How To Oil Cleanse
When the oil cleansing method is performed properly it can help to deep clean, exfoliate, hydrate, brighten, balance and completely transform the skin. Keep reading below to discover the best oil cleansing ingredients and why, when and how to oil cleanse.
WHY OIL CLEANSE?
I begin all of my facial treatments with an oil cleanse and use this method often in my personal skincare routine because it invites you to slow down, be present, and truly connect with your skin instead of rushing through a routine cleanse on autopilot mode. I often recommend oil cleansing to facial clients, especially as a way to bring the skin back to balance after over stimulating the skin with too many stripping products for long periods of time. When the skin is sensitized, dehydrated or inflamed — oil cleansing provides a gentle cleanse without stripping the harmony of your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
BEST OIL CLEANSER INGREDIENTS:
Jojoba Oil:
A simple jojoba oil, or jojoba oil blends such as RITUAL OIL can be wonderful for cleansing because the waxy structure of jojoba is very similar to that of your own sebum. Jojoba oil is full of antioxidants, fatty acids, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to restore a compromised skin barrier.
Castor Oil:
Castor oil, found in the VETIVER ILLUMINATING OIL CLEANSER is anti-inflammatory and is particularly effective for oil cleansing because it has a unique ability to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve impurities. When castor oil is used for oil cleansing, it can help to balance the skin's natural oils, which can lead to clearer and more radiant skin.
Tip: Castor oil is a thicker oil, typically best as a blended ingredient instead of a single oil for cleansing the skin.
Sunflower Oil:
Keep in mind that oils sold for cooking and oils used for skincare have different compositions. Cooking oils often are more processed and will contain less antioxidants and vitamins. The sunflower oil found in Apoterra’s VETIVER ILLUMINATING OIL CLEANSER is QAI certified organic and sourced from the Netherlands. Sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid, is less likely to clog pores and is said to help reduce acne.
WHEN TO OIL CLEANSE
In the morning for a gentle cleaning
In the evening for a thorough, soothing cleanse
In the evening to double cleanse, to be followed up with a different textured cleanser such as a gel or cream. This will ensure a deep clean and full removal of any makeup.
As a 7-10 day skin reset to repair or detox the skin. This method can also be beneficial to give the skin a break before introducing a new skincare routine.
During your at-home facial days to gently exfoliate, soften the skin, and prepare for the rest of your self care line up and masks.
As part of a gua sha routine. You can oil cleanse to clean the skin before using the oil to provide a glide for your gua sha stone. Rinse and remove the oil with the option to double cleanse before applying your finishing skincare products.
Oil cleansing can be as detoxifying for the skin as it is balancing, so start off slowly and increase or decrease your oil cleansing as needed.
SKIN RESET
For a complete skin reset, use nothing else in your routine besides your oil cleanser, typically from 7-10 days to give your skin a break until it shows improvement and then slowly introduce other products back to your skin.
Tip: I still personally like to bring in a minimalistic facial mist during a skin reset such as Infuse Nutrient Activating Mist to provide the skin with water content and hydration.
3 STEP OIL CLEANSING METHOD
To effectively perform the oil cleansing method you need to begin with a dry skin surface, working the oil into the face for about 60 seconds without water before removing with a warm damp washcloth.
For the second pass you will combine both oil and warm water on your washcloth and gently massage it over the skin for another minute.
You then complete your oil cleanse using only warm water and a fresh side of your cloth to remove all the oil residue. This technique ensures a very thorough cleanse that will leave your face soft and squeaky clean without impairing your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
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