Oily Skin    

It is vital that all skin types are cleansed fully, especially oily, as a build up of sebum in the pores can cause breakouts of spots and blemishes.  Teenagers are especially prone to this type of skin due to hormonal imbalance as puberty approaches, also during this time of life.  An oily skin is actually a very hard working one, dry skin is sluggish.  That is of no consolation to the sufferer !!!  I would advise clean cotton squares to remove all cleanser thoroughly;  muslin makes an ideal cleansing cloth.  Exfoliating the skin as the action of removing preparations is carried out.  Use the index finger to really get into the 'nooks and crannies' around the nose, chin etc.  I hope that you have success in using the recipes I have chosen below. Also, that you enjoy making them yourself.

Cleansers

Chamomile Cleanser
40grms (1.5 oz) Cocoa Butter
75ml (3fl.oz) Grapeseed Oil
10 drops Chamomile Essential Oil

Melt the cocoa butter over a low heat in a small pan.  Or, melt in a bowl in the microwave on 'High' for approx 3 minutes.  Remove from the heat and add the grapeseed oil.  Stir well, add the Essential Oil, whisking well.  Pour into small clean, airtight jar.  Apply a small amount using the fingertips, massaging into the face and neck.  Gently massage all areas well then remove all traces of the cleanser with a wet, warm cotton cloth.  Rinse and repeat until all traces of the cleanser, make-up and dirt are removed.  Rinse a cloth in cool water and pat over the skin to tighten the pores.  Used regularly, this cleanser will help to dislodge blackheads and calm sensitive skin.  It also keeps the complexion glowingly clean.

Barley Skin Freshener

75grm (3oz) pot Barley
750ml (1.25pts) Mineral Water
4 drops of, Lemon , Bergamot or Mandarin Essential Oil

This is a rich source of essential minerals required by the skin, Potassium, Zinc and Sulphur.  Place the Barley and water in a pan and bring to the boil.  Cover and simmer on a low heat for 30 minutes , or until the barley is cooked right through. Strain the liquid and place in a screw top jar. Keep the barley and use to enrich soups and stews.  Add any of the Oils mentioned and shake well to disperse the ingredients.  Keep in the fridge and use to refresh the skin after cleansing.

Oil Free Moisturizer

20gr (3/4oz) Linseeds
200ml (7floz) Water (boiling)
15ml (1tbsp) Glycerine
15ml (1tbsp) Rosewater
1 drop Neroli Essential Oil (optional but preferred)

Whiz linseeds in a blender or coffee grinder and place in a small cup . Pour on the water.  Stir well as the linseeds steep as the mixture cools. Strain off the liquid and throw away the linseeds.  Add the glycerine and rosewater to form a moisturizing lotion, free of oil.  Add the Neroli Oil, which has a calming and balancing effect without being oily in texture. Apply after cleansing and freshening the skin.

Treatment Mask

30mls Hot Water
3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Geranium, 1 drop Lemon Oils
Enough Kaolin to mix to a paste

Add Essential Oils to the hot water drop by drop, stirring well. Add enough Kaolin to form a smooth paste. Exact quantities of Kaolin differ with the type of water that you have in your particular area. Make this fresh for each use, at least once a week.  No more than three times per week.  Apply with the fingers and leave over the face for 10 minutes.  Remove with warm water and a wet cotton cloth.  Ensure that you rinse well.

Exfoliating

1tbsp fine Oatmeal or Ground Almonds
2tbsp Runny Honey
1/2 Lemon  Juice
2" length of Cucumber (minus the skin)
1/4 Banana (minus the skin)

Mash all fruit to a pulp in a bowl.  Add the Honey and Lemon Juice.  Stir in Oatmeal or Almond preparation.  Please use the Oatmeal option for anyone with a nut allergy.  Apply a thick layer to skin on the facial area.  Massage gently with the fingertips.  Using circular clockwise movements, upwards and outwards.  Remove with a wet cotton cloth.  This will remove any dead skin cells and blockages from the pores.  This should be done once a week for oily skin as dead cells are shed more effectively from this skin type than any other. In using an effective routine everyday, cells will be shed after each cleansing.  An exfoliant is needed to ensure that all pores are cleared of debris, i.e., pollution etc.

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