Many people think using sunscreen every day is the most essential part of a good skincare routine. And although it is a very vital part, many forget about the importance of cleansing. Without a good cleansing routine, every other step might not be as effective. Today, I want to tell you everything I know about oil cleansing and why it’s a good idea for, well, everyone!

The first time I heard about oil cleansing, I honestly thought it was a joke.  Then I thought, this is crazy, “You want me to clean my face with oil?!”  I swore I would never do it.  Well, let’s just say, “never say never!”

Oil cleansing is based on the scientific principle that “like cleanses like.” So, natural cleansing oils cleanse the impurities, grime, and un-beneficial oils from your skin. Oil does this without stripping it of its natural moisture and sensitive, beneficial oils!

But you might be wondering, Caroline, “Oil clogs my skin, and leads to more breakouts, right?!”

Well, that’s a popular belief, actually! Using harsh facial skin care products and “oil-free moisturizers” strip your face of its natural oils, only drying out your skin more. When this happens, your face actually increases oil production in an attempt to protect itself, which can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and oily skin. Yes, over-cleansing or using a facial cleanser that has harsh ingredients can actually weaken the skin barrier and lead to damaged, dehydrated and dull skin.

With oil cleansing, you are giving your skin the right oils it needs & CRAVES but also maintaining the face’s delicate pH balance and strengthening the skin’s barrier. Even if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin!

What Happened to My Skin When I Switched to Oil Cleansing

By now, you must be wondering, “does the oil cleansing method work?” Like I said before, I was a huge skeptic of the oil cleansing method, but little by little, I started cleansing my face with oil and warm water each night and noticed something crazy after incorporating it into my skincare routine. The benefits of oil cleansing are amazing, and so many of my skin concerns decreased!  

After a while, my skin…

• started to have fewer and fewer blemishes and breakouts
• felt SO clean & refreshed
• was soft & hydrated without excess sebum or dryness
• required less makeup daily because it was clear and “luscious”

…and one of the craziest things I noticed was the “junk” in my pores seemed to go away, and my pore size greatly decreased!!  <— Large pore size and just feeling like there is so much junk trapped in my pores has always been my most common skin issue.  

Oil cleansing works!!

When I was pregnant, SO sick, and too tired or “didn’t have enough” time to oil cleanse, I noticed that after 1-2 days of not oil cleansing, the “junk” in my pores and large pore size would return and my skin just felt dull.  So, I was hooked on this method of cleansing!

You see, I have always felt like I had blemishes, hormonal/adult acne, large pores, and just dull skin in general.  I never felt like my skin had that luscious glow to it.  Cleansing this way transformed my skin for good!!

My favorite oil for cleansing? 

There are many different oils and great options out there, and it might take some work to find which one works best for you depending on your skin type, but I’ve found the best cleansing oils are these:  

Primally Pure’s Cleansing Oil …and you can close from normal, oily, or acne prone skin or dry skin.  If you have a combination skin type, I would choose normal oil.  I also love Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm.  It is more of a price commitment, although one jar lasts about a year (seriously!); this has worked better for me when I get skin irritation.

I can’t say enough good things about this method of cleansing your face. Not to mention how it has helped finally clear up my skin, especially when compared to traditional cleansers!

Remember, there are no bad oils; it’s just a matter of finding the best oils for your skin type.

Tips for Oil Cleansing

I recommend using the oil cleansing method daily for healthy skin. You’ll start seeing the benefits of the oil-cleansing method shortly.

1. Start with makeup-less skin (I do NOT always do this, but you will get the best results this way).  I recommend using Beautycounter’s biodegradable One Step Makeup Remover Wipes for the easiest, the best result to quickly get your makeup off.
2. If you think your skin has too much moisture, don’t apply a nighttime moisturizer daily.  Simply spritz with Lavender Complexion Mist or Everything Spray to balance your skin’s pH and provide some moisture.
3. If you are still skeptical, as I was at first, start using Beautycounter’s Cleansing Balm as a “nighttime mask”—simply apply a thin layer to clean your skin before bedtime.  This is initially what made me realize the great benefit of this cleansing!
4. Apply the cleansing oil to your skin and let it soak into your skin for 1 minute before washing.
5. Use warm water and an organic cotton washcloth soaked in warm water to “steam” your face and help wipe off the excess oil.
6. Always do the oil cleansing method at night, and only oil cleanse once daily.

Have you incorporated oil cleansing into your skincare routine?  Tell me your thoughts and if you are skeptical like I once was!