Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?

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Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« on: March 21, 2007, 04:54:22 PM » by emiowa

I discovered OCM almost a year ago, and it has done wonders for my face. Cheesy

I was wondering if anybody here does it? I'm looking for an alternative to Castor oil, since I don't care for the heavy, smothering feeling it has. It does a fine job, it's just rather icky. I've tried sweet almond, jojoba and apricot kernel oil with the olive oil, but they're too light for my teenage face!
Here's an article, if you're unfamiliar with it. I'd credit the source, but I don't remember it. Roll Eyes

Oil Cleansing Method, or OCM
When cleansing and moisturizing your skin, it is imperative that you keep in mind that oil dissolves oil. Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not cause you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads and whiteheads are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with, it is there for the benefit of your skin. It is naturally occurring. Oil helps lubricate, heal, protect, and moisturize your skin so that it may function properly. Properly functioning skin is beautiful, clear, and glowing.

While I'm talking about the benefits of oil applied externally, I'd like to mention how important it is to moisturize from the inside as well. WATER! Drink no less than 8 glasses of water a day. If your skin has issues with blemishes, drink up! Water will help release and remove the toxins from within, leaving behind glowing, dewey, toned skin. Carry a bottle of water around with you throughout the day so water is always available.

Now, to the point of this article.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is used for moisture, while Castor Oil (CO) is used for cleansing. Castor Oil tends to be a bit on the thick side, so a mix of the two (EVOO/CO) is frequently used. This allows for the Castor Oil to really sink into the pores and draw out the dirt and grime to the surface. You can vary this ratio to match your skins needs. More EVOO for moisture or more CO for cleansing (25/75 EVOO/CO for Oily skin, or 75/25 EVOO/CO for dry skin). EVOO is incredibly high in antioxidants, while CO is excellent for drawing and healing. CO has been the focus of many books and medical discussion because of its seemingly "magical" healing properties. It only makes sense (after a bit of research) that one would use CO on their face to help treat blemishes and acne, or simply to make their skin look and feel better.

As quoted in The Oil That Heals by Dr. McGarey, a country doctor (unknown?) states, "Castor oil will leave the body in better condition than it found it."

The Routine:
Massage a substantial amount (the cup of your palm, while hand is held open) of EVOO/CO into your face and neck.

This is to be done over makeup or any visible dirt. Take this time to give yourself a facial massage. Really work the oil into your skin. Take your time, breathe deeply, and relax. Sit down to do this if it helps.

You, of course, do not have to sit and relax, but keep in mind that stress isn't good for your skin and you should take any moment you can to destress and let tension float away.

Take a washcloth, terry cloth or flannel preferred, and soak it in steamy hot water. Wring it out and drape it over your face.

What we are doing is steaming your face as an esthetician would, but without the steam machine. You want to open your pores. This helps release any impurities from deep within your pores.

As the washcloth begins to cool, gently wipe the oil and dirt away. This will also help remove any dead skin cells that are stubbornly clinging on.

Rinse the washcloth out in hot water and wipe away any remaining impurities. You may have to do this two or three times more to remove any remaining dirt and oil residue, but it will come off leaving your skin with a beautiful, healthy glow. No additional cleansing is necessary.

After you have rinsed well, you can either splash your face with cool water to help tone and close your pores, or if your face feels tight, you can moisturize.

If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your EVOO/CO, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it into your damp skin. Massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Being prone to breakouts, myself, I've found that this is perhaps the most important step.

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2007, 05:18:30 PM » by Shady Lane

I've never heard of using olive/castor oil, but I am familiar with oiling my face. I use virgin coconut oil on my face quite regularly, and really like what it does for me. I usually put it on after showering, and sometimes when I feel a big pimple 'brewing' I'll apply it several times (as often as I go through my bedroom and happen to remember to do it), that often clears it up!

I have a book by Brian Shilhavy, owner of Tropical Traditions, (they sell coconut and palm oil, and a few other things). In his book he goes into a lot of the benefits of coconut oil, and how incredibly good for your skin it is. Which is why it's a fairly common ingredient in beauty products. You might want to check their site www.tropicaltraditions.com to see if they have any articles about it. Or look on the threads about coconut oil here on WTM for more info.

Hope this is helpful for you!

