Have you come across oil cleansing sometime while you were browsing for a skincare product? It has been trending for sometime now and definitely for the right reasons.
What is oil cleansing?
It might be surprising to hear that oil can be used for cleansing, quite honestly, it did evoke a sense of curiosity in me too.
This is a form of cleansing through a single oil or a blend of oils. The reason it works is because oils attracts oil and dissolves the excess sebum, makeup, dirt and pollutants thereby gently and effectively cleansing your skin.
Conventional cleansers makes use of surfactants. SLS/SLES ( Sodium Lauryl sulfate/ Sodium Laureth ether sulfate) are a group of chemical surfactants used which gives that foamy feel of cleansing and that squeaky clean feel that we all feel happy about! While these surfactants draws out the dirt, it also draws out the moisture by irritating the natural lipid layer of the skin. This results in dry damaged skin.
Like our gut, our skin also has a unique microbiome based on various factors like environment, age, skin type etc. Harsh conventional cleansers strip our face off these protective microbiome resulting in the growth of harmful bacteria and further skin irritations.
Benefits of oil cleansing
- Oil cleansers not only clears the dirt and excess sebum, they also are moisturizing and nourishing with all the rich antioxidants and nutrients present in these botanical plant oils.
- Cleansing during the night is enough, splashing with just cold water during the morning will let all that nourishing plant oils sit and work on the skin.
- This form of cleansing is more gentle and nourishing to the skin.
- For those who like DIY’s , you can formulate a oil cleanser right at home using oils based on your skin type.
- It is free of all the harsh chemicals, all the while having that natural pleasant aroma of beneficial oils.
Recommended Method
- Take 1-2 pumps of the oil into your hand and massage gently all over your face and neck.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Place a gentle washcloth under hot water and then wring it out. Place the opened washcloth over your face. If it is too hot, wait for a few seconds to place it over your skin. The idea is using steam to open out the pores and clear away the impurities. Place for a few minutes and gently wipe off. Use the opposite side of the washcloth for wiping again. Rinse the washcloth and use again if you need a couple more wipes.
- Splash cold water on your face to close the pores.
Tested products for oil cleansing
Badger Face Cleansing oil: I love this cleansing oil and the fact that this cleansing oil is certified USDA organic, the gold standard in personal care products, makes it even more appealing. It is also certified cruelty free. If you want to read more about certifications in personal care products, do check out my post about what to look out for.
Badger cleansing oil has castor and apricot oils which lifts the impurities and antioxidant rich jojoba and olive oils to load your skin with nourishment. There are no synthetic fragrances and the pleasant rose scent is not overpowering. They come in 2 oz. glass bottles. You can check it out here:
Thesis gentle daily cleansing oil: Thesis cleansing oil is a slightly less expensive option compared to Badger cleansing oil. It comes in a 4 oz bottle priced at $28. This cleansing oil has cold pressed botanical essential oils like jojoba, apricot and rosemary and is free of any harmful fillers. The fragrance is very pleasant with mint and citrusy tones and feels very nourishing on the skin. The bottle could easily last more than 2 months. Check out the product here:
Bamboo washcloths: These bamboo thin washcloths are super soft and get softer with use. They are very gentle on skin and absorb better than cotton. Even better is the fact that they are chemical free and durable. I find these small washcloths perfect for my face. Check out the product here:
Notes
- Always do your research if you plan to make skincare cleansing blend. Essential oils are very potent and are diluted with carrier oils, due diligence should be exercised on which blend of oils is most suitable for your particular skin type.
Leave a comment below and let us know if you plan to implement oil cleansing into your daily routine.
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