Some Damn Good Face Wash

Before we get to the review - just a quick overview of what was going on to lead me in that direction.

I have hormonal acne.  Nothing is more exciting for fun for a 30 something to deal with on a monthly basis.  I was fortunate to not really deal with acne between getting off birth control and getting pregnant.  My skin remained clear up until about two months after I had stopped nursing, then the fun began.  I did not get back on birth control for a myriad of reasons but after almost of year of dealing with painful cystic acne that flared up every 3-4 weeks, I was ready for other options.

I had shopped the aisles of Target and CVS and purchased almost every OTC acne treatment out there to no avail.  I also had a hard time putting all of those chemicals on my skin knowing that I was trying to RID my house of chemicals.  Around late summer I was doing some research in natural skin care and came across Tea Tree Oil for acne.  This method was helping some.  I felt immensely better about cutting all of the chemical treatments out of my skin care routine, but I wanted something that did even more than the Tea Tree Oil.

Late fall I started washing my face with coconut oil with great results.  Here in Montana, the winters are VERY dry, so the extra moisture from the oil was a god send.  I was using less moisturizer with frankincense oil!

BUT.....

My hormonal acne was still acting up.  Some months were more painful than others and even though I had a handle on the small little flare ups (think white heads, surface pimples, etc) the cystic acne was not getting any better.

If you've ever had cystic acne, you know what I'm talking about.  They hurt for a week before even "showing" up on your face.  The pain is deep and they are sensitive to the touch.  UGH UGH UGH.

I made an appointment with a dermatologist, but it was 4 months before I could get in.  Not pleasant.  I decided to go full blown natural skin care to see if it would have any impact.
Enter Damn Good Face Wash.

When it arrived I was bursting with excitement!!  For three weeks I washed my face every night, used the toner, and moisturizing oil.  In the morning I was still using my Cetephil bar in the shower but I used the moisturizer instead of my face lotion.

I was using:

The Works

The Works

The Works

At the end of three weeks, I had noticed a difference in my breakouts.  Not enough to cancel my appointment, but enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I also noticed I used too much of the face wash at one time.  Whoops.

I started removing my makeup with coconut oil and THEN washing my face with The Works face scrub.  I was able to stretch my scrub out to almost 6 weeks.

My take away?

Awesome stuff!!!   However, I still have a TON of toner and oil left and no face wash.  I think I'll stick to coconut oil as my face wash for now, but I'll definitely keep the toner and oil around.  Next time I place an order, I'm going to get The Problem Child oil.  I'm curious to see if it will work on my acne more.  I'm also looking at this Damn Good Clay.

I don't regret making the switch to all natural skin care.  Of everything I've come across so far - this is the best.  It's Damn Good. :)

I love the feel of my skin now.  Even with this hard winter, I haven't been plagued with a dry, flaky face.  I won't go back to using store bought skin care as long as Damn Good is an option.

Check out Bridget at Tales of Me and the Husband.  Her sister is the genius behind this product!

*they don't know who I am and have no clue I wrote this.*

Essential Oils - Skin Care Addition

A while back I mentioned that I started putting Frankincense oil in my face lotion (see here).

Two months later?  I LOVE IT.  My skin is so smooth and baby soft!

I also use diluted Tea Tree oil in my skin care routine.



Post Breastfeeding wreaked havoc on my face.  I was blemish free all through pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Then one morning, a week or so after finishing nursing -  BAM.  Major breakout.  Now my hormones cause a breakout every month, but each month that passes, there are fewer and fewer blemishes I have to contend with.

I have a hard time putting chemicals on my skin now.  Not only do I get horribly dry spots that peel and can't be covered in make-up, I don't know how the chemical affect other parts of my body.  With Tea Tree, I have no peeling skin, no extra redness, and no worries!  Personally I've seen faster results from using Tea Tree than I have using any other OTC or prescribed medication.

After I wash my face at night, I get a cotton ball damp and put two drops of tea tree oil on it.  Then I swipe it over my acne prone spots and let dry.  Then I put on my lotion and wake up to buttery soft skin that glows.

Essential Oils - Roller Ball Addition

A while back I talked about my introduction into the world of essential oils/going chemical free.
(See Here)

**Important note: not all essential oils are created equal. The only oils I can recommend in good conscience are Young Living essential oils.**

Over the past few months, I've done a bit of research and experimenting and I wanted to share a few more tips with you!


These roller balls from Amazon are fantastic.

I also order Fractionated Coconut oil from Amazon as well.

I utilize Pinterest as often as I can, but I feel like every time I pin an essential oil tip, the pin is taken down (copyright request).  I've learned to check the website link ASAP and write any recipes down that I like.

How to Use:

I fill my roller ball 3/4 full of Fractionated oil, then put in my Essential Oils.
Shake and roll on when ever you want!


Favorite Recipes:

Sleep Blend
Equal drops of Lavender and Peace and Calming
(use fewer drops for younger children)

Uplifting "Chiropractor in a Bottle" Blend
10 drops Valor

(this oil can also be used neat, but I like the roller ball for easy use)

Fever Reducer
10 drops Peppermint
(use fewer drops for young children - only apply to bottom of feet)

I use this one on #wiggydiggy anytime he begins to run a fever, typically when he's teething, and IT WORKS!

I also use Lavender alone and Peace and Calming alone.  I carry Peace and Calming with me everywhere.


Do you have any favorite roller ball recipes?

Natural Cleaning

A few months ago Justin and I watched a documentary on Netflix:

The Human Experiment

I had already started moving towards natural cleaning and eating, but this documentary really set the wheels in motion.

I went out to Amazon that week and bought a 6 pack of glass bottles with BPA free sprayers:

I follow an adorable blogger Jen at The Coffeehouse and she has an amazing Oils page that has great recipes for cleaning naturally.  I followed her homemade multi surface cleaner recipe and haven't looked back:

From Jen:

Multi-Surface Cleaner

16 ounce glass spray bottle

Fill half full with distilled white vinegar

Add 10 drops Lemon essential oil

Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water

Shake and spray and dance and clean!

In our kitchen I use Lemon Essential Oil, in the living areas (our dining room, bar area, living room) I use Lavender, and in the bathrooms I use Peppermint.  The essential oil is really *necessary* but the smell helps cover up the vinegar.

Our fantastic neighbor uses Young Living Oils and when she saw my Instagram post about #wiggydiggy home with his first tummy bug, she brought over DiGize.  That Oil ended up helping me when I came down with the same bug 48 hours later.  

If you are interested in Oils, I would recommend buying a starter kit (the diffuser ALONE is worth it!).  Use code 3328786 if you feel like it ;)  I'll be sending out a small spray bottle with instructions to make a homemade hand sanitizer to anyone who uses my code.  

Since we've turned our whole home into a "chemical free zone", I feel better about cleaning.  I can spray the cleaner on the bathroom counters and toilet while lil man is taking his bath.  There are no fumes to irritate his tiny nose!

Keep in touch!  More recipes to follow :)

*affiliate links used*