another good choice to keep dead skin cells from building up. Enzymes will target only dead skin cells, whereas alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid will kill live cells - something we don't want to do everyday. Using acids for a deeper exfoliation can be beneficial, but limit it to once a month at the most.
Some enzyme exfoliates include: Bromelain from pineapple, papain from papaya, pumpkin bioferment, royal jelly, and honey. Moth bean, or Vigna Antificolia offers a retinol-like effect in that it speeds up cellular turnover. We will talk more about enzyme exfoliates in the mask section further below.
How To:
Apply your serum to a freshly washed face and allow it some time to absorb before applying your moisturizer. How often you apply your exfoliating serum will depend on your own individual skin. I have to apply my serum twice a day to keep my acne under control. It is best to start with using your serum once a day at night, and see how your skin reacts. If it gets irritated, lessen your use, if you aren't seeing results, increase your frequency to twice a day.
Recommended Serums
Facial Oils
Facial oils can be great for acne, but they need to be used properly so as not to exacerbate the problem. So why use facial oils? Well there are a couple of reasons:
- Plant oils are super concentrated in a diverse array of nutrients that are beneficial for your skin.
- Plant oils are small enough in molecular size and close enough to what composes our skin that they are readily absorbed.
The problem with facial oils is that they can feel greasy on the skin and they are easy to over-apply. For this reason, we need to mix our facial oils with an absorbing fluid, which we will cover below.
For now, we will talk a little about facial oils and how to choose a good one for acne-prone skin. Plant oils are composed of fatty acids, the two that we are concerned with are oleic acid and linoleic acid [Read: Omega Fatty Acids and Their Effects on the Skin].
Acneic skin has been shown to be deficient in linoleic acid. This lack makes our sebum more sticky and pore-clogging. By topically applying oils high in linoleic acid, we can help reduce breakouts [Read: A List of Non Comedogenic Oils].
How To:
Use a facial oil once a day to once a week, depending on how your skin is reacting. You only need to use 1 - 2 drops of oil, don't overdo it, or it can cause skin barrier problems. Also, don't rely on a facial oil as your only moisturizer, your skin still needs moisture from a water-based source to function at its best and not become dehydrated (yes you can have oily and dehydrated skin at the same time!) You can tell that your skin needs a break from oils if you find that your skin feels both oily and dry at the same time, or looks dull or inflamed.
Read: The Best Natural Face Oils for Acne and check out our EBOOK: How to Treat Acne with Oil Ebook
Recommended Oils
Absorbing Fluids
Absorbing fluids help your skin absorb facial oils. A light lotion or serum can be an absorbing fluid, anything that is watery or gel-like. Hydrosols or plain aloe vera gel make good absorbing fluids. If you can find absorbing fluids that contain MSM or liposomes, they will be the best at helping draw nutrients deep into the skin.
How To:
Absorbing fluids help take the greasy feeling away from facial oils, giving them more of a dewy feel. I like to use an absorbing fluid mixed with a facial oil to create an emulsion. I just mix them together right in my hand and apply to my skin, but you can also use an anointing bowl. Another option is to apply a layer of oil and then a layer of absorbing fluid.
Using an absorbing fluid mixed with a facial oil can be enough to moisturize your skin. If you find your skin reacting well to this combo, you can skip using a moisturizer, which is the next step.
Recommended Products
Moisturizing
You must replenish your skin's hydration levels. Oils are not a good source of consistent moisture, the skin requires both oil-based moisture and water-based moisture. Moisturizers are meant to slow trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Our environment and the health of our skin barrier effect how much TEWL we experience. Anything that damages the skin barrier will contribute to more water loss.
Moisturizers are most often a mixture of water and oils. They contain humectants, occlusives and emollients to slow TEWL.
- Humectants draw water from the air to your skin and hold it there. They work well in humid climates and not so well in dry climates. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plant sugars and saccharides are examples of humectants.
- Occlusives form a protective film over the skin to prevent water loss, they are mainly lipid (oil) based and include plant butters and oils.
- Emollients fill the gaps between skin cells and include aloe vera and shea butter.
- Other ingredients that help the skin retain moisture are ceramides, niacinamide, and cholesterol.
Moisturizers that work with acne-prone skin can be difficult to find. Emulsifiers (ingredients that keep oil and water from separating) in moisturizers are some of the most pore-clogging components in skin care. Also, moisturizers may contain oils that are high in oleic acid, and these are oils that acne-prone skin needs to avoid. Preservatives in moisturizers can damage the skin barrier, which contributes to more problems (more natural preservatives like radish root ferment and aspen bark should not cause this issue.).
