3 Reasons Why I Made the Switch to the Oil Cleansing Method

For a long-time, right on up into my thirties, (pre-kids), I had relatively good skin with the a little bit of the oily t-zone action happening. Skin that didn’t need much attention, no real regime. I was prone to having a moderately oily t-zone, but that was it.

Enter my mid-thirties, after kids, and well … those wacky, silly hormones went berserk! Oh hormones are JUST SO silly. They make me laugh and laugh. And cry. And scream. And curse. The profanity always helps.

Everything I thought I knew about my body, my hair, my skin, my bones, my shape, my mood, my metabolism … EVERYTHING, basically went out the door. My skin started to develop spots and rough patches (yes, I’ve had it looked into), more oil in that t-zone area than before, and breakouts. I’m a teen again and I’m raging. Well, honestly, I’ve always been a bit ragey — but we’re not here to talk about that right now.

Slowly, I’ve been discovering the many virtues of slapping natural products on my face because I just can’t be bothered with dishing out major coin and time finding products that I’m shilled in stores and online. I’m wary of marketing hype and buzzwords, especially revolving around “natural” products. Which is precisely what some of you might think about this oil cleansing business. Oils are big right now. Huge. Moms especially, are reigning supreme on the MLM opportunities available with certain therapeutic-grade, organic essential oil companies. Clearly I’m not going to hate on that when I’m in the MLM business myself.

What I do know, is that essential oils are the BOMBDIGGITY. That’s me getting all scientific for ya. I did lots of rearch and decicded to try out what everyone was all hyped up over. Could the therapeutic qualities of oil not only soothe my mind by their mere scent alone, but heal me from the inside out too? I don’t know about the medicinal qualities as far as healing people from disease, but I do know that the diffuser that sits next to my bedside table gets used daily with different blends to suit different moods. I swear my sleep has improved and I know my kids’ has with the one in their room. I could go on about the additional healing qualities I use oil for, like when I use it in salves with beeswax and coconut oil as the carrier to rub on the bottoms of little feet and chests when sick (instead of Vicks), or how I use them with vinegar to use as a natural fabric softener. Or with peroxide, Dr. Bronners and vinegar to make my own cleaner.

Oh, so I guess I just did it anyways. How about I get back to spewing why I’ve started using food grade, moisturizing oils on my FACE! Upon first discovery I thought … oil? On my face? Uh, no. That would make it more greasy, I thought. Oils definitely would not clean my face, I thought. So, without further ado, these are my top 3 reasons why I have made the switch and what dispelled some common myths for me about oil cleansing …

1. Oil Dissolves Oil
It’s true yo. Becasue science. A basic principal of chemistry is, “like dissolves like.” To dissolve a non-polar solvent like sebum/oil, you need to use another non-polar solvent similar in composition … other oils! By using the right ones for your skin and the season you’re in, you can cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, while replacing the dirty oil with beneficial ones extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit that heal, protect and nourish your skin. Oil, on its own, doesn’t cause blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads … all of those lovely skin conditions are largely caused by that pain the arse: hormones. Coming in to tie at a close second are: bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of all this action. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. The oils in your face get stripped when using cleaners, which messes with you’ve genetically been given in life, to deal with the affects of the aforementioned, the environment and your diet. (HINT: drink ALL THE WATER.) Oil in essence (see what I did there, huh, huh?!) is there but to benefit your skin.

2. I’m Not Fighting My Skin Anymore
Not only do the natural oils in your face help lubricate your skin, they can also aid in healing and protecting your skin against the elements. I really see how working with my skin, not fighting it; and believing in the natural benefits that my own body produces to regenerate itself and pave the way for healthy, glowing skin … is improving my glow factor. I still exfoliate once a week using this natural honey and baking soda mix I made up, but the rest of the time it’s just me and my oils. And lots of water. Steaming hot with a muslin cloth for wiping my face and drinking water. At LEAST 8-10 big glasses!

3. It’s Simple and Cheap!
A little bit goes a long way. Now, there are many types of oil you can use – I’ve found this article on Elephant Journal to be really helpful to discover what might be right for your skin type and the type of climate/humidity level you live in. I don’t even know what “type” of skin I have so I’ve gone with two that have seemed to do right by me. I’ve been reading a lot about the many virtues of pure argan oil though and since we already use it on our hair, I’m going to give that in a go when I run out of one of the ones I’m using! For now, I’ve found a sweet spot with almond oil and jojoba oil. A few drops of each. Compared to the dolla dolla bills that some face cleansing kits can cost, a couple of high-quality oils that last a long time is a no-brainer. Basic instructions on oil cleansing below…

• Start by using a few drops of your blend (or make your own using two like I do) on your face. You want the size of a quarter or more to work with. Apply to a dry face, not wet. Massage in gentle, upward, circular motions. Everywhere. Eyes, nose, neck, mouth, under your eyes, every crevice. It feels really good.
• Meanwhile, you should have your hot water tap running to get piping hot. This is how I prefer it anyways. I soak a muslin cloth with water and drape over my face, massaging and wiping several times. The hot water opens up the pores and draws out all of those impurities.
• Repeat with a cold cloth, closing up your pores! That’s it. Moisturize with coconut oil or whatever you dig. I switch between a homemade aloe cream that I make and straight-up coconut oil.