How to Oil Cleanse for Clearer Skin

Yes, I’m talking to the oily and acne-prone skin peeps as well

If you have oily or acne-prone skin you’re probably thinking this doesn’t apply to you but I promise you it will all make sense as you read on. Unlike makeup-removers or micellar waters, cleansing oils are one of the most gentlest products anyone can use on their face to remove any sunscreen and waterproof mascara. Plus, using a cleansing oil requires no tugging to the skin but allows you to give yourself a relaxing and wholesome massage. 

Find out why oil cleansing is a great cleansing routine that anyone can get into, regardless of your skin type. 

What is a Cleansing Oil?

When you hear the word cleansing, what comes to your mind? I’ll tell you what; foamy, watery and gel-based cleansers, definitely not oils. 

Cleansing oils usually contain an oil base that includes a traditional cleansing ingredient known as surfactant which helps remove dirt on the skin without disrupting the skin barrier.

Double cleansing definitely helps populate the idea of incorporating cleansing oils into our skincare routines.

How do I Oil Cleanse?

The concept of oil cleansing means using one oil cleanser to get rid of potential impurities such as dirt, makeup and dead skin that can lead to breakouts on the skin. 

It is based on the simple science ideology (after all skincare is science) that by massaging an oil on the skin - oil attracting oil for an extended time duration, 15mins- 30mins allows for the oils to pull waxy sebum from the skin and in some cases even, extract oil plugs from your pores.

It's important to start with dry skin, so that the skin's natural oils or the ones in your makeup have direct contact with the oil cleanser and can be easily dissolved. 

What type of oil can I use?

The type of oil that you use for oil cleansing is quite important. It is best to go for natural oils that are rich in linoleic acid or oleic acid, so this means no coconut oil.

Some ingredients which are great and rich in oleic acid include olive oil, avocado oil and marula oil, while for linoleic acid include sunflower oil and rosehip oil.  When looking for cleansing oils to purchase, remember to look out for these ingredients. The Amazi Cleansing Me Oil Cleanser is great, as it is enriched with marula oil and boabab oil. 

Oils Suitable for Your Skin Type:

Dry skin: For oil cleansing using a moisturising oil like olive oil will help add extra moisture to the skin. Other oils which are great for oil cleansing for dry skin include avocado and argan oil.

Sensitive skin: Try products enriched with jojoba oil or rosehip oil. These types of oils are packed with antibacterial properties to protect your skin and make sure to stay far away from essential oils like lavender or peppermint oil. 

Oily or acne-prone skin: Marula oil is a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin, as it will help reduce acne without causing more breakouts and balance oil production on the skin.

1. Gentle: Unlike many cleansers, oil cleansers won’t usually leave the skin feeling tight or dry. Oils are naturally great because they are sulphate-free, so they won't compromise your skin barrier.

1. Boosts circulation: Not only does massaging the skin soften it, but it also increases blood flow on the skin for a glow-from-within. 

1. Improves penetration: Clean skin with cleaner pores will be more receptive to your topical products. This means when you apply products on the skin, it will be able to penetrate better through the pores.

Remember to first patch-test the oil on your skin before jumping right into it. This is to help check for any potential unwanted reactions before you use a product on a large part of your skin. After patch testing for more than 24 hours, if you don’t notice changes or irritation on the skin, then you can try oil cleansing on the rest of your face.