The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Lemon Juice Exfoliator
Posted by Laurie (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) on 11/23/2008
I would like to know about the use of Lemon Juice and honey. As anyone ever tried this as I heard it on Oprah (beauty secrets) I Can't seem to find any of that on the site. Please let me know if this was ever tried. Thanks
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Grace (London, UK) on 10/29/2008
★★★★★
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Misha (Binghamton, New York) on 04/28/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I tried the oil cleansing method for about a month. It did not work for my skin, fairly balanced, normal skin with a slightly oily T-zone. I combined olive oil and castor oil (1/2 a drop of each), applied to my face, then steamed my face with a hot wash cloth for about 5-10 minutes. I then used the damp wash cloth to wipe away the excess oil. I did this process 1x per day at night and used olive oil soap in the morning. My skin absolutely glowed...for four days. AFTERWARDS, my skin broke out like never before! Hard cystic acne that hurt to the touch! Yikes!!! I actually contemplated going to the dermatologist it was so bad! I figured I was using the wrong combination of oils for my skin, so then I tried jojoba and castor oil for three weeks. This oil combination improved the condition of my skin, but not significantly.
I have since discontinued use of the oil cleansing method as I find it does not work for my skin. I have resumed my use of oil free cleansers and my skin is starting to clear up, however it still has quite a way to go before it returns to its "normal state"!
I still use jojoba oil as a light moisturizer for my face with good results.
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Alyssarae (Fort Wayne, In) on 02/25/2016
★★★★★
I actually had very similar results with OCM as my skin looked fabulous for a week or so then out of no where it was break out city. It was worse than ever before. I find that when mixing organic jojoba oil with my essential oils - lavender, tea tree, geranium, frankincense or a combination -my skin is much more clear and radiant. I also use an organic facewash and ACV with equal parts water as astringent.
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Tee (Chicago, Il) on 09/28/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Well I wasn't so lucky with the oil cleansing method. I wanted to know is there any kind of tool or product that can just suck the junk from under my skin. I saw a pore cleanser advertised a few years ago any recommedations? The stuff is like stuck in my skin til i squeeze it out and it stinks bad. I also have patches of these tiny bumps they never seems to go away on there own. Is there a name for this condition or is it just acne?
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Ratgirldjh (Austin, Texas, USA) on 09/30/2009
★☆☆☆☆
the oil cleansing method did did not work for me either. it ended up making my skin drier (i guess it really does remove oil) and also gave me cystic pimples too.
what helped me a lot - was to start using a tiny bit of baking soda and a wet face to exfoliate. then i use very diluted ACV afterwards to balance my skin back out.
after a few days of this my cystic pimples started clearing up. some are taking longer.
i think that why the oil cleansing method doesn't work for everyone is that you are actually massaging the oil into the pores and some pores are too small for it to come back out very well...
even with the steaming hot washcloth i still has this problem :(
i thought about steaming my face to try and get rid of the cystic pimples and it did help when i did it with water alone or a little ACV over a pot and then used a washcloth on my skin - or did the baking soda afterwards...
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Twitch (Nw, Ohio) on 10/06/2009
For those of you that have experienced acne breakouts from the oil cleansing method, this is really a detoxing period or reaction brought on by doing the OCM. What is happening is the oils are pulling toxins and debris out of the layers of the skin. If you keep it up it will eventually subside because it will have pulled all the gunk out over time. Also, to the one who used soap in the morning and OCM in the evening...using the soap is just defeating the purpose of doing OCM. What I do is do the OCM in the evening which also helps remove any makeup that was worn, then I just use a warm wet washcloth in the morning. Overnight there hasn't been much to contaminate my skin to warrant using much else on my face and it doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils.
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Saysouda (Nashville, Tn) on 10/12/2009
★★★★★
For a few months now I have been using this method and it has really worked for me. My skin is softer, smoother, and is clearer. I have always have problem skin and now at 36 yrs old I feel like I have found something that really works for me and is less expansive.
In the morning, I clean my face with witchhazel using cotton ball; then use warm damp cloth over face and neck. Sometimes I use BORAX when my skin feels oily, just sprinkle a little and add water to make paste, then rub on face and splash it off with warm water. The borax paste also works like an exfoliant.
At night, I rub VCO on face and neck. Wipe off with tissue, then use warm/damp cloth.
After cleaning, I moisturize with jojoba oil both day and night. In the daytime, I add sunscreen to my routine.
