Washing your face with oil

As I'm writing, I can hear Gilbert down the hall talking to himself as he tries to nap.  He has been fighting the naps lately, but *I'm* not ready to give them up just yet.  He is pretty sure he is 3 going on "forty seventy teen" as he likes to tell me.  He feels like too big of a boy to be taking naps (he tells me through teary eyes, when I try to put him down).

Does he look "forty seventy teen" to you?  I think not.

Charlie is laying on his play mat, wiggling around, alternating between trying to snack on his toes and talking to his toy duck.  He still mostly stays where I put him, but we all know that won't last much longer.

Whatever he is saying to the duck is serious.

It is very easy with all the commotion of two small children and the new routine of working in the morning to forget the basics.  I have to actually ask myself... have you brushed your teeth?  hair?  Put on deodorant? Clean clothes? Showered recently?

The good news is the answer to those questions is mostly yes.  But feeling good during the first 6 months post pregnancy is hard for me.    Aside from not being one of those mothers who is able to slim down quickly after pregnancy, I am also not the mother who has super elastic, clear, well hydrated skin post-pregnancy.

I gotta say here that I have nothing but love for those quick-slimming, flawless skinned mamas out there...  Rock on!  Maybe if I go for a third, I will join your ranks ;)

My skin goes on a roller coaster of blemishes and dryness.  So today, I want to share with you all one thing that makes me feel AMAZING.  I love it because it's quick and it doesn't involve anything horribly expensive (and I have tried some pricey face cleansers and moisturizers that don't work nearly as well).  It doesn't make my skin perfect, but it does make it feel softer and minimizes blemishes.

How to Oil Cleanse

You will need: a clean wash cloth and your preferred cleansing oil.  Personally, I prefer straight sweet almond oil (you can order it here), but I know some people prefer coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, or even a blend.

1. In the shower or at the sink, place a quarter size worth of your oil into your hand.

2. Massage over entire face with your hand, making small circles.

3. Wet wash cloth with very hot water, wring out excess, open the washcloth, and place over your face.

4.  Leave the cloth on for at least a minute Seriously.  Enjoy.  It feels wonderful.  If your kiddos aren't yelling for you or trying to pick the lock on the bathroom door, feel free to leave it on until it cools.

5.  Use the corners of the washcloth to gently wipe any excess oil off your face.  No need to really scrub.  It's okay for there to be a little left on.

And that's it.  You can try this for little to no money especially if you use oils you already have on hand like coconut or olive oil.

Happy Cleansing!