When you think about cleansing, it’s generally white foam that comes to mind. However, if you are aware of K-beauty a little bit, which is all in rage these days, you might know another method of cleansing, called oil cleansing. In this, you clean your face with certain oils or oil-based cleansers. It’s done to get the skin rid of makeup, sebum, grime, and dirt. Although at times this is enough, some follow this up with washing their face with a water-based cleanser, a routine that is referred to as double-cleansing. So, what are the benefits of oil cleansing? What is the method involved? And, are there any side effects? We will look into these aspects in this article.

What Is Cleansing & How Does It Work?

While oil cleansing your face and neck, you clean it with an oil-based cleanser or pure oils. It’s done to remove excess sebum, which is the oily product your skin produces, makeup, dirt, pollutants, etc. ‘Like dissolves like’ is the idea behind it, according to a leading health website. It happens as oil in the cleanser bonds with oil and dirt in your skin, as per a leading health website. Also, we all know that oil is a great moisturizer. Hence, rather than stripping your skin of all moisture, which happens in the case of water-based cleansers quite often, it keeps your skin smooth and hydrated.

Also read: Vitamin C Is Great For Skin: Know Benefits, How To Use

Benefits Of Oil Cleansing

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Have you ever wondered why many makeup removers contain oil? It is because oil cleansing is a good way to remove makeup. Here are some other reasons why people clean their faces with nourishing oils:

• To remove excess sebum.
• Unclog the clogged pores.
• To remove dirt and pollutants.
• So that skin remains soft and hydrated after cleansing.

Products To Use For Oil Cleansing

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With the popularity of skin care regimens, several oil-based cleansers are available in the market and online. You can either use them on your skin, or you can use natural oils for the same. However, it’s better to consult the dermatologist to understand which oil or oil-based cleanser will be good for your skin type. Following are some of the oils you can use:

• Olive Oil: It contains oleic acid, making it suitable for dry skin. Not just that, it is also anti-inflammatory and helps in healing wounds, as per a leading health website.
• Coconut Oil: This oil is widely used in the Indian subcontinent not just in cooking but also in skin and hair care regimens. Like olive oil, coconut oil is also anti-inflammatory and helps wounds to heal. On top of that, it’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making it ideal to find a place in your skincare routine.
• Almond Oil: Many apply it to their hair. But do you know it’s great for your skin too? It has anti-ageing properties and is known to reduce stretch marks.
• Sunflower Oil: Although widely used in Indian cooking, it can be a good skin cleanser too, especially for those with oily skin as it contains linoleic acid.
• Jojoba Oil: This one is used widely in skincare routines. It is great against acne, skin inflammation, infections as well as scars.

All these are great options. But, it would be recommended to try these on small areas of your skin, like the area around your jawline, before using them on your whole face. You can apply a bit on that area, leave for a few hours, and notice any changes. If you experience any irritation, allergies, etc, you shouldn’t use it. Consulting a dermatologist is also recommended.

How To Do Oil Cleansing

For oil cleansing your face, follow the following procedure:

• Take half a teaspoon of oil on your palm.
• Apply it to your face and massage well to remove makeup, sebum, pollutants, and other impurities.
• Clean it with a washcloth. You can also use warm water for the same if you want some oil to remain.
• In any case, do not be harsh on your skin. Also, the outcome of cleaning after oil cleansing should be that your skin should be hydrated and not oily or irritated.

You can also try double-cleansing. In this, you clean your face with a water-based cleanser following oil cleansing.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Although a great way to clean face, it can pose some ill effects. For example, it might leave your skin too oily, leading to further problems. It can especially be the case for oily skin. Hence, clean your face well after oil cleansing. Also, make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients in the product. It might also happen that your skin doesn’t tolerate it. Hence, it’s recommended to try it on a small portion before incorporating it into your daily skincare routine. 

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