Oil Cleansing Mistakes and Step-by-Step Oil Cleansing Method Instructions
Understanding Oil Cleansing: What It Is and How It Works
Definition of Oil Cleansing
Oil cleansing is a skincare method that involves using natural oils to remove dirt, makeup, and excess sebum from the skin. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers, which strip the skin of its natural oils, oil cleansing works on the principle that "like dissolves like." This means that the oil in your cleanser binds to the oil on your skin, effectively lifting away impurities without harsh scrubbing. It’s basically your skin’s best friend, ready to tackle grime while leaving moisture intact.
The Science Behind Oil Cleansing
When you apply oil to your face, it adheres to all impurities, toxins, and makeup, making it easier to wipe them away. The key players in this science are oil and surfactants. Oils are lipophilic, meaning they love other oils. They mix and attract the impurities on your skin, which can then be rinsed away with a warm cloth. While you might think oil would make your skin greasy, it actually encourages the skin to produce less oil, leading to a balanced complexion.
Benefits of Oil Cleansing for Your Skin
Deep Cleansing Properties
Oil cleansing has the unique ability to bind with impurities allows it to penetrate deep into your pores, making it exceptionally good at getting rid of stubborn makeup and grime that regular cleansers might leave behind.
One of the best things about oil cleansing is its versatility. Oily skin? Say goodbye to excessive shine as the right oil helps balance sebum production. Dry skin? Replenish moisture and hydrate your complexion instead of drying it out. Combination skin? You get the best of both worlds! Whether you have sensitive skin or are acne-prone, oil cleansing can also be for you.
Moisturizing Benefits
Ever washed your face and felt that tight, dry sensation? Oil cleansing is here to save the day! Not only does it cleanse, but it also adds a layer of moisture back into your skin. Natural oils contain fatty acids and vitamins that nourish your skin, helping it feel soft and hydrated rather than parched. So, while you wash away the bad stuff, you’re also treating your skin to a luxurious dose of hydration.
Balancing Oil Production
It sounds counterintuitive, but oil cleansing can actually help balance your skin’s oil production. When you strip your skin with harsh cleansers, it often overcompensates by producing even more oil. On the flip side, oil cleansing nourishes your skin, letting it know it doesn’t need to go into oil production overdrive. It’s the calming hug your skin didn’t know it needed.
Common Misconceptions About Oil Cleansing
Myth 1: Oil Cleansing Makes Your Skin Oily
Many people think oil cleansing will turn them into an oil slick, but that's simply not true. When done correctly, it can actually regulate oil production. By using oil to cleanse, you won't strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to the dreaded overproduction of sebum.
Myth 2: All Oils Are the Same
Some oils are not ideal for oil cleansing. You want to look for a correct balance of oils that are non-pore-clogging, such as our Radiant River Botanical Cleansing Oil. This formula is designed to work well for all skin types.
The Importance of Double Cleansing
What is Double Cleansing?
Double cleansing can be a game-changer in the cleansing department. If you notice any issues with your skin once you begin oil cleansing, you may need to start double cleansing. This two-step process typically starts with an oil cleanser to remove makeup and impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to wash away any remaining residue. This dynamic duo ensures your skin is thoroughly clean and prepped for the rest of your skincare ritual. With our products, you would oil cleanse with Radiant River Botanical Cleansing Oil and finish with Golden Sunrise Cleansing Cream, if you wish to double cleanse.
Overusing Oil Cleansing: Signs You're Doing Too Much
Recognizing Over-Cleansing Symptoms
Signs of over-cleansing can include excessive dryness, excessive oiliness, irritation, or breakouts. If you notice more clogged pores than usual or you have any of these signs, it’s time to scale back.
How Often Should You Oil Cleanse?
Oil cleanse only once per day, in the evening, to remove impurities, makeup, and sunscreen accumulated throughout the day. This is considered the optimal time for a deep clean. Do not oil cleanse more than once a day. Most people do well with once per day, evening oil cleansing. Some may prefer to oil cleanse every other day or even 2-3 times a week, especially if you find daily use to be creating any skin issues or you do not have the time. You can consider starting with 2 times per week and gradually increasing frequency based on how the skin responds is a common recommendation to assess tolerance.
Troubleshooting Oil Cleansing: Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake people make is mixing cleansing oil with water before applying it to their skin. The oil needs to mix with the natural oils, dirt, and makeup on your face, but since oil and water don’t get along, adding water too soon messes things up. Instead, you should rub the cleansing oil on your dry face in circular motions first, and then you can add water.
