Oil Cleansing Method

image from Simple Mom

By now you probably know what a huge fan I am of using both essential oils and carrier oils on my skin, particularly my face.  For the last few weeks, for whatever reason, my skin has been on the "fritz."  I've gotten a few nasty little pimples on my temples and forehead coupled with dry skin on my nose and cheeks. 

Desperate my aggravated skin, I decided to try the oil-cleansing method to clean my face.  According to one blogger, using oil is the "superhero of facial cleansing," and after a few weeks of trying it myself, I couldn't agree more!

Here is how it works: with dry hands and face put about a quarter sized amount of oil in your palm and gently massage into your face for several minutes.  Next wet a washcloth with warm water and use it to wipe the oil off your face.  In the mood for a little luxury?  Spread the wet, warm washcloth over your face, lay down and take a few deep breaths while your face "steams."  After a few minutes use the washcloth to wipe off your face.  Your skin will be glowing and clean...ahhhh.

When you clean your face this way the oil that your skin produces naturally is being replaced with the clean, nourishing oil that you apply during cleansing.  This is a perfect illustration of like dissolving like.  According to acne.org,  

“Oil dissolves oil. One of the most basic principals of chemistry is that “like dissolves like.” The best way to dissolve a non-polar solvent like sebum/oil, is by using another non-polar solvent similar in composition: other oils. By using the right oils, you can cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, while replacing the dirty oil with beneficial ones extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit that heal, protect and nourish your skin. When done properly and consistently, the oil cleansing method can clear the skin from issues like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, whiteheads and other problems caused by mild to moderate acne–while leaving your skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.”

I just happened to have a sample of Josie Maran's Argan Cleansing Oil that I have been using in my experiment with the oil cleansing method.  This product smells great and if you want something a little luxurious I would definitely recommend it.  If, however, you are on a budget, mixing up your own blend is one of the most economical ways to cleanse your face--you don't need any fancy products, just a few different carrier oils depending on your skin type.

No matter what your skin type, you will want to use some combination of oils that includes castor oil.  This oil is highly anti-inflammatory, healing, and cleansing.  A little bit of castor oil goes a long way and surprisingly, too much will leave you with dry skin.  Below are other carrier oils that can be mixed with the castor oil.

• Jojoba (all skin types, but very desirable for acne-prone skin)
• Sweet almond (all skin types, especially oily)
• Grapeseed (all skin types, especially oily)
• Avocado (dry and aging skin)
  
• Sunflower Seed (all skin types)
  
• Olive (all skin types)
  
• Apricot Kernel (dry, aging, and normal skin)
  
• Argan (all skin types, especially aging skin)

Whether you are mixing up a bottle of oil cleanser to keep in the shower or eyeballing the combinations, it is best to think in thirds.  Keep in mind that you might need to experiment with ratios and find what works best for you.

• oily skin: Use 2/3 castor oil to 1/3 carrier oil. (Or measure out 2 tsp castor oil and 1 tsp carrier oil.)
• Normal skin: Use equal parts castor oil and carrier oil. (Measuring out 1-1/2 tsp castor oil and 1-1/2 tsp carrier oil.)
• Dry skin: Use 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 carrier oil. (Again, 2 tsp carrier oil and 1 tsp castor oil.)