Cold weather that is.   The changing of the seasons means dry skin and dry skin can lead to cracking, irritation, dead skin build-up and ultimately break-outs.  So what do you do when your normal SPF moisturizer isn't doing the trick anymore?  As you age your skin gets even more dry.  That's why last year I discovered oil cleansing.  You may have seen all the brands at Sephora coming out with different versions.  My favorite store brand is Fresh's Seaberry Face Oil with a plant based oil blend and omega fatty acids.  But that can be expensive at around $50.  It also contains a nominal amount of the preservative BHT.  Caudalie's Detox oil is even better at around the same price with no preservatives.  But there is still a cheaper, cleaner and more effective alternative to remedy winter skin.  

To find that alternative we look to the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert in the South Western United States.  No, the Saguaro cacti and agave are not the only extraordinary plants exclusive to this region.  Here the jojoba plant grows wild.  For centuries Native American tribes have used it to make a salve for burns and skin irritations.  Today modern science gives us a closer look.  

As it turns out jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds, is not an oil at all but a wax esther.  The title, "oil," namely refers to it's substantive quality and feel.  Through science we've also learned that jojoba is the closest known substance to human skin oil (or sebum).  Sebum, although referred to as an oil, is also a wax esther.  Now your body uses this sebum, "oil," to rid the body of toxins through the pores.  Jojoba oil cleansing not only moisturizes your skin in the most natural way possible but it also accelerates the body's natural cleansing process.  Amazing huh?  The great news is you can buy the pure organic oil for less than 1/5th of the brand name designer oils.  Another great perk is that jojoba has virtually no odor so it won't overpower your favorite perfumes or lotions.  


Here is how I use it:  When my skin is super parched I will apply the oil directly to dry skin and rub it in (This seems so counterintuitive to someone with oily skin but it works!).  Then I take a hot, wet facecloth and wipe and rinse until my face feels replenished.  I'd recommend doing this once a week.  If your skin is less dry try wetting your face first and then repeat the same steps.  

So here we go, step-by-step:

1.  Apply oil to dry face

2.  Rub gently in circular motions

3.  Gently wipe off with hot, wet facecloth


Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Detox Overnight Oil Ingredients:  Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Oil*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil*, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Limonene*, Farnesol*. *Plant origin.

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil Ingredients:  Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Fragrance, BHT, Linalool, Limonene, Citral, Coumarin, Geraniol.

Organic Jojoba Oil Ingredients:  100% Expeller Pressed  Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil

If you have received a gift from me recently chances are it was this:  Voluspa's Santiago Huckleberry travel candle.  The smell is intoxicating.  Everyone loves it.  It's affordable at $8-10.  I mean even the cashier at the store said it was her favorite candle and that she keeps it in her room.  Mine too!  Personally, I keep one in my bathroom, room, and living room.   The best gifts are the ones that will get a lot of use.  Trust me you will have a hard time giving these as gifts as you will want to keep them for yourselves!  

With a broad knowledge in Botany and her husband's business savvy the Traci and Troy Arnsten power couple started their family candle making business in Orange County, California, making the first candle in their kitchen in 1999.  Traci applied her cultured, classical aesthetic while Troy employed his engineering skills to develop a revolutionary formula coveted in the industry. Their winning combination has made Voluspa a favorite among a long list of A-list celebrities.

The best part of Voluspa is their ecologically sound, sustainable and pesticide free ingredients.  I don't know about you but I feel nauseous when I walk by the Yankee Candle store.  Something about petroleum based waxes just makes me sick and this was true before I knew what petroleum based paraffin wax was.  Of course only a few can really say for sure what exactly is in Yankee candles because it is proprietary information.  But they've admitted to using refined paraffin.  Some candle companies even use leaded wicks!  But not Voluspa.  They are proud of their ingredients because their candles are ultra clean burning  (up to 90% cleaner than soy candles in independent lab tests) and their wax is made from healthy coconut oil.  Coconut oil is not only ultra clean burning but it also blends better with the fragrance revealing the subtle notes and preserving the fragrance's character.