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- What is Oil Cleansing?
- Does the Oil Cleansing Method Work?
- Oil Cleansing Ingredients
Oil Cleansing Instructions+−
- Notes on the Oil Cleansing Method
I’ve posted many natural living and natural beauty ideas before, and this is one of the most simple and effective natural beauty tips I’ve ever found.
I admit, I was skeptical before I first tried this oil cleansing method, since my skin is naturally oily and I wasn’t sure it would work for me. I had also had very acne prone skin when I was younger, and was afraid that a method like this would bring back the acne… I was wrong!
What is Oil Cleansing?
Though it sounds somewhat crazy at first, the idea of using natural oils to cleanse the skin gently actually makes a lot of sense. The basic idea of oil cleansing is to use natural oils in specific combination to cleanse the skin and naturally balance the skin’s natural oils. This produces muchmorenourished and moisturized skin that traditional soap and detergent based facial cleaners.
As the website dedicated to the oil cleansing method explains:
The basic concept of this skin care and cleansing method is that the oil used to massage your skin will dissolve the oil that has hardened with impurities and found itself stuck in your pores. The steam will open your pores, allowing the oil to be easily removed. Should you need it, the smallest drop of the same oil formula patted over damp skin will provide the necessary lubrication to keep your skin from over-compensating in oil production.
(Video) OIL CLEANSING METHOD FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN! The best way to wash your face!
Even Acne.org explains the benefits of oil cleansing:
Fact: Oil dissolves oil. One of the most basic principals of chemistry is that “like dissolves like.” The best way to dissolve a non-polar solvent like sebum/oil, is by using another non-polar solvent similar in composition: Other oils. By using the right oils, you can cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, while replacing the dirty oil with beneficial ones extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit that heal, protect and nourish your skin. When done properly and consistently, the OCM can clear the skin from issues like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, whiteheads and other problems caused by mild to moderate acne–while leaving your skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.
Does the Oil Cleansing Method Work?
This is the part I’m most excited to share! Even in third trimester of pregnancy, when my skin usually goes a little hormone-crazy, I have ZERO breakouts, red pots, or splotches! For the past two months, I’ve been using only oil cleansing (and occasionally, a plain antibacterial microfiber cloth to remove makeup if I don’t need to completely cleanse skin again).
When I first started using Oil Cleansing, I had an adjustment period where my skin got worse for about a week. Most resources I’ve seen suggest that this is a detox reaction as impurities are pulled from the skin, and this is definitely what it seemed to be for me. After that, my skin gradually improved and by 3-4 weeks of using only oil cleansing, I had no excess oil, no dry skin, and no blackheads…
I cringe when I think of the dozens of chemical laden products I used, especially in high school, to try to keep my acne under control! The skin care industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and it seems that the best solution is one of the most simple, inexpensive, and easy!
I asked several friends and family members who now use the oil cleansing method how it has worked for them, and they seemed to have the same results. Some even noted that the combination of oil cleansing and taking Gelatin daily has been the best anti-aging treatment they’ve discovered!
Oil Cleansing Ingredients
Want to try Oil Cleansing and see the results for yourself? All you need are a couple of natural oils and a clean wash cloth!
The most common oils used are Castor Oil and Olive Oil, though any natural oil can be used. Castor Oil is naturally astringent, so it helps pull impurities from the skin, making it ideal for oily or combination skin (and even dry skin in lesser amounts). Castor oil should never be used undiluted on the skin, and I always add at least twice the amount of other oil as Castor Oil when making an oil blend.
There is some controversy over the growing practices for Castor Oil (the harvesting and manufacturing exposes workers to a compound that can be toxic, but it is removed in processing), so many people choose to avoid this oil. The finished castor oil is not toxic, so there is no concern there, but for those who don’t want to use it due to its un-sustainable growing practices,hazelnutoil works wonderfully in its place.
My other favorite oil to use is Olive Oil, though sunflower, safflower, or even coconut oils work great.
If you’d rather not order big quantities of all of these oils to make your own, I highly recommend this handmade blend that smells divine and works really well for oil cleansing.
Oil Cleansing Instructions
If you are new to oil cleansing, it may take a couple of tries to figure out what blend of oils works best for you. Personally, I use a mix that is 3/4 olive oil and 1/4 castor orhazelnutoil and it is perfect for my skin. Other articles I’ve seen and friends who also use the method recommend these ratios:
- Oily Skin: 1/3 Castor Oil orHazelnutOil and 2/3 Olive, Sunflower or other oil
- Combination Skin: 1/4 Castor or Hazelnut Oil and 3/4 Olive, Sunflower or other oil
- Dry Skin: All nourishing oils like olive oil, or a very small amount of Castor/Hazelnut Oil added to the nourishing oils.
To find out the best blend for you, I recommend starting with the suggested amounts above for your skin type and adjusting if needed. When I started, I mixed up very small batches (1 teaspoon castor oil to 2 teaspoons olive oil, etc) until I figured out the right blend for me.
I’ve also found that even pure coconut oil works great once skin has adjusted, though it can be drying on some skin types. One friend uses a half and half mix of coconut oiland olive oil that she blends in a blender to create a cream, and this works perfectly for her.
How To Wash Face With Oil Cleansing
- In the shower or at the bathroom sink, pour about a quarter size amount of the oil blend into your hand and massage into the skin on your face (don’t wet skin first). Use smooth circular strokes and let this also be a gentle facial massage. Massage for at least a minute (two minutes is better) or until you are sure that the oil has saturated your skin. This will also remove make-up very effectively, so there is no need to remove make-up first. You can even leave the oil on the skin for up to 10 minutes to really deep clean pores.
