One of the biggest skincare questions people have been asking me lately is “WTF is oil cleansing and should I do it?” So I wanted to provide a deep dive into the oil cleansing method and break down why you should start washing your face with oil — even if you have oily skin.
What is the Oil Cleansing Method?
Our skin produces natural oils throughout the day to moisturize and protect against dryness. Known as sebum, it’s a naturally occurring wax-like substance that’s secreted by the sebaceous glands. Unfortunately, the accumulation of this oil can clog pores while contributing to the formation of acne breakouts and blemishes. There are ways to protect your skin from excessive oil, however, one of which is the oil cleansing method.
The Oil Cleansing Method Defined
The oil cleansing method lives up to its namesake by using one or more oils to cleanse “bad” oils from the face and skin. When sebum accumulates, it binds to makeup, dirt and dead skin to create a hardened mass that clogs pores. Traditional acne products and cleansing products may prove insufficient to remove these hardened masses, which is where the oil cleansing method comes into play.
By using high-quality natural oils (none of the synthetic stuff that’s loaded with chemicals), you’ll have an easier time removing stubborn dirt and debris from your pores. Our beauty oil is a great option for both oil cleansing AND moisturizing.
Oils such as these break down the hardened mass, allowing you to wash it away with greater ease. You’ll still need to use a water and a washcloth, but it’s the oil that proves most effective at cleaning hard-to-remove debris from the pores.
How to Perform the Oil Cleansing Method
Here’s how I perform the oil cleansing method:
When you are ready to begin, first apply a damp, warm washcloth to your face, allowing it to sit for at least 10 minutes (this helps by opening your pores). Next, pour ½ teaspoon of oil into the palm of your hand. Gently massage the oil into your face, beginning with your scalp and working your way downwards. Use caution not to get any oil in your eyes, as this may cause burning and irritation.
Continue massaging the oil into your face. When you are finished, re-soak the washcloth with warm water and apply it to your face. Using the washcloth, wipe away any remaining oil.
You can repeat this process a second or third time for improved results.
My guidelines:
- If I am wearing makeup – I start with oil cleansing to remove the makeup, then I use our Rosewater foaming facial cleanser as a second step.
- If I am not wearing makeup – I will just cleanse with the Rosewater foaming facial cleanser OR the Beauty Oil.
Oil Cleansing Methods Tips
- Focus on problematic areas where your pores are heavily clogged.
- Castor oil may prove too harsh for some people, though you can dilute it by mixing with other oils.
- Stick with pure, high-quality oils.
- Keep your facial muscles relaxed when massaging the oil into your pores.
Have any questions? Let us know in the comments or book a 1:1 session with Molly.
