I’ve been spending the last three days doing some major behind the scenes work for Minimalist Beauty, and also catching up on some YouTube videos. I happened to come across a beautiful YouTuber who had a video on her daily foundation routine.
I will be completely honest and say that it upset me that she was literally hiding behind a heavy mask of liquid and powder foundation to conceal dark hyperpigmentation marks all over her cheeks as well as very dark under eye circles.
Although dark under eye circles can be genetic, hyperpigmentaion can be healed. There is a reason why I say skin care first, makeup second. I will be completely honest again and say that I don’t have perfect skin and have battled hyperpigmentation for years. If you have more melanin in your skin, scars will appear darker no matter what. If you are consistently breaking out with unsightly blemishes, those blemishes can scar whether you keep your hands off of them or not.
To have a clear complexion you need to first create a skin care regimen that will support as few breakouts as possible as well as help to regenerate skin cells quickly.
The three skin care product combinations that have worked brilliantly for me are oil cleansing with jojoba oil and essential oils, using weekly masks including rhassoul clay alone and with raw honey, and using skin regenerating natural oils with my moisturizing step. You can maintain clear skin with simple natural ingredients! Before I get into the three skin regenerating natural oils, I’m going to say something that some of you may not like. Somehow you MUST find a way to stop wearing those popular brands of foundations filled with chemicals that may also contain mineral oil. Although they may look good, they aren’t good for your skin or your health.
If you have intense acne or dark hyperpigmentation switch to a mineral makeup that will cover blemishes and hyperpigmentation so that you are no longer clogging your pores and continuing the cycle of being dependent on foundation to leave your home. If you are concerned with mineral makeup not having a smooth finish, or if you have dry flaky skin you may want to check out this tip to smooth your mineral foundation. Also you can learn to make your own mineral makeup.
Three skin regenerating natural oils that will change your life forever are sea buckthorn oil, rosehips oil, and tamanu oil.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Sea buckthorn oil is an antioxidant fatty essential oil with high amounts of vitamin C, A, B1, B2, and E. It is known to heal skin injuries, burns, eczema, and sun damaged skin. Sea buckthorn oil is popular amongst the skin care scene for its ability to smooth wrinkles for prematurely aging skin and its long term anti-inflammatory properties which is amazing for acne.
Rosehips Seed Oil
Rosehips seed oil has an extremely high concentration of retinoic acid, vitamin A, which is known for regenerating damaged skin tissue and improving skin cell turnover. It greatly reduces scars and hyper-pigmentation while also softening wrinkles. Its anti-inflammatory properties are perfect for eczema and healing burns. Rosehip seed oil is also a wonderful skin rehydrator for aging, weathered, and dry skin.
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil have been used to for patients with extreme burns and skin ulcers because it is extremely healing with antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties while possessing many antioxidants. It completely regenerates new healthy skin. It is also used to treat acne and acne scars, dry and scaly skin, stretch marks, etc. Tamanu oil does have a strong scent yet only a few drops is needed.
To easily add one of these three skin regenerating natural oils to your skin care regimen, simply add a few drops to your daily moisturizer morning and night. I can say that oil cleansing with jojoba oil plus essential oil has also greatly improved my complexion by getting rid of some stubborn scars that were trying to have another “anniversary” this year. Here are 10 natural solutions to hyperpigmentation as well.
Update: If you are acne prone please read this newer article as it may be helpful to you as the information was life changing for me.
What natural products have you found to help with acne, hyperpigmentation, and the overall appearance of your skin?
(Image by seabuckthorn.com)
Ali Mc says
Love it! I’m going to have to order some of these oils. To be honest once I read about how harmful my makeup was I literally just stopped! It’s hard because I work in retail and fashion so having acne and bad skin was a little hard not to cover up but I just wore more eye makeup to draw the attention there and my skin in clearing up tons! I’ve only been using jojoba for 2 weeks now and I hope to see some results. I notice my skin is softer and that I no longer have to moisturize but it’s still pulling all the crap out 😛
I have been using a talc based powder for under my eyes – MAINLY because I had literally just bought it and then found your blog 😉 and I hate wasting…so once that’s gone I’m done!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ali Mc,
I’m so glad that the jojoba oil is already helping with your skin. I noticed that it also pulled out impurities at first as well which isn’t always fun times. Afterwards it has only been amazing!