Helpful ingredients to look for in a moisturizer are high linoleic fatty acids and anti-inflammatory Omega 3s and Omega 6s, ceramides and cholesterol. Another great ingredient is niacinamide or Vitamin B3 which is an anti-inflammatory and helps the skin to naturally produce it’s own ceramides.
How To:
The most simple method of moisturizing acne-prone skin is to use a mixture of an absorbing fluid and an oil. I like to use aloe vera water and a high-linoleic oil that I mix in my palm or an anointing bowl. This works well, but it lacks more robust ingredients that help repair the skin barrier and contribute to anti-aging. You can also make your own moisturizer by mixing a high-linoleic oil with a serum that contains humectants, niacinamide and ceramides.
Recommended Products
Budget Buy
- Aloe Vera Gel and High-Linoleic Safflower Oil
- Make your own lotion in an anointing bowl using: Aloe vera juice + rose water + glycerin + plant hydrosol = abosorbing fluid. Mix this with black cumin seed oil.
Luxury Buy
- Moss Potenci Dermal Lifting Hydrating Milk - by far my favorite moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
- Mun Protect + Revive Moisturizer - another favorite of mine, so light and nourishing.
Spot Treatments
Most spot treatments are created to dry out pimples. The problem with this approach, especially for adult acne, is that the drying out causes the skin to become less elastic, making the congestion less likely to resolve on its own. We want to nourish our skin, not combat it. Acneic skin is skin that is weakened and needs support to be in optimal health. Drying ingredients such as talc, alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, and clays can irritate the skin, leading to more inflammation and breakouts.
What is the most important aspect to look for in a spot treatment? (Hint: it isn't anti-bacterial or drying ingredients).
Many spot treatments utilize harsh anti-microbial ingredients such as tea tree oil. These can actually irritate the skin rather than support it. Tea tree oil does not kill the multiple stains of P. Acnes bacteria, it is only effective against one or two types, and it will have a hard time penetrating the protective biofilm that bacteria produces to defend itself. Also, dead bacteria can still contribute to inflammation and lesions. We must find gentle but effective anti-microbials that target multiple strains of P. Acnes and that can get through the biofilm.
Anti-inflammatory ingredients are the key to an effective spot treatment. Inflammation and acne go hand in hand, if we can calm damaged and stressed skin, we can make way for healing. Regenerative ingredients are also important, speeding healing and cell regeneration, as well as preventing scarring.
Patience and consistency are necessary, preventing acne from forming is the best approach, but when a pimple does crop up, an effective spot treatment can help speed up the healing of blemishes.
How to:
Apply your spot treatment after cleansing and toning. Allow it to sink in for 10 - 20 minutes and then do the rest of your skin care ritual. Now reapply the spot treatment over top of your other skin care products (including makeup). The reason for this is to allow the spot treatment to sink in undiluted with nothing on your face. When you apply the rest of your skincare, you dilute the spot treatment, so if you also apply the spot treatment again after your other products, it can be on your skin undiluted and not get smeared or smudged by the rest of your skincare.
Recommended Products
To briefly summarize the basic protocol for treating acne:
- Cleanse: Oil cleansing method alternating with Micellar water.
- Tone: Use a hydrosol to tone the skin.
- Spot treat if needed.
- Exfoliate: Use an exfoliating serum containing salicylic acid and/or fruit enzymes.
- Moisturize: Mix a facial oil with an absorbing fluid as a light moisturizer, or use Moss' Potenci moisturizer.
- Spot treat again if needed.
There you have it, a natural and easy skin care routine for dealing with acne. I have used this protocol and it has worked for me, it does take time, so you have to be diligent. Everyone's skin will react differently, we all have such unique skin. Make sure to tune into and pay attention to how your individual skin is reacting to the routine and adjust accordingly.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below, or you can contact me directly. Also, let us know in the comments if you have found something that works for you, that way everyone can read and benefit from your experiences.
Our Acne Articles:
I’ve used several acne products throughout the years. I’m in my 50’s and still struggle with acne and other issues such as oily skin but flakey. Acne has been a problem since my teens. Its not too severe any more but I get breakouts on my chin, around my nose. My skin is scarred, pit marks and discoloration. Its frustrating. I will not go without makeup. My skin can feel soft after cleansing but when I apply makeup, the flakiness is noticeable. So odd that oily skin can have flakes. I’ve started using the Oil Cleansing Method. I also cleanse my face with Raw Honey mixed with lemon juice and/or baking soda. I’m hoping this will help with making skin clear of breakouts and soften the scars and reduce the discoloration. I’m confused of which oil to use. There are so many. I understand the comedogenic rating of the oils. Hemp seed, Argan and Sunflower are 0 rating and is the best to use for acne prone skin. I am currently using Grapeseed and its rating is a 2 on the comedogenic rating. I didn’t know that until after I purchased it. My question is: Which oil is best for acne prone skin that helps with discoloration and flakes? Any suggestions? Your input is valuable to me. Thank you
Thanks for your questions and comments Cindy. I will do my best to address your concerns. First off, I know how you feel. I have dealt with acne since I was a teen and I am sure when I reach my 50’s I will still have it. I too have pit marks and scarring, as well as some dark spots. I don’t deal with flaky skin normally, but since I have been using benzoyl peroxide to treat my acne, I do get some flaking. The flaking is caused by either skin that is too dry, or because your skin is shedding too fast (which does happen to people with acne).
