Never got a response, so I decided to re-read the thread and do some experimenting. What a huge difference! New blend: 2 parts Castor 5 parts Grapeseed 3 parts Sweet Almond A couple drops of Tea Tree EO In case you're wondering, a "part" is a cap full from the squeeze bottle I use as a dispenser. It holds 10 cap fulls. No more dry skin! This stuff feels better and smells better too. The Grapeseed oild was relatively inexpensive, but the Sweet Almond oil was not. I think the switch from EVOO to Grapeseed was the big difference. I threw in the Tea Tree EO just because I love the scent.
Sorry we went off topic there Tom. Why the different oils? I get the tea tree, I love the scent too. I know you need the castor. But why grapeseed and sweet almond?
No apologies needed! That's what this place is for, right? Off topic is the new on topic. The scent of the EVOO bothered me (smelled like a piece of crusty bread that had just been dipped). I read that grapeseed is very similar to human sebum and contains a high quantity of Omega-6. Someone along the line said that grapeseed was less drying than EVOO. Sweet Almond? I don't know - just liked the sound of it, I guess. It's sold as a facial product (makeup remover) in natural food stores. The combination is working really well so far.
I forgot about my sweet almond oil! I add a little bit of that myself. yeah, grapeseed oil is a bit better than extra virgin olive oil, and jojoba is better than grapeseed oil - a bigger price difference than the EVOO -> GO
This is a really awesome method to cleaning your face, but sometimes the oils can be a bit messy to work with in their liquid state. Another thought is to use a premade cold cream. Ponds is a popular brand name or their store brand version. It's less messy and you will get similar results. Plus just think of how many little old ladies are running around today with beautiful skin because they used Ponds faithfully through the years. It's a wonderful product, brand name or store brand product.
The oils used vary depending on the brand, but you can still get the same results in a product that is much easier to use. Some do use mineral oil, which isn't the best oil for the skin, but it's still a great idea for those who want to cleanse their skin with oil but don't like the mess of using liquid oils (myself included) or prefer the the ease of a cream. I also find 100% to greasy for my own preference which is why I prefer a cream that isn't made from 100% oils. Or if you wanted 100% oils but prefer a more solid consistency, you could mix some liquid oils into a solid oil until you have a consistency that you like. Some solid oils include your butters (shea, mango or cocoa to name a few) or coconut oil, or even crisco. Surprisingly skin likes crisco and some dermatologist have been known to recommend it to patients for some skin conditions. You don't necessarily need the "fancier oils" to get great results.
It's worth noting that shea butter and cocoa butter are listed as comedogenic. Some people may have clogged pores from these oils. This won't be a problem for all people, but it's something to be aware of. Personally, when I make a cleansing oil for myself, I use the typical skin-friendly oils (almond, grapeseed, and whatnot) and add a small amount of an emulsifier to make it easier to rinse off. I just use it in the shower like I would a soap (though, truth be told, it is a little on the thin side). Using it in the shower could introduce water, which would warrant a preservative, which can complicate things for those who don't typically keep a bottle of parabens in the cupboard though.
That is interesting. Is the cold cream or alternative applied in the shower prior to shaving as is typical with the OCM?
Its working! OK, so I have been cursed with acne for over 35 years, and believe me I have tried every medication/treatment/diet/topical blah blah blah...I started this regime 2 weeks ago today, and my face has not been this clear in years! I could not be happier..people are even complimenting me about how nice my face looks and one "you are glowing" comment lol the only thing I do in addition to this is wash my face in the morning with plain warm water and apply a thin application of NEOSPORIN Antibiotic creme, not the ointment! this combo (hopefully) has finally made everyday life bearable..no one else sees to think I had "bad" acne, but of course they are not the one looking in the mirror..hope this helps anyone else with the problem make the decision to try it.. Best, Steve
Steve - when are you applying the Neosporin Ointment in relation to using the OCM? Or, maybe better asked - when are you doing the OCM, because it sounds like you're applying the Neosporin Ointment in the morning? Interesting, I may have to have my daughter try this out....thanks for the tip!
I am doing the OCM just about every night before bed, I am using it 50/50 Olive and Castor..I am getting a little dried out so I will either switch to every other night or up the ratio of Olive oil...and yes I do the Neosporin CREAM, not the ointment (actually the target or generic version to save $) in the mornings...I have been using that for about 6 months and it has helped so I have continued it, cant see the harm of the antibacterial..hope it works for your daughter! I wish her all the best! Steve
if you're drying out, definitely up the EVOO, or try grapeseed oil or jojoba oil - they're a bit more expensive, but much better. also, if it's anti-bacterial you're looking for, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your mix, I add about 10-15 drops per 4 oz bottle I make up. I started with 4-5 to make sure I had no reactions to it, so far so good.
I would just try reducing the amount of castor oil first Steve. Maybe chage it to 75/25. I find 4EVOO to 1.5 CO just about right good luck man.
I'm now 3 years strong on using only OCM. Not a bit of soap (outside of shave soap, of course ) has touched my face since.