If you bought the talc based powder from a drug store or even certain retailers after using it, you can still return it with a receipt and say that it caused skin irritation for you or whatever the truth is. I’ve returned things that caused me to break out of even if the ingredients weren’t clean and I didn’t recognize it when I was first learning about ingredients.
Talc is another ingredient that you really do not want to use on your skin. Arrowroot powder or clays will absorb oils in the skin without harsh chemicals. Check out this article on creating your own powder.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
mangomadness says
For acne, I spot treat with Now® Tea Tree Essential Oil & Montagne Jeunesse Clean-Up Mud Masque. I apply tea tree essential oil during the day and at night. At night, I apply Montagne Jeunesse Clean-Up Mud Masque–it’s filled with natural clays and botanicals that help heal acne.
For hyperpigmentation, I exfoliate with my DIY Oat and Chamomile Facial Scrub (ground oatmeal, chamomile flower petals/leaves)
and do a DIY Greek Yogurt Face Mask (Fage Greek yogurt). These products exfoliate gently while soothing and softening my skin.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi mangomadness, I’m loving the oat and chamomile facial scrub idea! Thanks for sharing your skin care regimen!
Carolyn says
I have been using mineral makeup for many years now but I had to experiment at first to get the right color and range.
I am sure you have plenty of options in the USA but for any australian followers of your blog I totally recommend this range:
http://skinrich.com.au
It is fabulous. Completely covers imperfections but doesn’t look or feel like you are wearing any makeup at all. Several times I have succumbed to the lure of luxury brand foundations but always end up going back to my SkinRich Australian Mineral Foundation.
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks for the suggestion Carolyn! I’m not aware of all the brands in Australia. I’ll have to check it out sometime.
marisa says
Hi Dawn,
Which one of these oils do you recommend as an eye serum?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Marisa, All three of these oils would make a great eye serum. Tamanu oil has a very strong scent. If you choose tamanu oil maybe mix it with another carrier oil of your choice. Best wishes!
Carla says
Hi,
I have started using tanamu oil for my acne, but also have red acne scars that that have just stayed for a couple years on my cheeks, I wanted to use rosehip seed oil but I have oily skin and read that its not recommended for oily skin, but do you think it will be ok to use at night?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Carla,
Tamanu oil is fantastic at rejuvenating skin and healing both old and new scars. My suggestion would be to use it for awhile before adding anything else. I’ve noticed that when I change up my skin regimen with a whole new bunch of products at the same time it is challenging to really pin point exactly what is working from what is not. If you add products in slowly it is easier to make those assessments.
If tamanu oil isn’t working as well as you like, then definitely try rosehips seed oil if you are interested in doing so. Sometimes we must use our intuition versus taking given information as the only way. We are all so uniquely different so we need to find what works best for ourselves. Hope this helps and have a beautiful week!
tasha says
Hi Dawn,
I wanted to ask if the tamanu, rosehip seed oi, and seabuckthorn oil can be mixed together. I have tried the tamanu oil because of you and loved the way it made my skin silky smooth, but it is not easy to spread on the skin unless my skin is a little wet.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tasha,
I enjoy mixing oils, yet make small batches to ensure your skin loves the combo. You can also do a patch test with any new carrier oil to make sure you have a positive experience with it. Take notes on your mix as well. Also I always apply my oil moisturizer on wet skin to seal in the moisture and so that it absorbs easily.
Best wishes!
tasha says
Thanks so much Dawn for responding. I will be re-ordering the tamanu oil which is fantastic. I even used it on a rough patch of hair that I have trouble with, and that part of my hair has been really soft and has stayed soft. So I will definitely try out your other regenerative oils of rosehip and sea buckthorn.
Thanks so much again.
