Whatever your skin type, there’s always a better skin cleansing method for you. And using oil can be your one-stop solution to achieve good and healthy skin.
Unlike the typical face cleansing routine, the oil cleansing method offers a more natural approach. It gently cleanses your face without removing any of its natural oils, helping the skin maintain healthy hydration and repair the barrier. Adding it to your skin-care routine might just be a great way to practice self-care.
Keep on reading to learn more about oil cleansing benefits and the right way to oil cleanse your face for maximum benefits.
What Is Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing is basically cleansing using oil. Women around the world have been using this technique for a very long time—especially in East Indian and Asian cultures.
Why?
Because oil effectively removes dirt and makeup while protecting the precious microbiome on our skin, which is essential to the health and beauty of the skin. In contrast to soap and detergent cleansers that can damage your natural lipids and skin barrier.
The fundamental goal of using an oil cleanser is to naturally balance your skin’s oil while nourishing and treating your skin. It contains hydrating ingredients that leave a soothing effect on your skin while boosting hydration.
Additionally, it can help boost your skin’s defenses against infections and acne. That is why many well-known skincare companies are introducing oil-based cleansers today.
Understanding How Oil Cleanses Your Skin
To explain it simply, oil dissolves oil. In other words, the best way to dissolve one oil is by using another one.
For skin cleansing, the proper oil will replace dirty oil and the excess sebum on your face. In addition to that, it cleans up clogged pores, dead skin cells, environmental toxins, makeup buildup, and more.
Furthermore, oil-based cleansers also offer healing properties that soothe and nourish your skin. They are much gentler on your skin compared to conventional cleansers, which may irritate it. They keep moisture inside your skin sealed in.
By using the oil cleansing approach, you can treat many skin issues, including dry skin, blackheads, acne, etc.
Choosing A Cleansing Oil For Your Skin
There are a lot of options that you can find in every cosmetics store, even in the supermarket. And usually, those cleansing oils have already been blended. All you have to do is be aware of whether the cleanser is appropriate or not for your skin type. If you frequently have acne, choose non-comedogenic cleansers. Later, we’ll delve deeper onto which oil is best for each skin type.
Meanwhile, if you’re not a fan of pre-mixed oils, you can definitely create your own product by combining several oils. Choose any oil that is good for your skin if you want to make your own cleansing oil. Two excellent alternatives, typically used in a 1:1 ratio, are castor oil [1] and olive oil.
Even for oil-based skin cleansing, you can use essential oils. But before applying it to your face, be sure to mix it with a carrier oil.
Which Cleansing Oil Is Best For Each Skin Type?
Normal Skin:
The best oil for normal skin has always been apricot kernel oil. It nourishes the skin to enhance skin radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone.
Dry Skin:
If you have dry skin, a mixture of olive and castor oil is the best. Olive oil contains a lot of antioxidants, while castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—both are ideal for boosting skin hydration.
Acne-Prone, Oily, and Sensitive Skin:
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can use jojoba oil and castor oil. Jojoba is well-known for its ability to reduce acne. Meanwhile, castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to support it. And if you happen to have sensitive skin, an oil high in antioxidants is best for you. For instance, rosehip oil and seabuckthorn oil.
How To Cleanse Your Face With Oil The Right Way?
When doing the oil-cleansing method, you’ll need the cleansing oil, water, and a soft face cloth. Remember that water temperature will always depend on your skin type. If you have dry or oily skin, use very warm water. On the other hand, warm water would be the most ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Steps For Oil-Cleansing:
- Start by rinsing your face with water.
- Next, put a quarter-size amount of oil cleanser in the palm of your hand.
- Then, apply it to your face and neck.
- Massage gently for two to three minutes for the skin to absorb the oil.
- Damp your cloth with water and compress your face using it for a couple of minutes.
- Wipe the oil off your face gently.
- Rinse the damp cloth and repeat the compressing process. (Optional)
- Pat dry your face with a towel gently once finished.
Remember to oil cleanse once a day only. It would be best to do it before bedtime. Doing that will allow your skin to have enough time to hydrate and moisturize.
The Bottom Line
Cleansing your face with oils is an excellent approach to maintaining your skin’s natural oils. Learning how to do it properly from this article will help you get its maximum benefits. Just know that noticeable results of doing oil cleansing may take some time—at least two or three weeks. Once you get the healthy-looking skin you’ve been aiming for, complete your look by dressing classy.
Article by Myrtle Bautista