Recently I have tried the mask using honey and milk (a recipe I found here on EC) and I love the way the mask makes my skin feels. Soft and the lines are less noticeable.
I used VCO as a moisturize and found it was not hydrating enough for my skin. But I love it a cleanser. I even take 1 TBSP VCO internally every day and I feel like I have more energy and my skin feels clearer also. Oh, one more thing, yes, I did break out during the first week of trying this method. I think it was due to the impurities coming out of my skin.
Good luck and hang in there if you do break out some. Your skin is just detoxing itself.
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Ecfan99 (Everywhere, Usa) on 06/23/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Same results as Misha - glowing skin for a few days, and then the worst cystic acne of my life... It took months to clear up. Was using Organic EVOO mixed with a little Organic Castor Oil.
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Insectc (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 01/18/2012
Be really careful with the oil cleansing method. It depends on what kind of skin you have. I have bad skin, always prone to breakouts and lots of oiliness. My skin just does not naturally slough off the dead skin cells and oil accumulation the way it's supposed to. I was really excited try the oil cleansing method. I used a mix of castor oil and grapeseed oil. For two weeks my skin glowed. Then disaster!
I had the worst case of cystic acne I've ever had in my entire life (take it from somene who's had to deal with zits her entire life, and still I have never had anything like this). It happened on my chin, along with lots of tiny little bumps elsewhere on my face. It took 4 months before the acne finally calmed down, and another 6 months for it to clear completely. It's now been over a year and I'm still wary about breakouts on my chin.
I use a simple oatmeal soap to wash with, I tone with alcohol-free witch hazel and I moisturize with a light cocoa butter moisturizer. I use a small amount of moisturizer, just enough to hydrate my face. My face is quite clear now. I try to drink lots of water. The oil cleansing method was just not for me. It's for people who don't need to wash their faces that often because their skin naturally sloughs off the dead cells quickly and for those whose faces don't produce excessive amounts of oil to begin with. All I felt after a couple of weeks was buildup on my skin. By this I mean I would be rinsing my face with water and when I rubbed it gently, it felt rough and grimy. I persisted with OCM, thinking that eventually it would help. It did not, it made things worse. Believe me, I used warm washcloths and steamed and wiped gently until all trace of oil was gone after each cleansing, and then showered after. So no, I did not leave traces of oil on my face. And I only did it three times a week, in the evenings so it wasn't excessive. The oil cleansing method is not for everyone. I definitely need to wash my face every day to take away a day's worth of makeup, dirt and pollution. Gentle cleansing is the key, not harsh soaps and alcohol loaded toners but not OCM either, at least not for someone with my skin type.
Oil Cleansing Method
Posted by Lady From London (London) on 04/11/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I tried the oil cleansing method using 50% olive oil and 50% castor oil. I started breaking out (where before I had not much of anything). It continues now even though I haven't put any oil on my face for the last 3 days. I woke up with yet another spot forming.
I wanted to try it because I used to use Ernest Laszlo's oil on my face ages ago. It left my face in such good condition - but it was expensive to keep doing that regime. I was originally pleased to find this method again, only that it really doesn't work - at least the oils that I'm using don't work. If anyone knows the oils that were in The Ernest Laszlo bottle, please let me know. Otherwise, beware!
Now, I just use ACV to target the spots, and it's taking time to deal with them. I didn't have so much before this oil cleansing - so I feel like I'm backpeddling big time!
Oranges
Posted by Tercno (Johannesburg, South Africa) on 08/19/2008
★★★★★
For younger looking skin forever, eat 5 oranges per day, that is it! You'll be surprised at the things nature has provided us with.
Flaxseed Oil
Posted by June (Wichita, Kansas) on 08/03/2008
★★★★★
Hi everyone. I wanted to send my big YEA for flax seed oil and the skin. I take flax every so often, but lately I decided to up my daily dosage and take it consistently after all the great things I have been reading about it. I am taking 1 Tablespoon of organic flax (highest lignan count) 3 times a day for a couple of weeks and the effects have been phenomenal. My skin, all over my entire body, is glowing and youthful. My hands, which always look dry and cracked, look a thousand times better. My face looks different too, hard to explain how... better texture to the skin, tighter. It's not my imagination, a few of my friends have made comments about my glowing face. I guess I am having these effects because there is a lot more moisture, lubricating the skin - ? I look pretty good for my age (45) because I exercise regularly, getting a good sweat as often as I can, and eat a low calorie, low-fat diet when possible. But the flax seed oil has really been an amazing remedy for the skin.
