Cleaning Up Oil with Oil: The Oil Cleansing Method

Acne sufferers have long noticed that a gentle cleanser is more effective than a harsh one. By stripping the skin of all of the natural oils, glands produced even more oil to compensate, escalating the severity of breakouts. By gently cleansing and then applying a light moisturizer, the face was cleared of acne causing agents without aggravating the condition.

Now more people are using oil to clean their faces and help their complexions. People who use the oil cleansing method prefer to use oil to dissolve oil on your skin, rather than harsh cleansers. They know that oil will never bond with water, making some water based cleansing methods ineffective. They are also aware that breakouts are not necessarily caused by oil, but by foreign substances in the pores, in addition to heredity and hormones.

Instead of breakouts, people that regularly use the oil cleansing method report soft skin with a healthy glow. They also report that the oil cleansing method reduces their fine lines and better moisturizes their skin. Other people choose the oil cleansing method because of the cost savings in comparison to expensive skin creams and cleansers

It is important not to confuse the oil cleansing method with specially formulated cleansing oils. Cleansing oils are combined with other ingredients so that they emulsify with water and rinse away. While they are popular and could help your skin, they are not what you should use for the oil cleansing method.

To try the oil cleansing method you will need an oil with no additives such extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, or grapeseed oil. Some people claim that castor oil is a more cleansing oil with healing properties, while olive oil is more moisturizing. What is known is that oils like grapeseed and almond are lighter than castor and olive oil. The only true way to know what oil will work best for your skin is too try it. You can also try combining different types of oils to get better results.

The oil cleansing method can be time consuming, so be sure to have at least twenty minutes to try this technique. Over time you can streamline your method to make this process quicker. Also, many people begin trying the oil cleansing method at night and using their regular skincare regimen in the morning.

Before beginning the oil cleansing method, pull back your hair and wear an old shirt. Then spread a liberal amount of your chosen oil on your face, neck, and chest. Do not worry about cleaning your face beforehand.

Next, wet a washcloth with hot water and lay it over the oil on your face. Wait for the washcloth to cool to room temperature to remove. After you have removed the cloth, slowly massage the oil into your skin and neck. Use firm circular strokes and take your time, concentrating on the T zone of your face. Do not scrub or use your nails. You want to simulate the type of relaxing massage you might receive during a facial.

Using a new hot facecloth, drape it on your face and wait until it has cooled. Then use the facecloth to carefully remove all of the oil. Use additional clothes or rinse out the one you are using to be sure that every drop of the oil has been removed.

Splash your face with cold water to refresh and make your pours appear smaller. Then apply a moisturizer. You can use your regular moisturizer for this step or a very small amount of the oil you used for cleansing. Massage until the oil is completely absorbed. Some people find that they do not need the moisturizing step. Evaluate your skin after removing the cleansing oil to decide for yourself.

Like any change in a skin care regimen, it will take time to truly decide whether the oil cleansing method is a good way to clean your skin. Some people report a breakout after a week of using the oil cleansing method, but these problems normally clear within a few days. Others have no skin problems to report. Devotees of the oil cleansing method report a healthy glow to their skin and a lack of acne. Try it and see if it is right for you.