THE OIL CLEANSING METHOD: 

• What is it?

• Why do it?

• Is it complicated?

The oil cleansing method (which is also sometimes abbreviated as OCM) can seem a bit daunting. Especially considering it’s called a “method” – it sounds like there’s more to it and many steps. Basically, it’s a just another way of cleaning your face. Simple. There’s no trick or gimmick here… plainly and simply – doing the OCM will leave your with silky soft, clean skin.

HISTORY

“olive oil was rubbed in to skin, which loosened dirt and grime”

It’s actually quite an old system. Before soap was used to clean our bodies  (which we’ve only done since the 19th century when it was first produced industrially) many cultures used oil to cleanse their bodies. One of the most traditional oils used (in ancient Roman times) was olive oil. It was rubbed in to the skin, which loosened dirt and grime and was then removed with a tool (called the strigil) which you scraped against the skin, removing the oil and dirt, before having a lovely hot bath! The key point to take away here is that oil dissolves oil.

Okay, now that the history lesson is over, let’s move on.

“there’s nothing wrong with water, gel or lightly foaming cleanser, but they’re not the only players in the game”

Most people associate clean skin with harsh detergents, which strip away all our natural oils – usually leaving us with dry, tight and sensitive skin. You then slather on a moisturiser, which is going to have to work twice as hard as your skin is in dire need of moisture! Stop!

Now there’s nothing wrong with water, gel or lightly foaming cleansers, but they’re not the only players in the game. Say hello to oil, or in our case, balm cleansers!

THE BASICS

“oil dissolves oil”

So, the basic idea is you massage oil on to your skin, which loosens the dirt and impurities on the surface of your skin and in your pores. You then remove said dirt and oil with a cloth. Easy peasy.

 HOW TO

• Fill a basin with warm water and soak a cotton face cloth. You don't want scalding hot water, but you don't want it luke warm and tepid either. Find a balance between the two.

• Squeeze out excess water and hold against face for a few seconds. This part of the process helps to get your skin ready, by “steaming” your pores.

• Scoop out a small amount of balm (approx the size of a blueberry) and warm between your fingers

• Massage all over your face. This is going to remove and dissolve make-up, sunscreen, dirt and just general grime from the day. You’ll find that it will do such a good job of dissolving make-up that you shouldn’t need to use any make-up remover.

• Don’t forget to inhale deeply to enjoy the scent of your cleanser as well! Enjoy the process!

• Using your face cloth that’s been soaked in the hot (ish) water, squeeze out excess water again and hold against your face.

• Start wiping the day away! Rinsing the cloth as you go will help to get your skin squeaky clean.

• Once done, make sure you give your cloth an extra rinse and hang out to dry

• Finish by misting your face with a toner or hydrosol and apply your chosen moisturiser or oil

Ideal for:
Pretty much anyone.
You just need to choose an oil cleanser that has been formulated for your skin-type.

Our Nourishing Cleansing Balm is for: dry, mature, sensitive skin
Our Balancing Cleansing Balm is for: combination, acne prone, sensitive skin

You’ll end up with is fresh & clean skin without stripping away your natural oils

WHEN SHOULD I OIL CLEANSE?

Ok, so the above method (oh god, we said method again!) is slightly longer than your normal, jump in the shower and scrub quickly.

“It’s so important not to over wash our skin, once a day is usually enough for most people”

We recommend doing  the OCM at night time. You’ve normally got a bit more time and the whole process will get you ready for bed; you’ll feel relaxed and squeaky clean.

You don’t need to do such a deep clean in the morning if you’ve cleansed like this this night before.

Either a quick wipe with a wet cloth, or rinsing your face with water while you’re in the shower will be plenty. It’s so important not  to over wash our skin, once a day is usually enough for most people, otherwise you strip more oil from your skin, which will in turn irritate it more.

Don’t forget to moisturise after you’ve cleansed. It’s still an important step to include even if you’ve used the OCM.

Here’s to happy, soft and clean skin!

Peace & Love
LCS

Want to try this method out? Have a go with our Cleaning Balms - we even have them in mini sizes, so you can test to see if their suitable for your skin type. Yum

Have you tried the OCM yet? What do you think? Do you prefer an oil cleanser or balm cleanser? Let us know!

* please note, this process will not be suitable for everyone. Always test your skin first for any sensitivities, if in doubt consult your GP.

Disclaimer
All content within this blog is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Lucky Cloud Skincare is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health