Have You Tried Oil Cleansing?

Have you tried the oil cleansing method (OCM)? It’s a gentle, yet super effective way of cleansing your skin.  Right around Christmas, I started using this method and I haven’t used any other cleansers or moisturizers since. I wanted to use something as natural as possible with the fewest natural ingredients I could find. Oil cleansing will not only remove makeup and cleanse your skin, it will also help balance oil secretion, reduce inflammation and increase skin hydration.

Benefits of the oil cleansing method

1. Oil Cleanses Oil

Water based cleansers don’t do a good job removing any excess sebum or clogs from your skin. Oil does.

2. Best Makeup Remover

This method removes make up better than any expensive makeup remover.

3. No Chemicals

Oils don’t dry out your skin, which is very important especially if you have dry or acne prone skin. Harsh, chemical based cleansers remove the necessary oils and dry out your skin, forcing your skin to produce even more oil. The oil won’t strip your skin of  its natural oils.

4. Incredibly cheap

A bottle of organic extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil is around $4 at Aldi. One bottle goes a long way for the oil cleansing method.

5. Relaxing and Luxurious

Oil cleansing feels like a spa experience in your own home.

When I started  the OCM, I limited it to twice a week. The gradual transition gave my skin the chance to adjust without freaking out. Now I do it every night. So far, I’ve only used extra virgin olive oil. It’s something I always have in my pantry. Olive oil has been here since ancient times and it is super rich in Vitamin E and oleic acid, both of which are skin saving nutrients. Other great oils are avocado oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and hempseed oil.

The oils that you use are ‘good’ oils that help drive out ‘bad’ oils stuck in your pores. The oils also break down dirt and pollution deep within the pores and on the surface while dissolving dead cells.

How does oil cleansing  work?

Step #1: Apply some oil to dry skin. Never use it on wet skin – it’s not going to work. Massage it into your skin for a couple of minutes.

Step #2: Run a clean washcloth under warm water . Wring it out and drape over your face. Allow the steam to help loosen the oil. I usually oil cleanse in the shower because the steam of the shower really helps loosen up the oil.

Step #3: Wipe away all the oil and makeup. Your face will feel very clean.

Step #4: Rinse off with cool water.

Step #5: If your skin still feels dry, don’t hesitate to apply more oil. I apply two or three drops of Rosehip Seed oil.  But you can use any oil you like. It can even be same oil you used for cleansing. But if your skin is oily naturally, you can skip this step.

The oil cleansing method works beautifully for my 48-year-old skin.  The feel of my skin after cleansing is like none other. Give the oil cleansing method a go.  I think you’ll love it as much as I do.