Simple Facial Care

I'm a simple kind of gal.

So it stands to reason that my facial care regimen is simple too. But it wasn't always that way. I have large pores and oily skin, so buying a whole regimen of products designed to solve all those oily skin issues was the norm. The harsh astringents burned, the moisturizers didn't moisturize as much as they dried, and the make-up made my skin itch. I put up with it because all of the commercials said these products worked.

Then I started taking a closer look at the ingredients in these products and realized I was probably doing more damage to my skin than good. And the fact of the matter was, I still had large pores and oily skin. I was throwing money at products that didn't work for me.

So I simplified. A lot.

For an astringent I use witch hazel. I add a few drops of lemon essential oil to 4 ounces of witch hazel. It doesn't burn or dry my skin out like name brand astringents did.

My cleanser is castille soap with peppermint and tea tree oils added to it. I put 8 ounces of castille soap in a flip top container, then add 10 drops of each oil. Peppermint is invigorating and uplifting, while the tea tree oil has antiseptic properties. I shake the bottle well before each use and only use a tiny amount. Castille soap is very foamy and a little goes a long way.

Coconut oil is my favorite moisturizer. It goes on easily and soaks in quickly. As with the cleanser, a little goes a long way. The coconut oil solidifies at temperatures below 76 degrees, but as soon as I dip my fingers into it, my body temperature melts it so it can go on smoothly. If there's any excess left on my hands, I simply massage it into my cuticles for a quick moisturizing treatment.

Since I've simplified my facial care routine, I've noticed an improvement in my skin. It's actually less oily than before, even though I put oil onto it each morning and evening. My pores have been reduced and the number of skin eruptions has decreased.

Oh, speaking of skin eruptions, here's a simple zit treatment....dab on a drop of tea tree oil before bed. It works!

I'm so happy to have found a simple skin care routine that works for me.

For more helpful tips, head over to We are THAT Family's Works for Me Wednesday.