Help Me Choose: Facial Skin Care

Why Special Products For Facial Skin?

Sensitive facial skin is a bit different from the rest of our skin.

It is rich in sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, the natural lubricating oil, which can trap dead skin cells and dirt causing skin blemishes.

The cells making up the epidermis of the face are finer and rich in pores meaning less of a barrier to environmental chemicals and more prone to water loss.

As we age there is a decrease in the rate at which old dead cells leave the surface of our skin. Dead skin cells are responsible for the appearance of dull, aged skin. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, encourages new cell growth

The path to beautiful skin begins with natural cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating with natural, organic skincare products.

Daily:

• Cleanse: Use natural cleansing creams and natural soaps that gently cleanse without washing away precious natural oils
• Moisturize: Moisturize with wholesome, organic facial care products
• Tone with a gentle non-irritating tea
• Exfoliate: Gentle exfoliation with organic scrubs removes dead skin and unclogs pores

Since you and your skin are unique, a bit of trial and error is totally normal and expected in your search for the best products for your skin.

As you may expect, we come to any discussion of facial skin care with a very strong “natural skincare” bias.

I do not believe in miracle anti-aging skincare products. I believe in the simplicity of nature! I believe in the simplicity of natural skin care. I create and use organic facial skin care products because I simply want healthy-looking and healthy-feeling skin.

 

Facial Cleansing: Where Do You Begin?

 

Washing your face is critical to maintaining healthy-looking skin.

Each day dirt, makeup, pollution, and other impurities can become trapped within the natural oil on our face, clogging pores. A daily face washing routine removes these impurities to give the skin a fresh look.

Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid dull lifeless skin, clogged pores, and breakouts. Proper washing also provides a clean surface that allows moisturizers to better penetrate the skin.

 

Facial Cleansing: If You Wear Make Up

 

If You Wear Makeup Begin With a Cleansing Oil

Although the idea may seem counter-intuitive, cleansing your face with the proper organic plant oils can have surprising benefits.

If you wear makeup begin your cleansing routine with an oil-based makeup remover. Of course, we recommend our Facial Cleansing Oil

The concept of the oil cleansing method is rooted in one of the most basic principles of chemistry, “like dissolves like.”

Since water does not dissolve oil, if you wash with water you must use some sort of soap or detergent face wash. While of course soap will remove makeup, it will require more tugging, rubbing, and pulling on delicate facial skin.

A facial cleansing oil will gently dissolve away the dirty oil and makeup from your face. Since there are no harsh chemicals to strip your skin of its natural oil, a cleansing oil can help balance sebum (natural skin oil) production, and balance is the key to happy and healthy skin.

Apply to dry (not wet) skin using your fingers to gently massage the face using small upward circular motions. We suggest a soft, warm, moist cotton face cloth to then remove the oil and makeup.

• Cleansing oils are great first step in your cleansing routine, especially if you wear makeup.
  
  
• Even if you use water-based makeup, throughout the day the makeup will mix with your natural facial oil as well as environmental pollutants.
  
  
• This natural cleansing oil works great on eye makeup.
  
  
• Cleansing oils are also fabulous for those with dryer skin who do not wear makeup.
  
  
• Even a makeup-free face gets dirty at the end of the day! A cleansing oil helps loosen the dirt, grime, and natural oil build-up from the pores.
  
  
• Always make sure you remove makeup before going to sleep.

 

What If I Have Oily Skin?

Using some good, natural, organic oil on your skin actually slows down its own oil production to maintain balance.

There is a huge misconception that using any oil on your face only creates more oil, more breakouts, and leaves an oily residue. For years commercial skin care companies have told us we need to remove the oil from our skin, especially our faces.

But drying out your facial skin actually stimulates increased oil production--which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve. The key is to strike a balance between having too much oil and maintaining your skin’s natural moisture.

Our facial cleansing oil is formulated with a blend of organic oils and herbal infused oils that will balance sebum production and bind with the existing oil to unclog pores and cleanse impurities.

Learn More Blog: What Is A Facial Cleansing Oil? How Do I Use It?

 

 

Facial Cleansing: Washing Your Face

Washing your face twice a day is a basic step of any facial routine.

Washing at night removes the dirt, oils, bacteria, and environmental pollutants that accumulate during the day. In the morning washing cleans the oils our skin excretes at night. Excess oil and environmental pollutants can make skin look tired, sluggish, and dull.

When you wash your face, you are really doing much more than just cleansing. You are softening the skin, increasing blood and lymph circulation, and exfoliating for a clearer, brighter complexion.

