The Oil Cleansing Method of facial wash, is a healthy and natural alternative to washing with soaps or facial cleansers.
There is already a lot of information out there on this method of washing your face, so maybe you’ve already read about and are just looking for more support. I like to read several articles on something before I try it, because everyone has their own reasons, their own method and process.
This year, 2012, brings with it my 42nd birthday. And while I hit my 40′s happy, I can say I’ve never been happy with my skin. I’ve always battled breakout and redness. I’m now noticing my skin is getting thin, and fine lines. I’ve used my own handmade soap on my skin for years, but I think it’s time to change my routine for my face. Here’s where OCM comes in to play.
This method calls for simple ingredients which you should be able to easily find at your grocery or drug store.
- Olive Oil
- Castor Oil
- Essential Oil
Olive Oil, it’s good for all skin types, but don’t feel limited to this one oil. There are plenty of other oils that are easy to get, but will help target problems, like dry or oily skin.
Castor Oil – this helps clean and dissolve dirty oils on your skin – but can be drying so you’ll want to use more or less, depending on your skin type ( oily skin = use up to 30%, dry skin = use 10% or less).
Essential Oil – this isn’t necessary, but I had Lavender oil and Patchouli oil on hand, so I made two small bottles 1 of each eo.
Bottle it up: I had plastic bottles from my days of lotion making, but any jar or small container with a lid will work.
- 3/4 Olive Oil
- 1/4 Castor Oil
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon EO
How to Wash your face with Oils: You need a nice washcloth and hot water (running, so it’s clean). I wet my face out of habit, then pour the mixed oils in my palm to equal the size of a quarter or so (more or less, no big deal). Rub the oils together between your hands to warm the oils, then rub on your face.
Pay attention to any problem areas, rubbing and rubbing.
Side note: This is a great time to get in a pep talk to your body. While I’ve always sort of done this, I had it put into words when my sister came home from France recently. On her long trip on the plane, she did some knitting, but most inspirational to me is her writing in her journal – she wrote to her body, telling it she was sorry for all the things she done wrong, and what she plans to do better. So, get in a chat with your face.. you’ve likely put some nasty stuff on your face over the years.
Once this is done, turn your hot water back on and get your cloth wet. First thing I did was lay the cloth against my face and let the hot moisture open my pores. Then I rinsed the cloth again and gently rubbed away the oils – and I visualized wiping away the dirty oils.
Rinse a few times with water as hot as you can stand it (this helps break up the dirties and wipe them away), until you feel you’ve gotten most of the oils off your skin. Pat dry, gently. You may or may not need extra moisturizer. Today, I chose not to use any – I’m mostly curious how my skin will respond to the oils only. It’s winter, as I write this, so my feelings on this may change depending on the weather.
One down side to this method is your skin might go into a panic the first few weeks, much like it does when you stop using store-bought shampoo. It’s ok. Give it a couple of weeks to get use to this new gentle method.. but in the meantime, you may be faced with more breakouts than usual – they should clear up after a few weeks. No fun, I know, but all things good usually come with a little discomfort to start out.
How the Oil Cleansing Method works: Well, others have explained it sooo well (Crunchy Betty and Simple Mom), that I don’t think I could do better, but essentially, Oils clean oils.. the Oils in this mixture, are warmed on your skin and cleanse away the dirty oils, leaving soft clean skin behind. Simple Mom does a good job explaining the hows and whys it works, while Crunchy Betty gives a list of oils to use, ratios and some why’s as well.
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