Written By Sophia Young / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Ditching your traditional facial cleanser for oils might come off as something radical, but skincare enthusiasts have sworn to the effectiveness of this alternative method. 

Oil cleansing, as the name suggests, is the process of cleansing your skin using natural oils. In the same manner that diamonds cut diamonds, oils dissolve oils. 

Contrary to the popular belief that oil-based products must never touch our faces, thousands of men and women who started using oil cleansing as part of their skincare routine have never looked back! So if you wish to try it for yourself, here are three tips that will help you get started.

Use just one oil or a mix of several oils

To get the maximum benefits of oil cleansing, choosing the right oil is crucial. Coconut oil is primarily used for removing makeup since it is classified as comedogenic or one that clogs the pores and causes blackheads.

So while it is best for removing makeup, you’re not advised to leave it on your face. Safflower seed oil and jojoba oil are great for those battling eczema or acne. Avocado oil has been proven effective in hydrating the skin, and together with mineral-rich olive oil, it can leave your skin effortlessly smooth while getting rid of your dead skin cells.

 Meanwhile, argan oil is known for being an anti-aging agent, so if you’re treating acne or dry skin, you will be better off with avocado or olive oil.

There are other oils available in the market like almond oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, and even apricot kernel oil. Whether you're prone to acne or you have flaky dry skin, or you simply just want to remove your makeup, there is an oil that will certainly suit your needs.

Cleanse daily 

 Oil cleansing is applicable for all skin types. While it is true that oil dissolves oil, oil cleansing does not strip your skin of its natural beneficial oils. Unlike traditional facial cleaners which get rid of all the germs they lay their hands on, oils leave the good germs and microbes on your skin.

If you use your traditional facial cleansers every night, you are most welcome to do that with your oils as well. 

Most skincare enthusiasts who are familiar with humectants do oil cleansing every day. Since humectants make sure that the moisture is locked in your skin, oil cleansing has been a cult favorite for those with eczema and dry skin. 

If you wish to do deep cleansing, you are free to do it once a week. Oil cleansing does not restrict you as these oils are free from chemicals and come with very minimal fragrance. 

Just a caveat: whether you want to do oil cleansing every day or every week, invest in high-quality oils to make sure that you are getting the most out of this alternative skincare method.

Use warm water and two teaspoons of oil. You must start by rinsing your face with warm water. Calming the skin, like how you used to do it with your old facial cleanser, is a step you cannot afford to miss.

After lightly rinsing your face, use two teaspoons - or two pumps - of your chosen oil cleanser and massage it gently on your face. Notice the word “gently.” Some tend to get a bit too excited and do more harm than good when they press too firmly while massaging their faces.

Do this for a good two minutes and leave it for another minute. Unlike your traditional cleanser which you can directly rinse off with water, you will be needing a warm damp washcloth to wipe the oil off your skin. Gently wipe the oil away using this cloth at least two times or repeat until you have completely removed the oil from your skin.

Again folks, take note of the word “gently.” For best results, apply your trusted moisturizer once your skin is completely dried off.

Final Words

You don’t have to be a pro at skincare to know that you must wash your make-up off and your face before going to bed. But we understand that the quest for maintaining healthy skin doesn’t stop.

Oil cleansing is great for all skin types but take extra diligence in choosing the right oil for you depending on what you wish to achieve and should you have any medical condition. You must think twice about using coconut or peanut oil for cleansing if you have experienced any adverse reaction to either of them.

Testing and researching oils before using them is recommended to avoid breakouts and allergic reactions. 

As more and more studies are starting to prove the effectiveness of oil cleansing, be patient and don’t try to overdo it. As with any skincare routine, it might take a week or two before you see any visible effects.

For some, the effect is instant. But it’s not the same for everybody. It is advisable to do oil cleansing as often as you used to with your old facial cleanser.

And like with any other beauty product, if you notice any irritation or unusual breakout, it’s best to choose another oil or just try a different facial cleansing method. Remember: the best cleansing method is the one that works for you!

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Sophia Young recently quit a non-writing job to finally be able to tell stories and paint the world through her words. She loves talking about fashion and weddings and travel, but she can also easily kick ass with a thousand-word article about the latest marketing and business trends, finance-related topics, and can even whip up a nice heart-warming article about family life. She can totally go from fashion guru to your friendly neighborhood cat lady with mean budgeting skills and home tips real quick.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels