Harsh cleansers can leave your Skin dry and tight, no matter what skin type you have. But what other option do we have to cleanse our faces of dirt, makeup, and excess oil? Well, oil itself is a great way to remove all three of those, as well as the toxins and bacteria that collects on the skin. That’s why so many people have added the oil cleansing method to their skincare routine. The right blend of oils for dry, normal, or oily skin can clear it up, leaving it moisturized and healthy. But you can’t just use any oils. You may even need to try out a few combinations to find the right blend for you. And once you’ve found it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed to keep your skin looking great before. If you are interested in trying out this method, keep reading.

What is the Oil Cleansing Method?

The oil cleansing method is a different way to cleanse your face. It doesn’t involve any harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and leave it tight and dry. Instead, the OCM uses only natural oils to help break down your own natural oils. This helps to clear away the excess without stripping your skin of all its moisture. This method can be used for every skin type, from dry to oily. Even sensitive skin can use this method since it is all natural and free of irritants. Those with acne prone skin can even clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

The best part of the oil cleansing method is that it can replace a variety of other beauty products. Because it completely cleanses the skin, you can use it over your whole body. Face washes, cleansers, makeup removers, and moisturizers may no longer be needed.

The History of the Oil Cleansing Method

You may be hearing about the oil cleansing method for the first time. But this isn’t a new way to clean your skin. In fact, this method in some form or another has been around for centuries. Olive oil is one of the most traditional oils used for the OCM. The ancient Romans used it regularly, rubbing it into their skin. This would help loosen up any dirt that was embedded there. The olive oil would also help break down any natural oils coating their skin. The Romans then used a tool called the strigil, which would be scraped over the skin. This would remove the excess oil and the dirt soaked into it. Afterward, they would relax in a hot bath to remove any leftover oils and soothe their skin.

How the Oil Cleansing Method Works

Despite how strange it sounds, oil can actually break down other oil. This means the oil combinations you apply to your skin will help dissolve the natural oils on your face. But just rubbing oil into your skin is only half the battle. This method also involves steaming your skin. When you do this, you open up your pores. This is an important part since clogged pores lead to acne. The oil blends get inside them, dissolve the clogs, and remove them quickly and easily. When the oil blends and all the dirt and grease are removed, your skin looks and feels soft and healthy.

Which Oils Work Best

To make the best oil blend to cleanse your skin, you need to find the right combination. There are many oils you can use, but to have the right blend, you for sure need a base oil and another one for extra moisture.

Base Oils

Castor Oil – Castor oil is the most recommended oil as a base for this method. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, so can help with painful blemishes. It also helps cleanse your skin, healing it in the process. But it can be drying if overused, so the ratio of this to the other oils will be quite small. 

Hazelnut Oil – Some people have concerns over the growing practices of castor oil and don’t like to add it to their OCM blends. If you’re one of them, you can replace the castor oil with hazelnut oil. This oil is especially great for oily skin. It contains a large amount of essential fatty acids to rehydrate your skin. It is also an antioxidant, which protects your skin from environmental stressors. It is gentle, so won’t cause any irritation in sensitive skin. This oil is also rich in nutrients and flavonoids that rejuvenate your skin. You’ll look younger and healthier after every use.

Argan Oil – You can use this one as a base or add it to the castor oil for added benefits. Argan oil is an antioxidant as well, so gives you even more protection. It also contains Vitamin E and fatty acids which repair damage while it hydrates. This oil soothes acne, reduces inflammation, and balances oil production. For youthful looking skin, argan oil restores your skin’s elasticity, reducing wrinkles.

Jojoba Oil – Jojoba oil is the closest match for the sebum your skin produces. That’s why it is so effective when it comes to balancing your oil production. It tricks your skin into thinking it has enough oil to keep it protected and hydrated. This oil is also a deep cleanser. It penetrates the hair follicle, clearing out any blockage. It is also an anti-bacterial and an anti-inflammatory. Because of its texture, it locks in your skin’s moisture, reducing dryness. Jojoba oil can be used for all skin types but works best on oily and acne-prone skin. You can use it as a base, or add it to other oils, depending on your needs. 

Sweet Almond Oil – This oil is mild and hypoallergenic, so it is one of the safest to use on sensitive skin. It is an antioxidant, like the others, so it protects the skin to keep it soft and smooth. The texture is quite light, so it absorbs easily into your skin without clogging your pores. This oil is also an anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and puffiness under the eyes. On its own or mixed with another base, this oil will do wonders for your skin. Of course, those with nut allergies need to avoid almond oil for obvious reasons.

Apricot Kernal Oil – Apricot oil is best for those with dry skin. It is a powerful emollient, so will hydrate and soften those flakes away. But it is also an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and an anti-bacterial. This helps to protect your skin while clearing out any acne. It is also an anti-aging oil, helping you stay young and gorgeous for even longer. This oil is light, absorbs easily, and is soothing for those with skin sensitivities. 

