As someone who has struggled with acne, clogged pores, and unclear face for most of my lifetime, I was in complete awe when I added cleansing oil into my skincare routine. It was life-changing to say the least.
I’ve always heard of cleansing oil but I neglected it because my ignorant self assumed that applying oil on my oily skin would only make the oiliness worse. However, I was completely wrong. In fact, I was just not aware of the basic science behind cleansing oils. According to the beauty company Sageborn, cleansing oil maintains our microbiome in balance, which in turn controls our acne. Adding good oil helps counter sebum (the oily substances that our sebaceous glands) that our skin forms. This sounds counterintuitive but the logic behind this is surprising: when our skin is stripped of oil, it naturally produces more. However, we must apply only good, natural oil on the surface of our skin. Natural oils such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil (to name a few) are great for sustaining healthy skin.
When I came across LaBeautyologist, a YouTuber who specializes in esthetic and skin, I learned a lot about the science behind our skin and beauty products as well as how to properly tend our face. In her oil cleansing guide video, she emphasizes that washing your face with only makeup remover or face cleanser is not enough. Cleansing oil is an extra step into cleaning our skin as it thoroughly dissolves the dirt and cleans the remaining product on our face.
She outlined a very simple yet effective nightly routine. Taking her guideline, I formulated my own routine with the products I use and cherish.
My nightly skincare routine:
After wiping my face with makeup remover, I squeeze one pump of my cleansing oil into my fingers. I bought the O Hui Miracle Moisture Cleansing Oil, which is on the pricier end but has done wonders so it is all worth it (the ingredient includes several different natural oils, such as olive oil). I then gently rub the oil around my face, especially massaging the spots on my face that have pores or clogged sebum. It is a process that should only take at least a minute to do; however, I like to spend my time and massage my face as it is soothing and relaxing–skincare is also self-care! Afterwards, I rinse the oil with water. At this point, the oil will turn into a white milky texture (this happens because the oil dissolves in the water). After washing away all the oil, I rinse again with my Dove Sensitive Skin bar soap. While others may use a special face cleanser, I use Dove because it is the most basic–it does not contain excessive ingredients or chemicals. After I rinse, I apply Thayer’s Witch Hazel Facial Toner and my Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel moisturizer as the finishing touch. Once I complete this nightly routine, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
I’ve been following this routine for about two months now, and my skin has improved dramatically. My face is radiant and smooth and there is visibly less acne on my face. It has also softened the hardened sebum clogged in my pores.
Oil cleansing can be used for all skin types–acne, oily, dry or combo. So if you haven’t already, add an oil cleanser in your bathroom shelf and cleanse away!
Sources:
Sageborn Ritual, The Beautiful Science Behind Facial Cleansing Oils
Medical News Today, What is Sebum?
LaBeautyologist on YouTube, Esthetician Approved: Oil Cleansing Guide for All Skin Types | Acne, Oily, Dry, Combo