The skin is the body’s largest organ and is protected by the sebum, which consists of triglycerides, wax esters, and squalene. These oils are very effective at shielding our skin from the daily barrage of bacteria and toxins, and play an important role in our overall health. That’s why it’s so important to preserve them.  The polarized molecules in most water-based soaps mix with the water we splash onto our faces as we apply them. They may attract some polarized dirt particles but will never attract oil molecules. Much like when you shake oil and vinegar together in a bottle, when you wash with water the oil and water molecules on your face move around but do not truly interact.  Kindred’s carefully formulated oils, on the other hand, gently loosen the top layer of sebum that traps dirt and makeup. They clean the skin without stripping the needed sebum, which is deeper in the pores. “Over cleaning” with conventional soaps can stimulate the production of excess sebum and create unwanted oiliness. Oil cleansing removes foreign particles while maintaining a healthy sebum.

Makes perfect sense to me.  So, just how do you oil cleanse?  I’ve been cleansing with Kindred’s Blemish Cleanse (they also make an Original Oil Cleanse for skin that is not blemish prone).  The Blemish Cleanse contains ingredients that really target acne, like tea tree oil and geranium oil.  At night, I massage the oil all over my face in a circular motion, loosening up the day’s makeup and any pollutants.  I let the oil sit for a few minutes while I brush my teeth so it can do it’s work.  Then, I take a very warm, wet washcloth and gently, thoroughly wipe my face clean.  I follow up with two pumps of Nightly Nourish, a calming, hydrating face oil.  In the morning, I oil cleanse again, and follow up with Morning Moisture.  That’s it.

Another product I have loved is the Polish Cleanse.  It’s a super food, oil-based, exfoliating scrub full of Spirulina goodness.  I’ve massage it into my face with my hands and leave it on while I shower – it’s kind of like a mask and exfoliating scrub in one.  My skin looks and feels so calm and fresh afterward.  This product is like a green smoothie for the skin.

I know you have questions.  Yes, I got a few whiteheads for the first week or so when I switched from double cleansing to oil cleansing.  They subsided and my skin looks really clear.  (If you break out into painful cysts and your skin becomes irritated and red, stop using immediately; this is not “normal”.)  No, my skin doesn’t look super-shiny.  It did take some time getting used to the feeling of a thin veil of oil on my face (I have naturally oily skin and I live in a hot, humid climate), but for those who have dry, dehydrated, aging or sensitive skin, you will love the way your skin feels.  The formulas are very soothing and refreshing and they have aromatherapy benefits as well.  By the way, Kindred Skincare only uses organic, food grade, cold-pressed plant-based oils in its products (except for the body baton, which contains beeswax).  Frances has spent years creating the most ideal formulations with the best oils.  Her products are not just a few carrier oils mixed together, but contain both carrier and essential oils that work synergistically together.

So, are you dying to try oil cleansing?  Kindred Skincare and I are teaming up to give away one of Kindred Skincare’s Core Systems worth $155!  (choose between a Cleanse Core or a Blemish Cleanse Core.  Both include an oil cleanser, AM face oil, PM face oil, and oil cleansing mitt.)

How to Enter:

• Follow @barebeautyblog and @kindredskincareco on Instagram.
• Like my post tonight (around 9pm EST) about Kindred Skincare
• Tag a friend, telling them why you are kindred spirits

The winner will be announced on Monday, June 26th at 9pm EST in the comments section of the same post.

Easy!