The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Everything that we place upon it is absorbed. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of skincare products on the market today, from cleansing foams and cream washes to anti-wrinkle creams and toners. What if we went back to basics and used the age-old oil cleansing method to remove make up, tone and refresh the skin, and even reduce aging. Soap can affect the pH of the skin and leave it prone to dryness. What if there was a way that we could remove make up naturally and leave the skin looking youthful and refreshed. Thankfully, we can with the oil cleansing method. It is a fact that oil dissolves oil.
The Oil Cleansing Method For Skin Types
I have combination skin, which means that I am prone to imperfections on my forehead, nose, and chin, however, my cheeks can get dryer in the colder seasons. Normal skin has an even matte finish and requires minimal product. Dry skin is manipulated by the weather, heating systems, and even diet. Drinking more water and eating more fruits and vegetables can definitely help the skin from within by improving its moisture. Oily skins may require regular skin refreshing with toner, as the skin experiences an oily film throughout the day. Finally, sensitive skin can be prone to eruption through cleansing method and chemical ingredients.
The Oil Cleansing Method Tips
There are many useful oils that you can apply to the skin, which will not clog your pores, including castor oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, and many others.
- The oil cleansing method is an effective way to treat dry skin. Over time, the pH of the skin will improve and dryness will reduce.
- Alternate between oils and make a note of how this treated your skin. How did your skin look in the morning? Does your skin look flawless enough to go without make up?
- Apply a small layer of oil to the face and neck and leave the oil to sink in for about a minute. I use coconut oil or avocado oil, and I’ve experienced no skincare issues.
- Soak a flannel or cotton washcloth in hot water and apply immediately over the face. This will gently steam the skin and encourage impurities to rise to the skin’s surface. Alternatively, You may prefer to take a shower, steam the face for a few minutes, or sit in a steam room or sauna to further expose the toxins to the rise to the surface of the skin. Oil is one of the safest methods to use on our skin to remove make-up, dirt, and impurities.
- Wipe away the oil with the flannel or cotton washcloth. I like to use a flannel, as it also gently exfoliates the skin. Use different areas of the flannel or washcloth. If you are using the oil cleansing method to remove make up, this is one way to ensure that all make up is removed in one swift process. Oil is also safe to use on the eye area, but you may want to soak a cotton pad in hot water to remove the oil, as it’s gentler.
The Addition of Essential Oils
There are many benefits to using essential oils in skincare. Some oils, like Tea Tree, Lemon, and Lavender, have anti-bacterial benefits that can be beneficial for problematic skin issues like acne. If you experience acne and have open wounds, it is still possible to use the oil cleaning method, but it is important that you are gentle when removing the oil. Tone the skin with milk to remove the remainder of the oil.
Warnings With the Oil Cleansing Method
- NEVER use the same washcloth or flannel again, as it will be teeming with bacteria.
- Wash your flannels and/or washcloths at a high temperature.
Sources
Purified Skincare – Oil Cleansing Method
Purified Skincare – Cleansing Oils and Emulsifiers Comedogenic Levels
Wellness Mama – Oil Cleansing for Naturally Perfect Skin
