To further the cause of completely saturating ourselves in oil, glorious oil, inside and out, I've been doing a little research for my shiny friends. I no longer clean my face with soap, I've been using ...oil! & that wonderful cream I made. I've used Dr. Bronner's for years as my body-cleansing soap but alas, Dr. Bronner's also contains harsh alkalis, although not to as great a degree as hard soap. I also have not yet delved into shampoo - making or better yet, "beyond shampoo" ...all in good time:)

The "epidermis" is the outermost layer of the skin. The major purpose of the epidermis is to form the stratum cornium, a layer of dead cells that acts as a layer between the body & environment. It acts as a barrier to water loss and is resistant to chemical, physical, and bacterial insults.

Soap acts as a solvent, removing grime from the skin, hair and scalp. Soap also removes the natural protective coating(sebum) that your body secretes, leaving the skin & hair dry & unprotected. EEK! I want my protective coating back!


The goal of cleansing should be to gently remove impurities & dead skin cells while encouraging the skin to produce a healthy, glowing mantle of sebum.

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Here are some alternatives to soap, all gleaned from "Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair" by Dina Falconi:

-You can "spot" clean areas on your face with a cottonball dipped in oil or astringent.

-You can clean your face by rubbing all over with oil, then removing residue with cotton cloth. Follow this with an herbal steam, and you can follow this treatment with a masque, such as clay..there are a couple of excellent suggestions by Bonnieanne that I'm going to try:)

* for oily skin-1 oz. grapeseed oil, 3 drops orange oil & 2 drops sage

* For dry skin-1 oz. olive oil, 3 drops lavender, and 2 drops rosemary

* for normal skin- 1 oz. almond oil, 2 drops rosemary, 1 drop orange and 2 drops lavender

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Occasionally you can use a scrub to stimulate exfoliation& lubrication. Any sort of raw, unroasted organic seed can be used to make these scrubs. Grind in coffe grinder until you reach a powdery, uniform consistency(it's best to have a grinder that is dedicated to this..). Combine with water, oil, or yogurt. Gently massage into skin & rinse with warm water...

any sort of raw, ground nut can also be used

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Herbs for facial steams-

* Sage, thyme, oregano , lemon & citrus for oily skin, thyme is especially indicated for pimples

*Licorice for dry skin, fennel for dry & mature skin

*Chamomile for irritated skin

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As far as body cleansing, the same basic principals apply. Use as little soap as possible. Not necessary to lather up everywhere, and not necessary to lather up daily, especially in cold, dry weather. Sea Salt can be used as a body scrub (on non-delicate areas). Oils can be used in the bath for moisturizing purposes, can also be applyed post-bath, to damp skin. Add essential oils for fragrance and therapeutic effects. A little goes a long way with essential oils, just a few drops will do!

Here is a list of oils and skin types:

*Olive oil- normal/dry skin

*Coconut oil- normal/dry skin

*Grapeseed oil- normal/oily skin

*Jojoba- most skin types, esp. dry, damaged and mature skin

*Almond- normal skin

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Swish oil
Eat oil
Wear oil

:)