I would recommend that people buy bottles of flax that are already refrigerated at the store because they don't contain those questionable preservatives. I bought an expensive bottle of organic flax oil at GNC (not refrigerated) a month ago and it tasted TERRIBLE! Rancid as can be... Then I went to Whole Foods and read through all the brands in the refrigerated section. They pretty much looked the same so I choose an organic brand that had a manufactured date of July, 2008.
I take my tablespoon straight up each time. In the morning before I eat, then lunch, then right before I go to sleep. Not bad tasting at all.
Anti-Aging Remedies
Posted by Jw (Pennsylvania) on 08/13/2017
What is VCO?
EC: VCO = Virgin Coconut Oil
Anti-Aging Remedies
Posted by Moira (Hemet, Ca) on 09/08/2020
Hello,
it cracks me up that I live in Hemet, as do you! Took me by surprise while reading on EC! I would love to know what helps skin in addition to Collagen and avoiding sugar and toxic chemicals.
Jojoba Oil
Posted by Killer Bees (Brisbane, Australia) on 06/25/2008
★★★★★
The best thing for beautiful glowing skin is
jojoba oil. I used to use coconut oil and that was fantastic for a while. But jojoba oil is finer and absorbs more readily into the skin. I've also been told about rosehip oil, but I haven't tried that yet. I might give it a go if I can find any.
As for the jojoba oil, it's made my skin smooth, wrinkle free and the rosacea around my nose and chin has disappeared. Plus if I get the odd pimple at "that time of the month", the jojoba oil gets rid of it within a couple of days without it becoming a horrible whitehead pustule. That is, if the pimples actually even show up at all!
I use it on my neck too. I'm 41 now and I definitely don't want the "turkey neck" look that so many women get at my age. It's working because I have no excess skin there at all - just smooth beautiful skin and people can't believe it when I tell them my age.
I also use sunscreen every day without fail over the top of the jojoba oil. Prevention is still better than cure after all. I bought mine from the health food store and it's cheaper and lasts longer than any commercially prepared product. Plus, it's all natural and that's the biggest drawcard for me. I'm not interested in putting chemicals on my face any more.
Jojoba oil is also really good for treating eczema and psoriasis. And it's a beautiful hand moisturiser as well. Absorbs immediately with no greasy after feel. Try it, you'll love it.
Castor Oil
Posted by Mila (Hixson, Tn) on 11/23/2009
What kind of facial exercises helps to tone the facial skin?
Facial Exercises
Posted by Jessica (Bavaria, Germany) on 06/18/2008
EC: Someone sent us this link last week...
Facial Exercises
Posted by Lampardtroy (Austin, Texas, United States) on 02/16/2012
Try some homemade remedies. They have awesome efforts to nourish skin. You can try like mixture of rose water and glycerin is effectual moisturizer. Use it daily. It will give better results.
Lifestyle Choices
Posted by Desiree (Tampa, FL) on 05/28/2008
I am 42 and people say I look like I am in my early 30's and some say late 20's. I think this is partially in the genes. I am Indian origin and the women in my family age gracefully. I use sunscreen daily in my moisturizer (30 SPF). My daily regiment includes an eye cream, moisturizer with SPF and cleansing with a foaming cleanser. I use Aveeno products to moisturize and cleanse. I drink lots of water. I also wear good sun glasses and never expose my face to direct sunlight.
Stephanie's Remedies
Posted by Maeryn (Calgary, Ab) on 12/06/2009
Hi Stephanie, what type of skin do you have? I have combination skin. oily in T -zone, dry on cheeks. Just wondering what skin type this treatment would work best with. Thanks!!
Grapeseed Oil
Posted by Stella (C, OH) on 05/20/2008
★★★★★
Hi I would just like to put in a Yea! For Grapeseed oil. I am 37 yrs old and I suffered from a bad skin condition on my face and body for over 2 Loong years. The dermatologist said it was adult acne but I'm not so sure. I had tried many natural & chemical based products to the point of exhaustion until I finally found a brand that worked to where I could have my life back but my skin was still always on that verge of a break out at anytime. Anyway - about a month ago my husband was at the health store and I asked him to buy grapefruit extract but by mistake he bought Grapeseed oil. Well Grapeseed oil was one of the few things that I did not try on my face so I thought since I had it I would try it. UnBelievable Is all I can Say. This stuff is so good it took my skin to the next level. I don't even use my usual face cream anymore. If you have acne or sensitive skin. Try Grapeseed Oil It's awesome! It works! I love it! My skin is rosy and does not break out. I also know you can mix it with other oils for added benefits but I haven't tried that yet. Yea! For Grapeseed Oil.