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2007, 10:10:48 PM » by babymakers

I guess that castor oil is good for cleaning inside and out! Roll Eyes

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2007, 10:33:11 AM » by sweets

I've been thinking about this thread and the more I think of it some things come to mind......Anyone who has spent time near a beach might recall getting tar on their feet. The oil tankers must leak oil and by the time it gets to the beach it is tar that sticks to your feet/shoes. The way natives get it off?......Good ol' fashioned Baby Oil! Ingredients: Mineral Oil, Fragrance.

Mineral Oil is also the First ingredient in Ponds Cold Cream! You know, the stuff many women use to take off makeup. In Ponds' moisturizer it is the second ingredient. I know a family with 3 girls who have flawless complexions. Its not that they can't get pimples.....its just that Ponds Cold Cream has been the family 'secret' for beautiful complexions for several generations.

Mineral Oil can be purchased in the pharmacy section. I think it is a lot cheaper than Castor oil.

Now, the only question? How to get my sons to use it consistently? Roll Eyes

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2007, 05:41:59 PM » by babymakers

Quote from: sweets on March 28, 2007, 10:33:11 AM

It is not just mineral oil that takes off tar. I live rurally and they "tar and chip" the roads. My husband and I like to bike ride with the children in little seat things and the kind that you can tow behind you. We went for a bike ride one day and sure enough they decided to tar and chip one of the roads on the way home. It was TOOO long to go back the other direction so we just figured we would go slow through it. Well, it was the worst job I have ever seen done. Literally puddles of oil in the road. When we got home we looked in the carrier. The oil had splattered ALL OVER our one child. Head to toe. We used olive oil to take it off and it worked swell.

So, what is the difference in what oil to use? I know there are many differences for oils to use for other things. What about topically?

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2007, 06:25:47 PM » by strawberry

So, back to the Oil Cleansing...that was a great article emiowa. I have hormonal acne at *27* and it is so embarrassing. I've been using oil free lotion after washing my face, but it ain't doin' a thang, and I'm tired of the icky smell.

Think I'll use cocnut oil and see what magic that does...

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2007, 12:41:29 PM » by prairiechild

Mineral oil is a petroleum product, a by-product of gasoline production. It is extremely cheap compared to plant oils and frequently used in readily available creams. I avoid this ingredient, it does nothing to nourish skin and does not contain antioxidants.

I have heard of the OCM, didn't work for me, what does work is washing my face with honey.

For more see this thread... http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=541639&highlight=honey

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2008, 06:04:26 PM » by havasmama_05

Quote from: strawberry on November 10, 2007, 06:25:47 PM

I was wondering if you've been using the coconut oil and how it's been working for you.

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2008, 12:14:50 PM » by InEverything

I have been using the castor oil and EVOO for only three days and I love it!! My skin has cleared up substantially. I don't want to come to any major conclusions yet but it seems to be helping. My skin is on the dry side yet I break out so this seems like a logical solution for me. The little bumps on my forehead (that eventually turn to white heads) have almost all cleared up. I have also been taking about 7 fish oil capsules a day.
I hope others who are struggling with acne may find this helpful as well.

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #9 on: March 26, 2009, 08:34:38 AM » by AndysJess

I'm reviving this thread cause I just discovered this method. I've been doing it for the last week. I'm not doing it every night...about every other I guess. I would like to do something on my off-nights besides just water. I have pretty oily, but clear skin. Do you think honey would work?

Ok, i just answered my own question. I read through the link given above and it sounds interesting. We have lots of raw honey so I'll use a little of that.

Anyways, i love OCM for the days i wear makup.

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #10 on: July 12, 2009, 08:15:11 PM » by Meilyn

For those who use this method (I'm going to assume successfully), do you oil your face every night?
I might have to go out and buy me some castor oil...

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Re: Oil Cleansing Method - anybody heard of it?
« Reply #11 on: July 12, 2009, 08:41:31 PM » by doggymom22

I was using the OCM for a couple of months, and I usually did do it every night. I used it in place of cleanser. After a while, I decided to go back to Burt's bees cleanser though. Simply because I like the clean feel of a cleanser, not because the OCM wasn't working. It does a really good job, actually.

I didn't use Castor oil though, just olive oil. I've heard that which oil you use depends on how prone to breaking out your skin is. Ppl with acne are supposed to use castor oil, for example.

HTH!
~Edith

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