questions answered


Hello everyone.  I will interrupt today's post which was going to be on my rose garden (boring) to answer your questions about olive oil (less boring?)  Last week my search bar didn't work and this week it's my comment section. When I hit reply Blogger takes me back up to the top of the page and then I have to wade through every single comment to find the one that needs an answer.  So if your question wasn't answered I apologize and will try to answer it here.

1.  Olive Oil vs linens and clothing.  Do not worry about your linens or your clothes.  The oil absorbs so quickly that this has not been an issue with me.  If you don't turn your bod into an oil slick mess then you will not have a problem.  Trust me, you'll get the hang of it in approx 3 seconds.

2.  Apply olive oil is not time consuming or messy.  Give it a try, you'll see.

3.  I don't know a lot about argon oil, coconut oil or any of the other oils you guys asked about.  I do use jojoba oil to remove wax from my clients and I love that.  I believe it is quite a bit more expensive than olive oil.  But if you are using that and you love it then that is awesome.  Same goes with all the other oils...if you are using them and they work then keep up the good work.

4.  Sunscreen.  This is a controversial subject these days, especially in the beauty industry.  Here is my take on it and remember this is just my dumb opinion.  I've had skin cancer on my face twice so I don't take this subject lightly.  First and foremost use common sense.  If you burn easily like me then do your best to avoid direct contact with the sun in its strongest hours.  And if you can't avoid it, wear a hat and sunglasses.  If you are going to be on the slopes, beach or tennis court then you will have to use a broad spectrum sunscreen to help as back up. Don't think that using it will negate a burn or sun damage because it won't.  I've seen terrible burns where the person applied sunscreen all day long.  I cannot recommend a particular sunscreen.  I use whatever Larry buys which usually has some crazy high number attached to it that is designed for outdoor sports.  And then as soon as I get back inside I wash it off b/c I cannot stand the feel of it on my skin.  If you have a sunscreen you love go ahead and share it in the comments please.

5.  This has nothing to do with olive oil but a few of you have asked if I would do a weekly menu plan and post the recipes that go with them.  I'm sorry to say this but that probably isn't going to happen. That would take so much time and planning and I really kind of fly by the seat of my pants menu-wise anyway.  The key is to have good basics in the pantry so that when you go to the market you can buy what looks the best and freshest and then build your menus around that...not the other way around.  I will do a post for you on what my pantry is stocked with if you think that would help.  It's so easy to eat this way.

6.  If I still missed your question ask here and I'll try again.

63 comments

  1. Janet- Love olive oil and coconut oil as moisturizers! So GOOD! As for sunscreen, I avoid the high SPF's and go by sunscreens with safer ingredients recommended by the Environmental Working Group. So, it's a lower spf sunscreen, but I always wear sunscreen, hat and big sunglasses!

    Loretta

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  2. Here's my question again...:)

    Hi Janet - Off topic again but was wondering... pouring through your blog I saw your pantry and want a simple pantry like yours. I seem to have oodles of spices. How many spices do you have? Probably a handful right? I know you are vegan so that probably cuts back on a lot.

    Also, when you were clearing out your clutter in the beginning of getting to more of a simple life did you have a hard time getting rid of the pantry items that were still good but you no longer needed or wanted? Can I give you an example? My DD is gluten free. So that has made it so my husband and I gluten free too. We no longer need all the different flours that I have in my pantry? I just want gluten free items. So what am I waiting for? Give the no longer pantry items that don't fit my lifestyle to someone that could use them right? (I think I just answered my own question) :) But not on the spices! Did you purposely "downsize" your spices too? THANKS, Janet. Oh, your blog and YOU make me happy!

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    1. hi jennifer. i just went and did a count. not counting salt and pepper i have 15 spices in my spice drawer. as far as downsizing my pantry...that wasn't that hard b/c i've always kept it pretty small. the spices i use most are cayenne, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cumin. i also have garlic powder, tumeric, saffron, dried basil, thyme leaves, marjoram, curry powder and chinese 5 spice blend. i can't remember giving anything away but that's an excellent idea. i'm sure a neighbor would appreciate it. i hope this helps. :)

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    2. It does help! Thank you sooo much. Can't wait for your pantry post. So fun!

