GET GORGEOUS SKIN!
We all dream of having a clear and glowing skin which is free of acne, blackheads and cysts. I have posted many home remedies for different beauty problems but this is one of the most effective beauty tip I have ever found.
I admit, even I was initially skeptical for the first time since I have a really oily T zone and wasn’t sure if it would suit my skin. I do not have an acne problem but have frequent breakouts every once in a while. I was worried this might aggravate the problem. But I was wrong!
Our cosmetic industry claims that the reason of all skin problems is the oil secreted by the oil glands on our face. These mainstream cosmetic products rip the oil out of our skin thereby setting our skin in an oil repair mode. Every time we remove the oil from our face, our skin compensates for the loss by secreting more oil. Apart from drying our skin, these cosmetic products are also highly scented. This fragrance is one of the prominent skin irritants, which damage our skin. Even the non fragnant creams, cleansers have fragrance (check the labels).
So we get down to the basics of cleansing and moisturizing your skin through Oil cleansing method.
What is Oil Cleansing method? What does it mean? Is it a cleaning procedure for dealing with excess oil? The answer is No. Oil cleansing method is a method of cleaning your face with oil.
What is Oil Cleansing Method?
It might sound to good to be true, but it’s actually a method of using natural oils to clean the skin naturally. In this method of cleansing natural oils are used in a specific combination to cleanse the skin and naturally balance the skin’s natural oils. The skin is much more nourished and moisturized than it was while you were using traditional cleansers and moisturizers.
How does it work?
The primary concept behind this method of skincare is that the oil used for massaging your skin will dissolve the oil that’s hardened with impurities and is stuck in your pores. The heat from the steam will pen up your pores thus allowing the oil to be easily removed.
Even Acne.org supports the idea of oil cleansing-
“Fact: Oil dissolves oil. One of the most basic principals of chemistry is that “like dissolves like.” The best way to desolve 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.”
Is it effective?
This is the most interesting part! For the last month I have been only using oil cleansing and I have ZERO breakouts, dark spots and skin problems. Despite the cold weather my skin is well hydrated and moisturized.
Initially when I had started using oil cleansing, there was an adjustment period wherein my skin condition had deteriorated. Most of the resources suggest that this is a detox reaction as the cleansing removes the impurities from the skin. However after 1-2 weeks of using only oil cleansing, my skin gradually improved and I had no excess oil, no blackheads and no dry skin.
I have even asked several friends for their feedback on oil cleansing and they are all satisfied with the results. Some blogging friends also suggested that a combination of oil cleansing with a daily dose of gelatin is the best anti-aging treatment they have discovered!
How to do Oil cleansing?
Try oil cleansing your self to see the results. All you need for cleansing are a couple of natural oils and a clean washcloth!
Most commonly castor oil and olive oil are used for cleansing, though any natural oil can be used. Castor oil acts as a natural astringent and helps in pulling impurities from the skin thus making it ideal for combination or oily skin (even for dry skin in smaller amounts). Castor oil shouldn’t be used undiluted on the skin and hence its best to blend it with at least twice the amount of any other oil. For those reluctant to use castor oil, you can try hazelnut oil too.
My personal favorite is olive oil, through sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil or coconut oil also work wonders. While buying oils just look for those, which are cold pressed, organic and pure.
Oil Cleansing Procedure
If you have just started oil cleansing, it may take a while for you to figure out what blend of oils works best for you. Personally I use three parts of olive oil and one part of castor oil. Specialists on other websites have suggested these quantities for different skin types:
Oily Skin- 1 part castor oil and 2 parts Olive, sunflower or any other oil
Combination skin- 1 part Castor oil and 3 parts Olive , sunflower or any other oil
Dry Skin- Nourishing oils like olive oil with very small amount of castor/ hazelnut oil
To find the best blend for you, I would suggest starting off with the recommended amounts for your skin type and then adjust if needed. Pure coconut oil also works great however it might be drying on some skin types.
To cleanse face with Oil Cleansing:
- Pour about a quarter size of the oil blend into your hand and massage it on your face (don’t wet your skin first). Use circular motions and give your face a gentle facial massage. Massage for at least two minutes till the time you are sure that the oil has saturated your skin. This is an effective makeup removes so you don’t need to remove your makeup first. You can let the oil stay on your skin for ten minutes to thoroughly clean the pores.
- Place a clean washcloth under very hot tap water until its completely soaked. Wring it and place the cloth on your face. The steam created against the skin will open the pores and will remove the oils and impurities in the skin. Leave the washcloth for a minute till it cools off. Use the washcloth to gently remove any remaining oil. There would be a thin layer of oil on the skin, which is beneficial for you.
- No moisturizer is needed after cleansing, however if you still have dry skin try reducing the amount of castor oil.
Note:
- It is normal for the skin to take a week or so for adjusting to the new routine. You may even feel your skin to be more oil or have more breakouts during this time. Try to resist the urge of using any facial cleanser at this time as it will prolong the adjustment period.
- Blend the oils and find your perfect ratio
- If you are prone to acne, try using Tea tree oil in your blend which is a great antiseptic and is popularly used in the treatment of acne.
Try oil cleansing and let us know how it has worked for you!
