Oil Cleansing 101: A way to deep clean while hydrating skin

Oil cleansing is not a new beauty concept, but a lot of people still don't know about this cleansing method. Admittedly, the idea of using oil to cleanse your skin does sound pretty weird! 

Oil cleansing is the method of using oil in place of soap or facial wash to cleanse your face. Most soaps and cleansers are great at taking the dirt off your skin, but they also remove your skin's natural oils. And dryness can worsen some skin conditions a person already has, like eczema.

We all want non-problematic, healthy skin, and that's what oil cleansing promises to give. The method is based on the idea that oil dissolves oil. So, the method suggests that when you use an oil, it will dissolve the impurities on your face and bind with it. When you wipe it off, the impurities that bound with the oil will be gone, too. Your skin's natural moisture will be retained.

Here's how to do it: Start by choosing an oil to cleanse with. Base oils are ideal, but you can also create your own mix depending on your skin type and what effect you want on your skin. To find the best one to suit your needs, check out our guide on what the different types of oils are and what they're good for. People who have normal to dry skin can go for deeply moisturizing oils like argan or shea. Those who have oily skin and are prone to acne can use a mixture of their favorite base oil and tea tree oil.

Prep your skin by placing a warm, damp washcloth on your face for 20 seconds. Remove the washcloth and slather the oil on your face. Gently massage it in then leave the oil for 30 seconds before using the washcloth to wipe it away. You may also rinse it off using warm water.

Since the oil works as a cleanser, you'd still need to tone and moisturize after.

Now, there are mixed views about oil cleansing. While some regard it as a wonder method, others think it's a sham. Among the benefits cited by people who have tried it are brighter, more moisturized skin, and fewer pimples. Those who did not like the method, however, complained about having blocked pores and a filmy residue.

Just like any other method though, oil cleansing will depend on your skin's overall condition. Some people's skin react well to a certain procedure, while others' don't. It's a case of “hiyangan.”

If you want to give it a go but don't want to go all-out just yet, using base oils that are readily available to you would be best. Olive oil is rich and hydrating. It also has antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, despite being a favorite among many, coconut oil has been found to be a comedogenic for a lot of people so use it with caution. Baby oils are great at dissolving makeup, but they block pores and lock in moisture, which may lead to breakouts.

If you want to try oil cleansing but don't have the time to create your own mix, there are a lot of products in the market to choose from. Start off with something that's a little easier on the pocket, like the Muji Mild Cleansing Oil. If you find that the method works for you and you want to up your cleansing game, budget be damned, try the Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil.

Have you tried oil cleansing before? How did it work out for you?

Sources: Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Makeup Alley, Bustle, Wall Street Journal