Your New Winter Skincare Habit!

Your New Winter Skincare Habit!
We are smack dab, in the middle of the winter months! Every time the seasons change, our skin is expected to adjust, and we are quickly Googling to see what we need for dry skin, red skin, chapped skin, or increased breakouts.
Something my clean-living journey has made me realize is the simple ingredients make a BIG difference. When it comes to essential oils, outside of a sleep solution for kids, skincare was next up on my “aha” moment list. As I continued to incorporate natural ingredients into my beauty routine and learned how essential oils worked, I transformed my skin to be the best it has EVER been.
However, the winter months sure do throw me for a loop! That was until I discovered the oil cleansing method. As a female with oily skin, I immediately pumped the brakes on this skincare habit. However, the more I read, the more curious I got.
Guess what?
I have been oil cleansing for at least 6 years now. It started with a DIY recipe and then I fell in love with an oil cleanser from one of my favorite essential oil lines called Mirah.
I am someone who needs to wash their face when they wake up. Then, I usually workout and need to wash it once more. Come bedtime, I am cleansing once more! That is a lot of stripping away dirt and oil and obviously can contribute to my oily skin.
In reading about oil cleansing, I learned that oil dissolves oil. When you massage your oil cleanser into your skin, it is dissolving all the dirt and oil from your day and nourishing it with the new oil! This is perfect for those of us who tend to wash multiple times a day. Even for any of us looking to restore balance in our skin’s moisture levels.
Here is a list of carrier oils you can use: 
Castor Oil (cleansing)
Rosehip Oil (nourishing)
Sunflower Oil ( all skin types)
Avocado Oil (dry skin)
Sweet Almond Oil (oily skin)
Jojoba Oil (oily skin)
Apricot Kernel Oil (dry skin)

Some of my favorite essential oils to add: 
Melrose (a blend that is fantastic for irritated or skin that breaks out)
Lavender (calming)
Frankincense (aging with grace)
Grapefruit (skin tone)
Lemon (clogged pores)
Geranium (skin tone)
Joy (floral blend)
Palmarosa (balance)
Peppermint (balance)
 
Here is a great DIY recipe and directions to get started! Keep in mind, you can swap the carriers and essential oils out for your skin type.
2 Tablespoons Castor Oil
2 Tablespoons of Rosehip Oil
2 Tablespoons of Jojoba Oil
10 drops Joy or Geranium
5 drops Grapefruit or Lemon
5 drops Frankincense
 
Combine in a pump or squeeze bottle. Massage about a teaspoon of oil cleanser into your skin. Grab a washcloth and soak it in very warm water. Place the washcloth on your face and steam the dirt and oil away. Wipe clean.
 
If you prefer to purchase a cleansing oil. My favorite is the Lustrous Mirah Cleansing Oil from Young Living. It lasts me months and months. I use it in the morning when I don’t need such a deep clean. It is loaded with floral oils which is just what my almost 40-year-old face needs! You can grab it below.

Simple Skincare with Oil Cleansing!

Simple Skincare with Oil Cleansing!

Oil cleansing has been a GAME CHANGER for my oily skin! Who knew?!

I have always struggled with deep cleaning my skin without stripping away the moisture and balance my skin needed. This always led to more oil! Since using an oil cleanser, my skin is brighter, softer, and balanced. I did try a couple of DIY oil cleansers but nothing has surpassed the Mirah Cleansing oil by Young Living. You cannot beat the luxurious essential oils and carrier oils used in this formula. To oil cleanse, you simple use 2-3 pumps on your finger tips, massage into your skin, and rinse cleanser away with warm water. Then, gently pat your skin dry. I noticed the change in your skin's balance and tone over a few weeks. 

Now, you know I love a VERSATILE product! VERSATILE usually means I save money by creating multiple products from one. Cleansing oils are versatile products! Check out all the ways I love to use my Mirah Cleansing oil. 

Cleanser- I love getting my face damp and massaging two pumps in to my face. I rinse with warm water and pat dry. My skin is left refreshed and soft.

Makeup Remover wipes- 1-2 pumps onto a Seedlings wipe to remove my makeup or for a "lazy gal clean" at the end of the day. Why Seedlings wipes? More skin nourishing essential oils and they don't leave a soapy/foamy reside like other wipes.

