For the first time in a very long time I have included a store bought product (not just a single ingredient) into my skin care routine. One thing that I have learned over the years is to listen to my body. I have been doing a detox and my skin was becoming very particular and overly sensitive. For someone who already has sensitive skin, this was becoming extremely frustrating, not to mention dealing with the other healing symptoms of doing a detox. If you have ever done a detox before you know exactly what I’m talking about. Here are all the details of my new organic skin care regimen.
Cleansing
Simply washing my face with water wasn’t soothing enough, and oil cleansing with high linoleic oils wasn’t doing the trick either. So I resorted back to washing my face with raw honey, yet this time taking it up a notch by using Manuka honey. And yes I do find Manuka honey to be even more healing to the skin than plain raw honey.
Read more on using raw honey as a healing face wash here. When applied with damp hands honey is not sticky. I use it as I would any other face wash.
No Five Steps Here!
If you have been with me for sometime you would know that I’m not a huge fan of the five step skin care regimen of cleanse, tone, moisturize, treat, and protect. That was what I was taught when working in cosmetics to have five items to sell to clients. True beauty comes from within by having a clean and healthy gut. All the rest is just icing on the cake!
Moisturizing
After washing my face with Manuka honey, I jump right into moisturizing. At the beginning of my detox my skin was not accepting my favorite moisturizing oil, organic rosehip seed oil. For about a week I went without moisturizing at all until I could figure out what to do. Then I remembered a moisturizer that I had come across a few years ago that was raw, organic, and oil-free, Live Live & Organic Bee Yummy™ Skin Food.
Because I am acne prone I refuse to use anything that is not high in linoleic acid. Going on almost two years of only using high linoleic oils on my face for skin care, I have no plan on changing that any time soon. Most natural and organic moisturizers that I was looking at have a mix of high linoleic and oleic oils. Well since my skin was having temper tantrums of sorts, I knew no oils at all would be ideal for the meantime.
Bee Yummy™ Skin Food is made from Wildflower Honey, Honey Cappings, Bee Pollen, Propolis, St. John’s Wort Oil, Royal Jelly, Purified Water, and Balsam Fir Needles as fragrance. The ingredients are beyond incredible and a little bit goes a long long way. This is a soothing light weight non-greasy moisturizer with a slightly sweet and refreshing scent. I’ve been using it for over a month now and I LOVE it! It truly is a luxurious healing treat for my skin. Although it is a bit pricey, it is the only product that I don’t make myself aside from a few makeup items.
My High Linoleic Oil/Moisturizer Combo
Now that my skin has calmed down some, I have incorporated organic rosehip seed oil back into the equation. Not only that, I now add carrot seed essential oil to my organic rosehip seed oil. You can read the benefits of carrot seed essential oil here and organic rosehip seed oil here.
For moisturizing I mix a drop or two of my oil mix with my Bee Yummy™ Skin Food and I have the best combination of both worlds. This has been an incredible addition to my regimen. TIP: I always mix no more than 10 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of a carrier oil.
Makeup Remover
In general I don’t wear face makeup anymore. I have been playing around with simple eye makeup looks though, so I just use my oil mix to remove my eye makeup. On the rare occasion that I wear more makeup I simply oil cleanse with a microfiber cloth which I wrote about in detail here. I am currently just using rosehip seed oil for that as well since I’m out of organic pumpkin seed oil. Instead of restocking at the moment, I’m just using what I have.
Taking Out The Trash
So there it is, my updated skin care regimen. As for more information on what detox I’m doing etc. I am still in the process of it all. I’ll most likely be more open to sharing more about it when I completely finish the initial healing process. In truth though detoxing is a way of life. Some people detox seasonally, but it all depends upon where you are in your healing journey.
I will say this though. If you are battling acne, eczema, or other skin issues, you honestly may want to look into what you are eating and how well you are releasing. I’ve learned that pretty much every illness or dis-ease begins with colon health.
Your gut health is the true Queen B of it all. There is no magic in a jar alone. Healthy organic beauty products are literally just the icing!
One Love!
Update… Organic Skin Care by Minimalist Beauty ~ i am AZUHA ~ Created With Oils High in Linoleic Acid
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
swapna says
Love your blog a lot! Your microfiber towel trick worked for me. Love the new design as well
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Swapna,
Thanks so much for the compliment on the new site design. I’m still working on finishing everything up. It is taking much more time than I thought. I am also thrilled that using a microfiber cloth for skin care has a been working for you. Have a great day!
