Me-Time Luxuries: The Oil Cleansing Method

I’m sure most of us would be familiar with the double-cleansing method using a oil cleanser first, followed by either the cream cleanser or a face wash.  I, too have been using the double-cleansing method for many years now.  It seemed like the perfect cleanest solution to cleanse my face, until I read about the Oil Cleansing Method.

The Oil Cleansing Method (or OCM in short) is nothing like the double-cleansing method.  It uses oil, yes…but that’s the one and only thing that you need.  And contrary to making your skin oily, it leaves you with a smooth, moisturized skin… PLUS it claims to effectively remove ALL traces of makeup, mascara, sunblock, dirt, and yes… OIL.

Fact or Fiction?  I just HAD to try it out.

Did it work for me?  Well, after almost a month using the OCM, I am pleased to let you know that it is the mother of all face-cleaning methods.  Seriously.

Since the OCM is a deep-cleansing method, it is not recommended to use it every day lest it dries out your skin, so I used the OCM about 3-4 times a week, and I can already see marked improvements on my face:

[stextbox id=”custom”]

1. My skin feels more supple and is able to retain moisture for longer periods of time.
2. The occasional breakouts tend to dry out faster.
3. Existing stubborn bumps on the face that would not go away no matter what I did miraculously faded eventually.
4. Scars appear less visible.
5. Blackheads and clogged pores are markedly less.
6. Smoother and more “obedient” skin.[/stextbox]

Care to give the OCM a try?  Here’s what I used:

• Castor Oil
• Canola & Sunflower Oil

I bought my Castor Oil online from iHerb.com*.  It only cost USD4.79 for a 8 fl oz (240ml) bottle, which will last me a long, long time.  Plus I heard that Castor Oil can also be used as a hair mask to aid hair growth and promote healthy hair!

The Canola & Sunflower Oil was from …. wait for it… my kitchen.  Yup, the very same oil I use for baking. 🙂

So, I had read that the amount of Castor Oil and Canola & Sunflower Oil needs to be adjusted based on the condition of your face.  Castor Oil is the deep-cleansing oil which actually draws out all the dirt and impurities from your face, while Canola & Sunflower Oil is the carrier oil which will “carry” all the dirt away, so to speak.  Other popular types of carrier oil which can be used are Olive Oil (all skin types), Grapeseed Oil (oily skin), Jojoba Oil (acne-prone skin) and Avocado Oil (dry and mature skin).

According to this site dedicated to the Oil Cleansing Method, here are some recommendations for the combination of the deep cleansing oils to be used:

• Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil.
• Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil.
• Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Sunflower Seed Oil.

Since my skin leans more towards the “slightly dry and dehydrated” category, I made an oil mixture of approximately 20% Castor Oil and 80% Canola & Sunflower Oil.  I didn’t want to waste the oil, so I decided to make only a small batch.  Coincidentally I had an empty glass bottle of vanilla essence, which was just perfect for the task.  I washed it out thoroughly and then I put it in a small saucepan of water and heated it up to sterilize it.  Then I air-dried it, and I was ready to pour my oil mixture in.

I did not really measure the amount of oil and it was only an approximate, and after I had poured in the oil into the bottle, I gave it a nice shake.

The Oil Cleansing Method

You need:

• Your cleansing oil mixture
• A wash towel (I used Dermalogica’s sponge cloth)
• Running water which is slightly hot – I used the shower at about 45°C, but if your sink has the heater function, you can use the hot tap water too.  Make sure the water is hot enough for you to stand, but not too hot that it scalds your skin.

*Note: I’ve included my iHerb.com affiliate link.  First-time customers on iHerb.com who use my special discount code (DUW086) will get USD5 off their first order.