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    3. Janet, I dead and reread your comment 3 times, thinking I missed it. But no, it is not there on your pantry- board: cinnamon! Porridge w/o cinnamon?

      Very much looking forward to read your future postings!

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    4. ahhh paula you got me. i opened my spice drawer and counted but i forgot i have a small basket of baking supplies like baking powder, baking sofa, yeast and my baking spices such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice!

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  3. Thanks for this post.....not boring. Looking forward to the post on your roses. Roses...so not boring! Hope you include the names of your favorites.

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  4. thanks Janet for your views on sunscreen. I am another one of your readers who would appreciate a post on how you stock your pantry. none of your posts are boring!
    Darby

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  5. Thanks, Janet. Great tip on the cooking strategy. Ingredients first, then recipes or wing it... :) My favorite sunscreen is Ombrelle. It has no scent and moisturizer and a certain sunblock ingredient that no other has. Comes in 15 to 50 spf.

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  6. yes, please a pantry list.
    I don't really cook at ALL. so what I have is sugar, cinnamon, sea salt and pepper and oatmeal and a can of fat free refried beans.
    oh, and now a bottle of olive oil in the bathroom!
    seriously, I could use some help.
    and miracles happen everyday!
    who knows I might actually start cooking.

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  7. Dear Janet,
    Yes, please don't worry about posting menus or recipes, it would be too time consuming. I am a "flying by the seat of my pants" kind of person as well when it comes to menus. Just as you said, I try to keep my pantry supplied with staple items. Simple meals are best for us, they are usually healthier and easier to prepare - oh, and less expensive!

    It's funny, I use an SPF 50 sunscreen on my face everyday, rain or shine, and have gotten used to the white sticky clown look it imparts.

    Flowers NEVER bore me :)

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  8. Agree with all the other readers. Your posts are never boring. Roses are good. EVOO good. Pantry stuff good. All very helpful. We'll take the recipes when we can get them. No pressure!

    Your most helpful tip for me on this post is 'how to cook.' Stock pantry first; supplement with what's at the store. Make something. Might seem basic to somebody else but to we (some of us) who aren't the best cooks, need it 101-style.

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  9. Janet, your post are never boring. I find visiting here comforting. I don't care what topic you choose. I enjoy
    knowing and, hearing whatever part of your life/day you share. As we know it is the little things that mean the most.
    While many are trying to wow us with over the top post; you let us relax and, enjoy the moment. Thank you.

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    1. I say Amen to that too. You seem like a REAL person Janet - someone I can relate to and that isn't trying to present a picture perfect life to us.

      Caroline

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    2. I agree with Betty Ann, just something about your blog that has a sort of calmness about it. Wish I had that gift. Thank you, and I have been doing the olive oil moisturising these last 2 nights, my skin feels wonderful..
      Linda C.

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    3. thank you thank you ladies....so sweet. :)

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  10. Long time reader here. I am trying to simplify my pantry even more. Like you, I keep ingredients and prepare simple meals for us.
    I just started using almond oil as my skin was so dry here in the desert !
    I work for derms and they say best sunscreens have titanium dioxide or zinc oxide - they physically block the suns rays.
    It is a controversial subject. I personally would not wear sunscreen every day. Isn't mineral makeup a natural sunblock?
    Use common sense IMO.
    Love your blog. I think all us baby boomers are trying to get rid of things and simplify. All my friends are anyway.
    Connie

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  11. I totally agree with your approach to menu planning (or lack there of). It's good to keep basic staples around and then fill in with whatever you may have a taste for that day.

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  12. Years ago I started using the Laventine Olive Forte cleanser and hands-down it is my favorite skin care product of anything I have ever used. I don't buy it anymore because it is a little pricey, but it lasts a very long time so maybe I will splurge again someday. For me, plain olive oil is just so-so, jojoba oil reacts very poorly with my skin, and both almond and coconut oils are drying. Go figure!

    My diet is already caffeine and gluten-free, yet every time I also remove all sugar, corn, and high starches, and have an avocado based green smoothie each morning, my skin stays very hydrated from the inside out. It is like I drop years off my skin in just a few weeks. Cheers :)

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    1. Please elaborate, what is a high starch?

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  13. Oooo .... lovely thought ... a pantry staples post! Yes, indeed -- most helpful topic!