Monica says
Hi Dawn Michelle! I love your blog and keep going back and forth between all posts because they all have so much great information (wish you could add a search engine some day!). I re-visited this article because I wanted to try sea buckthorn oil but I have found both berry oil and seed oil. Do you know what the difference is and which one is better for the skin? Thanks!! Keep up the good work!
Dawn Michelle says
Thanks so much Monica! I’m working on not just adding a search box to the site but making it work at the moment. I guess I’m having technical difficulties but hope to have it figured out soon. As for the difference between sea buckthorn berry oil vs sea buckthorn fruit oil see this article. Enjoy the rest of your week!
CB says
Hi Dawn,
I’m a man (probably not your usual reader), but my wife urged me to ask my question since I’ve found no good solution so far.
I use Jobajoba already for facial cleansing… However, I have extremely dry skin on my face that very often gets visibly flaky. I don’t believe it’s eczema or psoriasis — just extremely dry. Can you recommend something that super-moisturizes? It often feels like heavy items don’t absorb into my skin, just sit on top until I
wipe it off. I’ve tried using the Jobajoba for moisturizing, I’ve tried Tamanu, and a mixture of others, but it doesn’t seem to soak in and do any good.
Any advice or recommendations?
thanks
Dawn Michelle says
Hi CB,
My husband used to have very dry flaky patches of skin on his face. Once he started using raw honey as a face wash his skin really improved. I did try to encourage him to use a gentle face brush especially around facial hair to exfoliate, yet he’s not into and extra skin regimen steps. The raw honey as a cleanser and a simple carrier oil like jojoba, olive, or facial oil blend works well for him. He rarely has breakouts, yet his concern was also the dry patches and flaky skin which he no longer has.
One reason why I believe that this simple regimen works so well for him is that the raw honey is a natural humectant and has antibacterial properties which is helpful when soothing the skin after shaving. The natural acids in honey also help brighten and gently exfoliate the skin. Also I believe men can get away with using simple skin care regimens since there is no concern of properly removing heavy makeup.
Another option is to use colloidal oatmeal as a face wash. It is very gentle and soothing for dry itchy or flaky skin. You can also find more tips on soothing dry skin here. Thanks for your comment and I hope that this helps you.
Best wishes!
CB says
Oops, my typing got aggressive. ** Jojoba oil
Dawn Michelle says
It’s all good!
Stephanie says
Hi Dawn, I ordered jojoba, rosehips, and tamanu and can’t wait to try them. I’m not sure if I missed the section on your recommendation on how to mix the ratio or if I apply the oils directly. I’m brand new to using them and would love recommendations. I have acne prone skin with hyper pigmentation. Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Stephanie,
I would first try each oil individually to see how your skin responds to each of them. Also I shared a recipe as well as information for creating your own serum here and here is an article for essential oils and oil cleansing. I have found the best results oil cleansing with the addition of using a microfiber cloth. For hyperpigmentation here are some more tips and easy natural remedies. It takes time for hyperpigmentation to fade so be patient and consistent with your treatment.
Hope this helps!
Stephanie says
Thanks Dawn! I appreciate your response and tips 🙂
QueenEyeCee says
Pracaxi Oil is my skins new found lover!!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi QueenEyeCee,
Pracaxi oil is pretty good! There are so many amazing natural carrier oils that are all so specifically unique. I have been enjoying trying new ones when I can. Have a beautiful day!
keisha says
i bought tamanu oil last year and didn’t know that i was supposed to use another carrier oil with it. it’s still in the plastic container from mountain rose herbs. do you know if there is a shelf life with the oil and if it’s ok to still keep it in the plastic bottle it came in?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Keisha,
You don’t have to mix tamanu oil with another carrier oil unless you want to. You can use it alone as well. Also Mountain Rose Herbs states that their tamanu oil has a shelf life of 2 years. Have a beautiful day!
Melanie says
Is there another place to purchase the Rhassoul Clay? It doesnt appear to be available on the Mountain Herbs website.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Melanie,
I’m sure that there is, but I do know that rhassoul clay and Morrocan red clay are definitely not the same. I had bought some locally when Mountain Rose Herbs was out of rhassoul clay before and there is a difference in color and texture. I hope they restock soon as someone else had asked this too.
