I’ve shared many natural beauty tips before, but oil cleansing is probably one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve healthy, clear skin. Let me explain how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine and why it works so well.
Initially, I was doubtful about trying oil cleansing. My skin is naturally oily, and I was concerned it wouldn’t suit me. I also struggled with acne in my younger years and feared this method might trigger it again. However, I was pleasantly surprised!
Using natural oils to cleanse your skin might sound odd, but it actually makes a lot of sense. The idea is to use a specific blend of natural oils to clean and balance your skin’s natural oils, resulting in more nourished and moisturized skin compared to traditional detergent-based face washes.
The concept behind oil cleansers is simple: use oil to massage and cleanse your skin. The principle of “like dissolves like” means that the carrier oils help dissolve impurities in your pores. Warm water then opens the pores, making it easy to remove dirt and sebum.
Fans of the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) say it can help with oily, dry, sensitive skin, as well as blackheads and whiteheads. The type of oil you choose depends on your skin type.
Many makeup products contain oil, and oil cleansing can help remove them too. It’s great for taking off foundation, mascara, and even eye makeup!
Here’s the exciting part: even during the third trimester of pregnancy, when my skin usually acts up due to hormones, I had no breakouts! I used oil cleansing for several months to prevent blemishes and remove makeup.
When I first started oil cleansing, my skin went through an adjustment period where it got worse for about a week. Most resources suggest this is a detox reaction as impurities are drawn out. This seemed true for me. Afterward, my skin improved, and within 3-4 weeks of using only oil cleansing, I had no excess oil, dryness, or blackheads.
I asked friends and family who use oil cleansing about their experiences, and they reported similar results. Some even mentioned that combining oil cleansing with daily gelatin intake was the best anti-aging treatment!
Interested in trying oil cleansing? All you need are some natural oils and a clean, damp washcloth!
The most common oils used are castor oil and olive oil, but you can use any natural oil. Castor oil is naturally astringent, making it ideal for oily or combination skin (and even dry skin in smaller amounts). While I use castor oil packs for detoxing, it can be too harsh if used undiluted as an oil cleanser.
Mix castor oil with another carrier oil (or several) that suits your skin type. My favorite is olive oil, but sunflower, safflower, or even coconut oil can work.
Some oils, like rosehip and castor oil, are more astringent, while others like olive oil can be too heavy for oily skin. Here are some oil cleansing options and how they work:
These oils are used in larger amounts with castor oil.
They add customization to your OCM blend and are a concentrated source of skin-loving nutrients. Add a little to your oil blend for big benefits.
If you prefer not to buy the oils yourself, there’s a handmade oil cleansing blend that smells great and works well.
If you’re new to oil cleansing, it might take a few tries to find the right oil blend for you. I use a mix of 3/4 olive oil and 1/4 castor or hazelnut oil, which works perfectly for my skin. You can also try the following:
Start with the suggested amounts for your skin type and adjust as needed. When I began, I mixed small batches until I found the right blend.
I’ve also found that pure coconut oil can work well once your skin adjusts, though it can be drying for some. A friend uses a half-and-half mix of coconut and olive oil, blended into a cream, which works perfectly for her.
Now that you know which oils to use, here’s how to do the OCM!
Oil Cleansing With Acne
It’s normal for your skin to take about a week to adjust. You might see more oiliness or breakouts as impurities leave your skin. Try to resist using harsh soaps or cleansers, as they can prolong the adjustment period.
You can speed up detoxing by using a clay face mask once or twice a week.
The Oils Aren’t Working For Me
Even if you don’t have acne-prone skin, you might still experience an adjustment period. You’ll likely need to experiment with different oils to find your perfect ratio. If your skin feels too dry afterward, reduce the castor oil (or rosehip oil if using). If it’s too greasy, try a lighter oil or increase the castor oil.
If your skin doesn’t respond well after a month (and you’ve tried different oils), the OCM might not be suitable for you.
Cleaning Up Afterward
If you oil cleanse in the shower, clean the shower floor regularly to prevent slipping. Some people ask how to clean the washcloth afterward. I do a separate load of laundry for them and wash on hot. You can also rinse with vinegar before drying.
Have you tried oil cleansing? How did it work for you? Share your experience!