You can use any of these oils as a base on their own for your oil cleansing blend, or mix them us as you see fit. As for the secondary oils, there are so many options to choose from. They should be organic and natural to ensure they have no toxins or chemicals added. These oils should also be cold-pressed. Cooking them during the extraction process can destroy their benefits. Your secondary oil can be any vegetable, nut, or seed oil you like. Try out a few to find the ones that work best for you skin type. If you find they don’t work as well as you like, you may just need to alter the ratio of each oil to find the right blend. Or you can swap one or two out for a different blend altogether.

One thing to mention is that coconut oil and olive oil are sometimes used in these blends. But you need to be careful with them. They are highly comedogenic, which means they are the most likely to cause clogged pores. If you add these to your blends and then notice an increase in acne, they are likely the cause. In this case, cut them out and try something else. If you don’t have any problems with them, lucky you! Keep using them and enjoy your great looking skin.

OCM Recipes

When trying out your blends for the oil cleansing method, here are a few recipes you can try. You can make it each night, or blend a larger amount for a week’s worth of cleansing oil.

Oily Skin:

1. 30 % castor oil, 70 % high linoleic sunflower oil
2. 30 % hemp seed oil, 30 % moringa oil, 40 % sunflower oil

Acne Prone Skin:

1. 20% castor oil, 40% high linoleic sunflower oil, 40% grapeseed oil
2. 20% castor oil, 40% sunflower oil, 40% hemp seed oil

Normal Skin:

1.   20% castor oil and 80% high linoleic sunflower oil

Dry Skin:

1.   10% castor oil, 30% high linoleic sunflower oil, 60% avocado oil

Combination Skin:

1.   10% rosehip oil, 10% apricot kernel oil, 40% jojoba oil, 40% sweet almond oil
2.   25% castor or hazelnut oil, 75% olive or sunflower oil

Aging Skin

1.   10% castor oil, 10% sunflower oil, 40% evening primrose oil, 40% rosehip seed oil

How to Do the Oil Cleansing Method

What You Need:

• Base oil
• Carrier oil(s)
• Soft washcloth
• Hot running water

Step by Step Instructions on the OCM

Step 1: Prepare Your Face

Combine your oils and set them aside. Then fill a basin with hot water. Not scalding, but not lukewarm either. Soak the face cloth in the water and then hold it against your face for a few seconds. This will help open your pores.

Step 2: Apply Your Oils

Pour a quarter-sized amount of oil into your hand. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and then smooth it over your face. Massage it in, focusing on any problem areas. This could include blemishes or dry spots. Be gentle. This process removes dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup, so take your time. Breathe deeply, relaxing your body as you cleanse your skin.

Step 3: Clear Away the Oil

Soak the washcloth again. Then squeeze out the excess water and lay it over your face. Leave it there for a few minutes, allowing the hot cloth to cool down. Then use it to gently wipe away the oil. You may need to rinse and repeat this wiping process a few times to clear away all the oils. Do not scrub your face at any time.

Step 4: Moisturize

Your skin should feel soft and smooth after the OCM is finished. If not, you can take a very small drop of oil and rub it in your hands. Then pat your skin gently to moisturize your clean skin.

Pro Tips

• Do the oil cleansing method at night before bed. You’ll have more time at night and it will give your skin time to heal if necessary. In the morning just jump in the shower, give your face a gentle wipe with warm water, and carry on with your routine.
• Don’t swap your oil blend with any harsh cleansers. This could confuse your skin, causing more frequent issues
• Find your own routine. Some people do the OCM every day, while others only do it a couple times a week. It all depends on your skin type and how much makeup or dirt is on your face.
• Don’t avoid moisturizer. Even though the oil blends hydrate, you may still want to continue using moisturizer. Again, it depends on your skin type and how dry your skin is.
• Your skin won’t be perfect instantly. It may take a week or more for your skin to adjust, so don’t panic if you don’t see immediate results.

The Oil Cleansing Method Final Thoughts

Cleansing your skin is necessary to keep it healthy, strong, and looking its best. But there are so many chemicals in skin care products these days. This can cause more problems than they fix, so why use them when there is a natural way to do the same job? The oil cleansing method is a great way to clear out the oil, dirt, and remove your makeup. It is all natural, with no side effects to harm your sensitive face. I hope you enjoyed reading our article on the oil cleansing method. Don’t forget to share this with anyone looking for a healthier way to cleanse their skin. Thanks for reading! If you are looking for more hair care articles check out our hair care buyer’s guides.

Footnotes:

• Lucky Cloud Botanical Skincare: Oil Cleansing Method
• The Oil Cleansing Method: The Oil Cleansing Method
• Crunchy Betty: Nitty Gritty on the Oil Cleansing Method

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