Melissa says
Hello,
If I have really dark scars due to acne on my back, do you recommend the same oils? And would you recommend combining anything or a specific way of cleansing in order to get the best result and get rid of the scars?
Thanks! 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Melissa,
I recently wrote this article about the best oils for acne prone skin. Also in this article I share 10 natural solutions for healing hyperpigmentation. Cleansing with rhassoul clay versus a traditional soap would also be very good for your skin. Here is one more article specifically about acne and hyperpigmentation that I think will be helpful to you as well.
I am sharing article links that will hopefully answer your questions in more detail and provide you with more information than I can rewrite here. Keep me posted how it all works out. I wish you the very best!
Trish says
I recently discovered your sight. What is the difference between Rosehip Oil and Rosehip Seed Oil? I have so many problems (below). I actually researching Tamanu Oil, when I came across this article.
– I have extreme pigmentation on my face – and I mean extreme.
– I have open pores and blocked pores on my face, mainly around my nose and cheeks.
– I also have blemishes, oily skin and acne on my face.
– Very dry skin on my body, with scaly skin on my legs.
– I developed discoid eczema (dermatitis), mainly on my legs, in the last year.
– I scar very easily and am accident prone so have scars from burns and knives, mainly on my arms.
– Stretch marks
– Rough, dry, black skin on my joints, eg elbows, toes, knuckes, knees.
Sorry for the long post, but I am desperate
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Trish,
The condition of our skin is one way our body let’s us know if there are imbalances inside the body. Many times we think of treating our skin with topical solutions alone yet there is a bigger picture to this. I like to look at healing our skin on a multifaceted system which includes very healthy eating meaning no processed foods, drinking lots of water, and eating organic, eliminating chemicals from our beauty products which have ingredients which cause contact dermatitis and other harmful health issues, as well as getting enough sleep and exercise. I wrote this article about this multifaceted system.
Also if you are acne prone it is extremely helpful to eliminate all oils high in oleic acid and only use products or oils high in linoleic acid. You can read about that here. The last thing that you may want to consider is the emotional side of skin ailments. I wrote more on that here.
I hope that these three articles will give you enough information to take caring for your skin and your health in the best way that you can. I wish you the very best on your healing journey!
PS. I believe that rosehips and rosehips seed oil are exactly the same.
Trish says
PS ^^^ I meant ‘site’ not ‘sight’! Also, I can provide pictures of some of the things I mentioned above if requested as longs as they are not posted or published ANYWHERE
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Trish,
No worries about photos. Please check out the article links that I shared with you in the 1st comment reply. If you have further questions just let me know. Best wishes!
Trish says
Hi Dawn
Thanks for getting back to me – I really didn’t expect it & I’m so touched. I’m at a point in my life where I’m depressed about a lot of things, including me appearance so it means a lot.
I’ve already read several threads about skin care on your blog and have begun to try / order some of stuff you recommend.
I started using Rhassoul for my hair in December, so I’m now trying it on my face.
I bought some Rosehip Seed Oil last week, and will probably purchase some Tamanu and microfibre cloths.
I also bought some Manuka Honey from M&S, then found out that it’s been pasteurised, so I may take it back.
I do have some questions, but I think it would make more sense to post them in the relevant threads, which I will do in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks again
Trish
I do have some questions but I think it would mak
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Trish,
Please keep me posted and if possible don’t try too many different things at one time so that you are clear with what is helping and what is not. It may be helpful to also keep a journal during this learning curve with healing your skin.
Best wishes and happy new year!
Trish says
Ok, so I just re-read this thread and here is my first question:
Is Tamanu Oil generally considered to be the most effective oil for sun-damage, hyperpigmentation, scars, open pores etc?
I know results can differ from person to person, but I’m trying to plan what to buy first, instead of being my usual PJ self and going out and buying everything!
TIA
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tia,
Tamanu oil is a powerful regenerating oil known especially for burn victims or healing surgery incisions. It is wonderful for aging skin and skin regeneration in general. If you need an oil for cleansing/moisturizing and are acne prone read about these oils.
Best wishes and happy new year!