Glenda says
Hi Dawn Michelle,
From experience I know your last statement is true–start with a healthy body and the rest is fairly simple, especially if you treat your skin “simply”, less is most definitely more.
I had an allergic reaction to something I ate about a month ago, and in order to help my body get rid of the toxins a little faster, I used Super Strength Oil of Oregano P73 by North American Herb & Spice, and my skin, which already looked very good thanks to following your advice about oils, started looking as if it glows, and this is the only thing I was doing differently. I use a drop every day now as a preventative for bacterial & viral infections/illnesses/diseases & more. For more information on the healing powers of this, you can read the book “The Cure is in the Cupboard”–I have no affiliation with this, by the way, just very glad I found out about it.
The only product I’m using other than my own stuff I mix up with 2 T. rosehip seed oil and essential oils (in addition to 5 drops carrot, I also put in 5 drops each frankincense & myrrh, & 10 drops each sandalwood & rose-geranium), for age-related under-eye circles I use a tiny bit every night of “All Natural Queen Bee Eye Cream” sold at QueenBeeCream.com & Amazon–again no affiliation, just works extremely well for me.
Thanks again for your transparency on your beautiful blog–I recommend it all the time!
Glenda
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Glenda,
Thank you so much for your kind words and also sharing your skin care regimen! I also appreciate the recommendations. Oregano oil is wonderful for boosting the immune system. I used it this winter to knock out the beginnings of a cold. It works wonders!
Cynthia says
I have been soaking up all the info you share here – thanks for being so generous with your knowledge. Can I ask for your rosehip seed oil/carrot seed EO mix? I’ve read that carrot seed EO can be strong and to be careful not to use too much…Thanks again!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Cynthia,
I just mix 10 drops of carrot seed essential oil to 1 ounce of rosehip seed oil. You can always start with less and see how your skin responds. Hope this helps!
Markyta says
What do you use for sun protection (SPF for face, lips and body)?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Markyta,
I use zinc oxide based sunscreens. I list some here which I like. Hope this helps!
Adrienne says
I stumbled across your blog a couple weeks ago in a search for henna techniques and I’ve been hooked ever since. My husband and i have been drinking green smoothies for about three months and weve both noticed an incredible difference made in our energy, digestion and weight. And my 4c hair has experienced much less breakage and has begun to grow. I tried the spray recipie listed on here last week that contained aloe vera juice, water and jojoba oils after I washed my hair. I noticed my hair held a better style for twists and it had a bit more bounce. I am going to use some bentonite clay I’ve had for awhile (but didn’t know what to do with). I too am tired of commercial products that do more harm than good to my tresses.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Adrienne,
Thanks so much for your comment! Clean eating makes a huge difference with how you feel. I’m also glad that after trying the DIY Leave-In Conditioner recipe you already saw a noticeable difference in your hair. This simple hair spritz closes the hair cuticle and adds moisture to the hair. Have a great weekend!
Melody says
Hi,
Quick question about the skincare regimen. Maybe you’ve mentioned this before but what about SPF? I really want to try the bee yummy skin food but think I’d have to put an SPF moisturizer on top.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Melody,
I mainly wear sunscreen for long outdoor activities (Badger’s brand and list of others to try here) but not on a daily basis but that may change. Have a beautiful day!
maryann says
HI Dawn
Just found your site ,I have been trying to go cleaner and simple . i am 52 but still have blackheads , clogged pores and some small breakouts . Is there something you can recommend or where to start . There are so many natural organic things out there
thanks so much
maryann
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryann,
I have had great results using high linoleic oils for acne and many of my readers have too. You also want to look into whole body health and healing as our skin is only a reflection of what is going on inside our body. You can read more about that here, here, and here. Best wishes!
Kimberly says
Hi Dawn Michelle,
I read this article – see below, and thought of you and how thankful I am that you shared your discoveries about high linoleic oils. You have inspired me to keep my skin care routine simple and wholesome. I love your blog!
