Cleansing? With oil? Do you find it strange too? I also found it a crazy idea at first. As I already have an oily skin, I thought it would be a simple NO. But being a beauty adventurer, I decided to take this step. And believe the oil cleansing method is a fantastic natural way to get clear skin that looks radiant and is free of impurities. It is especially beneficial to those that have struggled with problem skin. Oil cleansing can rebalance the skin and restore its natural health, relieving many skin issues such as dry skin, oily skin, acne and blackheads. It is simple, cheap and yes great for your skin and eco-friendly.
So How Does It Work?
The secret is in the simple principle of like treats like – oil dissolves oil. Oil cleansing method works by dissolving impurities and dirt that are on your skin, including all makeup (even waterproof mascara) and any pollutants and bacteria that you come into contact with on a day to day basis, which means you can just wipe them all away.
I know what you will be thinking. “Putting more oil onto my skin will only make the problem worse”. But actually oil cleansing does not remove the natural skin oils, but rebalances them. Soaps can strip your skin of oil causing it to over compensate and produce even more oil, leading to spots and clogged pores.
What Oil Should You Use
Castor oil is an essential base of oil cleansing combinations. It is antibacterial, astringent, and very effective at deeply cleansing the skin and pulling dirt out of pores. However, it shouldn’t be used on its own as it is quite thick and can be overly astringent. There are so many oils that can be mixed with castor oil, depending on your skin type, that I cannot possibly cover them all here. But here are a few of my favourites :(tried them all)
Jojoba—all skin types, but very beneficial for acne-prone skin as it regulates oil production; hypoallergenic.
Sweet almond—all skin types, especially oily; gentle and nourishing oil
Avocado—dry and aging skin; helps to lock moisture in and repair any damage; high in antioxidants
Pomegranate seed—dry, mature, damaged, aging skin
Neem—dry skin conditions, acne-prone skin; a powerful cleanser; avoid this if you’re pregnant or attempting to be.
Olive—all skin types. Do I even need to explain benefits of olive oil!
How To Cleanse With Oils
Finding the right combinations and ratios of oils can take a couple of times to get right, but persistence will pay off. I suggest trying oil blends in small amounts first to see how your skin reacts. Start with these suggestions and then adjustments can be made to suit individual requirements:
- Normal Skin: equal parts of castor oil and other oil of choice
- Oily Skin: 2/3 of castor oil and 1/3 other oil of choice
- Dry Skin: 1/3 of castor oil and 2/3 other oil of choice
Simply massage a small amount of oil over dry face in circular motions. You can put the oil over the eyes as well, as it is brilliant at removing even waterproof mascara. Massaging for a minute or two helps to lift the dirt, dissolves the oil stuck in your pores and improves circulation. You can leave the oil on for 10 minutes for extra deep cleansing.
Run a washcloth under a hot tap and ring it out so it is still warm. Place it over your face and leave it to cool as steam opens the pores and allows the oil to be easily removed.
Then simply use the cloth to wipe away any remaining oil and enjoy your clearer skin. Repeat a few times until all the make-up and dirt is removed.
Want To Combat Dry Or Ageing Skin?
Avocado oil and argan oil are your friends here, and can leave your skin feeling plumped and firm and looking more youthful. Just add one-third castor oil to two-thirds of your chosen product for the best combination.
If you’re committed to your skincare regime, you can use the oil cleaning method everyday. However, if you choose to use oils on your face just two or three times a week, make sure you don’t cleanse with a shop-bought product that contains sulfides or sulfates, as this could cause your skin to produce more oils and lead to breakouts. Use organic and pure stuff.
Do not worry if you get a breakout or two when you first start using the oil cleansing method, it’s only your skin unclogging and detoxifying. Keep persevering and the results will be worth it.