I have tried the Oil Cleansing Method but I didn’t find that it worked. I was using castor oil and jojoba oil when I did it. Grapeseed oil is supposed to be good for acne, and I have read many stories of people seeing success with it. It can help with balancing the skin’s oil production and is high in antioxidants. I think that you have made the right choice by choosing to use grapeseed oil, but be aware that most grapeseed oil is chemically extracted so it is best to look for cold-pressed, hexane free grapeseed oil (like this one).
For discoloration, geranium essential oil is supposed to be really good, it helps the skins melanin pigment spread more evenly, to give it a more even color.
Have you tried exfoliating to deal with flakiness? Also, flakiness can be combated by making sure your skin is properly moisturized. I really like adding Eminence’s Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant to my cleanser whenever my skin gets a bit flaky. And yes, makeup makes your flakes really stand out. Giving your skin a light exfoliation before applying makeup may help, as well as making sure your skin is moisturized (you can use your grapeseed oil as a facial oil/moisturizer). A makeup primer may be good to try.
Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
I’m 36 with combination skin and large pores. I’ve been using the Grapefruit Glycolic Wash from Made from Earth for about 6 months and love it. Its a gentle glycolic wash (and I have sensitive skin) and this wash has kept my breakouts to a minimum. Over use of any glycolic acid treatment can be drying - but not with this one - Ive been using daily with no problems.
That is excellent! I am so happy to hear that you have found something that works 🙂 Glycolic acid is great for helping to keep pores clear because it gets rid of the dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin.
Your face skin is like a mirror for your life. If it’s clear and healthy, it means that you have a healthy lifestyle. Face masks help to instantly refresh your skin and brighten it, so once a week treat your skin with a face mask to make it look younger.
Thanks for sharing the wonderful article on organic acne skincare. I must bookmark it. Keep posting!
Thanks so much Sarah!
Thanks! This was super helpful!
Hi there,
Thank you for such a great article, but I am wondering why you don’t mention nutrition as a solution to acne. In my years of struggling with breakouts, I could put whatever I wanted on my face, but nothing changed, until I eliminated inflammatory foods like dairy and wheat products. Just curious why this isn’t in your discussion on solutions? Thanks!
Hi Brendal, I am glad you brought it up, because diet can definitely play a role in acne (though not for everyone). The reason I hadn’t included it was because The Best Organic Skin Care focuses on topical solutions to skin concerns.
Celestyna over at Moss Skincare has a great article about acne and diet: http://mosskincare.com/acne-myth-your-diet-causes-acne/ She addresses that diet can cause acne, but she also calls it a myth, because for some people it really is just a skin issue, changing their diet doesn’t help. Some people eat really well and still deal with acne, and for them, topical solutions are needed.
Thank you for putting together so much wonderful hard to find information I really appreciate it.
I have a question I think many people would benefit from. I’m trying to figure out what would be a nice body oil that won’t likely cause acne, yet is absorbed nicely/feels nice, and has more of a mild smell that isn’t that unpleasant since it’s going on the whole body.
I was thinking Kukui nut oil seems good maybe with some jojoba added. I haven’t tried many so I’m kind of worried to try something like sunflower or safflower I have in my head they look greasy or don’t absorb that well or feel that great. Sacha inchi looks like it might be good but smell and consistency has me worried since I’ve had black cumin and a peppery smell all over would be bad but nutty like I assume Kukui oil has I could live with. I’ve had hemp and that is a very nice oil and feels so nice I would totally use if not for the smell and color getting on cloths on the whole body which is too bad. Any suggestions or advice? Maybe don’t even bother putting the jojoba in with the Kukui? I have never tried Kukui just as a note.
Just as a side question do you know of any that feel like Hemp but mild smell and won’t stain cloths/won’t clog pores? The feel and absorption was so unique and nice on the skin. Maybe there are lots like it I haven’t tried too many oils. Sorry if I wrote a lot just didn’t want to be vague and make it hard to answer. Thank you for taking the time to respond if you end up seeing this.
