Carrier oils are used to dilute the essential oils, lessening their strength. These are milder oils—olive oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil—which make a great base for the skin cleansing process. Active oils like castor oil, hazelnut oil, and tea tree oil should not be used at full strength. Instead, they are the active astringents needed to get clear, healthy skin.
Oily skin - 1 part castor or hazelnut oil and 2 parts olive, sunflower, or other carrier oil. Combination skin - 1 part castor or hazelnut oil and 3 parts olive, sunflower, or other carrier oil. Dry skin - A few drops of castor or hazelnut oil in olive, sunflower, or other carrier oil.
Some essential oils are good for the skin. For example, tea tree and rosemary oil are anti-inflammatory. Cedarwood reduces irritation and ylang-ylang is an effective cleanser. Pomegranate seed oil has anti-aging properties.
It is best to start with a dry face, as oil and water repel each other.
Alternatively, hover your face over a pot of steaming water with a bath towel draped over your head and the steam source. This is a good way to deep clean your face if you have extra time.
Be aware that, during the transition process, your face might get worse before it gets better. This is the detoxification phase when your skin is releasing built up toxins. The detox phase usually takes a week or two, but once you’ve gotten pass that your skin should stabilize and attain a healthier, clean appearance.
