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The oil cleanse -

When we think of oil and skin, what first jumps to mind might not be a method of cleansing. But believe it or not, oil cleansing has a lot of followers.

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The oil cleanse -

But cast your mind back to a high school science class and you might remember the adage "like dissolves like." Ironically, using oil is an effective strategy to remove oil.

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How it works -

The reason oil cleansing works is because the oil you use as a cleanser bonds to the oil on the surface of the skin. 

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How it works -

The skin barrier is delicate and by using oil it is gently cleansed of dirt and sebum, while simultaneously being protected, softened, and moisturized.

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A return to the natural -

You might be surprised to discover that many popular skincare products already contain plant oils in varying amounts. Branded oil cleansers are also becoming a norm.

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The K-beauty effect -

Oil cleansers have been popular in Asian countries, especially in places like Japan and Korea. As Korean beauty (K-beauty) trends travel west, Western beauty brands are catching up.

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An economical choice -

But you don't need to buy a branded oil to enjoy the benefits of oil cleansing. Using an oil means there are no hidden ingredients, and it's often more economical.

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Heal and soothe -

There is a long history in many parts of the world, of using oils to help heal and soothe the skin as well as to help speed up wound repair.

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Benefits of oil cleansing -

Among its many benefits, it's said oil cleansing can lift oil from the skin, clean clogged pores, remove makeup, and dissolve impurities.

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Benefits of oil cleansing -

Much makeup contains oil, which is what makes it so stubborn to remove. It's also why brands add oil to their cleansers. Oil can lift even oil-free makeup, as well as the most stubborn, waterproof eye makeup.

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Differences with traditional cleansers -

Many commercial cleansers are formulated to be very drying, which can irritate the skin barrier and over time, increase oil production as the skin attempts to regain balance.

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Differences with traditional cleansers -

Oil cleansing on the other hand protects the skin's barrier (which is made of lipids) and microbiome, and locks in moisture.

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Skin microbiome -

Our skin is one of the body's biggest microbiomes, home to both "good" and "bad" bacteria, living in a delicate balance.

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Skin microbiome -

In studies, it's been discovered that there are certain "good" bacteria on the skin's surface that help to protect against acne and other infections.

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Plant oils -

Plant oils have numerous other claimed benefits, including protection against inflammation, antioxidant properties, and helping to ease the signs of aging. Of course, these effects differ from person to person.

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Choosing your oil -

One of the most important first steps in oil cleansing is to choose a high-quality oil. Organic, virgin, cold-pressed oils are typically the highest quality.

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Choosing your oil -

Different plant oils are more or less suitable for different skin types. It's important to choose an oil that will address your skin's concerns.

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Olive oil -

One of the best choices for dry or very dry skin, olive oil is rich in oleic acid. It might not be a good choice for oily skin. It has high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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Coconut oil -

Coconut oil is another oil that's best suited for drier skin types. It's anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, helps to prevent skin ageing.

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Hemp oil -

Hemp oil is one of the best choices for oily skin, as it has a very lightweight texture. It moisturizes effectively without clogging the pores.

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Sweet almond oil -

Sweet almond oil is one of the most common oils found in commercial skincare products. It's well tolerated, even by the most sensitive skin types.

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Sunflower oil -

Sunflower oil is another great choice for oilier skin types, again due to having a lighter formulation than other oils, while still providing the moisturizing benefits of an oil.

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Jojoba oil -

Jojoba oil is frequently mixed with another oil as it's a great "carrier" oil, which dilutes the effects of other oils to make them lighter. It's used to treat imperfections and scarring.

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Grapeseed oil -

If you'd like to even out your skin tone, cleansing with grapeseed oil is a great place to begin. It can help with hyperpigmentation, due to its high antioxidant content.

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Rosehip oil -

Rosehip oil is a wonderful choice for damaged, pigmented, and mature skin, or skin that suffers from redness. It's high in linoleic acid.

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Argan oil -

Argan oil is one of the most deeply nourishing oils. Traditionally used in haircare, it helps the skin to maintain elasticity and provides stellar hydration.

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Washing your face -

To begin oil cleansing, take a few drops of your oil of choice, and warm them in the palm of one hand before rubbing it gently into the skin, all over the face.

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Washing your face -

After a minute or two of rubbing the oil into the skin of the face, remove it with water or using a cellulose sponge, rinsing thoroughly. You can pat a drop of the oil into cleansed skin, to lock in extra moisture.

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Purging -

Initially, you might experience a "purge" as impurities come to the surface of the skin. However, if irritation or acne persists, the oil cleansing method might not be for you. Try it and find out! 

Sources: (WebMD) (Healthline)

See also: These are the foods to avoid for clear and radiant skin

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