I just ordered a 3-pack last night from Amazon. Sweet Almond Oil (haven't tried that yet) Jojoba Oil and Grapeseed oil, all 16 oz. bottles, for under $30 shipped. (it qualified for super saver shipping) A few weeks ago my wife picked up a 4 oz. bottle of Jojoba oil for $10. I'll be interested in trying these out, and maybe making some blends. I haven't ventured into the EO/FO area yet. Maybe a peppermint or spearmint scent.... Glad to hear it's working out for you beergrin. I haven't had any problems arising from missing a day of OCM (although I did use plain water and still shaved, so maybe that helped...).
wow, what a deal on those oils! I really like the tea tree oil in mine, considering getting some eucalyptus oil next time I'm at my "local" "hippie" store. I usually only OCM 3X a week, the rest of the week I just use a hot-water towel to clean my face wow, it's mid-February, coming up on 1 year of doing OCM for me!
Hey guys, I just bought my oils tonight, I am going to do some more research tomorrow at work then mix and try. I will update with my results.
I've been using this method for a couple months now. I wouldn't say my skin is perfectly clear, but it is definitely doing better. I use about 2 parts Castor oil and 1 part walnut oil w/vitamin E (Can't stand the smell of EVOO) I just put it on in the shower before I wash, then rinse it off afterwards. I think I'll try the washcloth under the shower, like someone suggested, though. A bit of trivia for you: Ancient Greek athletes used to use a combination of oil and sand, which they would then scrape off with a blade, to clean their bodies after competition.
Ok one week into it and I have tweaked my mix. as follows in order of amount... Sesame oil, Grape seed, Castor, Jojoba Oil, Carrot seed, Lemongrass EO, Cyprus EO. I wouldn't say my face is 100% but one week into it (3 applications) and it already feels 10x better. I don't have to take a paper towel and absorb massive amounts of face grease in the middle of the day now like I use to and my blemishes seem to bee clearing some what. I really think this is a great way to clean ones face. I have learned though that in the summer months, if you live in a hot climate like I do, that OCM can clog your pores due to the heat causing your face to produce more of it's own oil so be careful in the summer for sure.
Found this thread looking for info on olive oil as a preshave and I'm very interested. How is it going for everyone so far? Is this a face only thing or a whole body wash? How does it affect acne? I'm really interested in hearing the updates on this.
-) EVOO as preshave - tentative thumbs up. Tentative because I don't always do it, and it's not always beneficial (for me), but it works wonders. -) EVOO as body wash - never tried it myself, but apparently it was common practice in middle east many many many many years ago -) as for the acne, it's actually the cold-pressed castor oil that does the work, and it's awesome. the EVOO ( or jojoba, or grapeseed, or whatever oil) is basically a carrier. castor oil is too thick to really move deep into the pores, so you thin it with another oil to help move it deeper into the skin. The EVOO (or other oil) also adds the benefit of moisturizing the skin to keep it from getting too dry from the castor oil. You really want to get high-quality ingredients for this. Yeah, they cost a little more up front, but it lasts a looooooooooong time. 3 oz bottle of mix last me at least a month, so you can imagine how long it lasts. it's worth it to get the higher quality stuff. besides, you still come out cheaper in the long run versus "facial cleansers"
It's going great for me. I do it every day in the shower, and I shower before I shave. For me I believe it really works well as a pre-shave and cleanser. But, honestly, I don't use it as a pre-shave, meaning I still do it even if I don't shave (which is not very often). Whole body wash? I wouldn't. Acne? You will probably notice a little worsening during the adjustment period (1-2 weeks). I did, but it wasn't bad at all. I don't get pimples any more, except the occasional pustule from an ingrown hair as a result of bad shaving technique. But on my forehead, cheeks, nose, etc....no acne at all. I have large pores on my nose, and they have gotten noticeably smaller and less prone to blackheads. My current bled, which I am extremely happy with, is: 1½ oz. each of grapeseed, jojoba, and almond oil, and 1 oz. of castor oil. I initially tried 1 oz. of all 4 but found that to be too thick for my tastes. In fact, this current blend I feel is the best I've ever used - way better than my old EVOO/Castor Oil in an 80/20 blend. Any more questions? Glad to help out! :happy088
Alright, I'm in. I set up my oil mix tonight. My rough mix (measured by eye) 70% Safflower oil with vitamin E, 30% Castor Oil, and a couple drops of tea tree oil. I started with a hot towel on my face to open up the pores, then massaged the oil into the skin and threw a hot towel on again. I then jumped in the shower and applied it again, massaging the whole deal into the skin. I let it all sit for a few minutes and then wiped it off. I gotta say, I'm really surprised at how my face feels. Even after reading everything, I half expected a greasy mess when all was said and done, but my face feels amazing, even after only this first go. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all works out. Can I put this stuff on my scalp, or would that not work with the hair and the oils up there?
I guess it depends how oily you like your hair. If you like it with an oily/greasy sheen, go for it. I imagine you'd have some difficulty rinsing it out without a shampoo. I've gotten some on the front of my scalp/hair where my forehead meets my hairline, and I had the "wet look" for the day...but, I do recall hot oil treatments for the scalp - once a week, maybe? I think it would depend how long your hair is, too. You can always try it to see....
So Matt, now that he's joined us in the OCM-hood, do we tell him now, or wait til later concerning the "Moobs"?
Is that a reference to the use of Tea Tree Oil causing minor breast development in a handful of adolescent boys? If so, I'm aware of that, and am thankfully well past adolescence.
well, I was gonna say that I'd wait until he started posting questions about which was better, the manzier or the bro.... but since he's obviously got no sense of humor, I don't want to offend...
It's really messy and primitive and unnecessary. Washing your face in moderation with a bar soap and moisturizing afterward is the best route to a clear complexion. The US Board of Dermatology cited soap and water as the #1 means with which to combat acne and other blemishes.
