The oil cleansing method has received a lot of attention ever since people have come to be more aware of the multitude of chemicals our skin comes in contact with on a daily basis. Using natural oil as a moisturizer has certainly become a quick transition that many women chose to make in order to green their beauty routine. However, oil cleansing is a relatively new concept that is viewed with a certain degree of skepticism since it doesn’t really match the idea of cleanliness that we traditionally hold in mind.
However, this method appears to be quite effective and many women swear by it. What’s even more surprising is that this method seems to work well for those who are struggling with acne, which is particularly dazzling since it is commonly believed that excess oil is one of the factors that worsens acne breakouts. It is said that a ‘rebound effect’ is likely to occur at first, but that over the long term, things will start to improve.
The oil cleansing method is fairly simple and basically consists of mixing oils to get the needed result. Castor oil is considered necessary in the mix as it is believed to have superior cleansing abilities compared to other oils. Other recommended oils for the mix are jojoba, which is considered to be beneficial for acne prone skin, olive oil, grape seed oil,almond or sunflower seed oil. These can work well for all skin types. Avocado oil and argan oil are recommended for dry and aging skin. As far as the oils that are best to be avoided, coconut oil is first on the list as it might be comedogenic. A few drops of essential oil can also complete the mix if you want.
After selecting the oil mix you like most, you should establish the right ratios depending on your skin type. If you are not willing to work with specific percentages, it is best to keep in mind that castor oil tends to be quite drying, so you might want to start gradually and increase the ratio over time to prevent irritation. For oily skin a mix consisting of 30% castor oil and 70% oil of choice is considered suitable. A 10% castor oil concentration can work best for dry skin while a combination skin type can handle a 20% castor oil concentration. These, however, are only general guidelines and you will probably have to go through a process of trial and error before figuring out what works best for you.
Once you get over the mixing part, things are a lot easier. To cleanse your face, you will simply need to apply the mixture massaging it gently and begin cleansing your face just like you normally would. It doesn’t really matter if you have makeup on as this mixture is an excellent makeup remover as well. To remove the oil, you will need to use a washcloth soaked in hot water. Make sure the temperature of the water is bearable and apply the washcloth on your face for about 10-15 seconds. Start wiping your face slowly, clean the washcloth and repeat until your face is completely clean.
Depending on your skin type, you may or may not need to moisturize afterwards. As far as the frequency of use, personal preference is perhaps the main factor when it comes to deciding, as the whole method is rather intuitive. This method might not be for everyone, however, it is certainly worth trying as it can deliver a lot of benefits for your skin. It is advisable to give your skin at least one or two weeks to get adjusted to the new regimen.
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