Oil cleansing is one of the most simple and effective natural beauty tips out there. However, there are still many of us who are skeptical of washing their face with oil instead of soap and water.
Let’s look at the myths by explaining the reasons why oil cleansing is actually good for all skin types, including the oily and break-out prone skin.
What’s Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing is a way of deep cleansing skin based on the fact that ‘like attracts like’. As our skin already naturally contains oil (sebum), when we cleanse our face with oil, it dissolves oil and binds impurities stuck in the pores. Essentially, it replaces the dirty oil with a fresh layer of skin nourishing oil that also imparts beneficial properties to the skin.
Here are the common myths:
1. Oils will clog my pores and lead to acne.
Naturally derived, minimally processed, cold pressed, high-quality oils aren’t the culprit behind the break-outs. Oils higher on the comedogenic scale (coconut, cottonseed, carrot seed, flaxseed, palm kernel, soybean, wheat germ), mineral oils, synthetic oils can cause them, along with primary factors like genetics, hormones, buildup of dead skin cells and external bacteria, and of course diet.
The best part is that oils don’t strip away skin’s own natural layer of protection, instead leaving a balanced and plumped skin.
2. My skin will get more oily or ‘greasy’ if I use oil to cleanse my skin.
Quite the contrary is true.
Skin will produce too much oil in response to too much dryness. So removing excessive oil with intense foaming cleansers will only worsen oil production. These harsh cleansers strip the skin from its natural oils and cause it to compensate and overproduce oils.
Say ‘no’ to that squeaky clean feeling associated with skin being clean after using conventional cleansers. Oil and water don’t mix, so water-based products aren’t effective at dissolving dirt and deep cleaning the pores.
What’s more, consistently stripping your natural oils can cause the skin become more dry and dehydrated, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. We don’t need to feel dry and tight after face washing and the oil cleansing method will help the skin feel more balanced, hydrated and glowing. Using certain types of oils can actually regulate the amount of sebum our skin produces while also nourishing the skin.
3. Coconut oil works for any skin needs.
Coconut oil has risen in popularity as an ingredient in skincare, however it’s high on the comedogenic scale and can clog pores on the face where the skin is thinner than the rest of the body. It’s definitely not recommended for acne and break-out prone skin.
I also love the fact that face oils are multifunctional and replace make-up removers, special cleansers and moisturizers - oil cleansing covers it all. Make oil your friend and it will leave your skin fresh, clean, soft and glowing!
To learn how to oil cleanse, download my free Oil Cleansing Guide.
If you’re looking for an oil blend to cleanse your skin, check out these herb-infused oils:
Replenish Face Serum Oil with Elderflower and Calendula
Triple Rose Botanical Serum Oil
Purifying Face Serum Oil with Canadian Evergreens