Grapeseed Oil
Posted by Annie (Melbourne, Australia) on 08/18/2008
Hi all just want to no if anyone is using Grapeseed oil for there skin and if so is it grapeseed cookin oil as that is all i have come across and don't know if that's the one there talkin about for skin would be gratefull if someone could help me out. Thankyou
Grapeseed Oil
Posted by Stella (OH) on 08/19/2008
★★★★★
Hi Annie, the kind of Grapeseed oil that I have been using is a brand called "Now" bought at GNC as well as other places on the internet. It is 100% pure. There are also other brands out there, I'm not sure which is the Best brand. I use it on my face (a small amount), on salads and for cooking too. I have been using it since I posted and I still have very few breakouts. Hope it works for you! - here is a link to what it looks like. Good Luck. http://www.nowfoods.com/index.php?action=itemdetail&item_id=3337
Facial Exercises
Posted by Trish (Kansas City, MO) on 04/06/2008
★★★★★
Try doing facial exercises on a daily basis. I don't know if there are any good sites with an entire 'program' for free, but I recently purchased a program online for about $20.00 which includes exercises for forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, dark circles and bags under the eyes, droopy eyelids, the 'smile' line around the mouth, wrinkles around the lips, and 'turkey neck' sagging. I have done the exercises for two days now and can already notice a very slight difference in the forehead. I only have fine lines as I'm still a few years from turning 30, but I am definitely seeing a slight difference. The exercises, if done properly, work as the muscles in the face become stronger and more defined and start to 'push' the wrinkles out. The more defined muscles will soon start to lift sagging skin, such as over the eyes, giving your face a more youthful appearance. Some 'professionals' in skin care will tell you that the exercises will actually exagerate aging, but that's far from the truth. According to what I've read, if you have deep wrinkles, such as forehead lines, as the muscles becomes stronger it's actually going to sort of stretch out the wrinkles, making them appear wider. But they will eventually get 'pushed' out as the muscle grows and becomes more defined. I have also read that dabbing lemon juice around the eyes can reduce the look of lines and crow's feet. It may take a few weeks for visible results.
EC: Jack LaLane has been doing facial exercises for decades and at 93, he looks amazingly youthful. Check out YouTube for an interview filmed last year on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj08QX2CewE
Hyaluronic Acid
Posted by Karen (High Point, Nc) on 10/05/2012
Have you tried diatomaceous earth (food grade?) It is supposed to help skin, hair and nails.
Mayonnaise
Posted by Veronica (Wichita, Kansas) on 03/27/2008
★★★★★
Hi everyone. I am 22 years old and since I was about 16 I have been doing this, right out of the fridge. I use mayonnaise, put a thin layer over your face, leave on for 10 minutes. Then using your fingers rub it off. The mayo will form balls of dead skin and you rub off the mayo. Then rinse thoroughly. I like to do this right before I jump in the shower. If you do this enough It will be almostt like a mini chemical peel and you will keep regenerating new cells. Everywhere I go people think im 16 still they are so surprised when I tell them im 22! Also dont forget to use sunscreen daily! especially in the winter the suns rays can be stronger as they bounce off the snow. Eat healthy.
Mayonnaise
Posted by David (Xenia, Oh) on 04/02/2011
can you use miracle whip?
Rose Water, Colloidal Silver
Posted by Altaire (Lindsay, Canada) on 03/11/2008
★★★★★
I have never had such clear skin as when I lived in India ... I would buy a large bottle of pure Rose Water ... I would wash with that only. Clearest skin ever. Supermarkets do sell pure Rose Water (no glycerin) here in the spices aisles usually ... much cheaper than health food stores. Test different kinds as brands seem to have different strengths. Pour rose water in your hand and splash on face.
Also Super Silver (colloidal) is incredible for healing your face (inside and out) or any other part of you.