Raz says
Hi
I have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from hair removal on my upper lip, I used to thread but then stopped, I noticed the pigmentation fade somewhat but then I decided that I would bleach the hair and bam the pih returned with a vengeance:(
It’s so depressing, I have purchased numerous oils to try including rosehip, jojoba, red raspberry seed, cranberry and argan
Sun exposure makes the pih much worse, since the weekend it has gone much darker, I use a physical zinc only suncream but this seriously dries my skin out but I have no choice but to use it
I am in the process of making my own face cream which I will add above oils too, not sure which ones yet, I have bought so many creams but they all break me out
Would you recommend using the oils alone or adding then to a cream? Also I read to use rosehip only at night, do any of the other oils mentioned need to be restricted to night use only?
I’ll look into Tamanu and seabuck
This is a great site, I will be checking the other topics too
Thank you
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Raz,
If you are acne prone then only use high linoleic acid oils. I honestly don’t see the need in using creams when oils do an amazing job by themselves. I just apply oil to wet skin to seal in that moisture. Red raspberry seed oil is high in linoleic acid, yet you will see in this article that argan, jojoba, and tamanu oil is not. I would let you skin calm before trying to work on the hyperpigmentation. Healing hyperpigmentation takes time so just be patient. Both this and this article may also help.
Best wishes!
Raz says
Hi Dawn
Thanks for your email, I tried a mix of grapevseed and rosehip in wet skin but still get dry patches, does it take time for your skin to adjust, my skin also feels a little tight
I tried rosehip before as a moisturiser alone but it wasn’t moisturising my skin
Could you recommend any other oils that are more moisturising than this?
Thanks again x
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Raz,
You can try hemp seed oil and also herbal facial steaming for dry skin. Make sure too that you are drinking enough water daily and also eating enough healthy fats which will both moisturize and hydrate your skin from the inside out. Avoiding/limiting caffeine and alcohol intake will also help keep your skin hydrated. Hope that you find exactly what works for you very soon.
Best wishes!
Raz says
Hi Dawn
Thanks for your response again,
How bizarre I ended up buying hemp seed oil yesterday 🙂 I heard it can be drying if you already have dry skin, I have rough patches on my face, I used it last night, still too soon to tell but I will give it a few days
Would you recommend mixing it with another oil or just alone?
I’m going to try oil cleansing too with the pumpkin seed, really hope my skin improves, fingers crossed
Thank you
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Raz,
I’ve used oils mixed and individually. I like to use them by themselves first so I know exactly how my skin reacts. Then if I feel inclined I may mix them with other oils that I like. It really just depends. I have recently added rosehip seed oil to my skin care regimen as a moisturizer. It is another amazing carrier oil.
With some patience and trial and error I know your skin will improve. I just takes some time to pay attention to exactly what your personal skin’s needs are. Best wishes!
brooke says
Anyone who has had great results with any of these oils? How long did it take to see the results?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Brooke,
It usually takes a month to see results from a new skin care product or regimen. You can see in detail how I cleared my skin here and also read about oils best for acne prone skin if you are acne prone here. Rosehip seed oil is one of my favorite carrier oils. I hope this helps.
orangeAmy says
I am an older woman, and have older scars on my body, alot of it due to hyper-pigmentation and I have suffered with it for years. Throughout the years, I have purchased alot of expensive scar removal remedies and nothing worked for me. I decided to buy the Dr Max Powers Scar Serum and I cannot believe the scars are fading and barely visible. I still need to use a little concealer, but I feel I can face the world better now. It does take some time, but is does work. If you have a new scar, use the Dr Max Scar Serum right away and it will fade fast. For older scars like mine, it may take months, but it does work. I encourage you to give it a try.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi OrangeAmy,
Thanks for sharing this! <3
Teo says
I’m a few years late in my response…
1) but is it possible to combine RoseHip, Tamanu and SeabuckThorne into one dispenser to make them easier to take care of you, or does combining them together affect its effectiveness?
2) Or is better to rotate them on a daily baisis, like two Tamanu for 2 days, RoseHip for 2 days and SeabuckThorne for 2 days, and then Raw Manuka Honey/Colostrum mix mask once a week when I’m not using the oils?