Thanks.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3132647/Is-skin-chemical-attack-designer-cosmetic-brands-contain-danger-ingredient-TWO-YEARS-doctors-raised-alarm.html
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks for sharing this! Less is definitely more and chemical-free is the best way to go!
zia says
Hi,
I also love using honey to wash my face. I’m looking for some natural lip color other than using beets. Could Red Palm oil work as a reddish lip color by itself? How long does it last? Does it work as a lip stain? It has a lot of vitamins and seems to be nourishing.
Thanks,
Zia
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Zia,
I haven’t used red palm oil. Have you ever tried making tinted lip balms? There are simple natural ingredients that you can add for tints such as hibiscus, cacao, annatto seed, etc. You can see my recipe here. Hope this helps!
maryann says
HI Dawn Michelle
thanks so much for the wonderful information . I have found that a simple approach is best especially for acne sensitive skin I have such great information here thanks again
mar
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryann,
I’m so glad that this has been helpful to you in some way. Best wishes with everything!
maryann says
Hi Dawn Michelle
I don’t know if you answered this before ,but I have a problem with clogged pores , since using a pure and cleaner regime my blemishes are starting to clear . I still have clogged pores on my nose and cheeks and also the sides of my nose . Is their anything you can recommend
all the best
maryann
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryann,
Herbal steaming and a clay mask would help with clogged pores. I share how I steam here and this regimen is also a part of this at home spa treatment. Hope this helps!
Dimitris says
Hi!which sunscreen do you use?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Dimitris,
I honestly haven’t been wearing sunscreen daily unless I’m outside for long lengths of time because my skin has been really particular lately. I do share two of my favorites here though. (Badger’s & Devita). Hope this helps!
maryann says
HI Dawn Michelle
Thanks so much . Steam articles looks great , and I will definitely be checking out Mountain Rose products have a great week
maryann
Dawn Michelle says
You are so welcome Maryann!
mary ann says
Hi Dawn Michelle :
after devouring all this great info, I just placed an order for the mountain rose steam , clay mask , pumpkin oil and rosehip oil . i also purchased organic honey . While I am a bit older than you at 52 , I have found someone who shares my skin issues . After reading your blog I see it is best when I keep it simple too much or too many ingredients does not work > I learned so much from you: Olive oil may not be the best for my acne prone skin ( Wondered why my pores still clogged and still breakout ) wash cloth maybe too Much exfoliation . I am switching to microfiibers . Thanks again for this help. Will keep you posted . It is such a treat to find all this information at our fingertip in one stop . have a wonderful weekend
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Mary Ann,
I’m thrilled that you are finding this information helpful. Definitely keep us posted on your progress. Wishing you the best and have a beautiful day!
mary ann says
Hi Dawn Michelle
Just had to tell you how happy I am with my new routine Thanks to you and this wonderful sight my skin is soft and the redness ,irritation is calming down . I cleanse in the morning with Raw organic honey ,use my sunscreen and w3ll people makeup , in the evening I am using Pumpkin seed oil and a microfiber cloth and moisturizing with a little rosehip oil . I steam and mask with the mountain rose product weekly That’s it !!!. I finally look forward to cleansing my face . thanks again
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Mary Ann,
This is awesome news!!! Your regimen sounds incredible! Thanks for sharing this and best wishes!
Cony says
Thank you so much for this awesome amazing educational page! Thank you for all your wonderful tips. I just had two questions. 1. Why did you change for Pumpkin Seed Oil to Rosehip Seed Oil?
2. I didn’t quite understand your regimen with the moisturizing part, Do you mix the Rosehip Oil with the Carrot Seed Oil? How many drops of each? And after mixed, you mix it with the Bee Yummy? and then you apply onto your skin? After you apply, do you still use the microfiber cloths? , as you explained in your Pumpkin Seed Oil article.
Thank so much for all your help!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Cony,
I haven’t moved away from pumpkin seed oil yet instead of purchasing new ingredients when I run out I instead use what I have and I still have rosehip seed oil which I also love. I just do my best to keep my readers updated with what I am currently using. As for moisturizing I put a bit of Bee Yummy Skin Food in my hand, add 1-3 drops of rosehip seed/carrot essential oil mix, rub my palms together then pat into my skin. I hope that’s clear. And I use microfiber cloths when I oil cleanse if I am wearing makeup (which is seldom now) or need a gentle exfoliation.
