Oil Cleansing for Facial Cleansing

Salam alaikum my dear sisters,

My almost 4 years old daughter and I do a little skincare routine at bedtime. It is a simple one but helps us connect before bed and we enjoy our little routine together.

We do oil cleansing. And while I was doing it yesterday, I also thought about sharing it with you all.

I have been doing oil cleansing for years now and it has made an enormous difference on my skin. I learnt about it online when I was nineteen and it will not be an exaggeration that it changed my skin’s life!

I do not depend on chemical concoctions to clean my skin to this day.

The beauty of our skin comes from within. our skin reflects what is going on internally. Our hormones, diet, digestion, and mental health all affect our skin. So, if you are dealing with some sort of skin issue, I encourage you to look inside first.

Real food, an active lifestyle, good mental health, and a little holistic skincare routine are all we need to maintain vibrant glowing skin.

The skin has three main layers: The epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis, also known as the stratum corneum.

This barrier protects the skin from UV rays, irritants, and infections as well as protects the skin’s natural moisture from escaping.

Moreover, our skin has its microbiome. That means millions of beneficial bacteria live on it.

I do not use chemical cleansers on my skin because they damage the skin barrier and the natural lipid layer of the skin.

Commercial cleaners have surfactants and other harsh chemicals that disturb the natural microbiome and strip off the skin’s natural oils.

This sends a signal to our system that there is dryness on the skin, and this leads to the overproduction of oil. Consequently, we get clogged pores and acne.

I prefer oil cleansing because it is a non-toxic, easy, nourishing, and extremely effective method of cleansing my skin!

Although it sounds counterintuitive, oil is a wonderful thing to cleanse our skin as oils have natural and skin-identical ingredients that respect our skin’s biology!

Facial oils are rich in nutrients like essential fatty acids (EFA), vitamins, and antioxidants which protect and nourish your skin’s natural barrier.

Using oils instead of traditional cleansers protects the natural lipid layer of your skin and the beneficial bacteria that live there.

Also, do you think it is worth putting hundreds of chemicals (whose names we cannot even pronounce) on our skin?

When you apply any skincare product, within seconds it enters your bloodstream and research has shown that the chemicals that are present in commercial skin care products damage our hormones, affect our fertility, and cause issues to our unborn children.

So, these were all the reasons why I chose not to use soaps, commercial cleansers, and skincare products on my skin.

Now, let us learn the art of cleansing our face without the harsh chemicals.

What is oil cleansing?

It is a method of cleansing our skin using natural oils. It works on the principle that like dissolves like, meaning oils used for cleansing dissolve sebum, impurities, and makeup from our skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

How to do oil cleansing on the face?

1. You will need high-quality oil.

You need Castor oil and carrier oil like organic cold-press Coconut oil, Almond oil, or Olive oil.

You can either buy pre-made high-quality cleansing oil or DIY it at home.

The basic recipe for making cleansing oil at home is that you need carrier oil and castor oil.

The amount and type of oil depends on your skin type and the recipe is discussed below.

2. take a small amount on your clean hands and rub it in your hands and then do a gentle massage on your face and neck for as long as you like. Massaging your skin with oil is relaxing, detoxifying, and anti-aging.

3.  Once you are done with the massage, take a clean washcloth or a small hand towel and soak it in hot water (as hot as your skin can bear) of course not scalding hot. Wring out the water and then put this on your face and allow it to rest till it cools down. Steam will loosen the trapped impurities.

This is an important and non-negotiable process because warm water helps soften the dead skin and debris on our skin.

4.  Repeat this 2-4 times and then at the last time rub the towel in circular motion on your face using this warm towel. This will remove the excess oil with all the impurities.

TADA! Sisters that is it!
you will love your clean skin after cleansing this way

FAQ

1. Does the oil cleaning method work?

Yes! Absolutely. The oil Cleansing method is an all-natural way of cleansing your skin without disturbing the natural skin barrier or the skin microbiome.
It is easy and simple to do, cost-effective, and very gentle on the skin.

When you first start cleansing your skin with oil you will go through an adjustment period also known as the detox period.

That means you will experience pops and zits as you start this. This is because your skin is clearing its clogged pores. This may last for a week or two and then as you maintain your skin through oil cleansing, you will enjoy perfect clean skin.

2. How does the oil cleansing method work?

In basic chemistry, I can explain to you that like dissolves like. So, if oil is hardened or clogged in your pores, you can use oil to dissolve it. Then when you steam your face using a warm towel, it will open the pores and soften the hardened gunk. Finally, you will gently exfoliate your skin by gently rubbing the washcloth in circular motions to remove all impurities from your skin!
You Have to try this to see it for yourself. 

3. What oils to use?

Due to its unique characteristics, the star of the show is CASTOR OIL. It is extremely deep cleansing, so it’s recommended that you use it in your oil cleanser recipe. (I have used only coconut oil for cleansing and I equally love that)

Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil possesses potent cleansing capabilities, effectively dissolving dirt, bacteria, and excess oils on the skin’s surface. This makes it especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Its thick, dense texture allows it to penetrate pores, ensuring a thorough cleanse deeply. Additionally, castor oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, making it a nurturing choice for skin care. When used in oil cleansing, it not only purifies but also maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance, leaving the skin clean, soft, and hydrated. Its versatility allows it to be mixed with other carrier oils, catering to different skin types, and enhancing the overall cleansing experience.

What should I look for when buying castor oil?

Always buy the highest quality castor oil. Make sure that it is Organic, Cold pressed, Hexane free, and not solvent-extracted.

What other oils can I use?

Other than castor oil, you will need Carrier oil. The Carrier oil depends on your skin type. You will have to test around with some oils to find the perfect one for you. The most highly recommended ones are organic cold-pressed coconut oil, sweet almond oil, apricot seed oil, jojoba oil, and Olive oil. You can also add a specialty oil to your cleanser to address your special skin needs. E.g., Argan, sea buckthorn, rosehip, neem and tamanu.

The basic recipe for making your cleansing oil.

You will need:

• 50% of carrier oil

• 30% or less of castor oil.

• 20% of specialty oil

If you are not using specialty oil, then add 70% carrier oil.

The percentage of castor oil can vary according to your skin type.

If you have oily skin, then you can use up to 30% but if you have normal or dry skin then you should reduce the percentage of castor oil.

People with sensitive skin should always do a patch test before adding it to their recipe.

How often can I oil cleanse?

You can oil cleanse twice a day. Morning and night just like you would use your traditional cleanser.

I just oil cleanse daily at night.

Okay friends, I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new from it.

I encourage you with a warm hug to reconsider the conventional skincare we are taught by the media and try caring for our skin in more natural ways!

Leave a comment! I would love to hear from you!