The Oil Cleansing Method

The Oil Cleansing Method sounds strange - Why would anyone want to wash their face in oil?

That was my first thought when I discovered the method over 10 years ago. I was searching for a way to support the reduction of my oily-skin that was riddled with cystic acne after coming off birth control and being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. 

I have used this method to wash my face on and off since then, with fantastic results!

Oil Cleansing is a method of cleaning the skin of the face using water, heat and oil. It is useful for all skin types from dry, aging skin to normal to oily and acne-prone. 

Using beneficial oils allows for full removal of makeup, grime and build up on the skin. It also keeps the natural moisture barrier in tact - not leaving you feeling dry and tight after washing like many harsh cleansers do. 

It's incredibly simple to do.

Here's What You Need:

1. A gentle facial oil. I created Calendula Rose Oil for this purpose. Plain jojoba oil or rosehip oil are also good choices. 
2. A face cloth (something soft and gentle!)
3. Hot water

How To Do The Oil Cleansing Method:

1. Take a small amount of oil (about a dropper full of Calendula Rose Oil, if using) and rub it into the skin of your face. Your makeup can still be on at this point. 
2. Completely saturate your face cloth with hot water. As hot as you can handle having the cloth on your face (don't burn yourself!).
3. Wring it out until the cloth is hot and damp. 
4. Place the cloth over your oiled skin, applying gentle pressure. Breathe with the cloth on your face until it isn't hot anymore, about 30-60 seconds. 
5. Wipe your face with the cloth, rinsing the cloth.
6. Repeat steps #1-4 again, for a second cleansing. 
7. Dry your skin and apply your favourite moisturizer! Calendula Rose Oil can be used for this purpose as well. 

The idea behind washing the face twice with oil is this: The first time starts to open the pores and remove surface makeup, dirt, etc. The second time allows the oil to penetrate more deeply to apply the skin healing & soothing benefits for an extra deep clean. 

I personally do this method once per day in the morning, though it could be done twice depending on your skin type or issues. 

The amount of oil my skin produces has drastically reduced over time (this method helps to normalize oil production). I've also noticed that my acne has reduced markedly, and the breakouts I do get don't last as long and aren't as severe.