Best wishes!
maryann says
HI Dawn Michelle
I see Bee Yummy skin food has a sample kit on their website for $5.95 decided to try it just ordered it ,loving my skin routine so far just amazing !!! simplicity at its best
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Maryann,
Simplicity is amazing. I’m glad you are enjoying your skin care routine and I’m sure you will love the Bee Yummy Skin Food!
mary ann says
Hi Dawn Michelle
I am really enjoying the sample of Bee Yummy face cream ,it is so light . I like alternating it with my rosehip , at night . Next I am going to try to mix it with the rosehip as you mentioned
thanks again for the great recommendation have a wonderful and blessed weekend !!
maryann
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Mary Ann,
Great to hear! I love the texture of it too. Have a beautiful weekend!
mary ann says
Hi Dawn Michelle
My local Health food store is having a sale on many of the brands of oil and essential oils they sell . I just picked up a bottle of essential carrot seed oil to mix with my rosehips . Even though I have acne prone skin I am 52 , so I think this will be a nice mix , Will soon be picking up the full size of BEE Yummy . I liked it very much . All the best and thanks again for all this information
matyann
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Mary Ann,
Both rosehip seed oil and carrot seed essential oil are amazing for anti-aging as well. I’m glad you enjoyed the Bee Yummy Skin Food too!
Janean says
HI Dawn Michele,
I really enjoy reading your blog for skin care. I had been using the pumpkin seed oil for makeup removal and skin moisturizer. I noticed your last entry did not include that in your skin care regimen–just the rose hip oil and carrot essential oil. Did your face just need a change or did you not like the results over time with pumpkin seed oil?
Thank you
Janean
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jenean,
You are not the first to ask me this question. When I ran out of pumpkin seed oil I decided not to repurchase it right away and just use up my rosehip seed oil first. Well I still have some rosehip seed oil left, but I plan to get some more pumpkin seed oil even if I don’t finish it completely since I actually miss it.
Jessenia R. says
Hey girl,
I used the yummy food moisturizer this is day 2 and i’ve been having zits pop up these two days I’m affraid to keep using it and makes my face feel stick. I use the Alaffia Neem & Black Soap Skin Recovery Facial Cleanser which I love because it make my face feel awsome but a little tight so I’ve been trying to find a good moisturizer. Im upset with the yummy food because it cost me 44$ 🙁 and I just orders hemp seed oil.
Any suggestions ?
thank you,
your inspiring,
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jessenia R,
The cleanser that you are using contains soap which is very alkaline for skin, more on that here, as well as two high oleic oils (palm oil and shea butter) which you can read more about here. I’m not sure how long you have been using your current cleanser but it is very important that you know about the ingredients in your products. Also it is possible that your skin is not favoring the new moisturizer. In that case definitely try using a high linoliec oil such as pumpkin seed oil or hemp seed oil. You can see all the details on how I oil cleanse and moisturize here. Best wishes!
JB says
Hello!
I recently have been blessed to stumble upon your blog. I am currently making the transition to a holistic, all natural beauty regimen and taking the time to take better care of my skin; most of the new products I have been using so far have been great….I’m also very
thankful to not have sensitive skin but I still am very careful when trying new products.
I started washing my face with the organic honey from Trader Joes and it was an instant love affair! Right after I rinse it off, I’ve been using rosehip seed oil which is also a
new part of my routine. It its been great; even my honest (who has no problem being brutally honest) brother noticed how “extra clean and shiny” my skin looked on a day where I was wearing no makeup which made me happy to hear.
I’ve always had good skin which I give thanks to God and my Central American mother 🙂 However, I just started on week three and I noticed bumps on my jawline, some on my cheeks and chin and. They’re not pimples, just bumps. I’ve read that when switching up your regimen, your skin reacts and purges. And I wanted to ask you if you could shed some light on this with your own experiences. It would be a great help!
Thank you
Dawn Michelle says
Hi JB,
I’m so glad that you are enjoying your new skin care regimen. The purging process does happen sometimes especially if you used stronger chemical products before. At the same time if they heal quickly it’s all good. If it is progress without improvement definitely look into hormone imbalances and gut health. Your diet is everything an how well your body is processing those foods is even more important. I share a bit on hormonal imbalances here and diet here. Best wishes!