I know that some folks often cringe at the idea of using bar soap on their face, but a mild natural soap can gently cleanse facial skin without stripping away precious natural oils.

If I am going to use something on my face every single day, I want a product that is gentle, made with organic ingredients I can trust, and will not stress out my skin—for me that’s our natural soap!

How to Wash Your Face

To wash your face, first, rinse it with lukewarm water to moisten the skin. In your hands work up a nice lather with your soap.

Then with your fingertips slowly and gently massage in upward circular motions into your skin. Think about massaging the muscles under the skin rather than just the skin. You don't want to be so gentle that can't really feel anything, but you do not want to pull on the skin either.

Adding a soft cotton face cloth or face pad to your cleansing massage can help with daily gentle exfoliation.

After washing, the skin should be thoroughly rinsed with cool or tepid water. Use a soft cotton cloth or towel, and remember to pat dry. Do Not Rub! Rubbing and tugging facial skin can create bags and lead to wrinkles over time.

Some recommendations

Buttercream Face Wash

A natural facial cleanser and moisturizer all in one product, our Buttercream Face Wash is quite unique. It is a whipped facial cleansing cream that moisturizes and gently cleans at the same time. Use it in place of regular soap

• An old-fashioned cleansing cream with our own little twist
• Moisturizing natural oils and butters are whipped together with our natural Aloe soap
• Natural butters and oils moisturize
• Aloe soap cleanses
• Use as often as you like in place of your regular soap

The yellowish color comes from sustainable Organic Virgin Palm Oil, one of the richest plant sources of carotenes and antioxidants

The ingredients in our Buttercream Face Wash include organic mango butter, avocado oil, and virgin shea butter which are excellent for dry, aging, or irritated skin.

 

Soaps

The natural soaps we recommend as complexion soaps are formulated with facial clays, extra butters, and skin moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that add new life to dull, sluggish complexions.

That being said, I have used all of our natural soaps on my face. My face’s favorites often contain lots of coconut milk, like the Sage Mist and Lavender Rosemary, neither of which are considered complexion soaps. Try different samples, because, in the end, your choice of natural facial soap depends on your unique skin type.

Check out our Help Me Choose Soap page for more comprehensive recommendations based on skin type.

Oily Skin & Acne

• Adzuki Bean
• Bamboo Charcoal
• Dead Sea Black Clay

Dry or Sensitive Skin

• Carrot & Honey
• Castile & Cocoa
• Honey Butter
• Shea Rose Clay

Rosacea

• Sea Buckthorn
• Chamomile Calendula

 

 

General Moisturizing Tips

One of the most essential components of healthy facial skin is moisture. Proper hydration is key to retaining a healthy glow. The most basic function of a moisturizer is to hydrate and soften the skin by preventing water loss.

Also, gentle facial massage with a natural moisturizer helps improve circulation, protects delicate facial skin, and promotes hydration.

Like cleansing, moisturizing is for everyone and should be used every time you wash your face.

The best way to apply facial moisturizers is to warm and damp (not wet) skin. Creams and oils work best with a little water. They are also better able to lock in moisture when the pores are open right after a warm wash.

Our skin naturally loses the ability to retain moisture as we age. Our facial skin tends to become thinner and lose its elasticity. Skincare needs may also change from season to season.

Many facial creams and moisturizers on the market promise miraculous results and come with a steep price tag. Choose a facial moisturizer formulated with simple, organic ingredients that are easily absorbed and allow the skin to breathe.

 

Moisturizing Facial Creams

Whipped Squalane Face & Eye Mousse

This is our lightest whipped butter formulated with luxurious ingredients, especially for facial skin.

People often ask, "why do you only have one cream that is specific for facial skin?"

The answer--it works for everyone.

Great for all skin types, I formulated this cream just for me when I was in my early 50s. I was using our Natural Scent Whipped Shea on my face but wanted a lighter face cream to use in the summer months when my skin was not as dry. It took over 6 months to formulate, and I still love it.

• It works for dry skin and oily skin, mature skin and young skin, and even sensitive or irritated skin
• Very concentrated, but readily melts into your skin and absorbs quickly.
• Light consistency like buttercream whipped cream frosting

The delicate area around your eyes also requires special attention. This moisturizing face and eye cream provides simple ingredients that help the delicate eye area.

 

Whipped Butters

People with very dry, flaky, or ashen facial skin may find one of our whipped body butters more moisturizing.

Whipped Shea Butters

These light and fluffy whipped butters are made with unrefined virgin shea butter as the main ingredient. Our Natural Scent and Vanilla Bean Whipped Shea Butters have no added scent.