Hi Cindy! Thanks for your questions 🙂 I too love the way hemp oil feels on my skin, but yes, I agree, the color can stain clothes. I like the idea of creating a body oil for acne prone skin 🙂 I think Kukui nut oil would be a great oil to use, it has very little odor and no color, you could use it alone or mix it with jojoba, I think either would be great!
Kukui nut oil is very similar in composition to hemp seed oil, so I think that you will like it.
Safflower and Sunflower oil are great oils to use because they don’t have a heavy smell and they are very high in linoleic acid. They should absorb well as long as you don’t use too much. Most people use too much oil on their skin and end up feeling greasy. You really don’t need much to get hydrated skin.
Try applying your oil to your skin after a shower. Towel dry, but leave your skin slightly damp and apply the oil. The water on your skin will emulsify with the oil and will allow for better penetration of the oil and a less greasy feel. It will also keep hydric moisture in your skin.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions and how the body oil making works out!
Hello! Your blog was very helpful, this post is super complete, explains everything so clear. Thank you to share those info!
I am 24 and I already did accutane treatment. I didn’t have any problems during the treatment, my skin was perfect but only last for 6 months.
I have oily skin and I don’t have severe acne problem, but I used to have those small clogged pores that goes under your skin and stays there, and sometimes becomes a pimple, and then when you squeeze, it leaves blemishes and stuff, and then you need to use make up and the circle goes on. I discovered my skin was dry, irritated, and unnourished, because I always ran away from oils, cuz I never used the right oil for my skin.
I started to put a pinch of baking soda mixed with my salicylic acid gel face wash, I really liked, I felt my skin more clear, and it was the only thing that completed cleared my black pores in the nose. Overall my skin went better but the clogged pores under my skin was still there. The huge different was when I started to apply aloe Vera directly from the plant in my skin, btw I put a lot, and leave there until it dries completely, and then I apply rosehip oil on top. Rosehip oil worked magically on my skin. On the other day you can already see a big progress, and in 2 weeks my skin cleared, was calm and moisturized, and 90% of the clogged pores disappeared! And during the day I mix rosehip oil with aloe Vera gel (I bought the one from Lily of the Desert), and then apply sunscreen. I was always afraid of oils, but now I understand I was applying the wrong oils, low in linoleic acids. I am supper excited to try black cumin seed oil and safflower oil and I will also try the oil cleanser method, mixed with baking soda, to see how it goes on my skin.
Thank you again for all the info! So helpful!
Thanks for your comments, Fernanda, I am so happy to hear that you have found a method that works. I have never thought to put baking soda in my cleanser, what a great idea! I am sure it adds a bit of exfoliation. I might have to try some of your tips! I like that you are using aloe vera and rosehip oil, such a nourishing combo for the skin.
Hello!
I’m wondering about this routine—day time vs night time?? Adding sunscreen, when to use exfoliates vs not. There is no differentiation between morning and night and would love to know your input 🙂 thank you!
Hi Brittany, you are right, there is no differentiation between morning and night in this routine! I should get to work on adding that in 🙂 A daytime routine would feature sunscreen for sure, and exfoliates are best used at night, though there have been times when I have had to use an exfoliate twice a day to keep my skin clear. My ideal routine would be:
- Daytime
Wash face with a foaming cleanser
Apply toner to still-damp skin, allow to dry.
Apply an antioxidant serum and a lightweight moisturizer
Put on sunscreen and makeup
- Nighttime
Wash face with a cleansing oil to remove makeup
Use a toner to make sure all the makeup has been removed and to add some hydration and to prep it for exfoliation
Apply an exfoliating serum
Apply a moisturizer or a facial oil mixed with an absorbing fluid
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hello! I read your blog. It was very helpful, this post is super complete, explains everything so clear. Thank you to share those information. I am 21 and I already did accutane treatment. I didn’t have any problems during the treatment, my skin was perfect but only last for 6 months. My skin is oily and i have acne on my face. i used a lot for serums and other treatment but cant get result. Now I am using serum recommended by Dr.Elix. Your info is very helpful and useful for people.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Elix 🙂 Glad I could be of help! Acne is such an annoying skin condition, I know all about it!
What would you recommend to treat Hydradenitis Suppuritiva. Surgery hasn’t worked not any of the medicines or topical treatments
Hi Caroline, thanks for your question. I hadn’t heard of Hydradenitis Suppuritiva before, it looks like it is not a fun affliciton to have! Have you tried essential oils or diet changes?
Good SKin care regime is essential for healthy and flawless skin. For good skin Good skin care products are playing very important role.