Cleansing With… Oil??

I love oil cleansing and its popularity is increasing with great reason. Yes, washing my face with oil has found its way into my skincare routine. Just hear me out.

What is It?

Oil cleansing is basically using natural oils to clean your skin, on your face or elsewhere. Oils derived from plants have vitamins and fatty acids that nourish our skin instead of strip skin of natural oils like some harsh soaps. Oil also absorbs and dissolves dirt, makeup, and oh wow... oil—remember like attracts like—leaving skin feeling soft, hydrated, and radiant. Even those with naturally oily skin can benefit from using an oil based cleanser.

When we cleanse the skin with oil, we are removing makeup and dirt effectively, our skin is moisturized, and pores are free of the gunk responsible for clogging them. I’d say that’s a win.

"Cleansing oils contain hydrating and soothing ingredients that may actually be more effective and less irritating than some traditional cleansers," Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center

How To?

To oil cleanse, you apply the oil to a DRY face and get all the makeup and dirt loose. Then follow with a water based cleanser to remove or wipe face with a warm towel. Over time you should see softer, more hydrated skin. Just once a day in the evening is what I would recommend from my research.

You may experience a pimple or two when you first start but by week 3 your skin will be thanking you. More hydration, more radiance, and less breakouts!

References:

Whitaker, L. (2020, May 19). How to: Oil cleansing 101. Wildcraft. https://wildcraftcare.ca/blogs/journal/the-beauty-of-oil-cleansing.

Miller, K. (2017, February 22). Why dermatologists want you to consider washing your face with oil. SELF. https://www.self.com/story/oil-cleansing-method-advice.