When it comes to rinsing off the cleansing oil, the temperature of the water matters a lot. Cold water can make the oil harden, which you do not want. Using warm water keeps the oil liquid, making it easier to wash away the dirt and oils on your skin. Just remember, it should be warm, not hot, because hot water can harm your skin barrier.
Do not use excessive cleansing oil. This can make it hard to wash off. Use just enough to cover your entire face and neck.
It is also important to rinse off all the cleansing oil. Unlike facial oils that you leave on for hydration, cleansing oils should be removed completely since it has now drawn out dirt, makeup, or sunscreen. If you leave the oil on, it can prevent your skin from soaking up the benefits of the other products you use. So, make sure to follow my instructions before moving on to the next steps in your skincare routine.
If you are experiencing breakouts or still feel a lot of oil on your skin, try double cleansing.
Do not oil cleanse more than once per day in the evening. You can start by oil cleansing once a week and gradually moving up to tolerance. For most, once daily oil cleansing works well. For some people, 2 - 3 days per week is perfect.
Step-by-Step Oil Cleansing Instructions
Oil Cleansing should only be performed once per day maximum in the evening. If you notice any skin issues developing, see the troubleshooting section below.
1) Wash your hands.
2) Optional: Press a warm, damp washcloth to your face for a few seconds to prepare it to receive the oils. Pat dry fully. Never use hot water or a hot cloth on your face as it damages the skin barrier.
3) Make sure your face and hands are fully dry. Dry application will be most effective for cleansing. Pump about a 1 inch / 25.4 mm in diameter amount of Radiant River Botanical Cleansing Oil into your palm. You want a generous amount to not pull on skin and to get a deep cleanse, so if you need more to thoroughly cover the entire surface area, add more. But, do not apply excess, only enough to cover the entire area. Gently massage the oil into your face, neck, chest, and anywhere you wish to cleanse using your fingertips.
4) A. If you are new to oil cleansing, leave the oil on for 90 seconds and then remove. Do this for the first 4 weeks. After the first 4 weeks, you can begin to leave the oil on for longer, gradually moving up to 10 minutes.
B. If you are not new to oil cleansing, you can start at 5 minutes and up to 10 minutes to leave the oil on your skin. You might find that your skin has absorbed the oil after 10 minutes, if your skin is parched and in need of oils. If so, add a bit more oil, massage in and then proceed to the next step after 30 seconds.
5) A. If you have makeup, sunscreen, a lot of skincare products, or any other debris on your skin, you will want to remove the oil with a dry cloth. This is one of my favorite options. I love it because it is disposable and eco-friendly. Gently wipe off the oil before using any water. Once removed, you can splash with water if you wish.
B. If you do not have a lot on your skin, you can mist your face with one of our toners and massage your face once wet with the toner. Then, you can gently wipe the oil off with a soft cloth. Again, this is one of my favorite cloths for removing oils or masks, it is disposable and biodegradable.
These are some other face cloth options I recommend, but they will get oily so that is something to consider in your choice.
6) Now, take a fresh cloth (a different one than you used for step 5). Wet one of your cloths of choice in warm (never hot) water. Press the cloth into your skin and wipe gently, but thoroughly. Rinse the cloth in warm (never hot) water, squeeze the excess water, and wipe gently, but thoroughly again. Repeat this process until all oil has been removed. Pat dry.
7) Finish by misting one of our toners and gently wiping off with an organic cotton pad. These are my favorite cotton pads.
8) If you have makeup, sunscreen, a lot of skincare products, or any other debris on your skin, or you still feel oil on your skin at this point, try a double cleanse. Golden Sunrise Cleansing Cream is an ideal option for your second cleanse. Another option for removal of oil is raw organic honey. If you have honey, you can use it as a final wash. I like this honey and this one.
Double cleansing should only be done if you are removing makeup, sunscreen, or have oil still on your skin from the first cleanse. If you do need to double cleanse, the intention is to remove the oil from the first cleanse, so you don't want to use the same oil. Use a water-based non-surfactant cleanser, like Golden Sunrise Cleansing Cream (aloe-based).
Dispense several pumps of Golden Sunrise Cleansing Cream into your palm. Add water to your palms, massage hands together, and then massage onto face in circular motions. Rinse well and pat dry.
8) Finally, mist with a toner. Leave it on. Apply your serums and then oils or creams.