    We do basic out-and-about shopping/menus/meals that depend on store sales that week and what looks fresh-but-affordable .... plus pantry basics like pasta, couscous, rice, canned tomatoes, plus spices and herbs ... and what is in my freezer, too ....

    Cheers! And thanks again for your wonderful blog -- I check it daily!
    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  14. Competitive tennis player in youth, garden designer as adult. SUN. Dermatologist recommended CeraVe a few years ago, and it's been great. Of course with greater age will discover how great....

    You make me realize the daphne should begin blooming in 3 weeks or so. Weather so cold, windy, wet......yet the daphne never fail. Hellebores in bud. Roses are sticks. But so are the hydrangea....

    Keep writing about not having much, throwing things out. It's my action step for 2014.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  15. My question: How hard is it to write a blog? How much time does it take? I think I'd like to start one someday, but I'm a little afraid of making my life and thoughts so....public. I love your blog, I enjoy all the posts, and I'm trying to figure out what makes it so appealing...is it the simplicity of the posts? The photos? I don't know, but it is a breath of fresh air, I always learn something, and it is just so lovely. So thank you for providing a bright spot!

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    1. hi toni. those are two tough questions. some days it is a breeze to write a post and then i go through periods where i cannot think of anything to say or worse, how to say it. i've spoken with other bloggers and some say it's the easiest thing they've ever done and others say it's the hardest.

      the harder question you ask is how much to share in such a public place. when i started i never thought anyone would ever read. that's why when i go back and read my earlier posts i just cringe b/c it doesn't even sound like me. i'm really not that sweet of a person. it has taken a long time for my true voice to come through here and it still isn't even fully here. so it takes time. and then what to share, that is hard too. i believe i've over-shared at times and that scares me. our am ex card was hacked into after my trip to europe and to me that is suspicious. i've gotten lots of hate emails and even real mail that is truly disturbing but yet i keep on so i have no idea what that's about. thank you for your sweet comments and it makes me happy that you somehow get something out of the nonsense i write about here.

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    2. Thank you for not letting any haters get to you. They have to be the tiniest minority here.

      Our Amex got hacked when I was making a phone payment to a book club between Xmas & New Year's (a few years ago). Amex picked up on it really quickly and notified us. It's scary, I know. I was calling from a secure land phone; yeah, it made no sense.

      Congrats for standing up for what you know is helping other people and hopefully also providing a good outlet for yourself. Good does prevail!

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  16. Janet, I wouldn't miss your post for the world. We are on the same track and could be twins - and I learn so much from you.

    On oils: my hairdresser uses Agadir Argan oil to finish off my blow-dry and it does give a nice gloss. He sells it for $40 for a 4-oz bottle. I bought it from Amazon for $18. It's a "dry" oil and "disappears" and does not weigh down the hair and make it look greasy. I use TJ's Jojoba oil ( 4 oz. about $7) on my face before bed, rubbing it in well and my face glows from the massage. After a shower I use Jojoba or olive oil on my legs and then shave them. So much better than soap and water when I always seemed to nick myself. You can also do this by the bright light of a window and not miss a hair. Never thought of olive oil ALL OVER. Will try that next.

    By the way, I have been oiling up my face before bedtime ever since I was 15 using Betty Wells' Oil from Minneapolis who was a friend of my mother. Betty insisted I was not too young to do this. It was a very light, lemony oil - lovely. She passed away, as did her company, and I continued to this day with olive oil among others, rarely skipping a night. Now I am 75 and have a very few faint "laugh lines" at the outer corners of my eyes, but not a wrinkle or line anywhere else on my face. It's kind of unbelievable. I'm still amazed when I look in the mirror but I'm keeping my mostly-gray hair undyed to keep myself humble. ; )


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    1. Can I just say how much I love the fact that you are age 75 and take good care of yourself! Inspiring! You seem hip and 'with it,' when some 75-yr-olds I've come across seem, well, older. My dad lived to be age 84 and he was a cool guy to the end; taught himself how to use a computer at age 80 and deemed by his doctor to be one of the 'super elderly.' I'm a lot younger than him or you and I'm nowhere near as 'together' but I aspire to get there...you oughta see this guy in my neighborhood; he's got the physique (and legs) of a guy in his 20s or 30s but is age 73. He's a runner; he runs up and down the hills for hours. When he walks or talks, even despite his white hair, his face is youthful, his body is youthful, his demeanor is youthful. I want that fountain of youth!