Our scented whipped butters are made with organic essential oils. If your facial skin is very sensitive, be sure to test any product with essential oils in a little spot first.

• Whipped for hours into a thick cream with a light, silky-smooth texture
• Melts and absorbs quickly into your skin
• Very concentrated, so a little goes a long way
• Heavier consistency than Whipped Squalane
• Great for very dry skin
• Consistency of thick buttercream frosting

Whipped Cocoa Butter

A light and fluffy whipped butter with unrefined cocoa butter as the main ingredient. Our Whipped Cocoa Butter contains no added scent, just the aroma of chocolate.

• Whipped for hours for a smooth texture that readily melts into your skin
• Very concentrated, so a little goes a long way
• Heavier consistency than Whipped Squalane
• Great for very dry skin
• Consistency of stiff cake icing

Which makes a heavier and richer cream, Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter? To be honest it seems like a personal preference.

 

 

Moisturizing Facial Oils

A silky nectar for your skin! Our fragrance-free organic facial oils are an easy way to nourish even the most sensitive skin and keep it healthy and hydrated.

We make 4 different face oil formulations using unrefined oils that have not been bleached or deodorized. These oils retain their natural scent, color, and nutritional benefits. Recommendations are based on our experience and customer feedback.

Seabuckthorn Tamanu Facial Oil

Recommended for

• Red, irritated or inflamed skin
• Itchy skin
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Burns
• Scars
• Mature skin

Argan Pumpkin Facial Oil

Recommended for

• Normal to oily skin
• Skin that needs help balancing oil production
• Skin that is sometimes shiny and sometimes needs moisture
• This is our lightest facial oil

Sesame Rosehips Facial Oils

Recommended for

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Flaky skin
• Mature skin

Pomegranate Argan Tamanu Facial Oil

Recommended for

• Normal to mature skin
• Skin that needs some TLC and moisture
• Irritated skin
• Dull skin

Read More about Organic Face Oils

 

 

Why Exfoliate Facial Skin?

Exfoliation is one of the simple things that you do to achieve healthy, radiant facial skin.

On average we generate a new layer of skin every two to four weeks.As we age there is a gradual decrease in the rate at which the old dead cells leave the surface of our skin.

These dead skin cells accumulate on the skin surface and are responsible for the appearance of dull, lifeless, old-looking skin. Although soap will remove dirt and excess oil, soap alone cannot remove all of the excess dead cells.

Exfoliation, which should be done after cleansing but before moisturizing, helps . . .

• remove dead skin cells
• deep clean the skin
• unclog pores
• remove dirt and makeup residue
• reduce acne breakouts
• encourage new cell growth
• stimulate blood flow to the skin’s surface for a fresh, healthy glow.

Exfoliation will also allow your moisturizers to penetrate deeper and improve the moisture level of your skin.

Small particle size is gentler on facial skin, so use small grain sugars (cane or brown), powdered herbs, and powdered grains.

Facial skin should be treated delicately--so go easy on the scrubs. While some may want to use a small amount of a gentle face scrub every few days in trouble spots to help decrease breakouts, exfoliating one to two times a week is usually best.

Remember that simple exfoliation occurs every time you wash your face from the friction of gently massaging with a facecloth or face pad.

Learn More Blog: The Nitty Gritty of Exfoliation

 

Gentle Facial Scrubs 

Adzuki Micrograin Facial Scrub

Good for all skin types

Organic Adzuki Bean Micrograins are a very effective and gentle exfoliant, that gently buffs away dull, dry, flaky skin. They also contain a natural foaming agent called saponin that helps cleanse pores and enzymes that are activated when mixed with water to help loosen the "glue" holding dead skin on the surface.

• Silky grains exfoliate and unclog pores without damaging the skin
• Removing dead skin cells encourages fresh skin cell formation
• Promotes a soft smooth texture and a radiant glow
• Safe and gentle scrub for those prone to acne and blackheads

We have great tips and recipes on our blog, Adzuki Beans in Natural Skin Care

 

Facial Cleansing Sugar Scrub

A whipped facial wash, moisturizer, and exfoliator all in one

Nourishing oils whipped with fine grain organic cane sugar and a touch of our organic Aloe Soap to create our Facial Cleansing Sugar Scrub. A natural, organic facial cleansing cream and sugar scrub in one great product.

• Moisturizing natural oils and butters are whipped together with our natural Aloe soap and a medley of natural sugars
• Natural butters and oils moisturize
• Aloe soap cleanses
• Natural sugars exfoliate
• Small grain exfoliating sugar removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, encourages new cell growth, and stimulates blood flow to the skin’s surface to give your face a fresh, healthy, youthful glow
  
  

Coconut & Honey Facial Sugar Scrub

A whipped facial moisturizer and exfoliator all in one

Nourishing oils and cocoa butter are whipped with dark brown sugar and honey to create this organic exfoliating Facial Sugar Scrub with the scent of fresh coconut.

