I decided to write a follow up to my apparently very popular Oil Cleaning article. I have had so many questions about this technique, people asking if it will suit their skin and if they should give up gel/foaming or milk cleansers for good. So I thought I would clarify a few points and also add more about my experience.
Firstly, I don’t think oil cleansing suits everyone. I do think it is particularly good for dry and dehydrated skin however, I have read (www.highonhealth.org) that oil cleansing can be far too rich for oily or acne prone skin. Fran from highonhealth.org says that her skin broke out quite badly using this method however when this occured, her skin was acne-prone and oily. I have also had a number of comments in person and on the blog indicating poor results, generally from those with normal to oily skin. In some cases, coconut and olive oil were used instead of a lighter oil such as jojoba so it may also be the type of oil impacting on the outcome.
Oil Cleansing isn’t the only good way to cleanse skin and milk, gel and foaming cleansers certainly have a role depending on your skin type (click here to read more about cleansers). So if you like using any of these cleansing methods, keep going, there is no “one answer” for everyone. Some people love the feeling of a really clean face and this is not something you will feel after oil cleansing.
Currently I use oil cleansing at night only as it helps to take off any makeup I have worn throughout the day. In the morning I use a gel cleanser as it makes my skin feel fresh and clean. Come Summer I will forego Oil Cleansing altogether as I just think this technique is going to feel too heavy in humid and hot Brisbane. I will go back to Oil Cleansing as soon as the humidity starts to decrease, probably around Easter next year.
So to clarify, if you are happy with the cleanser you are currently using and it works for you skin, keep using it! However, if you think your skin would benefit, give Oil Cleansing a go. Please keep your questions and comments coming – I love hearing your experiences about both oil cleansing and any other cleansers.
This, as with much skin care, is definitely trial and error for individual preference. I have tried jojoba oil cleansing and it did not work for my combination,acne-prone skin(leaving it feeling congested). On the other end of the facial cleansing spectrum, I have found that foaming cleansers have been too harsh– leaving my skin feeling over-stripped and too dry. A good balance for me was a very low-sudsing gel cleanser.
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