Oil Cleansing and Natural Oil Serums

Using botanical oils to cleanse your face may seem slightly strange for most people. We’ve all been brought up watching advertisements on TV showing how the foamy cleanser leaves skin squeaky clean and of course...perfect looking. Well squeaky isn’t the best state to leave your skin or hair. Squeaky means you have stripped your skin off all its natural sebum which provides elasticity and moisture.

A common misconception is that oil causes acne. That’s not true. Acne is caused mainly by hormones and prolonged clogging of the pores with trapped bacteria, dead skin cells and dirt. The sebum or oil that is produced naturally by your skin is there for a purpose, to protect and heal. The trick is getting the ‘old’ sebum, trapped with bacteria and dirt out of the pores without stripping the skin of ‘fresh’ sebum.

Water cannot dissolve oil. It only dissipates it. Most mainstream cleansers and toners use synthetic chemicals to STRIP the skin of its natural oil…and by doing so only causes the skin to create more oil. Excess production causes more problematic skin. Our bodies natural intelligence is always trying to re-balance, protect and heal. 

Oil dissolves oil. It’s a basic principal of chemistry of ‘like dissolves like’. By using the natural botanical oils, your pores can be cleansed of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively whilst still leaving your skin hydrated.

When massaged into the skin, the botanical oils bind to impurities and ‘pulls’ out the impure oil and dirt when it is rinsed away. This is the basis of the oil cleansing method. Botanical oils are also naturally antibacterial and are rich in antioxidants. 

When I first tried oil cleansing, with slight scepticism at the start, I was amazed by how moist it left my skin. I was used to conventional facial cleansers which left my face so taught and tight after cleansing that I had to use a moisturizer within seconds or I felt my skin would crack wide open. I simply assumed the dried-out tight feeling just meant my skin was super clean. NO cleanser should leave your skin feeling squeaky clean and dehydrated. With the oil cleansing method your skin will always be left with a beautiful layer of natural moisture. 

Unlike pure natural botanical oils, baby oil contains mineral oil, lanolin and fragrances. On one hand baby oil locks in moisture but it also coats the skin and inhibits its natural ability to breathe, harming the skins barrier.

The oil cleansing method:

In the shower or at the bathroom sink pour a few drops of the cleansing oil into your hand and massage into the skin on your face (do not wet skin first). Using smooth circular strokes massage for a minute or two so your skin is saturated with oil. This is such a wonderful cleansing massage for your skin. It also removes make up effectively so there is no need to use a make up remover first.

You can leave it on your face for a few minutes to deep clean it. I usually have my shower, brush or floss my teeth in the meantime (as we are all so time poor). The steam from the shower is also great for opening up your pores and allowing the cleansing oil to draw out impurities that lie deeper within your skin.

Use a clean washcloth under hot water from the tap or shower until it is completely soaked and wring it out quickly. Open it up and place it over your face. This creates steam against the skin to remove impurities. Leave the washcloth on until it cools and repeat. Use the corners of the washcloth to remove excess oil. There will still be a thin layer of oil on the skin after this process but this is beneficial.

The oil cleansing method is a facial massage and mini deep pore facial all in one!

Orli's range of botanical facial oils are full of natural and organic ingredients that cleanse and nourish your skin. It’s worth trying it or alternating the oil cleanser with your usual face cleanser. We love Erica Brooke’s Divine Cleansing Oil and Mokosh’s organic make up remover (can also be used for oil cleansing). These oils are formulated with a wonderful concoction of natural and organic botanical oils.

Botanical facial oils are rich in vitamins, proteins, anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids and have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Jojoba, Rosehip, Argan, Macadamia, Calendula, Avocado, Chamomile and Pomegranate are just some of these nutrient rich oils. They make great oil serums, giving your skin that extra nourishment. Use on cleansed face, just after a toner. Use a natural moisturizer to further lock in those nutrients and enhance absorption into your skin.

The serum section in the shop has a range of oil based serums formulated with different botanicals.

Natural, organic, ethically sourced botanical oils do not equate to acne. Not only are they gentle and effective cleansers but they are also super ‘foods’ for your skin. Once you've tried it, it will always be a part of your beauty routine! 

xo

Jo