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    2. anon thank you for sharing. this is just lovely to know.

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    3. I really enjoyed your comments, anon, and hope you'll do more. Janet, I'm always happy to see a new post from you, and love reading every one of them. Love to both of you. xo

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  17. I always use sunscreen (35). But when I am going to be out in the sun - even with a hat and sunglasses, I wear my Beko nose guard. I have no relationship or investment in this company - but outdoors people (skiers, hikers, etc) do check out http://bekogear.com/. I had the top of my nose removed because of cancer so I have to be very careful. My daughter gave me one of their nose guards. I attach to my sunglasses. I am always asked about it. I haven't tried their other face guards - but they look like they would be great for those that ski.

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    1. thanks for sharing ming. my father in law has made us all plastic shields that fit on our goggles to protect our noses. i'll have to tell him that a company actually makes these.

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  18. I have really pale, sensitive skin so I use Sanre sunscreen (SPF 30) on my face every day. The Shaded Rose helps ease the redness in my cheeks and hydrates my dry skin. It's expensive but I wouldn't go without it. I've tried other products from them and this is the only one I consistently buy. If anyone is interested, get on the email list as they have regular 20-25% off sales!
    At night I use organic 100% Shea butter from L'Occitane. Again it's expensive but a large 5 oz tin lasts a long time and it's the smoothest I've used.

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  19. Ok, Janet. I've decided to jump on the olive oil bandwagon. I'm 64 with a few wrinkles, so I hope it's not too late. Must say I will be relieved to be able to stop trying 9 million products, wasting money and looking for the Holy Grail. Do you use any serum? They seem to be all the rage, but I 'm not sure what they do.

    I did treat myself to a pretty glass dispenser for my bath ($10- not expensive). I only wish that the oil had a pleasant fragrance. Will let you know how this works on 64 year-old sking.

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    1. Kristien - Try Grape Seed Oil. It has no fragrance. What mixing in a drop of an essential oil? I get mine from Whole Body. Just make sure it doesn't irritate your skin. It feels so go to pare down to the basics, especially inexpensive ones. Sophia Loren reportedly swears by olive oil and 12 hours of sleep a night and look at her!

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  20. We use Daylong suncare (http://www.daylong.ch/en/sunscreen.html for the English site), which is a locally produced sun product that is recommended by chemists and only sold there. I don't know how "natural" it is - each product lists the ingredients, but I do know that our laws are a lot more stringent than the US as far as toxicity is concerned, so I will continue to confidently use this when I'm in the sun (mountains, sea, hot summer). Otherwise our climate doesn't really require daily sunscreen.
    Janet, I always enjoy your posts, even on the rare occasion when I don't agree with you ;) but there has certainly never been a boring post - please keep on blogging for us!!

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  21. PS it does say that most of the products are free of perfumes and additives...

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  22. …did the first part of my comment get lost?! It was printed there a moment ago…!

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    1. it appears it did disappear. i'm having a lot of trouble commenting myself. so frustrating!

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  23. I would love, and from the above comments I believe your followers would love, to hear YOUR morning and evening routine for skin care including cleansing products and make up favorites. At 63, I'm still searching for the perfect products and now especially the make up products that compliment my age. Also, when you considered these products for your European vacation, what did you take?

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  24. Hi Janet. I'm now almost 52 and have noticed over the last year or so that the skin under my eyes seems to be thinning and I'm getting dark circles that make me constantly look tired. Do you think the Olive Oil might help or would you suggest something else?
    Thanks a million and although I don't comment much, I do check out your blog every day.
    Adrienne

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    1. i don't think olive oil will help with dark circles. in my experience dark circles are hereditary and there isn't much you can do about them. i know there are products made for this problem but i don't know any of them that actually work. maybe someone here knows of one?

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    2. As a lush who often has to get to work early the next morning, I have a tip. I'm a hobby lush and a hairstylist by trade. I also worked in skin care for 5 years. Coffee moisturizer. Only for the sake of good will I share that I sometimes will mix some coffee grounds into my under eye moisturizer and will drive to work with it on. Caffeine helps reduce inflammation that accentuates dark circles. Also there is a magical product by Yves Saint Laurent called touche eclait that helps a lot too. Although Janet knows way more about this than I do. That's just what works for me. Both of my recommendations are more to do wit puffiness than dark circles. But puffiness creates shadows on the face which can make dark circles appear darker. If you try the coffee moisturizer on your commute, don't forget to wipe it off :) as I have many times.

