Tags
acne, acne scars, black hair, clear skin, curly hair, facial, facial scrub, going natural, healthy skin, kinky hair, lemon scrub, natural, natural hair, natural hair journey, OCM, Oil Cleansing Method, regimen, relaxed to natural, short to long hair, skin care, skin care regimen, transition, transitioning, transitioning to natural, transitioning to natural hair
It’s funny, I didn’t have a hair care regimen, well a healthy hair care regimen, until I decided to transition to a natural, BUT, I have been following almost the same healthy skin care regimen for a number of years. I’ve paid attention to my face and knew what I could put on it and what didn’t work. I would try new acne products and cleansers, and I would follow the same steps consistently. Now as I realized this, I don’t understand how I could have failed to have a healthy hair care regimen. If I knew I needed one for my face and skin, why didn’t it occur to me to do the same for my hair? It is one of those moments that you want to just kick yourself. But in all honesty, I thought I knew how I was supposed to take care of my hair (based on all the misinformation from my mother). But now I know. Now, no more excuses.
Now as for my skin, I did have set products but with the transition to natural hair came a change to natural living. If I don’t want sulfates in my hair, then my sensitive face probably would benefit from eliminating it. I never had to worry about mineral oil because I have oily skin so my products have to be oil free (except one). So I have changed my products to more natural stuff with the exception of my acne products.
My skin is very oily and acne prone because of it. I work out a lot so that tends to be problematic. This is what I do to hopefully fix the acne, control the oil, and hopefully give me healthier, clear skin.
My Products:
- OCM-Castor oil and Tea tree essential oil
- Dr. Bronner’s Unsented Pure-Castile Soap (Sulfate-free)
- Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture for Combination Skin
- Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub Oil Free (paraben)
- 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel
- Clean & Clear persa-gel 10
Evenings:
Cleansing:
Oil Cleansing Method – I cleanse my face using the Oil Cleansing Method. I mix 75% Grape Seed oil (carrier), a few drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil (for acne) with 25% Castor oil (for cleansing and acne). I know right, I was like “oil to cleanse my oily skin? Umm, no thank you!” But in my efforts to try and find a sulfate and mineral oil free cleanser, I was told by The Primping Pixie about the OCM. I researched it online and decided that, since I am not working right now I could chance a break-out if it didn’t work. Well so far it’s working. I am so glad I was told about this. I have noticed that, though I am still oily, I am not as oily. I don’t feel as though I need to run for the oil blotting strips every hour. I can’t tell yet if it is helping with my acne yet but I know I am not breaking out any more than I was. I do think it may be less but it could be my imagination at this point. After I cleanse with the oil, I use a steamer to open up my pores and a hot towel to remove the oil and exfoliate.
Toner:
To remove any excess oil or reside from cleansers (when I used to use them) I use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. I know it sounds harsh but it works for me. I saturate a large cotton pad and use it all over my face neck and ears. It may just be a mind thing, but I feel it gets any leftover dirt (which surprisingly most of the time there is none), bacteria, oil, or soap residue. Afterwards I splash my face with cold water to put the moisture back that the alcohol took away, and pat dry with a paper towel. Since I’ve been using the paper towel to semi-dry my face, I have noticed less acne.
Acne:
After my face is all clean and moisturized, I put a thin layer of DermalogicaOver Night Clearing Gel on my face and neck (this is temporary. It’s too expensive and will be changing to Neutrogena when this is gone). Then follow with Clean & Clear persa-gel 10 to spot treat. All done!
Morning:
I wash my face with warm water and a generous amount of Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap. I use a warm clean towel (I use a new towel everyday) to remove the cleanser. Then I splash my face with warm water a few times and towel dry with a paper towel.
Toner:
I use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. I saturate a large cotton pad and use it all over my face neck and ears to get any leftover dirt, oil, or soap residue. Then I splash my face with cold water to put the moisture back and pat semi-dry with a paper towel.
Moisturizer:
While my face is still damp I apply Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture for Combonation Skin to my face and neck to “seal in” the moisture. (Why didn’t I think of this for my hair!?)
Make-Up:
If I decide to wear make-up (which is not often) I then apply an oil control which is a dab of Milk of Magnesia on my “T-Zone.” Yes I did say Milk of Magnesia. I came across it on YouTube and tried it and was amazed. And also I still add an additional oil mattifier, either Dermalogica or M.A.C. This second mattifier is not always necessary. Some people were doing it and some weren’t. Once these two products are gone I will do without it. Then I apply my make-up.
After Workout:
If my workout is early in the morning I skip the cleansing until I am done. I just use a warm towel to remove the residue from the leftover acne product. Then cleanse my face after the workout. Otherwise, I do a mid-day “Morning” cleansing. I only do it after my gym workout where I sweat A LOT. After my cardio workout I don’t worry about cleansing. I don’t sweat much when I do my cardio outside.
Scrubs:
Twice a week I use a fresh lemon and sugar scrub for my face to help lighten my acne scars. I do this in place of the alcohol. Then follow with my moisturizer. OMG! My face feels so fresh and clean. I love doing this. Typically Tuesday’s and Friday’s.
Once a week I use Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub. I use this for acne and extra exfoliating. I like to think of it like my “clarifying” face wash. After a week of working out twice a day, I like to make sure I get a good deep cleansing. This is used in place of the Dr. Bronner’s, and it is not done on the same day as my lemon/sugar scrub. Typically Sunday’s.
So that’s what I do. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to leave it in the comments or shoot me an e-mail. J