3) It seems that RoseHip and SeaB. overlap in a lot of their functions (correct me if read wrong), would you suggest another oil whose benefit will greatly contrast, for example, Rosehip + Tamanu + Argan, Coconut, GrapeSeed, Grapefruit, Tea Trea, etc…
4) The 3 oils you mention are a bit expensive to use for the entire body – would you recommend coconut Oil or Grapeseed Oil, which seems cheaper for the rest of the body?
Thank you so much!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Teo,
If you are acne prone or have sensitive skin I would try only one oil at a time to ensure that it works well for you before creating an oil mix. If you are acne prone than reading this article will be extremely helpful. Rosehip seed oil is great for dehydrated and acne prone skin and also one of my favorite oils. Grapeseed oil is wonderful alternative to body lotion too. It takes some trial and error to find exactly what works best for you but the process is worth it. I hope this helps some!
erica says
wish i could use oils, but I have heard that oils increase facial hair, as oils is nourishing and stimulating. thats why oil is great for hair on The head as well as beard for guys. So may these oil make peachfuzz on face/facial hair grow more, Get longer and thicker? i have bad experience of some oils and have read people had same experience.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Erica,
Many creams contain oils although they are emulsified with water, hydrosols, etc. Use your judgement on what is best for you. Have a great day!
Erica says
Yes. i know. so i use nothing but sunscreen and mist, but experiencing changes suddently. Very dry. So you dont have any experience or people regarding oil and promoting hair growth face and body? BTW. What product and cleanser do you use for Your hair? It’s beautiful 😊
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Erica,
I am aware of castor oil promoting hair growth, yet I have never experienced this when applying it too my face in terms of unwanted facial hair. It has been known to thicken eyebrows though. You can see my current hair regimen in detail here and overall beauty regimen here. Thanks for the compliment too!
FQ says
Hi,
what was the name of the youtuber that you looked at?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi FQ,
It was such a long time ago that I honestly don’t remember. Have a beautiful day!
Masha says
Hi Dawn
Really need your help. I need a body oil, my body skin type is normal to dry. Main concern: dryness, sunburn, scars, dullness. For my face ( combo acne prone), I use rosehip oil which great but I need something to boost my light scar and sunburn away. what do you recommend for that? or I should just stick with rosehip oil alone?
thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Masha,
I love using rosehip seed oil for the body too! You can use it as is or mix it with another favorite oil.
Masha says
I have few scars in my body light ones what oil can I mix with rosehip oil to relieves dryness and scars?
Masha says
Or essential oils?
Annisa aulia says
Hi!
So , my name is annisa and i’m 16 years old.
I got a lot of tiny bumps on my forehead and cheeks and at some point it became pimple. Lots of pimple and scar.
Oh blackheads and whiteheads too!
My face is dry now (i used to have oily skin) because i used benzolac and other product (chemical and non-chemical).i don’t know what mosturizer is good for me.
I’ve been using a loottttt , like a lot of products,you named it.and mask too. (I think every fruit that i could find i used it on my face).
So do i need to buy tamanu oil or rosehip oil ? Or both?
And it means a lot to me if you have tips for my face. Thankyou!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Annisa,
For starters check out this article on what I truly believe the cause of acne is. It sounds like your skin could use a break and most acne geared skin care dries the skin way too much and does not heal it, but brings it out of balance. I would not use tamanu oil because it is NOT good for those who are acne prone as it is high in oleic acid and those with acne need oils high in linoleic acid. Pumpkin seed oil or hemp seed oil may be a good option for you. Always buy organic and unrefined oils. Lastly check out my 100% organic skin care line AZUHA which is for all skin types and especially those who are acne prone. I wrote about the first product released here and here. Best wishes!
Annisa aulia says
Do i need to buy rosehip oil so my face get moisturized?
Phuong says
Can you use sea buckthorn straight? If I decided to dilute it with tamanu, what should be the ratio? Thank you!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Phuong,
I’ve shared other oil recipes on the blog which you can modify like this one with the oils you are interested in using. I hope this helps.