Its a basic principal in chemistry that "like dissolves like." Therefore, oil dissolves oil. I'm sure you have heard by now that oils cleansing is all the rage. Even Neutrogena has an oil based cleanser.
I am super happy about that, I have been using this method happily since 2011. I was preparing for a long backpacking trip and kind of broke. At the time I was looking to make my beauty routine as portable as possible. At the same time, I needed to do it with product that I could find in a pinch. So I found oil cleansing.
Why minimalist
With oil cleansing, no only do I save money, but I am basically never out of beauty products, nor do the products cost that much. If you can afford a bottle of olive or castor oil, you are set on face cleanser and moisturizer for a month or more. Best thing, if I am traveling and I run out or forget it, I can always get my hand on some quality oil within five minutes.
Oil ends up replacing a whole lot of products. I don’t use serums, eye cream or make-up remover. Occasionally I crush up some vitamin C and put it in my oil for an anti ageing cream. My nighttime beauty routine has one long step before I brush and floss - and I’m pretty happy about that. Now that I’m in my early 30s, I can see the difference in my face versus other faces of my age peers and I’m PUMPED with the results. My skin is glowing and moisturized all the time and I have significantly less wrinkles and fine lines then other women my age.
Who should try it/Not try it
I think everyone should try this out at least once. I have seen it work wonders for sensitive skin and cystic acne. The method of application may be very different from mine, but you can still use the same product. If this is you, do your own research. You may find great relief with these more gentle methods. Remember that it takes up to a week for your skin to adjust to the new practice.
Unfortunately it doesn’t mix with a routine that involves active ingredients, exfoliating acids and sometimes essential oils. I have head the some folks get major reactions to these thing. I have not experienced it because I simply don’t use thing like this on my face.
Blend Options
Castor oil is the best base oil to start with because it is especially potent. It won't clog pores and clings to other dirt and impurities. Best, it greatly reduces darkness and scarring from wounds, and promotes collagen production. But Castor oil alone will probably dry out your skin.
Mix your oil with a more hydrating oil. Normal skin will be a 50/50 mix, dry skin will have ⅔ carrier oil and ⅓ castor, and oily skin will have about ⅔ castor and ⅓ carrier oil. Personally, I use safflower oil because the vitamin E is high. I also use olive oil.
Here is a nice guide from CRUNCHY BETTY
Jojoba (all skin types, but very desirable for acne-prone skin)
Sweet almond (all skin types, especially oily)
Grapeseed (all skin types, especially oily)
Avocado (dry and aging skin)
Sunflower Seed (all skin types)
Olive (all skin types)*
Apricot Kernel (dry, aging, and normal skin)
Argan (all skin types, especially aging skin … very pricey)
Tamanu (all skin types … very pricey)
How To Do It
There are three different methods that I use often. Remember it's the method of application and the ratio of oils that usually determines how you will react. The good news is, this method is so versatile, you can make it your own. Your goal is to have the oil soak down to your pores so it can do its job. That will take longer than the 10 second that most people use with their cleaners.
The Quick Clean
If you are wearing heavy eye make-up, you may want to use the oil like a cold cream to remove it first. Face makeup and others can stay on. Slather your face (wet or dry) and neck generously in oil. Spend 30 sec or a minute massaging it in circles starting from the center of you face and going outward.
You water should be hot out of the faucet. Soak entire wash cloth and just let it put it on you face for 30 sec to let it steam. Do this twice for the face and neck. The rinse off the cloth in hot water and continue to gently wipe off the oil.
If it is an exfoliation night, you can gently rub it off in small circle with the washcloth, acting as an exfoliator.
30 min Masque
I read this technique a while back and I love it but it just doesn’t fit into my routine very smoothly.
On a rinsed, clean face in the morning, apply a thick layer of oil and apply a felt face masque. Go about your morning routine, getting dressed or eating or reading while it soaks in. After 30 minutes, then go steam wash your face (processed described above).
This method is especially effective for those with acne scars as this is the method you want to use when lightening them. Also, that would be a gut punch to wrinkles!
Deep Cleanse
If you have deep, clogged pores or cystic acne., this is a method that you should do everyday for a week then once or twice a week after that. It is incredibly effective at cleaning out pores. I used this to clear my skin and the result started my love affair with castor oil.
Steam your face to relax all of your pores. Massage two quarter size of oil gently and slowly into your face two or three times. Then, place a hot, wet washcloth over you face until it cools. Do this twice.
Keep you washcloth warm and wet, placing it over you fingers. Put some clean oil on the tip of you finger and use that to gently wipe of one area of you face at a time. Do this until your face is clean of oil. Splash cold water on it multiple times, shrinking the pores. If you feel dry, then place a thin layer of oil and water on you face in place of a moisturizer.
I wish that all women would get behind the oil cleansing method. It is a skin and wallet saver. I really can't tell you how awesome the results are but please, try it yourself. I’m confident you will be pleased too!