Three reasons to try the Oil Cleansing Method - even if you have oily skin!
When I was younger I would specifically look for "oil-free" and "for oily skin" on the label of any beauty product. I thought that if something doesn't have oil in it then surely it wouldn't contribute to my teenage oiliness! But I've learned a few important things in my journey as a beauty writer for the last nine years. One of them is the fact that pure botanical oils can do so much for ALL skin types - yes, it was also a big surprise to me at first, but it makes sense.
Your cleansing routine is one way you can incorporate oils into your life. The Oil Cleansing Method is not a new concept, but it's worth trying out if you want to improve your skin health. Here are a few reasons the OCM is beneficial to your skin!
Pure plant-derived oils are rich in fatty acids and vitamins
Oils such as argan oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, and castor oil (to name a few) feature linoleic acid, omega acids, vitamin E, and other antioxidants to keep your skin in its best possible shape. They keep your skin from degrading before its time since they maintain moisture, elasticity, and lessen damage from blemishing or scarring.
Mineral oil is a good emollient and is actually okay for sensitive skin, but since it is distilled from petroleum, it does not contain the good stuff as botanical oils do.
They can also keep your oiliness in check
If you're oily, the best way to deal with it is to cleanse properly and moisturize like your life depends on it. Seriously! Using drying facial washes and micellar waters (that may have too much alcohol content) can unnaturally dry out your skin which will then cause it to excrete more oil to compensate.
Even using a mild foaming cleanser and micellar water may sometimes not be enough to completely remove the oil and dirt from your face. Oil is the most effective way to get rid of oil on the face, ironically, since it can clean up your pores (like attracts like) and restore the correct balance of moisture to the skin's surface.
Your lashes and eyebrows will thank you
I've been using micellar water exclusively to remove makeup for, wow, four or five years now? I love that stuff because it feels like nothing and cleanses effectively. But when I switched back to oil cleansing (before facial wash), I noticed that my lashes and eyebrows have become more lush! There was actually a point when they've become so brittle that they fall off with a whisper. :( I've never been able to figure out why, until I incorporated our brand's cleansing oil into my routine five months ago.
So happy with the current state of my lashes
I prefer heavy eye makeup and it has taken a toll on my lashes and eyes. With oil cleansing, I'm able to revive the area. My eyes are less lined and feel more elastic, too! Related: check out how Angela, from our team, got great results after using castor oil on her lashes and brows for 30 days.
But wait...will you break out from using pure oils?
Some oils can be comedogenic - meaning there is a chance they might break you out - but it really depends on what your skin likes or doesn't like. Personally my skin loves oils; the only way for you to find out is to try them. Comedogenicity ratings do exist but they are not a hard-and-fast rule by which to determine if something will cause your skin to react.
I find that oils can clog pores IF they are not removed properly. If you're using a pure oil mix, you'll need a towel soaked in warm water to completely cleanse with oil. You can also choose an oil cleanser that emulsifies completely with water like the In Her Element First Wash Cleansing Oil (P450), then follow up with your facial wash afterwards if you prefer. Sometimes I don't, if I'm not wearing a lot of makeup.
Hope this was useful! Let me know what you think of OCM, and how it's worked out for you if you've tried it!
