Oil Cleansing Mistakes
Oil cleansing provides a gentle cleanse without stripping the harmony of your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This gentle cleansing method can deeply purify, smooth texture, hydrate, brighten and has the potential to completely transform the skin, but oil cleansing requires a different technique and approach compared to your traditional cleansers. Keep reading below to learn about common oil cleansing mistakes you might be making to help you avoid them and ensure you’re oil cleansing like a pro.
What Is Oil Cleansing?
Unlike regular soap cleansers, oil cleansing involves using natural oils such as sunflower, jojoba, castor or grapeseed to melt away impurities from your skin without stripping the skin of its own natural (and very beneficial!) sebum production. The simple concept behind oil cleansing is that like dissolves like. Cleansing your skin with oil breaks down and removes any build up, oil and impurities.
Did you know your sebum provides food for your skin’s microbiome which is your moisture barrier’s first line of defense and part of your skin’s immune system? Learn more about your skin’s microbiome here.
Common Oil Cleansing Mistakes:
1) Starting your oil cleanse with water
Oil cleansing must begin with dry skin and hands so that the oils can be massaged into the skin for 60 seconds to effectively break down impurities. Water is added soon after to help gently lift and melt away oils and impurities.
The Vetiver illuminating cleanser is an emulsifying oil cleanser. To use it you will begin with dry skin and massage for 60 seconds and then add water to transform the oil to a milky texture and effortlessly melt away the emulsion. Optional to also use a warm washcloth to remove
2) Not massaging your cleansing oil into dry skin long enough
The time spent massaging is crucial for proper and thorough oil cleansing. Any cleanser should be worked into the skin for about 60 seconds, but It is critical to massage an oil cleanser into your skin for at least 60 seconds (sometimes I massage it in for up to 2 or 3 minutes on myself). This provides plenty of time for the cleansing oil to do its job, dissolving impurities and excess oil build-up in the pores.
Oil cleansing invites you to slow down, be present, and truly connect with your skin instead of rushing through your skincare routine on autopilot mode. The massage involved in oil cleansing nourishes the skin with potent plant extracts and encourages nutrients and oxygen rich blood flow to the skin from within.
3) Not using a washcloth
If you are using a traditional non-emulsifying oil cleanser, a washcloth is helpful to remove oil residue and rinse away all you have been cleansing. The skin will feel soft and moisturized instead of stripped and dry. Remember to use warm water, not cold and not scalding hot water and gently wipe, not aggressively scrub the skin.
Ritual Cleansing Cloths are a soft bamboo cotton blend gentle for the skin and oil cleaning rituals.
4) Not double cleansing
Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: First, with an oil cleanser and again with a different textured cleanser such as Purify, Gentle Cleanse, Pumpkin & Wild Carrot Complexion Bar or Lift Away. If you are more acne prone, or a makeup wearer this method can help with thoroughly cleansing the skin from pore-clogging makeup, sunscreen, congestion and impurities that can remain on the skin even after washing your face once.
When To Oil Cleanse:
Oil cleansing can be performed in the morning for a gentle clean and glow booster to start your day, in the evening for a thorough soothing cleanse, and as the first step of a double cleanse routine.
The oil cleanse reset method can also be implemented to help repair and balance the skin, or before introducing a new skincare routine. This method involves using nothing else in your routine besides an oil cleanser, typically from 3-10 days to give your skin a break until it shows improvement and then slowly introducing other products back to your skin care routine.
Depending on your skin state, it is generally beneficial to oil cleanse every day as the 1st step in your evening skincare ritual.
The best advice is to let your skin guide you. Take note of how your skin feels after cleansing. Everyone's individual needs and skin will be different and the cleansing routine that works for someone else, might not be the right fit for you.
Oil Cleansers:
Now That you know how to oil cleanse like a pro, don’t forget to share your glow on Instagram and socials and tag @facesbykatey !
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