Face cleansing wipes with Mirah Cleansing oil 😍
3/4 cups water
3/4 cup alcohol free witch hazel
1/4-1/3 cup Mirah cleansing oil
At dry wipes (search dry wipes on Amazon) to the mixture! Wipe face to cleanse.

Himalayan Salt Exfoliator or Mask:
3 Tablespoons Himalayan Salt
2 Tablespoons Mirah Cleansing Oil
3 drops Grapefruit
3 drops Cypress
1-2 drops Peppermint.
Combine in bowl and apply to face. Make gentle circles to exfoliate. To use as mask allow to sit on skin for 10-20 minutes and rinse clean. Pat dry!

If you are ready to give oil cleansing a try, grab your Mirah Cleansing Oil here!Throw on some Seedlings wipes to go with it to create makeup remover! ( save 24% by putting these items in a subscription cart) 

All you wanted to know about Lemon and more!

All you wanted to know about Lemon and more!
Lemon…
This $12 bottle of oil that packs a punch. The list of uses almost seems endless. I am going to list some below, but rest assured, that list could go on and on. Here are some fun facts about lemon oil.

Fun Facts: 
It takes 75 lemons to get one 15 mL bottle of Lemon Oil.
Lemon is distilled from the rind, not the fruit portion. What does this mean? Lemon is pH neutral. If you are someone that struggles with an acidic tummy, lemon oil may be a better option over lemon juice.
Key Constituents: 
Limonene, Gamma-terpinene, Beta-pinene
According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference, lemon oil is considered an immune stimulant, supports the circulatory system, can support issues related to UTIs, is a great addition to a skincare routine when it comes to breakouts, and can be used to support the digestive tract. 
 
Diffusing: 
Diffusing lemon not only helps with stale odors and air, but its cleansing properties make it the perfect addition to an immune support blend. It is also perfect when trying to promote relaxation and balance your mood when you are feeling down in the dumps. 
 
Topical: 
Lemon is a great addition to a DIY face toner or moisturizer. Please note, it is considered photosensitive, and caution should be taken if you are going to be out in the sun. It is also considered a “hot” oil. This means it requires dilution with use of a carrier oil before applying to your skin. I personally, love lemon in our immune support roller blend with Thieves and Frankincense. 
 
Internal: 
Lemon is a great addition to your water or to a capsule with carrier oil. If you are looking to support your circulatory system, your digestive tract, or just wanting to provide your body with another load of antioxidants, incorporate it into your daily routine. I like to add it to my Ningxia daily to help “cleanse” the system and provide an extra dose of nutrients. 
Please note, never put your oils into a plastic or Styrofoam cup. Stick with stainless steel and glass. 
 

All the ways to use Lemon…
-I like to call it “Nature’s Goo Gone”. Use it to remove residues from sticky surfaces. 
-Drop a few drops into a grimy pan. Add hot water, let sit for five minutes and you are set to clean. No soaking required. 
-Lemon’s antibacterial properties make it a stellar addition to your bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner. I add 5-7 drops per 16 ounces. 
-Make a glass cleaner with 7-10 drops Lemon, ¼ cup vinegar, and 16 ounces of water. 
-Add Lemon to a roller bottle with Thieves and Frankincense for a stellar immune support roller. 
-Massage Lemon over the bridge of your nose when stuffy. 
-Add Lemon oil to your favorite DIY toner or cleanser to help with clogged pores and acne. 
-Add Lemon oil to DIY face mask to brighten complexion. 
-Drink 1-2 drops of lemon in your water daily to for an extra support to your liver, kidneys, and circulatory system. 
-Add Lemon to a roller of Peppermint and Digize for to sooth an unsettled stomach.
-Add to your DIY Soft Scrub recipe to double down on that grime. 
-Diffuse with Peppermint and Rosemary while studying or trying to focus. 
-Pair with Purification in the diffuser when drying to eliminate odors in your house. 
-Diffuse with Thieves when an illness is being passed around the house. 
-Pair with honey, apple cider vinegar, and warm water for a “healthy gut” tea. Add some Thieves for an extra boost of immune support. 
 
I just know I am missing something on this list. Please, share the ways that you love to use your lemon oil below!

Eczema...much more than dry skin!

