I wouldn’t say I’m dirty but I don’t bathe everyday, nor do I wash or scrub my face (with soap) daily and definitely only wash my hair two or maybe three times a week. I don’t stink, I don’t think, but I do brush my teeth everyday.

I was never overly clean but now dirty is a conscious choice. I want the natural oils of my skin and hair to remain as a healthy barrier that protects me from the chemical elements that are everywhere. I believe in oil production and protection. And if there was one thing and maybe only one good thing I learned in beauty school, besides the awesome chicks that showed me I was a powerful “beauty bitch” and that there actually is good pizza in L.A., it was that if you have oily skin and you constantly strip the oil away, your sebatious glands will over produce, thinking you have not enough oil. If you have super dry skin and drown it with cream, then your body will stop all moisture production because it is overly drenched.

My reaction to this lesson at our ugly School of Beauty was that it may be best for your body to let it rest and do what it needs to do on some days. I even recommend to some clients to just stop using everything for two weeks and rinse with water, (except for private areas that need regular cleansing) letting your hair get oily and your skin find its balance.

That being said, most people are cleaner than I am. So, gentle is my next approach. A mild cleanser, only at night when the dirt and or make-up needs removing, a mild and I mean MILD scrub – no almonds allowed! – I prefer baking soda. Take a small amount mixed with water and liquid cleanser and rubbed all over the face and neck… a larger amount on a wash cloth for the body. This will produce a silky finish. Harsh washing and scrubbing breaks capillaries and creates skin irritation. If you are sensitive once a week is fine.

And if you want extra moisture and smoothness – a honey, Greek yogurt masque is awesome. Two tablespoons of yogurt mixed with raw honey and then brushed on the face for 20 minutes and rinsed – yummy.  You can also mash or blend some blueberries into it.

And my favorite finish is green tea/mint ice cubes!! Make a mug or two of green mint tea and pour it into an ice cube tray.  Freeze them. Then grab one cube a few times a weeks and rub it all over your face after the scrub/cleanse. It will tighten and refresh like nothing else.

So first, don’t worry – be dirty and then gently clean, plump and chill out.