Every couple of months a new *old* skincare trend finds its way in the lime light and this time its Oil cleansing. Does it actually work? Is it more effective than a traditional face wash? Well first let me share with you the history of Oil Cleansing, because I promise you it is not a new thing. Before the 19th century soap was not produced industrially and was not readily available to most of the world. So we had to get creative with what we used to clean our skin with! Ancient Romans were one of the first culture to use this oil cleaning methods. They believed by rubbing olive oil into the skin it removed both unwanted sebum and dirt, no visit to their bath house or "Caldariums" was complete without a little olive oil rub down. Historical literature from Gaius Plinius Secundus (a naturalist and philosopher) talks about the benefits of oil cleansing for the face and its ability to prevent skin diseases.Was this just ancient gossip magazine talk? Or is there really truth behind this method?
Before I dive into whether it works, I realize not all of you may know what I am talking about so let me back up a second and share what Oil cleansing is. Oil cleansing is exactly what you think it is, taking carrier oils (depending on your skin type) and using them to pull dirt from your skin using different massage techniques. It's a simple, easy and affordable way to naturally clean your skin nightly. I know it sounds crazy, especially if you are like me and have oily skin, but the more you think about it the more it actually starts to make a lot of sense. The natural oils you use when oil cleansing (and you dont just use one oil and call it a day there are specific combinations) work to naturally balance our skins natural oils. Oil attracts Oil, In with the good oil and out with the bad oil. This allows our skin to thrive, become nourished and hydrated in a way that traditional soap and detergent based facial cleanser cant. I love this explanation from Acne.org: Fact: 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 OCM 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.
So here we are to the last most important question: Does it work? So Im here to tell you, YES! I have used the oil cleansing method for years now, It has worked to clear my cystic acne and help lighten my scarring. In fact if you use any of my Facial Cleanser from my line (found here) you are oil cleansing too! I believe in the process so much that I based all my facial cleansers on this method. Just like with anything, when you first change your skincare routine your skin goes through a "I hate you" stage. Breakouts will happen, blackheads will pop up and your skin might even become oily at first. Trust me this stage is short lived, within 1-2 weeks your skin will be glowing honey!
Looking back at all the non-sense I use to put on my face to cure my acne, I cringe. I often visit EWG.org/skindeep and type in ingredients that are foreign to me to learn about them and a little piece of my soul breaks when I see what I use to put on my skin, and ultimately in my body. Live and learn, right? Best part about Oil cleansing-ingredients are all natural and usually on 2 of them!
So what do you need to get started? Pick you oil and grab a microfiber washcloth and thats it! Not sure what carrier oil to use for your skin? No worries, I got you boo!
Sensitive rice bran, grapeseed, apricot kernel, fractionated coconut oil (FCO), jojoba, safflower, sunflower, sweet almond, watermelon, calendula, sea buckthorn, emu oil, mineral oil (purest grade), camellia oil Dry extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), macadamia, corn, avocado, sesame, sunflower, wheat germ, coconut oil, shea oil, sweet almond, emu oil, camellia oil Oily grapeseed, jojoba, watermelon, hazelnut, safflower, hazelnut, peach kernel, rice bran Acne neem, jojoba, grapeseed, watermelon, rice bran, apricot seed, hazelnut, peach kernel, sweet almond, sunflower, safflower, walnut, rosehips seed (tolerance varies), tea tree eo, manuka eo Normal sunflower, canola, sweet almond, olive, safflower, avocado, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), camellia oil, mineral oil (purest grade) Mature rosehip seed, borage, carrot, sweet almond, olive, avocado, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), emu oil, red raspberry, camellia oil If you really want to customize your own Cleansing Oil try adding some essential oils that will suit your skin issues. This is a easy way to add a "treatment" into your daily Cleansing oil. When mixing your oils you want to play around with it a bit, I don't recommend mixing more than 2 oils together. Most people find a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio to be the most effective. Just research the carrier oils listed above for you skin type/concerns and find which 2 would work best for your skincare goals!
The best way to wash your face with this method is at the sink, it can get a little slippery if you do this in the shower! Pour about a dime size amount of your oil blend into your hand and massage it on your dry skin in circular upward motions for around 2 minutes. Warm a your face cloth with some water and place it over your face. This creates a steam effect and will help remove the oils and any impurities on the skin. Leave the cloth on your skin for about a minute and repeat the process as needed. There will be a thin layer of oil left on the skin, which will be removed after you exfoliate and continue your night regimen as usual. Final thoughts: I absolutely recommend this method to anyone and everyone who has never tried it! Give it at least a month before deciding yay or nay, but ultimately have fun with it!!
Every couple of months a new *old* skincare trend finds its way in the lime light and this time its Oil cleansing. Does it actually work? Is it more effective than a traditional face wash? 