Eczema...much more than dry skin!

It never fails, around this time every year, the word eczema starts popping up everywhere. Every so often, I hear someone blame it on the weather and time of year, but from experience, I have news for you. It is so much more!

The skin is the largest organ of the body. My own skin issues and experience with eczema have taught me, if my skin is acting up, something is going on within. I have always considered it a sign of inflammation. Through some digging for myself and my son, I learned there is a HUGE link between the health of our skin and our gut health. If you are having issues with your skin, you better check your gut.

This time of year, we start bombarding our systems with all of the indulgences and sweet treats. Sugar doesn't do our gut health or immune system any favors. 

So, what are somethings that support a healthy gut? Well, watch your sugar intake! It has a great impact on your gut health. Hence, the flare ups around this time of year. Dairy can also negatively affect your GI tract.  My skin and my son’s skin will flare up when we overdo the dairy. If your skin is suffering, you may want to consider cutting it out completely for a bit.

A good probiotic can help you support a healthy gut! For several years now, we have been using Life 9 for myself, and MightyPro Pre+Probiotic, for the boys. You cannot beat the quality and the all the beneficial strains of bacteria in these two products.  Make sure you are taking your probiotic at night. 

Also consider, apple cider vinegar! If you are not a fan, Bragg’s makes capsules that are easy to swallow. Otherwise, we like this simple “tea” in the morning. My son calls it his “morning tea.”


“Morning Tea”

Mug of warm water

2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar (we like Braggs)

2 drops Lemon oil (also helps to support your gut and cleanse the system)

1 teaspoon of honey


Now let’s talk about how to help the scaly, itchy, dry patches that can drive a person crazy!!


Have you ever heard of MSM or Methylsulfonylmethane? Well, if not, Google away and be amazed at the benefits. One of them is skincare. You can use a lotion that contains MSM, such as the Genesis Lotion, or you can take one of my favorite supplements called Sulfurzyme. 

Now, why the Genesis Lotion? Well, it contains MSM (big win) AND an abundance of skin supporting essential oils such as Geranium, Jasmine, Coriander, Ylang Ylang, and more! This way your external symptoms aren’t stuck waiting for your internal issues to improve.


I personally, like to add an essential oil blend called Melrose to the lotion. It takes things up a notch! Especially when we are making our way through some flare ups. Melrose is inexpensive and contains Tea Tree, Niaouli, Rosemary, and Clove. I love adding this oil to my shampoo for an itchy scalp as well! This oil is so versatile that I feel like I could write an entire blog entry on it! Put Melrose, Cedarwood, and Lavender in an Epsom Salt bath and you have some winning relief. Whether you decide to use it in your lotion or not, it is a must have for so much more.

This routine is quite simple if you can remember to take your probiotic at night and apply your lotion/oil as needed. All of the above has definitely helped our family though some troubling skin issues. 

Favorite Things Week: Giveaway #5

Favorite Things Week: Giveaway #5
Favorite Things Week 🎉🎉🎉 
Giveaway #5: Coconut Lime Body Butter 
From the looks of your responses in regards to your favorite summer smell, this item will be a big hit! 
The Coconut Lime Body Butter is one of my favorite ways to spoil my skin. My heels and elbows can get quite dry and during the summer, all the time we spend in the sun can wreak havoc on my skin. There is no better way to help your skin recover than with the the Coconut Lime Body Butter. This formula gets its aroma for the coconut oil and Lime essential oil. It also contains Lemon Myrtle, Orange, Lemon, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Mandarin and Spearmint. While that seems like a lot, the aroma is very light. This is not your heavy fragranced B&B lotion friends. 
The moisturizing components of this product are  Mango Seed Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cupuacu seed butter, Jojoba oil, Rosehip Fruit Oil, Coconut oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, and Rice Bran oil. 
This body butter is light and tends to melt when you massage it into the skin. A small amount goes a long way. Preggo mamas, this would be awesome for that belly . Due to the amount of citrus oils, you may want to use this as an after-sun rub due to the photosensitive nature of the oils. This pairs well with a foot scrub! Exfoliate and then let your skin soak up all of the goodness from this body butter. 
To be entered to win container of goodness, comment below with your favorite summer drink! (alcoholic or non-alcoholic )
 
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