Who doesn’t want clear, glowing radiant skin? In fact, we are constantly trying so hard for the Oh-so-perfect blemish free look that we bombard our skin with tonnes of chemical products several times a day. The reasons we have so much trouble with mainstream skin care products are numerous, but two reasons, in particular, lead the pack. These products strip the oil out of our skin, leaving our largest organ trying to repair itself by replacing the oil stripped away. This leaves us in a cycle of being tight and dry followed by the inevitable oil slick. Each time we strip the oil away, our skin over-compensates for the lack of moisture by creating more oil. On top of the drying effects, these products are highly scented. Fragrance is one of the top skin irritants and strangely enough, even the so-called "unscented" products usually contain fragrance. See for yourself and check the labels. Dry, irritated skin replaced by oily skin, inflamed and trapping debris? If we know what our body is going to do and understand the process, we can then understand what it takes to control it and achieve the results we want.
Understanding our skin
Getting right down to basics, when cleansing and moisturising your skin, it is imperative that you keep in mind that oil dissolves oil. One of the most basic principles 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. Your skin naturally lubricates itself with oil, and as we are creatures of adaptation, one can believe that if this weren't the appropriate built-in care for ourselves, our bodies would have adapted to suit the need. If you've been battling your skin for long, you're probably recoiling at the mere thought of applying oil to your face. Especially if you have naturally oily skin that easily breaks into acne.
What is oil cleansing?
Oil cleansing is the process of using oil (instead of soap or a cleanser) to dissolve and remove dirt on the skin. Before the widespread availability of soap, which has existed for thousands of years, but was not produced industrially until the 19th century, people in many cultures used oil to clean the body. For example, as part of a visit to the baths, ancient Romans rubbed olive oil into their skin and removed both the oil and any dirt with a strigil in hot plunge baths held in rooms known as Caldarium. Oil use on the face has also been mentioned in ancient literature, including the historical writings of Pliny the Elder.
How does it work?
Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads or whiteheads, these are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with; it is there for the benefit of your skin, allowing your largest organ to function properly. Not only does your natural oil help lubricate, it also heals, protects, and moisturises your skin so that it may function properly. Learning to work with your skin, not against it, will save you tremendously.
The Method
Get your oil mixture, washcloth, and a hand towel. Wet face with warm water. Pour about 1/2 teaspoon of oil (quarter size amount) into your palm and rub hands together. Rub fingers gently over your face in small circles for 30 seconds to 2 minutes to allow the oil to penetrate. Concentrate on areas with blocked pores. Wet hand towel with just below scalding water, wring out and fold up to keep the heat in. Quickly wet the washcloth with super-hot-but-doesn’t-burn-your-face-off water, wring it out, and spread it over your face. Cover the washcloth with the towel to seal in the steam and to keep the washcloth from cooling right away. This is key, leave on until the towel and washcloth have cooled to about room temperature and then wipe your face with the washcloth. Repeat 1-2 more times, but use the clean towel to wipe your face the second and optional third time. Voila! You have oil cleansed. There should be a thin layer of oil still on your skin to balance and protect
Which oil is recommended for cleansing my face?
The most common oils used are Castor Oil and Olive Oil, though any natural oil can be used. Castor Oil is naturally astringent, so it helps pull impurities from the skin, making it ideal for oily or combination skin (and even dry skin in lesser amounts). Castor oil should never be used undiluted on the skin, and preferably add at least twice the amount of other oil as Castor Oil when making an oil blend.
Here is a recommendation for different skin types.
Oily Skin: 1/3 Castor Oil or Hazelnut Oil and 2/3 Olive, Sunflower or other oil
Combination Skin: 1/4 Castor or Hazelnut Oil and 3/4 Olive, Sunflower or other oil
Dry Skin: All nourishing oils like olive oil, or a very small amount of Castor/Hazelnut Oil added to the nourishing oils.
If you are new to oil cleansing, it may take a couple of tries to figure out what blend of oils works best for you.