Lye Soap
Posted by Lawanda (Tampa, FL) on 03/01/2008
★★★★☆
Younger Looking Skin - I use these products - Are They Safe to Use On My Face?
I wash my face with Lye Soap. Why? I saw a picture of my grandmother and her sisters as teenagers and none of them had acne, I asked her what they used she said "We were poor, all we had was lye soap mama made." Then I cut a lemon in half squeeze the juice in a wash rag and pat my entire face with it. I Let it soak in for maybe 1-2 mins. Then if I'm staying home cover my face in extra virgin olive oil, If I going out I pat light dabs of the oil on (so I just look dewy) My main concern is the Lye soap. I think in this regamin I cover cleaning, toneing and moister. I wanted to recomend it to a frind but I'm not sure if it is good advice?
Fountain of Youth Mask
Posted by KSK (Union City, CA) on 03/04/2008
Hi Ted and Friends, I want to try Tammi's fountain of youth mask. But what is black seed oil? Could you please explain where can I get neem powder and black seed oil? Thanks in advance, Ksk
Fountain of Youth Mask
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, TN) on 03/08/2008 490 posts
Hi Tami, How often do you use your Fountain of youth mask?
Fountain of Youth Mask
Posted by Deliz (Powell River, B.c.) on 08/26/2009
re black seed oil- i get mine at iherb.com-sorry to mention a website, but after looking high and low ,its the only place i could get it.btw,its wonderful stuff!
Fountain of Youth Mask
Posted by Bhagya (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India) on 02/02/2010
where i get black seed oil and neem powder and what is acv
EC: Acv is apple cider vinegar.
Eliminate Chemicals
Posted by Jackie (grand rapids, minnesota) on 01/28/2008
★★★★★
Since introduced to this site, i have eliminated chemicals wherever possible. first, i stopped all anti-aging products on face and got rid of fluoride toothpaste. i cleanse with bkg soda and use jaboba oil or vegetable gycerine with drop of essential oil for moisturizer sometimes castor oil around the eyes.use minimal amt of non animal tested pressed powder blush and eyeliner. i indeed look younger and soft and my eyesight has improved. i think the antiaging products might be absorbed into the eye itself or into the blood vessels. any thoughts on this? my skin is much better.
Soaps
Posted by Tilly (Sussex, UK) on 01/25/2008
★★★★★
What keeps wrinkles at bay. I have Ehlers_Danlos Syndrome and most people with this condition have very youthful looks. I definitely wouldn't recommend a genetic defect to keep you looking young but it does help ;) No, but seriously, make your own soap, I do, and everybody who uses it always comes back for more. I only use sunflower oil or olive oil to make it with, far better than the animal fat they use commercially. Also home made soap still has the glycerin left in which commercial soap doesn't . Namaste x
Soaps
Posted by Che (Roxas City, Phil) on 01/24/2009
Hello Tilly, I'm an avid fan of this site. Canyou please share to me your recipe for your soap which is oil based? Pls include the proportion of your ingridients. I want to try yout formula. Thanks a lot, Che
Colloidal Silver
Posted by gabi (toronto, canada) on 01/12/2008
★★★★★
re: good skin after 50. I love to read your remedies. They are very useful. I have a few for skin (face). For all kinds of acnes or boils and blemishes the best and always working is "silver water". Apply only once over affected area and give it up to 3 days. The worst boil will die!. I use colloidal silver water in spray bottle. The best bottle is after hair spray (very fine spray/mist). Another tip is using fresh lemon juice to moisturize. It works also better than the best scrubbing cream, Removes skin discolorations! I also drink fresh lemon juice every day. My skin is even, smooth and has good elasticity. PH balance is perfect and I never have any colds or flu! During winter I use coconut oil and sometimes neem oil on problem areas. I started WATER CURE2 and it makes big difference! I am going to try black strap molasses and ACV. Does anybody know receipe for enema with black strap molasses? Is wonderful to help bad constipation. It helps when doctor has no other advice than "digital treatment"! It is: 3 tbs per one glass of lukewarm water. Is safe and very beneficial because of mineral contents. I am collecting home remedies with the idea to put all of them together in a book. It you have anything simple and easy to do or use, not expensive, please email me! Thank you
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Shygirllatina (Sun City, Ca) on 05/28/2009
How much collodial silver do you use in how much water?
Colloidal Silver
Posted by Joni (Madison, Wi.) on 02/22/2011
Detoxing Clay Powder is great for your body and face.
