The Oil Cleansing Method

Thanks to my friend, Kim, for the link that lead me to trying this skin cleanser.

I'm big on natural and homemade products...for cleaning, eating, washing, you name it and I can pronounce it, I'll try it. Not only does it benefit our bodies, but also my bank account. You can't beat the $2 laundry soap that lasts for weeks, or the readily available dusting polish that costs pennies to whip up.

My homemade soaps are oil based, and you really can't beat the feeling of your skin after a natural olive and palm oil lather. I have high hopes for the liquid version for my face.

I don't wear much makeup, except for mascara and occasionally some eye shadow, and my skin is generally very healthy. However, I live in the most beautiful sunshine state, and it has the potential to reek havoc on a lady's most displayed organ. I also have two children who will likely suffer from problem skin, and one with frequent styes in his eyes. My goal is to test this on me for a week, and then introduce my boys to the cleanser as well.

Some excepts from an OCM website:

"These products [over the counter cleansers] strip the oil out of our skin, leaving our largest organ trying to repair itself by replacing the oil stripped away. This leaves us in a cycle of being tight and dry followed by the inevitable oil slick. Each time we strip the oil away, our skin over-compensates for the lack of moisture by creating more oil."

"Getting right down to basics, when cleansing and moisturizing your skin, it is imperative that you keep in mind that oil dissolves oil. Your skin naturally lubricates itself with oil, and as we are creatures of adaptation, one can believe that if this weren't the appropriate built-in care for ourselves, our bodies would have adapted to suit the need."


(Taken from http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com)

The Oil Cleansing Method

First and foremost, this is typically done in the evening, prior to bed. There should be no need for deep cleansing in the morning if you're waking up with skin cleansed the night before. In the morning, a quick wipe with a warm washcloth should suffice. We don't want to overcleanse our skin as this will serve only to irritate and cause more oil production. The objective of using this method is to deep clean while balancing our skins oil production at the same time.

• You'll need a soft washcloth, your oil blend, and hot, running water.
• Pour a generous puddle of oil into the palm of your hand. Roughly, the size of a quarter, but more is acceptable. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth over your face.
• Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to use a makeup remover or wash your face prior to the massage. I've found that this removes even my stubborn waterproof mascara and concealer.
• Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. You want the oil to work into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.
• As you're massaging, let your mind drift off to something calming and breathe deeply. Take this time to relax and release some of the stress that your body is harboring. Sit down, breathe deeply, and take your time. Give the oil enough time to work on dissolving the impurities in your pores and give yourself enough time to unwind. Picture what your face would look like if it were completely clear and free from blemishes. Focus on that image and know that it is attainable. Trust that it is attainable. Accept that it is attainable. You can have clear skin, free of blemishes and you will have clear skin, free of blemishes. Focus on perfect skin and breathe deeply.
• Once you're satisfied that your pores are saturated and you're feeling calm, pick up your washcloth and soak it in clean, steamy water. We want the water to be warm enough to open your pores and remove the oil. Cool water will not open your pores, nor will it remove the oil efficiently. We're not scalding our skin, we're steaming to coax our pores to release the oil carrying the impurities. We're essentially steaming our skin as an esthetician would, but without the luxury of a steam machine.
• Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. You will feel your pores releasing the impurities. Wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse well, and repeat two or three more times. Avoid any temptation to scrub, as you'll find it's completely unnecessary and your skin will be soft, smooth, and free of flakes without the additional manual exfoliation and irritation that will result. Impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria will be gently swept away.
• Have no fear of the oil, as the steamy washcloth will remove it. The Castor Oil, though it is an oil, will help with the removal of the other oils, as well. It is our main cleansing oil and is easily removed with warm water.
  
• If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your oil blend, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Your skin should now glow!

The Recipe:
This is the latest concoction that has made it's way into my bathroom
- 2 T castor oil (found it at Publix for $2.50 for a 6 ounce bottle)
- 8 T olive oil (the less virginal the better)
- 1/4 t tea tree oil for it's natural anti-bacterial qualities. (increase this amount if your skin is prone to break outs...decrease or eliminate if you have exceptionally dry skin)
- 1/2 t jojoba oil (no problem, if you don't have this. I use it in my soap making for the moisturizing qualities, and to keep me minimally wrinkly)

Make sure you massage it into your lips and eyelids as well.

Wishing you glowing, smooth skin friends!