Want to learn how to oil cleanse, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered in this ultimate guide on how to oil cleanse for acne and other common skin issues.
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Most of us have heard the hype over the oil cleansing method by now.
We’ve seen our favorite influencers swear by cult favorite oil cleansing products for years, but how many of us have actually given this skincare method a shot?
After all, most skincare products pride themselves on being oil-free.
So why would we want to deliberately put oil on our face, when it’s been something we’ve traditionally been taught we should avoid at all costs?
Keep reading to learn more about what the oil cleansing method does and to find out if this unique skincare trick could potentially solve your skincare woes!
Quick Picks — Best Oil Cleansers
Best Drugstore Option: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
Best Option for Dry Skin: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
Best Option for Acne Prone Skin: Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil
Best Option for All Skin Types: Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil
How to Oil Cleanse | Everything You Need to Know About the Oil Cleansing Method
What is Oil Cleansing?
First of all, you’re probably asking yourself…what is oil cleansing?
While there are many different oil cleansers out there, oil cleansing basically consists of using an oil in place of or prior to using a traditional soap or detergent.
The method behind what may sound like madness is the idea that an oil cleanser will gently remove dirt and makeup, while still preserving moisture and protecting the good bacteria that lives on your skin.
Not to mention, some dermatologists believe that cleansing oils may be less irritating than traditional facial cleansers since they do not cause excessive dryness (which could actually result in excess oil production and even more acne related issues!).
How Does Oil Cleansing Work?
If you’re still unsure about oil cleansing, let’s break down how does oil cleansing work.
Basically, oil cleansing relies on the idea that like substances dissolve like.
Therefore when you use a cleansing oil, it mixes with the natural oils on your skin (either naturally produced sebum or oils from certain makeup products) and takes all of these bad oils and dirt away when you wash off the cleansing oil.
Whether you realize it or not, most makeup removers do contain oil as one of their primary ingredients, since it does such a great job of breaking down both makeup and waterproof products.
Related: Coconut Oil Coffee Scrub — The Best DIY Cellulite Trick
Can You Oil Cleanse for Acne?
If you struggle with acne prone skin, you may be wondering if oil cleansing for acne can help.
Though it sounds counterintuitive, you can get positive results by oil cleansing for acne in some cases.
This is because certain oil based cleansers are great at removing dirt and debris without over drying or creating more irritation.
Oil cleansing is particularly effective for people with dry skin, but it can also work with oilier skin types as well.
If you’re interested in trying oil cleansing for acne, start by choosing a formula that’s designed for your skin type.
For example, this Herbivore Face Oil is specifically formulated for oily and acne prone skin.
You can also check out oil cleansers that are suitable for multiple skin types, like this Josie Maran one or this La Mer option, which both have gleaming reviews from consumers with variable skin types.
Who Should Try Oil Cleansing?
While oil cleansing can benefit people with multiple skin types, it is most often recommended for people with dry skin.
It can also be beneficial if your skin is irritated easily by harsh cleansers or those which strip the natural oils off your skin.
Similar to when you make any change you make in your skincare routine though, there’s always a possibility of a breakout or irritation occurring.
Take it slow, and only make one change to your routine at a time so you can easily keep track of what’s working and what’s not.
And if you’re not ready to jump in quite yet with a full on oil cleanser?
Start out with a cleansing balm!
Cleansing balms are thick and creamy oil-based cleansers that help to easily remove makeup without stripping your skin of its natural hydration.
My all-time favorite cleansing balm is this Colleen Rothschild formula, and my second favorite is this Clinique one.
I personally use a cleansing balm every night to remove my makeup, and I will never go back to makeup remover wipes or traditional makeup removers now!
Related: 29 Genius Makeup Storage Ideas That Will Change Your Life
How to Oil Cleanse (Step By Step)
Gotten this far, and still not quite sure how oil cleansing actually works?
Here’s a quick step by step guide on how to oil cleanse to help you get started.
- Start by soaking a washcloth under warm water.
- Wring it out, and allow the washcloth to sit over your dry skin for about 30 seconds to open up your pores. You don’t need to cleanse your face prior to this, as that is what the oil will do!
- Get a generous amount of your oil cleanser of choice (about the size of a quarter). Rub it together in your hands to warm, and then begin massaging it into your skin. This will help break up any dirt, makeup, oil, etc.
- Once you feel the oil has been worked into your face, take a warm, damp washcloth and remove it.
- At this point, you can either move onto the double cleansing method or call it quits. If you’re double cleansing, you’ll follow up with your favorite cleanser now that all of your makeup has been removed. Otherwise, simply make sure all the oil has been removed with your washcloth, and pat dry with a clean towel.
What are the Best Oil Cleansers?
Ready to try oil cleansing for yourself? Check out these most-loved oil cleansers below to find the best option to get started with.
This Japanese 1-step oil cleanser has an almost cult like following.
The organic olive oil in this formula binds with makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and other daily grime to easily rid your skin of these common pollutants and help rinse them off with zero residue left behind.
Though the Amazon listing has over 7,000 reviews and an average of 4.5 stars, some reviewers are claiming the product listing is a fake.
Grab it here for under $30 if you’re thinking of trying this one to make sure you get the real deal.
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
Looking for a good drugstore oil cleanser that won’t break the bank?
Try Burt’s Bees’ much raved over 100% Natural Facial Cleansing Oil for a cleanser that’s free of parabens, phthalates, petroleum, and SLS.
Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil
If you have dry to normal skin, Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil may be the perfect fit for you.
This gentle, lightweight cleansing oil contains a cleansing agent that is derived from a moisturizing agent, which will leave your skin feeling clean and hydrated.
Users also love how easily this product strips away makeup, including mascara and other waterproof products.
Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil
While this cleansing oil is on the pricier side, it’s nonetheless become a favorite for users with acne prone skin.
In contrast to traditional cream moisturizers and lotions which tend to be high in water and emulsifying agents but low in effective ingredients, this oil also contains no fillers and is formulated with only effective natural ingredients.
Not to mention, the oil is specifically formulated to deal with acne prone and oily skin, so it could be worth the price tag if you struggle with those issues.
Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil
A middle of the road general cleansing oil, Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil has over 2,000 reviews on Sephora and 4 out of 5 star rating.
Reviewers love how this product works for combination skin, as well as a variety of other skin types.
Some users do report a heavy fragrance, so it may not be a fit however if you don’t like a heavily scented product as a part of your skincare routine.
Now that you know how to oil cleanse, would you try it?
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