"Cleansing your skin with oil?" "How can that be right?" "Won't it clog my pores and make me breakout?"
Are those some of the questions running through your mind right now? If so, you're not alone. Even as an esthetician, I was skeptical (Ok, I was actually a little freaked out) when I was first introduced to this method of cleaning of my face. Since I have very oily skin, I couldn't imagine using an oil to cleanse it! But, let's take a look at the facts, and you'll get a better understanding as to why this method of "washing" your face is one of the best ways to a healthier-looking complexion, bar none.
Dispel the Myths
First, let's dispel the myth that oil itself causes acne breakouts. This is so far removed from the truth. The cause(s) of acne has a multitude of factors including: genetics, hormones, hyperkeratinization, propensity of the pore(s) to become clogged, ingredients in cosmetics, bacterial growth, etc. The oil your skin produces, known as sebum, is there to protect and lubricate delicate facial tissue. It's only when the oil begins to become trapped beneath the skin's surface, that bacteria will begin to feed off of the fatty acids in the sebum and multiply at a rapid growth rate.
The sebum gets trapped in the pore because of a process called hyperkeratinization. This is when the skin cells turnover rapidly but are not being sloughed away quick enough from the surface of the skin. The keratinized (hardended) cells build up layer upon layer, the sebum helps to compact them even more, bacteria then begin to feed off of this and multiply rapidly, and before you know it, you've got a problem rearing its ugly head right on your face. So, now you know that oil, by itself, does not cause acne breakouts.
Oil Dissolves Oil
Oil will actually dissolve oil, whereas water cannot unless combined with an emulsifying agent, as in typical, over-the-counter cleansers. One of the basic principles of chemistry is that "like dissolves like" unless you are using a harsh solvent (i.e. alcohol). The best way to dissolve a non-polar solvent like sebum, is by using another non-polar solvent similar in composition, such as jojoba oil.
By using the right oils on your skin, known as The Oil Cleansing Method (or OCM), you can help release your pores from dirt and bacteria naturally without the use of harsh chemical surfactants, such as sulfates. Using natural oils to cleanse the skin helps to heal, protect, nourish, balance and moisturize it.
When the OCM is done properly and consistently, it can help rid the skin of issues like: overly oily skin, dry/dehydrated skin, blackheads, whiteheads and other skin issues. Your skin will look and feel healthier, be more balanced and also be properly moisturized. It's a win-win situation.
The OCM may take a little while to get used to, but over time with consistent use and the results it yields, you'll wonder what you ever did without it.
PRIIA Cosmetics is pleased to offer our Exotic Oil Cleanse. This unique cleanser utilizes The Oil Cleansing Method. It's infused with Japanese Green Tea extract, citrus essential oils, golden jojoba oil and camellia oil. It also contains rice bran oil which has a natural form of skin-soothing Vitamin E. Our Exotic Oil Cleanse is vegan, gluten-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic.
RIght now you can save 10% off this fabulous cleanser! Just go to www.priia.com and enter this code at checkout: PRIIA
If you're unsure if this cleanser is right for you, you can purchase the small sampler size to try before committing to the full size version.
Hurry! This sales ends on March 31st, 2009!
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-The Mineral Makeup Coach
I have just started the oil cleansing method. and it is working! I mix a little castor oil in and I can say I really have only had a couple newbies pop up but some of those little ones under the skin around my chin are leaving! WHOOHOOO!
I love your oil cause it smells good and is effective!
Posted by: Karissa | March 31, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Good deal Karissa! Yes, the oil cleansing method truly does work even though it may seem counterintuitive to a lot of people. About the castor oil- I wouldn't advise using this because it can be a little to thick and heavy; actually creating a film on the skin. Stick with the Exotic Oil Cleanse from PRIIA by itself has this has just the right amounts of jojoba oil and camellia oil to get the job done effectively.
It's excellent that those little ones under the skin are leaving as these are the "ticking time bombs"! The fixed oils as well as the essential oils in the Exotic Oil Cleanse are helping to dissolve those plugged pores. The newbies that just popped up recently actually formed about 90 days ago- they're not new. They were just waiting their turn to 'rear their ugly heads'!
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Posted by: PRIIA Cosmetics | April 01, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Thanks for excellent tips. But my blackheads seems to appear after they are gone..just in few days. any advices?
Posted by: Acne Treatment | October 09, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Most likely, if your skin is clogging again within a few days after it's clear, they're not typical 'blackheads' but actually sebaceous filaments. Blackheads normally take a lot longer to form.
Take a look at the ingredients of the products you're using on your face such as skin care & cosmetics. These can be major contributors to clogged skin.
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Posted by: PRIIA Cosmetics | October 12, 2009 at 09:32 PM
Hi Kelley:
I learned something new with your article about using a cleansing oil treatment to treat oily skin and acne! I do a lot of research for my informational acne blog, and this is a new one to me. I really appreciate the information, and will have to pass it on to my visitors if you don't mind :)
Thanks again for the helpful info!
Posted by: Julie Eley | October 18, 2009 at 10:37 AM
You're welcome Julie! Glad you enjoyed the article and you learned something new. I've been treating clients with acne for years and this is defintely a way to help to them.
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Posted by: PRIIA Cosmetics | October 19, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I am having dry skin which is the best oil to avoid.
Posted by: day spa brisbane | December 12, 2009 at 02:12 AM
Hello,
It's not so much about which oil to avoid as compared to which ones are best for your particular skin type. Since you have dry skin, jojoba, argan and olive oils are wonderful.
Cheers!
-The Mineral Makeup Coach
Posted by: PRIIA Cosmetics | December 16, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Great Tips! I have very much enjoyed reading these entries.
Thanks
Posted by: Maribel Yazon | January 25, 2010 at 04:16 AM