The oil cleansing method, also known as OCM and double cleansing method, is the standard cleanse that dermatologists recommend doing every evening. If you’ve spent any time on the beauty side of social media, oil cleansing isn’t anything new to you. The double cleanse is touted as THE way to cleanse no matter your skin type. But if you’re wondering what oil cleansing or double cleansing means, how to oil cleanse and why, then keep on reading.
What is Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing is based on the principle that like dissolves like. Our skincare products, makeup and sunscreen can all contain oil. Applying oil allows for a more effective way to remove dirt and oil buildup on your skin.
Oil cleansing is great for dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin, breakouts and sensitive and reactive skin.
Many people notice that after they start oil cleansing nightly, their skin looks healthier and even glows.
I didn’t start oil cleansing until I was in my 20s and that’s because I started really investing my time and energy into taking care of my skin. But I honestly wish I had learned to oil cleanse during high school and college. If I had started taking better care of my skin at an earlier age, my skin might be in even better shape today!
How to Oil Cleanse
Oil cleansing should not be the sole way you cleanse your skin. It’s done as the first step in the double cleansing method:
Step 1: Oil cleanse
Step 2: Water-based cleanse (gel cleanser)
If you’re only oil cleansing then the likelihood of debris and oil remaining in your pores is high. That’s why you should be using a traditional water-based or gel cleanser after using an oil cleanser each and every time.
There are a number of ways you can oil cleanse. As each oil cleansing product is formulated differently, you should first check how the company advises you to apply AND remove their product. For instance, some oil cleansers are able to be rinsed off with just water while others need manual removal with a damp washcloth.
1. Apply to dry or damp skin
2. Massage the oil into your skin
3. Wait for a minute or two to allow all those good ingredients to get to work
4. Wash off with warm water or a damp washcloth (depends on product formulation)
I know you’re going to want to remove the oil as soon as you rub it around, but I highly recommend letting it sit for a while if you can spare a few minutes! Cleansing oils are usually made of wonderful skin-beneficial ingredients and it’s a waste to remove them immediately. Let your skin soak it up!
Benefits of Oil Cleansing
There are so many benefits to oil cleansing. If you can commit to properly cleansing your skin with the double cleansing method, you will never be able to go back to basic cleansing.
Sure, we all have those days when we’re too tired to cleanse, let alone double cleanse, but I just want to emphasize how important cleansing is in your skincare routine. Nothing you do afterwards matters, if you haven’t properly cleansed your skin.
Effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt and debris
Addresses skin issues like breakouts, blackheads, dry skin
Doesn’t strip away the skin’s natural oils during cleansing
Reduces inflammation and soothes sensitive / reactive skin
Helps oily skin stop overproducing oil
Certain oils are deeply purifying and can clear clogged pores
Restores a damaged skin barrier
You might be terrified of using an oil cleanser if you have already oily or acneic skin, but DO NOT BE. Even oily skin benefits from healthy oils. In fact, using an oil cleanser can help train your skin’s tendency to over-produce oil.
Same for acneic skin. Oils like Black Cumin Seed are powerfully purifying and can help clear your pores without any harsh side effects.
If your skin barrier is damaged, oils can help replenish and fortify it. Skin barrier is usually damaged by the overuse of products or using the wrong products. By helping the good stay in and keeping the bad out, your skin is able to gradually improve over time.
