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Interested in finding out more about the oil cleansing method and whether it’s right for you?
Great skin starts with correct cleansing. It really is an important step in your skin care routine.
Unless you’re thoroughly cleansing each night, you’re allowing bacteria, sebum, pollutants, makeup and sunscreen to build up on your skin and in your pores, and that’s a recipe for bad skin. All the serums and creams you then put just add to your woes, encouraging the development of zits and a dull complexion.
Japanese and Korean women incorporate the oil cleansing method into their skin care routine as one of the 10 skin care steps. Traditionally, they’ve followed this elaborate skin care protocol to achieve their porcelain skin. This certainly isn’t necessary to have great skin. To learn more, go to our post on Korean skin care steps.
Interestingly, this cleansing method is associated with Japanese and Korean women, but more likely originated in Roman times when it was part of ancient bathing practices.
What is the oil cleansing method?
The rise in popularity of face cleansing wipes and micellar waters has meant that cleansing is being treated as something that’s not deserving of too much effort. But if you consider what a skin cleanse does, you’ll think differently about this and consider the benefits of the oil cleansing method.
Cleansing removes and prevents the buildup of bacteria, sebum, makeup, sunscreen and pollutants, so it is more than worthy of your time and attention. A quick wipe with no-rinse micellar water doesn’t do your skin justice, and besides it can eventually even harm your eyelids and eyes.
By not rinsing your cleanser, you’re just moving these things around your skin and spreading germs, as well as the surfactants and chemicals in the cleanser itself. Ick. Ick. Ick. Not great for your pores or the complexion. Just because companies are pushing the latest fad, doesn’t mean it’s great for you or your skin.
Don’t look at cleansing as a chore, but rather a way to achieve your best skin, and you may even begin to enjoy it as part of a relaxing evening skin routine, like I do.
Is it the same as double cleansing?
The oil cleansing method is essentially a double cleanse of your face at night. First with an oil-based cleanser and then second with a water-based cleanser.
The first cleanse involves the use of an oil-based cleanser or balm. These work well to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, especially long-wearing and heavier products that can deposit themselves in your pores and can be troublesome to remove.
Modern oil cleansers also contain emulsifiers and mild surfactants to enable the product to transform into an emulsion and become easier to remove and rinse away, rather than possibly leave residue that could cause eruptions, if not properly removed in your second step.
These are much preferred to using straight out oils as these can remain on your skin and in your pores and have you waking up to a pizza pie face.
Who is the oil cleansing method for?
The oil cleansing method works wonders if you wear long-last makeup or mineral sunscreens, such as Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. These can build up on the skin and in your pores, and trap bacteria and cause flareups. It’s also a great way to cleanse if you work outdoors or in an environment where there are pollutants, chemicals or greasy residue.
Those with oily skin sometimes think it’s best for those with dry skin, while those with dry skin sometimes think it’s best for those with oily skin.
That’s because oily skin peeps worry that it will make their skin oilier and dry skin peeps worry that doing two cleanses will make their skin drier.
The amazing thing about the oil cleansing method is that it can work for all skin types: dry, normal, sensitive and oily, even acne prone.
If you have oily, your heart may be racing at the very thought of using an oil cleanser. But don’t stress and read on. You have nothing to fear if you’re using the right products and are double cleansing correctly.
Should you use the oil cleansing method?
The oil cleansing method is not for everyone.
Some people swear by oil cleansing at night, finding that their skin looks clearer and brighter. They also enjoy the ritual of it. Others find that their skin is happy and healthy with just one cleanse at night. It’s really about what your skin needs and what routine works best for you.
The point of the oil cleansing method is that the oil cleanser works to remove makeup and sunscreen and the water cleanser works to cleanse your skin and carry away any residue or remaining oil. Voila! Skin that is thoroughly cleansed without using harsh surfactants and without leaving your skin feeling dry or taut.
This type of cleansing promotes gentle massage of the face and this can stimulate blood flow, which is an added plus for the health of your skin.
Oil cleansing method steps
If you’d like to give the oil cleansing method a go, it’s important to get it right. After all, you don’t want any flareups or irritation.
I prefer to use modern oil cleansers that have a small amount of emulsifier and gentle surfactant, as they’re less greasy and easier to remove.
Double cleansing is really best suited to night time when you have makeup and sunscreen to remove, and you have more time to follow the steps.
- Use an an oil-free eye cleanser first if you have sensitive eyes, have lash extensions or stubborn mascara. We don’t want to clog our delicate eyelash follicles or traumatise them, and we don’t want to dissolve those expensive eyelash extension bonds!
- Apply an oil cleanser or balm your to your hands to warm and then gently massage it in using circular motions all around your dry face for about one minute.
- Add a little water to emulsify the cleanser and further massage it around your face.
- Use a cotton pads or tissue to remove the excess oil cleanser, especially around the eyes, and dispose of in the bin.
- Remove the oil cleanser with a wet, soft face washer or, if your skin is sensitive or sensitised, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Use a little of your favourite water-based cleanser, gently massage into the skin and then remove thoroughly with your wet face washer or rinse with lukewarm water.
- Gently pat dry with a soft, clean towel or cloth.
Your skin should be perfectly cleansed after using the oil cleansing method, but not feel tight or irritated.
Oil cleansing method tips
- Reserve double cleansing for the evening. Your skin really doesn’t need this level of cleansing after sleeping. Besides, who has the time! Water alone or a gentle cleanser is enough in the morning.
- Use a clean face washer every day. This is especially important if you have acne. Microfibre ones are gentler than cotton, as are those fluffy polyester ones that have been specifically designed for face cleansing.
- Look for a cleansing oil that’s right for you; they’re really not all the same. Some oils are light and spread beautifully, while others are thick, heavy and greasy, and tend to cause eruptions if not completely removed with your second cleanse. We prefer modern oil cleansers and don’t recommend pure coconut oil.
- Avoid oil cleansers that are heavily fragranced, given they’re going to be used on or around the eyes. Some cheaper varieties of oils have stronger odours and a good dose of fragrance is often used to mask these.
- Don’t skip step 3. Remove excess with cotton pads or tissue and dispose of them in the bin. This is especially important if you’re using a pure oil rather than a modern oil cleanser, which has surfactants.
Now that you know about the oil cleansing method and how to do it, give it a go and see whether it works for you. Keep in mind that your skin needs time to adjust to a new skin care routine, so do allow enough time before judging whether double cleansing is right for you.
Visit our pages on Healthy Skin, Skin Care Ingredients, Hero Ingredients and Sunscreen Ingredients to find out more about how to achieve and maintain the health of your skin.
Yours truly in better skin
