Anybody can mix a bunch of oils together and tell you it’s “all-natural”, “healthy” and “good for you.” There is just enough truth in a general statement like that to keep it from being an outright lie. But the truth is that crafting highly effective all natural skin care products is a demanding art that requires deep knowledge of medicinal plants, true expertise, experience and a profound respect for perfect balance. For more than two decades I’ve been hand crafting high quality natural skin care. That is my art. I obtained my Medicinal Plant Certification from Cornell University because that is my love. In this blog, I'll explain the intricate process I follow to hand craft a highly effective cleansing oil that I designed specifically to nourish and re-balance acne-prone skin. I’ll try to shed some light on the crucial role that selecting the right ingredients plays to achieve better results than commercial acne treatments without the poisons contained in most of those products.

Crafting the perfect cleansing oil for acne-prone skin begins by carefully researching and thoughtfully sourcing the perfect ingredients. It took me a long time to find the right oils with the perfect balance of non-comedogenic properties as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. The formula I settled on is the product of countless hours of research, trial, error and success. My all natural cleansing oil will effectively clean your skin, removing dirt and environmental toxins from your pores without causing additional irritation or unnecessarily drying out your skin like other acne treatments. We carefully balance gentleness with efficacy, ensuring your skin gets the help it needs, where and how it needs it, without being unnecessarily harsh.

Cleansing your face with oil may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. We were all taught from a young age that squeaky-clean, oil-free skin is synonymous with clear and healthy skin. Actually, that is not true and that myth creates some seriously negative side effects. Common wisdom has been to use commercial cleansers, like soaps and astringents, to remove makeup, excess skin oil and impurities. And while many products do that, they are entirely too harsh, stripping your skin of both the bad and the good oils and causing serious imbalances that your skin struggles to correct. This common approach actually creates a negative feedback loop, where the “cure” becomes the “cause” of the problem.  Skin, like all living things, strives for balance. Skin actually requires oil to function properly. Oil is the essential lubricant of the dermis, which is very much like a tiny suit of armor. The joints between each link in that armor need to be clean, nourished and properly lubricated. Cleansing with soaps and astringents strips the good natural oils from your skin and actually prompts your skin to produce more oil to restore balance and functionality. Over-stripping the natural oils creates an imbalance that triggers overproduction of new oils that, in abundance, cause the typical acne outbreaks. As counterintuitive as it may seem at first, cleaning your face with a high quality all natural, nourishing oil will stop that negative feedback loop and let your skin find its proper balance. The good news is that using the right oil not only restores that balance, but can actually nourish and nurse it back to its optimal state.

Understanding the pivotal role that cleansing plays in nourishing and maintaining the overall health of acne-prone skin, we've painstakingly researched and handpicked ingredients to ensure we not only clean, but nourish and revitalize your skin. By harnessing the power of nature's finest botanicals and botanical extracts, we've created a formula that not only effectively targets acne but promotes overall skin health and natural radiance.

1.     Jojoba Oil: Renowned for its striking similarity to the skin's natural sebum, jojoba oil boasts impressive moisturizing properties without clogging pores. Its innate ability to regulate sebum production makes it an ideal choice for balancing oily and acne-prone skin types.
2.     Hazelnut Oil: Lightweight and rich in antioxidants, hazelnut oil penetrates deep into the skin, effectively unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. Its astringent properties help tighten and tone the skin, minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores—a common concern among acne sufferers.
3.     Castor Oil: Celebrated for its purifying and antibacterial properties, castor oil effectively combats acne-causing bacteria while gently cleansing the skin. Its high concentration of ricinoleic acid aids in the dissolution of impurities and excess sebum, promoting clearer, healthier skin.
4.     Tamanu Oil: Revered for centuries for its remarkable healing properties, tamanu oil boasts anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, making it particularly effective in soothing irritated, acne-prone skin. Its regenerative properties accelerate the skin's natural healing process, diminishing the appearance of acne scars and blemishes over time.
5.     Sea Buckthorn Oil: Abundant in vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, sea buckthorn oil nourishes and revitalizes the skin, promoting cellular regeneration and collagen synthesis. It’s rich in a unique unsaturated fatty acid called gamma-linolenic, which stimulates the function of sebaceous glands, helping unblock pores and reducing blackheads.. Individuals with acne prone skin tend to have lower levels of linoleic acid in their skin's sebum. This strong antioxidant reduces scars and skin discoloration while also strengthening the lipid barrier and protecting against trans epidermal water loss. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and swelling associated with acne, while its antioxidant content shields the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage.
6.     Vitamin E Oil: Renowned for its antioxidant prowess, vitamin E oil effectively neutralizes free radicals, preventing oxidative damage and premature aging. Its moisturizing properties help restore the skin's natural lipid barrier, enhancing hydration and suppleness while promoting a more even complexion.

I can’t tell you exactly how I balance these oils. That’s a trade secret. But you should know that the proper balance is critical. Bid farewell to harsh, poisonous chemicals and counterproductive treatments. Usher in a new era of all natural skin care that promotes your skin's overall well-being and balance above all else. Embrace the transformative power of natural skin care and experience firsthand the difference it can make in your skin care routine. We are dedicated and committed to crafting all natural skin care treatments that exceed your expectations and deliver results you can see and feel.

Please note, starting a new skin care routine, especially with acne-prone skin, is a personal journey. There is no one size fits all approach because there are many factors that can contribute to acne, including: hormones, diet, stress, genetics and environment. The skin's renewal cycle is typically 30 days, and can be twice as long for acne-prone skin. Consistency during this cycle is critical.  If your acne is due to a topical nutrient imbalance or clogged pores, you should see a marked improvement between 30-60 days. If your acne persists after that, it is most likely hormonal or dietary and you should focus your efforts there as well. One step at a time and you can take back control, restore balance and find your natural glow.

Chrys and I are always here with any questions. Feel free to message us on Facebook or Instagram or email us at info@bbaskin.com