Years ago, the spa I worked for was implementing the oil-cleansing method into their facial practice. It was my first introduction to the oil cleansing method and I remember how uncomfortable I felt as the company’s trainer slathered and massaged thick oil directly onto my dry, makeup-covered skin, not once, but TWICE. That’s right – a double oil cleanse to make sure my skin was really clean. Having suffered from cystic acne for much of my life, I was skeptical of the process, and a bit terrified about how my skin would respond. While some estheticians at the spa embraced this new practice, others shunned it. I was intrigued, but it wasn’t something I was going to do regularly. And I didn’t, until a few years ago.
In the years following that first introduction, I watched the oil cleansing method (OCM) rise in popularity, and I found myself testing more and more potential “Hero” cleansing oils as part of my curation process. By this time, my cystic acne had subsided, and I was enjoying clearer skin, but I still experienced a lot of small and regular breakouts. I decided to commit to a strict protocol of oil cleansing each night for several weeks. Within a week, the breakouts disappeared completely. I could hardly believe my eyes and my skin. I also saw a remarkable reduction in excess oil production and the appearance of blackheads. Unlike traditional cleansers, this method wasn’t stripping my skin of its natural oil and lipid barrier. My skin chemistry was changing – and by the method I least expected. Ever since I’ve been sharing my OCM experience and suggest to anyone who struggles with acne to test the method for themselves.
The concept is actually quite scientific. Oil attracts oil. You learned early on in school that oil molecules are attracted to each other, a demonstrated in the classic experiment of mixing oil with water. When shaken, oil droplets separate, then quickly find each other and completely blend together, creating a separate layer from the water. Oil cleansers work in the same way. After massaging an all-natural oil cleanser into your dry skin, the oil from the cleanser binds to your excess facial oil, makeup and dirt. You then wipe the impurities away with a warm, clean washcloth.
It takes a little getting used to, but oil cleansers must be applied to dry skin to be effective. Once I got the hang of it, it became very easy, but I will admit, at first I even forgot the basics of science and would try to add water or apply the oil cleanser to wet skin and it just did not mix! Dry skin is the way to go, and once I got used to it, I started really enjoying the time I spent massaging my oil cleanser into my skin – especially when I have time to do the complete 4-2-4 oil cleansing method.
I also had to make space in my bathroom for my cleansing cloth, as it has become an essential tool to my nightly ritual for removing the oil cleanser along with wiping away my makeup and the other impurities that were extracted. I now have several in rotation, changing them out twice a week.
This month’s Hero product, Akwi Purifying Cleanser, is a perfect entrée into oil cleansing. The blend uses a purifying castor bean and rice bran oil base softened with organic argan oil along other naturally derived gentle cleansers that help emulsify the oils so they rinse away with ease. It’s time you perform your own experiment this month and give the oil cleansing method a try for yourself. I bet you too will be surprised at the drastic difference it makes to your skin. Besides, your elementary science teacher would be proud.
Here are some the oils you will commonly find in oil cleansers and their key benefits:
It’s hailed as one of the most effective oils because its thick viscosity grabs on to makeup, dirt and excess oil. It’s one of the most common oils found in oil cleanser blends because it is so effective at grabbing onto other oils. It is actually known to leave skin dry, so it must be blended with other, thinner oils that work to soften and nourish while castor bean purifies.
Castor Bean Oil – It’s hailed as one of the most effective oils because its thick viscosity grabs on to makeup, dirt and excess oil. It’s one of the most common oils found in oil cleanser blends because it is so effective at grabbing onto other oils. It is actually known to leave skin dry, so it must be blended with other, thinner oils that work to soften and nourish while castor bean purifies.
Sweet Almond and Apricot Kernel Oils – Both of these oils have a light consistency, making them great for oily skin types. They are also easy to remove, ideal for incorporating into an oil cleanser.
Sunflower Oil – With a nice consistency that feels rich, it helps oil cleansing feel luxurious when you massage it in during your beauty ritual.
Avocado and Argan Seed Oils – You get an added boost of essential fatty acids when these oils are added to oil cleansing formulas. It’s also perfect for the dry season or for those with dry skin types.
Sesame Seed Oil – In addition to being rich with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it’s a natural antibacterial so it can help squelch surface breakouts.
Grape Seed Oil – High in antioxidants, especially first pressed grape seed oil, it’s a great enhancement to any cleansing oil.
Chia Oil – Due to its small particle size, it will help any oil cleanser penetrate deeper while also working as a nourishing moisturizer thanks to a high concentration of essential fatty acids.
Here are my top recommended oil cleansers and the superpower oils that make them effective:
Castor Bean, Rice Bran, Argan
Grape Seed, Castor Bean, Jojoba, Sunflower, Avocado
Castor Bean, Avocado, Sunflower
Extra Virgin Olive
Apricot Kernel, Marula, Sesame
Sweet Almond, Avocado, Sunflower, Argan, Macadamia
Be sure to wipe those impurities away with a cleansing cloth!
Although a clean washcloth will do, here are the two I found work exceptionally well:
Jokipiin Organic Linen Cloth – It’s very effective at removing your oil cleanser. The flax and cotton fibers are stiffer than terry carrying away oil and debris with ease while polishing the skin.
Ikeuchi Organic Facial Cleansing Towel – An oversized, super soft and highly absorbent washcloth that is ultra-gentle on the skin. It’ll whisk away oil and makeup with the lightest touch.