AM says
Hi! I just discovered your blog and have been reading several posts as I can totally relate to your skin problems. I think we have the same skin type, so I’m excited to give your regimen a go! I have been steering clear from all oils lately after several failed attempts to moisturize my slightly dry (or probably dehydrated) skin. I will give it a last chance with some oils high in linoleic and pray it works for me as well!
I’ve decided on the pumpkin seed oil, but the one you recommended is not available for shipping to Europe. I found this one on iherb:
— do you think it’s safe to use on skin, is it pure enough? Or do you know of any other websites who sell pumpkin seed oil who also ship to Europe?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi AM,
Cold pressed, organic, and unrefined carrier oils are the way to go. I hope that you enjoy pumpkin seed oil as much as I do!
Gracie Marie says
Hi – Love your blog! I didn’t see this question. I’m switching my oil to one you recommend for acne prone skin, but the oil states it should be refrigerated. So do you put the oil in the refrigerator and just take it out and use each morning/evening or is there an easier way to keep the oil closer at hand in the bathroom for my daily use? Thanks!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Gracie Marie,
Oils such as hemp seed oil or rosehip seed oil are best refrigerated so I do keep more fragile oils in the fridge. I’m so glad you are enjoying the site too!
Ronny says
Kind of confuse, so are you saying not to start with oil cleansing with pumpkin seed oil anymore and to start cleansing with manuka oil only instead??
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Ronny,
In this article I shared how I changed my skin care regimen when it was responding extremely badly to everything that was working prior to a major detox that I was doing. Detoxing can sometimes be very intense. After my body settled down during the healing process, I happily returned to using pumpkin seed oil as my cleanser ( oil cleansing) and moisturizer.
Kelly says
Hi Dawn, I’ve just started to look into face oils and organic skin cares. I’ve read a few other posts from you. Could you please advise if I can mix grape seed and hemp seed oils together? Or would it be better to start with one? Thank you.
Kelly.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kelly,
Try each oil one a at a time to ensure that your skin responds well to each before mixing them. They are both great oils though. I hope this is helpful to you and best wishes!
Eva says
I’m going to order the organic rose seed oil. Do you put yours in a glass bottle with dropper and use it that way or keep it in the bottle it comes in and pour out what you need each time? I want to prevent it getting contaminated. Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Eva,
I keep rosehip seed oil in the refrigerator. I do pour a small amount in a glass dropper bottle though for easy use especially since I only use a few drops at a time as a moisturizer. A little goes a long way. If you are reusing a glass bottle you can sanitize it in the dishwasher, or even use alcohol to clean it out, then let it air dry before putting in your oil. Hope this helps!
Hannah says
Hey Dawn Michelle, I found your blog only a few days ago, but I’ve been coming back to you for many skin care tips ! Love your way of writing and how you explain things in simple ways 🙂 A small doubt, don’t you use any SPF product outdoors…? How do you protect your skin from sun ? Please reply.
thanks a lot
xoxo
Hannah.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Hannah,
I don’t use sun protection daily because we also receive vitamin D from the sun and it is processed through our skin. I do wear sunscreen if I plan to do outdoor activities or am outside for long periods of time. I prefer zinc oxide based sunscreens and shared my favorites here. Best wishes!
Jonathan says
What do you think of Passionfruit/Maracuja oil for cleansing or moisturizing? I’ve only used product marketed as “Cleansing Oil” or “Facial Oil” and never just one ingredient oils.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jonathan,
I’ve never used this oil myself. If you are acne prone using high linoleic oils helps tremendously. I shared more about those types of oils here. If you come across other oils not listed and desire to know about the oleic/linoleic acid balance search “chemical composition of ______ oil” online. I hope this helps!
Taylor Lincoln says
Hi I was wondering why do you feel that oil cleansing wasn’t working for you anymore?
My skin is so dry and just clogged but my acne isn’t inflamed just every pore is clogged and I think it’s because I don’t moisturise at all because I’m afraid it will just clog my pores more.
I really wanted to try cleansing my skin with pumpkin seed oil but I’m also afraid of that!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Taylor,
I didn’t oil cleanse at this time because my skin had a very unfavorable reaction to a detox I was doing at the time. Now I am able to oil cleanse again if I choose. Also using high linoleic oils for acne prone skin can really make a difference. After learning about these types of oils I no longer have fear with using oil on my skin as long as the ratio is what I need. I hope this helps!