Oil cleansing is a method that’s been around for some time and has been a bit of a skin care “trend” in recent years. It may seem counter intuitive to use oil to cleanse but it is so amazing! Following the property, like attracts like, oil cleansing helps to attract and dissolve excess oils, dirt, makeup, and sunscreen. Removing with a steamy washcloth in a circular motion helps to lift it all away and gently exfoliate your skin. This method provides such a deep cleanse that we don’t recommend cleansing again in the morning, just rinse with water! How’s that for simplifying your routine?
Types of oils definitely make a difference with this method. Oils with a smaller molecular size are more easily absorbed in the skin while larger molecular sized oils stay on the surface. We included a variety in our formulation so you can get the most effective cleanse.
For us the biggest draw to this method is its effect on the skins barrier. Since it doesn’t involve any stripping agents, soaps, or detergents, it’s not going to over-strip the skin. This allows the protective barrier to strengthen and thrive leaving you less prone to topical irritations and contact breakouts (you shouldn’t be afraid to touch your face!) Also, when we are not stripping everything off our face it helps our oil production to normalize. The second best part? Oil cleansing is by far the best method for reducing and preventing blackheads. No extractions, no squeezing, no questionable pore strips. The oils in the cleanser help to pull out the dirt, excess oils, and gunk stuck in our pores gently and efficiently.
Okay lets get to the how to:
- Dispense about a nickel sized amount of oil cleanser into your palm and disperse over your dry face and neck
- Massage all over. Go s l o w. Give extra focus to areas with more congestion and even get your eye makeup too
- Wet a washcloth with hot water wring it out and press into your skin
- Remove in circular motions working across your forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, neck, and chest. Rinse washcloth as needed
- Follow with Hydrate and Moisturize, Refine, Tallow Oil, or Tallow Balm
Trust us, you can clean your skin with oil. Our founder, a holistic esthetician, hasn't used a traditional “cleanser” in seven years, only oil.
Some individuals may see some breakouts when transitioning to this method. This can happen for a couple different reasons:
- You may not be removing the cleanser all the way. Be sure to hot water on your washcloth and try rising it out and doing another thorough pass
- If you have deeper congestion, the oil cleansing process will help bring it to the surface so it can be removed
- Your skin may need time to adjust its oil production, it could be producing more because your previous cleanser was more stripping and now all those oils aren't being totally removed.
In any case, be patient and be consistent. Most likely it will balance out and clear up in 2-4 weeks. If you need any assistance please reach out, we'd be happy to help!