• Moisturizing natural oils and butters are whipped together with a medley of natural sugars
• Natural butters and oils moisturize
• Natural sugars exfoliate
• Exfoliating sugar removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, encourages new cell growth, and stimulates blood flow to the skin’s surface to give your face a fresh, healthy, youthful glow
• Organic facial scrubs help stimulate dull, lifeless skin

 

 

Facial Clay Masks

Why Use a Clay Mask?

Clay can work wonders for our skin. The natural ingredients absorb oil and can have a mild exfoliating effect.

Clay masks draw out impurities, minimize pores, brighten the complexion, remove excess surface oil and ease breakouts. It is basically the same concept as rolling a lint brush over the surface of clothing.

Although daily face-washing can help eliminate everyday skin pollutants, a natural clay mask can help draw out deep-seated impurities that normal cleansing leaves behind.

Regular use of pure cosmetic clays can help improve circulation and bring about a smooth healthy glow to the skin. They are an easy and inexpensive way for both men and women to pamper themselves and invigorate their skin.

 

CLAY MASK RECOMMENDATIONS

Skin can fall into a wide range of categories but in general, it is usually considered one of these four types: oily or acne-prone, dry or mature, normal, or combination.

Remember that your skin is unique. My facial skin is dry and "mature." My face loves the activated charcoal clay mask although it is not the one that I would recommend for aging, dry skin!

 

Activated Charcoal Clay Facial Mask

Good for oily and blemish-prone skin.

Activated Bamboo Charcoal is a powerful ingredient that deeply cleans the skin, drawing out even the most deep-seated impurities. Combined with both Bentonite and White Kaolin clays, this rich mask will help control oil production and target acne, leaving your complexion crystal-clear and purified.

Rose & Hibiscus

Good for dry, sensitive, or maturing skin.

The ingredients in this lovely floral blend gently draw out impurities while they soothe and soften skin.

Green Tea & Adzuki

Good for normal to oily skin.

Finely ground organic Adzuki beans help polish your complexion, giving your skin full access to absorb the antioxidant properties of organic Green Tea. French Green Clay works tirelessly to absorb oil and draw out impurities, leaving your face fresh and even-toned.

Cocoa & Espresso

Good for all skin types.

Rich in antioxidants, this clay mask offers the skin a nutrient boost that improves circulation and clarity, while imparting anti-aging properties. Bentonite Clay rounds out this luscious mask by drawing out oil and impurities to reveal nourished, glowing skin.

 

A note about Combination Skin: Combination Skin may require a bit more experimentation since you have more than one skin type on your face. You don’t have to use a clay mask on your whole face. You can target just a few areas or even use more than one type of mask. I recommend reading our blog about Targeted Application and Multi-Masking

 

For more detailed information, please read our blogs about Clay Face Masks

What is a Clay Face Mask?

How To Use Clay Face Masks

Multi-Masking and Targeted Application For Combination Facial Skin

Clay Facial Mask Recipes & The Science Behind Them

Cosmetic Clays in Skin Care

 

 

Herbal Facial Steams &Toners

Our Herbal Facial Steams & Toners are botanical treats for your face made with organic herbal blends carefully chosen for their properties.

Some people like to use toner in between washing and moisturizing. Toner is applied after washing your face and can help smooth, soften, and calm skin.

A Herbal Tea Toner is a perfect simple, natural, yet effective, answer. Many plants and herbs possess amazing astringent and/or soothing properties that help calm irritation, tighten pores, and tone the skin.

Our Astringent and Problem Skin Facial Tea Blends make great skin toners and . . .

• can be used as a compress on irritated skin areas
• can be used in place of soap as an herbal washbag

You can add apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the facial tea to enhance toning.

We have some great tips and recipes on our blog Herbal Facial Teas and Recipes

These blends can also be used as soothing facial steams to . . .

• open pores and allow them to breathe
• loosen debris and soften rough skin
• to calm skin and promote circulation
• relax muscles and plump wrinkles
• hydrate skin, giving it a healthy glow

A facial steam is recommended periodically, such as every week or two.

Although many people benefit from facial steams, they are not appropriate for everyone.

Our Congestion Blend is soothing for those who suffer from colds, sinus and allergy problems

Want to dabble in creating your own botanical toners? Read our information on Herbs For Facial Care