Non-Toxic Personal Care:
The Skin You’re In, Part Deux
It’s times like this that I realize it’s a good thing I’m writing a blog, and not a book. That way, when I forget things I can just do a new post… Otherwise I’d have to mail you additional book pages, and you’d have learn to re-bind books, and it’d be a drama… 
This post is a follow-on to the last. I have a few more tricks that aided me on getting my skin back to itself (which it turns out is pretty darn good!).
Activated Charcoal
When my skin was adjusting, and even before I began the oil cleansing method, I used activated charcoal on blemishes (instead of, not along with, tea tree oil). Both remedies seem very effective, but I happened to have charcoal before I had the tea tree oil. I suspect the charcoal works a bit better on deeper blemishes, or blemishes that have already formed and need to have the pus drawn out. (Sorry, I hope you’re not eating breakfast.)
Back in my product days, I used a charcoal mask (Paula’s very own brand) so I knew how effective charcoal was considered to be. I simply took one of the charcoal capsules from my NaturoKit, broke it open into a tiny bowl, and then used a wet finger to make a bit of paste to apply to the blemish. The downside is that you can’t walk around looking like this; you can only do this at night, and even then you have to explain to your family why you have a Hitler mustache (if, of course, your blemish is under your nose…). I keep this tiny bowl in my medicine cabinet, and I have a feeling that one broken capsule will last me forever.
If you are a mask fan, try this recipe. I have not tried it, so please comment below and let me know if you do.
Charcoal Facial Mask
1 Tbsp. activated charcoal
1 Tbsp. aloe vera gel
1 Tbsp. rose water(I’m pretty lazy, so I may leave this out…)
10-15 drops tea tree oilMix all ingredients together and apply to clean face. (Avoid more sensitive areas, like eyes.) Leave on for 20-30 minutes then rinse with warm water.
Baking Soda Scrub
I don’t do this frequently, but I occasionally use a baking soda scrub. The easy way to do it is to bring a dab of baking soda
Other Natural Skincare Ideas
*Even if you’re not doing the oil cleansing method, any of the nourishing oils, such as olive, can be used to remove eye makeup or the new long-wearing lipsticks.
*Both plain yogurt and lemon juice (used independently) are considered to be good treatments for blemishes. Although I have not tried either, both seem to make sense!
Dissenting Opinion
Just in the interest of disclosure, I wanted to let you know that a few weeks after I began the oil cleansing method, my formerly beloved Paula wrote an article indicating that she wasn’t quite a believer. To her, and to you if you’re still not sure, I can only say that my skin cannot lie. I would encourage everyone to give it a shot (a decent amount of time to let your skin adjust) and judge for yourself.
*Visit this guest post at Kelly the Kitchen Kop for information on treating acne with diet.
*Be sure to read yesterday’s post and enter the giveaway for a 3-piece sample pack of Miessence’s Rejuvenating skincare line!
*Check out my new favorite Facebook page: Flex Your Money Muscle for Real Food. We vote with our dollars!
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