Oil cleansing uses a combination of oils to remove oil, dirt and makeup from the skin. While adding oil to your oily, acne-prone skin may seem like an unusual method, applying natural oils to your skin dissolves the oil on your skin. This cleansing method relies upon the chemical principle that "like dissolves like," according to website The Beauty Brains.
Types
Oil cleansing relies upon two oils with distinctly different properties. Castor oil, which is quite thick, is a potent cleanser. Combine castor oil with another oil, like sunflower oil, sweet almond oil`or extra virgin olive oil. Other oils, including grapeseed, avocado, apricot kernel, and jojoba may also be used along with the castor oil, according to website Acne.org.
Considerations
It can take some experimentation to find the right ratio of castor oil to carrier oil for your skin. The website for The Oil Cleansing Method recommends 30% castor oil to 70% carrier oil for oily skin; however, website Acne suggests starting with a 50/50 ratio. You may find that your skin does best with a lighter carrier oil, like grapeseed or jojoba, rather than the typical olive oil or sunflower oil.
Function
Massage the cleansing oil blend into your skin. Take your time and pay special attention to acne prone areas, working the oil deeply into your face. Soak a washcloth in steaming hot water and cover your face. Allow the cloth to cool fully and repeat. Gently wipe away all traces of oil from your skin. Rinse the skin with cool water to close the pores.
Time Frame
Use the oil cleansing method before bed each night, or use it a few times a week. According to The Oil Cleansing Method, there is no need for morning oil treatments. Depending upon your skin, you may find that you can use just water on alternate days. Experiment with how often you should use oil cleansing to keep your skin at its best.
Significance
Oil cleansing can improve the condition of your skin, clearing away blackheads, whiteheads and mild to moderate acne. You may find that your skin begins producing more oil initially after you start using oil to clean your skin, but this will balance out over time. Redness and irritation may occur as the pores clear, but this too will resolve.
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