Castor Oil

In my last post I mentioned that I am going to start using castor oil to wash my face.  I have received a couple comments about this, and thought I would share where I got this idea from.  Recently two blogs that I follow had posts about this same facial method and it peaked my interest.  First Ashley posted about her experience going shampoo and cleanser free.  Then just days later Liz posted about the same method solving her complexion problems.  It couldn't just be a coincidence that two people I admire were both having good luck with castor oil, could it?  So this weekend I embark on the oil cleansing method, that the two ladies above used. 

So here is the break down of how this is suppose to work:

1. Mix your oils.  For this you are suppose to mix the castor oil with extra virgin olive oil because it is very thick on it's own.  From what I have read you have to work to find the best ratio for your skin but the general guidelines call for one to one for normal skin, more castor oil than EVOO for oily skin, or more EVOO than castor oil for dry skin. A small amount goes a long way.  Ashley, reuses a little trial size bottle to store her oil, and I will probably do the same since I have a small travel lotion bottle that is just about gone.

2. Before bed use just a small amount of your mixture and massage it into your dry skin for about a minute.  You can use it to remove your makeup too!

3. Wet a washcloth with hot water (not hot enough that you burn yourself and sue me though.) Place the washcloth over your face to steam and open your pores.  As a bonus you get a minute to relax.

4.  Once the wash cloth cools down (about a minute), rinse the cloth off and then use it to gently wipe the oil from your face.

5. Enjoy your softer, clearer skin, and save money & the planet while doing so.  (Cue birds and angels singing)

So we will see how this works for me.  I am going to start tonight so that I have the weekend to see how I like this just in case it does not turn out well.  After a few weeks I will post again and let you know how it is going.  If anyone wants to give this a go with me let me know.  I would love to hear your input and possibly post how you are liking it as well.

Note:  It took me a while to find castor oil at the store because I had no idea where to look.  So to save you some time, try checking in the laxative section.  Yeah, you can use it for that too.