- Place a clean washcloth under very hot tap water (or shower water) until it is completely soaked and quickly wring it out. Open it and place over your face. This will create steam against the skin to remove the oils and anyimpuritiesin the skin. Leave the wash cloth on for about a minute, or until it cools. Repeat if needed with the other side of the washcloth and then use the corners of the washcloth to gently remove any remaining oil. There will still be a thin layer of oil on the skin and this is beneficial.
- Typically, no moisturizer is needed after the adjustment period, but if you still have dry skin, try reducing the amount of astringent oil and using a tiny bit of homemade organic lotion to moisturize skin.
Notes on the Oil Cleansing Method
- It is normal for it to take a week or so for skin to adjust, and you may even see more oily skin or more breakouts during this time as impurities leave the skin. If you can, resist the urge to use harsh soaps or facial cleansers during this time, as it will make the adjustment period take longer.
- You will likely have to experiment some to find your perfect ratio.
- If you do this in the shower, make sure to clean your shower floor regularly so it doesn’t get slippery!
Have you ever tried oil cleansing? Did it work for you? What oils and ratios did you use? Share below!
FAQs
Oil Cleansing Method for Naturally Perfect Skin? ›
Oil cleansing works because the oil you use to cleanse with bonds to the oils and dirt on your skin. The oil also acts as a barrier to protect your skin, and keeps it soft and moisturized. Traditional facial cleansers can strip the skin of all bacteria, good and bad.
Does oil cleansing method really work? ›Oil cleansing works because the oil you use to cleanse with bonds to the oils and dirt on your skin. The oil also acts as a barrier to protect your skin, and keeps it soft and moisturized. Traditional facial cleansers can strip the skin of all bacteria, good and bad.
How long does oil cleansing method take to work? ›Your skin takes time to get adjusted to the process of oil cleansing. Wait for at least 2 to 3 weeks to see visible results. Stop oil cleansing if you have skin irritation.
What are the results of oil cleansing? ›Benefits of oil cleansing
lift excess sebum, the oily substance produced by glands on your skin. clean out clogged pores, like blackheads and whiteheads. remove dead skin, pollutants, and makeup.
The star oil with these properties often used in the oil cleansing method is castor oil. Castor oil has amazing astringent properties and works beautifully in drawing impurities that can cause potential acne breakouts off your skin. The quantity of castor oil you can use will depend on your skin type.
Do dermatologists recommend oil cleansers? ›The oil cleansing method, also known as OCM and double cleansing method, is the standard cleanse that dermatologists recommend doing every evening. If you've spent any time on the beauty side of social media, oil cleansing isn't anything new to you.
Is it OK to oil cleanse every night? ›Yes! Use your oil cleanser day and night as the initial step in your skincare routine. Nighttime is a must, as the oil texture can be especially effective at removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
Do I wash my face before oil cleansing? ›Start with a cleansing oil to break down make-up and surface dirt, before following with your favourite rinse-off face wash, to directly deep clean pores. It's doubly refreshing for your skin, and is a great (once or twice to avoid extra irritation) weekly booster for your skincare routine.
Do you put cleansing oil on wet or dry skin? ›Apply Your Cleansing Oil To Dry Skin
Oil cleansers are unique in that they're typically applied to dry skin instead of a damp face. It may seem strange, but applying the cleanser to dry skin allows the oil to adhere to any dirt, sweat, or makeup that's on your face.
A: Once per day, every day, in the evening. But since this method does provide a very DEEP clean, some may prefer to only implement the oil cleansing method every other day or even once a week. Evening is the best time to cleanse in order to remove impurities that build up throughout the day.
How long does it take for skin to adjust to oil cleansing? ›
Keep in mind that it may take 2-3 weeks for your skin to fully adjust to face cleansing with oil. It takes time to fully detoxify from the build-up that's been residing comfortably in your pores up until now.
What to do after oil cleansing method? ›Optional: Follow With A Cleanser
If your skin is exceptionally oily or your makeup is of the super-long wear variety, you might want to try double cleansing, i.e. following up your oil cleanse with a regular cleanser. This will help ensure you get every last trace of makeup.
Using too much cleansing oil
Mack often sees is using too much cleansing oil, which makes it difficult to remove. And again, any remnant oil that's left on the skin can clog the pores and cause unwanted breakouts.
Is it even possible oil cleansing causing dry skin? Yes, it can! Sometimes it's the oil you are using, or your oil cleansing technique that is drying out your skin instead of nourishing it.
What should I do first oil cleansing or water cleansing? ›“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
How long does purging from oil cleansing last? ›This means a tendency to break out while the cleansing oil draws residual build up from the skin. The purge stage usually lasts between two to three days but in some cases can last up to two weeks depending on the amount of underlying skin congestion.
How often should you oil cleanse? ›A: Once per day, every day, in the evening. But since this method does provide a very DEEP clean, some may prefer to only implement the oil cleansing method every other day or even once a week. Evening is the best time to cleanse in order to remove impurities that build up throughout the day.
Does the oil cleansing method get rid of blackheads? ›"Blackheads are clogged with oil-based sebum and applying oil to the skin can partially dissolve the sebum and allow the plugs to loosen up." Though this practice can be an effective way to dislodge dirt and debris from your skin, there are a few things to be aware of before you try it for yourself.