If you wash your face, it is to remove excess oil. But what about applying the extra oil to your face as a cleanser? This may seem counter-intuitive if you are afraid of shiny skin. Oils are a great way to keep skin balanced and clean.

Why Add More Oil

What’s the logic of adding more oil to reduce it? Oil-cleansing Method (OCM) works by adding good oils to counter the bad ones. These “good” oils will bind to the “bad” fats already on your skin (which are usually excess sebum and makeup, as well as other surface impurities) after letting them sit on it. The good oils balance the skin’s production of fat rather than stripping it away with the bad. Oil cleansing removes dirt and makeup while hydrating the skin and adding moisture. It also improves skin tone and infuses pores with antioxidants that fight aging.

Not all oils are the same.

What is the best blend for cleansing? In place of the lanolin and mineral oils found in traditional baby oils, pure botanical oils are used to cleanse skin. These oils are tailored to each type of skin: sunflower oil for dry or combination skin, olive oil for sensitive skin, and safflower for oily skin. Many commercially prepared cleansing oil products also contain active ingredients like green tea extract and topical vitamins C and E. You should test the oil on your skin if you are allergic or have sensitive skin.

The method

Oil cleansing involves more than just using the right oils. It also requires the use of the oils correctly. Oil cleansing begins with dry skin. Rub a small amount between your hands of an oil blend that is suitable for your skin type. Massage the oil gently into your skin as you would normally do, whether in the shower or at the sink. Then, finish with a steaming treatment. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water and wring out the excess. Rest it on your face to absorb the steam. This will remove most of the oil-cleansing product. You can also dab away excess oil with the washcloth.

What Experts say

While the oil-cleansing method has earned more than a few devotees, the jury is still out among some dermatologists–particularly when it comes to cleansing acne-prone skin. Applying more oil on a face with oil-blocked pores and irritation can aggravate breakouts. If oil cleansing causes acne, use a water-based cleanser and Salicylic Acid to treat the spots.