Written by Pushpanjali Singh
Oil cleansing?
Yeah, you read that right!
People with a variety of skin issues are eager to wade into the river of ads, where each product claims to solve the problems.
Multiple products, multiple claims!
A very universal analysis is that the only thing that crosses the mind about facial cleansing is a face wash, white foam or products that lather.
Breaking the monotony, the oil cleansing method has been crowd-pleasing. But there is a few per cent of people who are still hesitant because of the concept of oil-free products for clear, gorgeous skin.
To answer this misconception, let’s join the oil cleansing cult.
What is Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing, in its simplest form, is washing your face with oils.
Didn’t get it? Let’s dive into detail.
The oil cleansing method uses natural oils instead of conventional face cleansers.
When you use cleansing oils on your face and neck, you remove excess sebum, an oil that your skin produces, makeup, dirt, pollutants, etc.
Oil cleansing helps to keep the skin pH balanced, nourishes it with natural oils and dissolves the impurities that clog the pores.
How to oil cleanse?
- Basic oil cleanse:
- Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil in your palm.
- Put it on your face and massage it gently to remove impurities.
- Use warm water or a damp washcloth to rinse off or wipe the oil.
- Try not to scrub or wipe away the oil too harshly, as it can lead to skin irritation and breakouts.
- Use a dry towel and apply moisturizer
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Double cleansing method.
The double cleansing method is all the rage in the market. It includes two separate face cleansing regimes for deep cleaning: an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
Oil-based cleanser
- Take a few drops of oil-based cleanser (solid or liquid form) in your palm.
- Apply the oil to your dry skin and make sure to mix the oil-based cleanser with little water.
- After a proper massage, the mixture will turn milky, then remove the cleanser with a soft cloth.
Water-based cleanser
- After using an oil-based cleanser regime, use a water-based cleanser (foaming or non-foaming) to remove any remaining oil.
- Foaming cleanser: Wet your face, apply the product and gently massage.
Non-foaming cleanser: Use a soft sponge to apply as it’ll lather up and keep the skin irritation-free.
Choose your cleansing oil as per your skin type -
- Olive and Coconut oil: Ideal for dry skin. It’s enriched with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Coconut oil acts as a natural sunscreen while olive oil has hydrating properties.
- Jojoba and Rosehip oil: Ideal for sensitive skin with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which protect the skin and improve elasticity and hydration.
- Tea tree and Argan oil: Ideal for acne-prone skin. Helps to control sebum production and nourishes the skin.
Oil cleansing is beneficial for the skin.
- Oil is an excellent moisturizer as the oil in your cleanser bonds with the oils and dirt on your skin and that acts as armour for the skin. So, you should limit the amount of moisture you apply to your skin.
- The most significant benefit is ridding the skin of impurities and preventing acne breakouts.
- You can easily apply makeup or other skin care products as they’ll be absorbed perfectly.
- No excessive sebum to bum out your skin.
- Get rid of dead skin, makeup, pollutants, clogged pores etc.
Oil-based cleansing might not be ideal for every skin type. However, if you happen to choose the right product, you can conquer skin health. Always follow the "once-a-day" rule.
Bonus tip: Oil cleansing at night before bedtime ensures maximum cleansing and hydration. Also, this helps your skin rejuvenate throughout the night.
Since you've made it to the end of this blog, give oil cleansing a try!
Have a happy skin!
Sources
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/deep-oil-cleansing-what-to-know “Deep Oil Cleansing: How it Can Benefit Your Skin.” Brennan.
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences: “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.”
- https://www.aad.org/skin-care-secrets/healthier-looking-skin
