The oil cleansing method is a beauty routine I’ve know about for several years now, but never got around to incorporating it into my skin care routine. I actually tried the oil cleansing method with coconut oil years ago when I first heard about the OCM and it broke out my skin pretty bad. So I steered away from applying oils to my face entirely.
Fast forward to a couple of years and it seems that oil is all the rage in the beauty community as many brands, even drugstores, are popping up with all types of oils to cleanse and remove your makeup.
So, what is the OCM?
For those with oily and acne prone skin, you may be saying to yourself, ” Is Jessica crazy? Just oil to the face?” But in fact this may be the best thing for your oily skin (or any skin type, really!) to help balance your skin & combat oil and breakouts.
It’s simple. You clean your face with oil (or remove makeup) as opposed to the common stripping soap/chemical based cleansers we’re used to.
Why it works
Natural oils absorbs into the skin protecting and nourishing its many layers. Natural oils are also non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) making it ideal for all skin types.
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 there you have it. Beat Oil with Oil!
How it works
There are 3 simple steps you need to take when doing the OCM.
1. Apply oil to dry clean hands + apply to skin (no need to wet your face beforehand)
2. Gently massage oil to face for 2-3 minutes. I do circular motions and leave my eyes for last especially if I have mascara on as I don’t want to spread the mascara over my face so I limit it to my eye area last.
3. Run a warm (almost hot, don’t burn your face now!) towel over water and place towel over face for 1-3 minutes. (Think of a mini steam facial session)
4. Gently wipe off oil and makeup with towel.
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| Clean dry hands + Dry face with makeup |
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| Use index and pinky fingers to exert less stress along sensitive eye areas. |
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| Picked up a lot of makeup! |
My Review + Experience
Pros: I’m glad I did not shy away from trying the OCM again because my ultra sensitive and dry skin has been loving oil as a makeup remover. This cleanser contains all natural and organic oils as opposed to the chemical and filler based makeup removers like I’ve been used to which only tends to irritate and clog my pores. Another pro is that the packaging is very sleek and comes in a glass bottle and waterproof label ( perfect for the shower) & of course a pump gives it an extra edge.
Cons: I was not too sure about any cons with this product because the oil itself does the job. The only thing I found annoying was the need to have clean towels at hand every time I wash my face.
It is recommended to use a muslin cloth or a face cloth that won’t be too abrasive.
I on the other hand just cut up an old body towel, hich is not working so I’ll order some cloth to help complement this method. Despite the towel fiasco, this method is my favorite skin care routine and will remain consistent with it (Once I get those towels!)
Overall, my skin doe s not feel so dried out or tight after cleansing. Most people skip soap cleanser after cleansing with oil, but I feel I’m left with a bit of residue so I follow up with a organic/ gentle soap cleanser and notice how moisturized my skin still remains.
Have you tried face cleansing oils? Which are your favorites?
Check out the review on my YouTube Channel here!
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Hell Notes for Beauty™ is the premiere metaphysical destination for the strong willed, inspired and determined soul. I am dedicated to the solitary practitioner seeking to establish spiritual independence, self care and recognition of ancestral knowledge.