As the name suggests, oil cleansing is literally using plant base oils to cleanse the skin of all dirt and impurities. Oil cleansing is a skincare method that involves using oils to cleanse the skin and remove impurities, including makeup, dirt, and excess sebum. It may sound counterintuitive to clean your face with oil, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, but oil cleansing is actually an effective and gentle way to maintain a healthy complexion.
The basic principle behind oil cleansing is that “like dissolves like.” The oils used in this method work to dissolve and lift away the oil-based impurities on your skin without stripping away the skin’s natural moisture barrier. When performed correctly, oil cleansing can help balance the skin’s oil production, reduce clogged pores, and leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated.
Here’s how oil cleansing typically works:
1. Choosing the right combination of oils. Different oils have varying properties and benefits for the skin. These oils are commonly available and suitable to be used on skin. They are jojoba oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil and coconut oil to name a few. You can use a single oil or create a customized blend based on your skin preference and concerns.
2. Applying the oil. Oil cleansing is suitable to loosen up makeup on the face and you can wipe it down thereafter. It is also very effective for both dry and oily skin to use for daily cleansing. Take a small amount of the oil blend in your hands and gently massage it onto your dry face. Use gently circular motions to work the oil into the skin focusing on areas with makeup. This helps to loosen up the makeup and any impurities that had accumulated on the skin.
3. Gentle removal using warm wash cloth. Once you feel that you have massaged the oils sufficiently on the skin, take a soft, clean wash cloth and soak it in warm water. Wring out the excess water and use the wash cloth to gently wipe away the oil and impurities.
4. Optional second cleanse. If you are using oil cleansing to remove makeup and impurities, I strongly recommend to do a second cleanse using a gentle water based cleanser with very little foam. This is to remove any residue and the oils as some of you may not like the feel of a layer of oil on the skin surface. However if you are using the oil cleansing method on a daily basis without wearing any makeup, you don’t need to follow up with a second cleanse, unless you want to reduce the amount of oils on your skin surface.
5. Pat dry and moisturise. Once you have completed the oil cleansing process, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. It is essential to follow up with a moisturiser to replenish the skin’s moisture level. Other steps such as toner, serum or any type of application can be applied thereafter as how your skincare routine usually is.
Oil cleansing can be done once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s needs and your preference. Some individuals find that oil cleansing alone is sufficient, while others combine it with other cleansing methods. It’s crucial to observe how your skin responds and adjust the frequency and oil blend accordingly.
Benefits of oil cleansing:
1. It is gentle and nourishing. Oil cleansing helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, preventing dryness and irritation that can result from harsh cleansers.
2. It helps to balance the oil production for the skin. By removing excess oil and impurities from the skin, oil cleansing can help regulate sebum production, potentially reducing the occurrence of breakouts and clogged pores.
3. It is a relaxing and therapeutic routine. The massaging action during the oil cleansing routine can be soothing and relaxing thus promoting a sense of overall well being.
4. Combination of plant oils and esters in an oil cleanse base creates a nice application skin feel. They are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids that nourish the skin amongst many other benefits which promotes a healthier complexion.
Oil cleansing is generally suitable for all skin type. However it is important to note that those with certain skin conditions such as severe acne or skin infections, should consult with a dermatologist before incorporating oil cleansing into their skincare routine.
You can easily craft your own oil cleansing blend by understanding the properties of the type of plant oils you would like to use. I won’t go into too much detail on the properties of the oils here but I will share with you a simple oil cleanse blend which you can create yourself.
We are going to make a 100 gram batch formulation of Daily Cleansing Oil. Measure out each of the ingredient listed below. Mix them together until they are homogenous.
| Ingredient | Weight |
| Jojoba oil | 40 grams |
| Fractionated coconut oil | 30 grams |
| Castor oil | 19.50 grams |
| Coco caprylate/caprate | 10 grams |
| Vitamin E | 0.50 grams |
Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) is used here instead of coconut oil as FCO does not have any scent. As you may probably know, pure coconut oil has a strong scent and if you prefer that, do go ahead and use it. Castor oil has antibacterial properties which is good for helping to rid of unwanted bacteria on the skin. Now coco caprylate/caprate is an ester. This is included here to alter the skin feel application as it provides a drier effect after application. You can omit this if you prefer, just increase any of the other oils by 10 grams to ensure the total of the formulation always equals to 100 grams.
Vitamin E that is used in this formula is meant to slow down the rancidity speed of the oils. I’ll be writing on vitamin E after this so stay tuned and look out for it.
Mix them well and pour them into a bottle which can be capped tightly for storage. You can use a pump as how you see on the photo above. This can be more convenient to use. If there is no pump available, you can pour some onto your palms straight from the bottle, and gently apply to your facial skin.
When you are ready, take a warm wash clothe and gently wipe off the skin. Rinse the wash cloth as often as you need. Follow the suggestions above to determine if you require a second cleanse.
I hope you try this out as this had helped my oily skin tremendously. You may find that your skin does not get oily that fast once you incorporate oil cleansing into your daily routine. Do share your experience in the comments below.
Love yourself. Eliza