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    3. stephen andrew...as always a delight. :)

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  25. Your blog is like a letter from a good friend and I enjoy every post. Thank you.

    Your beautiful home is so perfect and uncluttered. Have you always lived this way or did you at some point do a big purge?

    Betty

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  26. Love.every.bit.of.your.blog! Great trips, simple, concise and to the point! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and day with us!
    Question 1 - what are your thoughts on the oil cleansing method at www.oilcleansingmethod.com? It states oil dissipates oil and cleans your skin. The base oil is castor oil plus another oil of your choice. Thoughts/comments?
    Question 2 - what are you using to remove mascara?

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    1. although i've not yet done oil pulling i believe it does work. i would use olive oil as my 2nd oil.

      my mascara (aveda) is not waterproof so it comes off easily through normal cleansing but if it were waterproof i'd use my olive oil to remove it.

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  27. Janet - I use Grape Seed Oil - a little more expensive, but I buy it at Marshalls or TJ Maxx at a substantial savings. I knew a massage therapist who used it in her practice. It has no fragrance and will not turn rancid. I mix it with sugar and rub my body with it at the end of my shower (especially elbows). The sugar will rinse off quickly and the oil left behind leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. The shower floor will be slick so squirt some dishwashing liquid on it and rub it around with your foot and a cloth. (Good for oil pulling, too)

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    1. Oil pulling. Never heard of this before.

      My, the things I learn of on this blog.

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    2. It's supposed to "pull" impurities and toxins out of your system. Just don't swallow it and if you use coconut oil, spit it into a paper towel and throw it away because it will solidify in your pipes (your house, not yours!). I get my coconut oil at Trader Joe's and use it for just about everything. It smells heavenly!

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  28. I would love to read a post on your pantry. I've seen pictures of it on your blog, and it looks like such a nice, well organized space ... and pretty to look at too.

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  29. I have a question that is not related to olive oil. Well, actually, it is. But in a more traditional regard. I recently bought my first le creuset Dutch oven and of course I love it...but the care booklet says not to use it on high heat. As I read online some people say not to heat it empty on high; but if it is filled at least 1/2 inch it's okay to use on high heat. Do you use yours on heat higher than medium? I have a Viking gas cooktop too so I figure I can take your word for it.

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    1. i do not use high heat on the cook top but i do use it in the oven on high heat making bread so go figure?

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    2. My new le creuset dutch oven has been used twice and the first time it cleaned up beautifully.
      The second time I used it, the bottom became cloudy and I couldn't clean it off. Is this normal?

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    3. hmmm anon that has never happened to me. try a paste of baking soda and water to clean it off. I have a post somewhere on my blog about cleaning le creuset. if it doesn't come off i wouldn't worry about it though. :)

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  30. I can't wait to try the olive oil. Do you use regular olive oil off the grocery store shelf? Or a certain more expensive brand?
    I also have a question about shampoo. My son and I have been using Nioxin for thinning hair. After reading all these comments I'm wondering how good this is for us. And the last question is do you use soap when you wash your face?
    I just love your blog! Keep up the great work. Betsy

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    1. i use extra virgin straight off the grocery store shelf. :)

      i'm not sure about nioxin. i know a few people who use it and swear by it but i don't know how harmful it would be.
      try going to a website called "skindeep" and see if they have any info on it.

      i use dermalogica's ultra calming cleanser on my face b/c i get it very cheaply from work. i recommend any gentle cleanser that agrees with your skin type.

      thanks for reading!

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  31. Hi Janet: where does exfoliating your face fit into the picture? Unless you are exfoliating with a cloth in the shower, I can't figure out where it fits in if you're putting olive oil on your face while you're still in the shower.

    Thanks, Sistsy

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    1. hi sisty. i only exfoliate about 3x a week. my skin is very sensitive. i use a clairsonic when i do.
      if you don't have a clairsonic then you can use a wash cloth or use a little baking soda mixed with a drop or 2 of the olive oil or even water. both would work well.:)

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