The oil cleansing method for faces has been around for quite a while. While it may seem contradictory—we think of study and soapy when the subject of “clean” comes to mind—however, this method is based on the principle of like dissolving like. The idea is to use oil to reach deep down into the pores in a way that soap and water can’t. Contrary to what many may think, oil doesn’t clog pores with oil, you can blame that on hormones, bacteria, and dirt. This method takes care of the latter 2 plus moisturizes!
Sebum, the skin’s natural moisturizing and protective agent, can build up in the pores and cause acne, or make the skin appear dull or dirty. Also sulfates in our body washes and face soaps (and shampoos!) strip our skin of sebum, causing our skin to be dry and overproduce oil. Oils that are used to cleanse can be very effective at dissolving sebum. When used properly, this method pulls the oil out of the pores and rinses away for a totally fresh and clean feeling. If this sounds scary to those of you with oily or acne prone skin, don’t immediately dismiss this technique! Used correctly, the oil cleansing method can actually improve the skin’s ability to regulate oil production and help reduce acne.
How does this method work? Oil cleansers are usually a combination of oils in different ratios based on the type of skin being cleansed and any conditions needing treatment. The main ingredient is usually castor oil which is highly comedogenic (meaning pore clogging), but it doesn’t need to be. Using castor oil as a base may not seem like the best thing to put on your face, but remember, the purpose is for the cleansing oil to bond with the oil in the skin and pull it out. After rinsing, the skin should be totally clear of all the cleansing oil and any excess sebum hiding in the pores.
The oil cleansing method not only uses an oil cleanser, but the process involves clean, soft washcloths and warm water. Be sure that the oil cleanser you use is made of the highest quality oils—quality in is quality out! Use a soft, clean washcloth each time to open the pores with the warm water and then to completely rinse off all the oil. It may take several passes with the warm washcloth to remove all the cleansing oil. It is an important part of the process to completely rinse off all the cleansing oil, not just from the face, but any other areas the oil could have splashed on to, for example, the jaw line or on the neck. It also helps to have a nice toner and moisturizer (with clean, non-toxic ingredients) on hand, as this method can sometimes leave the skin dry.
Why is oil cleansing method better with a cloth?
- Deeper clean: the warm cloth opens the pores and wipes all the oil and sebum off better than with a splash of water.
- Gentle: oils are naturally sulphate free, so they don’t compromise the important skin barrier
- Exfoliating: using a soft, natural fiber cloth buffs off dead skin cells that the warmth of the water softens making them easier to remove. This is much gentler than acids and scrubs.
- Boosts Circulation: which is always a good thing! Bringing blood flow to the skin brings nourishment.
- Improves penetration: cleaner skin with dilated pores will be more receptive to your topical products and you will get better results.
The oil cleansing method is effective and beneficial for most skin types and people, however, there may be a few people that should not cleanse this way. People with acute sensitivity that even the mild abrasiveness of the cloth or the warm water would be intolerable. And people with oil sensitivity to even one of the oils included in the oil cleanser would cause a skin reaction.
This method is best followed in the evening. It does take some time for the best results and, the end of the day is when make-up is removed or the “dirt” from the day has built up. The schedule you follow is totally your prerogative, however, keep in mind:
- The purpose of the oil cleansing method is to gently cleanse the skin but also allow the natural processes of moisturizing and balancing to occur. There will be less success if you toggle between this method and using a commercial cleanser—your skin may get confused and overreact.
- It may take a few days to a couple of weeks for your skin to adjust. You may have some time of breakout as your skin adjusts. The skin is used to overproducing oil because soap stripped it of its layer of sebum. Pimples might break out and that is just the impurities coming to the surface. If you are experiencing an undesired reaction, be sure you are following the process correctly. If you are, and still have trouble, contact the supplier of your cleansing oil for an evaluation.
So, just to recap:
The Pros of the oil cleansing method:
- Fantastic for skin and, for many people, works to clear up acne and combat dryness
- It is super natural, if you use clean oils that are conscientiously extracted
- It is a fast and easy way to remove make-up
- Doesn’t strip the skin of natural oils
- You might not need a moisturizer!
- Great for all skin types
- Helps heal skin
The Cons of the oil cleansing method:
- It may take some time for your skin to adjust
- It is more time consuming that using a soap
- Depending on the oils, it might be more costly than a conventional cleanser
- You will have more laundry because a new, clean washcloth should be used each time to prevent bacteria being introduced into your pores.
Interested in having the skin of your dreams?! This may be the answer! If you have questions about where to start, contact The Bath Shoppe at contact@thebathshoppe.com