OK, I have to admit, I was totally unsure about this ‘oil cleansing method‘. I started learning about it when I was taking my natural skincare courses. Growing up and well into adulthood my skin was oily and acne-prone, so I wasn’t sure it would work for me, or if it would make my skin worse with acne again, but…I was wrong!
As a teenager, I thought that the harsher the better for my oily skin. I tried all the cleansers and toners that were very strong. They would cause my skin to react, but the TV commercials said…it was supposed to sting, which meant it was working...really?? They promised to clear up oily skin, but little did I know that it was harming my skin barrier.
Unfortunately, nothing worked as promised, my skin would feel super dry and tight, and soon afterwards it would start to build up more oil and feel greasy again.
It wasn’t until much later that I learned why this was so wrong. By drying my skin out with harsh cleansers and toners, I was making my skin overproduce oil in order to compensate for the dryness I was causing it. That makes sense, right, but it’s the complete opposite of what corporate skincare companies tell us! After dealing with acne and using the wrong cleaning products for so long, my skin’s natural moisture barrier was completely compromised and had been for years, even though I THOUGHT I was doing everything right. My poor skin, I cringe when I think of the dozens of chemical-laden products I used to try to keep my acne under control!
But, not only that, a lot of skincare products carry endocrine disruptors, which are toxic to the body and can mimic or interfere with our hormones. And what can cause acne – yup – hormones that are out of balance! With a simple switch to clean natural skincare products, you’re supporting your hormones and overall health.
What is Oil Cleansing?
Though it sounds somewhat crazy at first, the idea of using natural plant-based oils to cleanse the skin gently actually makes a lot of sense. The basic idea of oil cleansing is to use oils to cleanse the skin and naturally balance the skin’s natural oils. This produces a much better nourished and moisturized skin barrier.
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 warm face cloth allows the oil to be easily removed from your pores.
It’s the best way to purify and nourish the skin (natural plant oils are SO powerful in their ability to beautify and heal) while still keeping its natural moisture barrier intact. It’s also a great way to remove makeup.
Scientific Fact: Oil dissolves oil. One of the most basic principles of chemistry is that “like dissolves like.” The best way to dissolve oil is by using another oil. By using the right oils, you can cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, while replacing the oil on your skin with beneficial ones extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit that heal, protect and nourish your skin. When done properly and consistently, the oil cleansing method can leave your skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.
How To Wash Your Face Using the Oil Cleansing Method
- Pump about a nickel to quarter size amount of cleansing oil into your hand, rub into both hands and massage into DRY skin. Use smooth circular strokes and let this also be a gentle facial massage. Massage for at least a minute or until you are sure that the oil has saturated your skin. This is when the cleansing oil really works its magic, dissolving build-up and nourishing the skin with powerful plant nutrients. Try to also think of this as a time to relax and massage away the stresses of the day, like a mini at-home spa treatment!
- Place a clean washcloth under warm water (not too warm) and wring it out. Open it and place it over your face. This will create steam against the skin to remove the oils and any impurities in the skin. Leave the washcloth 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 impurities and excess oil. Please don’t scrub too aggressively here, be kind to your skin, just a few gentle wipes. There will still be a thin layer of oil on the skin and this is beneficial for balancing your skin’s moisture barrier.
- The best time to oil cleanse is in the evening in order to remove makeup, sweat, dirt, and sunscreen, that builds up during the day. But if you are just starting out, and since this method does provide a DEEP clean, you may prefer to only oil cleanse every other day or even once a week at first until your skin has become used to it.
- For some people, oil cleansing may be enough to keep the skin hydrated, balanced and moisturized. Or you may feel that your skin still wants something like a facial oil or a natural moisturizer for additional nutrients and a moisture boost! I usually follow up oil cleansing with a few drops of my Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Facial Serum to help even out my skin tone, apply beneficial antioxidants, heal scars and prevent/diminish wrinkles. Then I follow up with my Renewing Night Cream.
A Note on the Oil Cleansing Method
It can be normal for an adjustment period of about a week or so for your skin to adjust, and you may even see more oily skin or more breakouts during this time as your skin is purging and impurities leave the skin. Resist the urge to use harsh soaps or facial cleansers during this time, as it will make the adjustment period take longer. Remember your skin was used to having to build up its own moisture barrier if you were constantly stripping it, it will need to learn not to make more oil.
After implementing the oil cleansing method, my skin finally felt like it balanced itself out! My acne completely cleared up and my wrinkles are softer and smoother with all the natural oils I now use on my skin, and it loves them! 🥰
If you’re looking to change up your skincare products and understand what ingredients you are using on your skin, you may want to try Rain Natural Skincare. My products are handmade and contain ingredients that come from Mother Earth. There are no toxic chemicals, added fragrances, mineral oils or unnecessary fillers.
If you have any questions, please email me at hello@raninnaturalskincare.com
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Here’s to your health,
