What is Oil Cleansing & How Does It Work?
Cleansing is the most important step in skincare, because it prepares our skin for all of our other acids, serums, and cremes, and set ups our skin for success. However, cleansing is also the step we tend to mess up. Choosing the correct cleanser is so important! I used to think that it didn’t matter, as long as I was cleaning my skin. But I realized that using the wrong cleanser, or using the right cleanser the wrong way, can actually negatively affect my skin! It may seem odd or contradictory to think about washing our face with oils. You may assume that oil will leave the skin greasy and unclean, but oil cleansing gives the exact opposite effect when it is performed correctly. There is no need to fear this method, it won't lead to breakouts, blackheads and excess oil production - that is if you use the RIGHT oil cleanser.
Oil cleansing is a beautiful method of removing the impurities as it doesn’t disrupt the skin's moisture barrier. It is the gentlest form of cleansing and (maybe) best of all - it allows you to easily throw in a relaxing face massage.
To be clear: oil cleansing will not work if done incorrectly, so if you're seeing negative changes - don't blame the product, reassess how you are using it! At worst, if you are using the product correctly, you won't see any changes. It should never cause you to breakout or experience other problems with your skin. To be sure you're doing it correctly, you must use a great quality oil cleanser. We love our Best Skin Ever from Living Libations. This oil cleanser comes in several different options: Seabuckthorn, Sandalwood, Rose, and Frankincense. All of them except for Sandalwood contain high quality, authentic, organic, virgin coconut oil.
Seabuckthorn’s healing benefits are endless. It is the only plant food known to provide all four omega fatty acids - omega-3,6,7 and 9. It stimulates skin regeneration, helping wounds heal quickly (thanks to the omega-7). It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and redness associated with many skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
Sandalwood is the only one that does not contain coconut oil and is the most gentle - perfect for those with sensitive reactive skin types. The secret ingredient is the sandalwood nut oil which is a beneficial fatty acids and ximenynic acid. Perfect for those with dry itchy skin!
Rose is designed for those with redness, itchiness and sensitivity in their skin.
Frankincense is for acne prone with inflammation along with scarring! Great for hyperpigmentation as well.
Oil Cleansing Instructions
There are many different way to use the oil so let's go through all the methods.
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Pre Cleanse
As a pre cleanse, you will massage a few pumps of oil on to a dry face with hands or a reusable wash cloth. Don’t rush, keep on working the oil all over. Next you’ll need to wet a soft wash cloth (we love our Bamboo EcoTao wipes) with warm water, wring out excess water and gently start wiping off. Again, this process cannot be rushed. Be intentional and work slowly, using clean corners of your wash cloth after each wipe.
If you are prone to acne, or have a sensitive/reactive skin type, use disposable cotton rounds instead so we can eliminate any detergent reactions or unclean cloths.
Using the wash cloth is the part that traps and gets all that dirt, makeup, SPF and excess oils removed. Depending on how much makeup you have on, and your environment throughout the day, this step may need to be done twice.
A toner can be used after to remove excess oil if you feel the need. Your skin should not feel tight and definitely not feel squeaky clean after oil cleansing.
You can then follow with the rest of the steps in your regular skincare routine.
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How to reset the skin:
Resetting is to be when is skin has had its breaking point with just way too many acids - an acid overdose. It can be used in the case of an allergic reaction when the skin is illustrating rashes. We want to reset the skin with only the use of the Best Skin Ever (Seabuckthorn is best but can be done with the others).
- Wet a small portion of a face cloth with water. Squeeze it out.
- Apply two to three squirts of Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn to the dampened portion of the face cloth.
- Gently massage the face, neck and back of the neck with the moistened cloth. Wash gently or vigorously, depending on if you would like an exfoliating effect.
- Rinse the face by rinsing cloth, wringing out excess water, and wiping the face gently (but effectively) with the damp cloth.
- Repeat if you feel like the makeup, pollution and extra debris have not been removed.
- After the second application of Best Skin Ever Oil Cleanser, rinsing is optional. You can leave the oil on the skin if you see everything has been removed!
- Optional: Add another squirt or two of Best Skin Ever SeaBuckthorn to your fingertips and massage into the face to moisturize.
After the reset begin to slowly add in your skincare products into your routine. I always like to start with a cleanser and moisturizer. A few days later you would add in your serums. Remember, because you have reset you must introduce the serums slowly into the routine. We don’t want to surprise the skin! The reset can be done at any time!
If your skin is quite sensitive and very irritated then this method of cleansing would be best:
Sometimes it is best to cleanse the skin without a washcloth. Sunburned and wind chapped skin, as well as skin with inflammatory issues such as eczema, rosacea, and some types of acne may be super sensitive to even the gentlest stimulation and exfoliation from a washcloth. If your skin is super sensitive, or could use a rest from exfoliation - or if you just don’t have a washcloth handy – you can still sensibly cleanse your skin with our Best Skin Evers. Dampen your hands and put one pump full of a Best Skin Ever in your palm. Using damp fingertips, spread the Best SkinEver over your skin and gently rub or pat the oils in. Then step into the shower or splash warm water on the skin to rinse away makeup and daily dirt. If you would like to avoid touching your face with your hands, a squirt of Best Skin Ever on a damp organic cotton ball can also be used to gently spread the oils on the skin.
So, there you have it - my step by step guide for using an Oil Cleanser. Whether you want to add it into your routine, or are looking to do a skin reset, Best Skin Ever is a product that you don't want to miss out on. If you would like to see similar results with your skin, book an appointment today and let us help you out!
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