Cleansing your face with oil is a concept that seems to be very unintuitive. After all, we were brought up to believe that oil is the underlying cause of a plethora of skin problems. Although this method might sound extremely appealing to those looking for a natural skin care regimen, learning more about this method can prove extremely helpful.
The oil cleansing method has received a lot of attention ever
since people have come to be more aware of the multitude of
chemicals our skin comes in contact with on a daily basis. Using
natural oil as a moisturizer has certainly become a quick
transition that many women chose to make in order to green their
beauty routine. However, oil cleansing is a relatively new concept
that is viewed with a certain degree of skepticism since it doesn't
really match the idea of cleanliness that we traditionally hold in
mind.
However, this method appears to be quite effective and many women
swear by it. What's even more surprising is that this method seems
to work well for those who are struggling with acne, which is
particularly dazzling since it is commonly believed that excess oil
is one of the factors that worsens acne breakouts. It is said
that a 'rebound effect' is likely to occur at first, but that over
the long term, things will start to improve.
The oil cleansing method is fairly simple and basically consists
of mixing oils to get the needed result. Castor oil is considered
necessary in the mix as it is believed to have superior cleansing
abilities compared to other oils. Other recommended oils for the
mix are jojoba, which is considered to be beneficial for acne prone
skin, olive oil, grape seed oil,almond or sunflower seed oil. These
can work well for all skin types. Avocado oil and argan oil are
recommended for dry and aging skin. As far as
the oils that are best to be avoided, coconut oil is first on the
list as it might be comedogenic. A few drops of essential oil can
also complete the mix if you want.
After selecting the oil mix you like most, you should establish the
right ratios depending on your skin type. If you are not willing to
work with specific percentages, it is best to keep in mind that
castor oil tends to be quite drying, so you might want to start
gradually and increase the ratio over time to prevent irritation.
For oily skin a mix consisting of 30%
castor oil and 70% oil of choice is considered suitable. A 10%
castor oil concentration can work best for dry skin while a
combination skin
type can handle a 20% castor oil concentration. These, however, are
only general guidelines and you will probably have to go through a
process of trial and error before figuring out what works best for
you.
Once you get over the mixing part, things are a lot easier. To
cleanse your face, you will simply need to apply the mixture
massaging it gently and begin cleansing your face just like you
normally would. It doesn't really matter if you have makeup on as
this mixture is an excellent makeup remover as well. To remove the
oil, you will need to use a washcloth soaked in hot water. Make
sure the temperature of the water is bearable and apply the
washcloth on your face for about 10-15 seconds. Start wiping your
face slowly, clean the washcloth and repeat until your face is
completely clean.
Depending on your skin type, you may or may not need to moisturize
afterwards. As far as the frequency of use, personal preference is
perhaps the main factor when it comes to deciding, as the whole
method is rather intuitive. This method might not be for everyone,
however, it is certainly worth trying as it can deliver a lot of
benefits for your skin. It is advisable to give your skin at least
one or two weeks to get adjusted to the new regimen.
Credit: Thinkstock Photos