Oil cleansing method (OCM)
Oil cleansing method (OCM) is a process of washing your face using natural oils. This may sound crazy and scary but the idea is using natural oils in specific combination to cleanse the skin and naturally balance the skin’s natural oils.
Oil cleansing methods are better as they aid in lifting dirt and grime from the skin’s surface and it also helps to lubricate the skin while healing, protecting and moisturising it so that it functions properly. The best this about oil cleansing method (OCM) is that it works for all skin types.
I was sceptical to try this method because I have oily, acne prone skin and I was afraid this method was going to make it worse, but I was totally wrong as this has been the next best thing since sliced bread. Since discovering the oil cleansing method (OCM) I have never looked back and my skin is better than ever as this method has regulated the oil produces by my skin and the acnes have gone.
This method works by massaging oil into your skin which will dissolve the oil that has hardened with impurities and found itself stuck in your pores. The steam will open your pores, allowing the oil to be easily removed.
If you remember your chemistry properly like dissolves like, so does oil dissolve oil. Since the skin is made up of several components which include water, protein, lipids and different minerals and chemicals and is water proof you will need non polar solvent i.e. oils/sebum to cleanse it. Make sure you use the right oil combination for your skin to get rid of the dirt oil that clogs up your pores with beneficial oils to protect, nourish and heal your skin.
Since lots of people have different skin types, I will recommend this oil mixture combination for:
- Oily skin use: 30% castor oil and 70% sunflower or extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil.
- Normal/balanced skin use: 20% castor oil and 80% sunflower or extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil.
- Dry skin use: 10% castor oil and 90% sunflower or extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil
Here are the benefits of these oils used in the cleansing method:
Benefit of castor oil on skin: Castor oil is known for curing acne, has healing (acts as disinfectant) and cleansing properties as it absorbed readily into skin, and helps to keep the skin looking youthful, increases hydration by preventing evaporation of water from the skin layer, forms protective layer around your skin.
Benefits of extra virgin olive oil on skin: extra virgin olive oil penetrate deep into the skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple, promote skin elasticity. Has moisturising properties and balances the fatty acids in your body.
Benefits of sunflower oil on skin: Sunflower oil is high in vitamins A, C, D and E that keeps your skin healthy and youthful, has moisturising and healing properties. Sunflower protects the skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin, used to treat acne.
Benefits of grapeseed oil on skin: grapeseed oil contain antioxidants, absorbs completely into the skin, acne treatment, promotes skin elasticity, anti inflammatory, allergy free, regulates and maintains health skin, cleans out pores, helps heal psoriasis and eczema, protects collagen, help even out skin tone and fight swelling.
How to use Oil cleansing method on your face
You will need the oil mixture of your choice, clean face towel and warm water.
- Wash your hand and Pour a generous amount of oil into the palm of your hand (I’d say at least 1 or 2 tablespoons).
- Apply the oil to your unwashed face and massage it carefully for about 5 minutes so that the oil is well absorbed into the skin. Do this for a t least 1-2 minutes then you can decide to leave the oil for 5 minutes before washing your face or you can immediately wash your face, this is up to you.
- Place your face towel under running hot water, then wring it out slightly and place it over your face until its cool/cold. This will create steam against the skin and remove oil, dirt and impurities in the skin. Repeat these three or four times until you get rid of any excess oil on your face.
- Splash cold water on your face to close your skin pore and tone and moisturise as normal.
What you need to know about Oil Cleansing method
- Once you start using this method its normal for the skin to breakout ‘whiteheads’ for at least 1-3 weeks worry not and please don’t give up as this is because the skin is trying to adapt to the new method and is trying to get rid of all the impurities underneath your skin and trying to find a balance
- You may need to experiment with oils to get the perfect oil for your skin, as I normally use grapeseed and extra virgin olive oil mixture or one of them to cleanse my face and they both work fine on my skin
- Make sure you wash your face towel after using it to prevent bacteria
- These method can be by used by everyone regardless of your race or skin type.
Benefit of Oil cleansing method (OCM)
- Oil cleansing method makes your skin look vibrant, smooth
