It’s Time to Add Oil Cleansing to your Routine

The year is 2020. You’ve been in quarantine for months and have been researching & investing in skincare to pass the time. Shipping updates on your incoming serums, toners, and essences populate your inbox. You’ve focused on getting the best treatments for your skin but may have neglected one of the most crucial aspects of skincare: cleansing!

Your cleansing routine is what makes every other product work for your skin. Without a purified canvas to work on, these cute vitamin C serums or hyaluronic acid-enriched creams simply won’t be able to penetrate deeply enough in the skin to make a difference.

To prep the skin, you need a thorough cleansing routine, consisting of both a gel / cream-based cleanser and an oil cleanser. You probably already own the former, but what about latter? Here’s a complete guide on how to oil cleanse and why it’s so essential to your skin’s health.

What is Oil Cleansing?

Oil cleansing is a simple but vital part of washing your face, performed as the first step of your nightly skincare routine. There are so many nutritional benefits to oil cleansing, and it can feel so relaxing and soothing after a long day.

I know, I know, the term “oil cleansing” itself might make you nervous and probably a little confused, especially if you have oily skin. But oil cleansing is essential for ALL skin types and uses science to get a better, deeper cleanse, leaving you with a perfect canvas to apply the rest of your products.

So, how does it work? Naturally, oil attracts oil, so by using an oil cleanser, you are actually drawing oil out of the pores.

After a long day, a lot of oil, sweat, and dirt build up on the skin, so this is key. However, where the skin is lacking in oil & dirt, the oil cleanser replenishes the skin with that nourishing oil. Afterwards, you’re left with balanced, purified, and oh-so-soft skin.

How to Oil Cleanse

Oil cleansing should be done once a day at night. With the cleanser of your choice, use dry hands to apply the product to the face and neck. Work it into the skin for 60 seconds (per the #60SecondRule) before washing it off with water. After completing your oil cleanse, don’t forget to finish up with your regular gel-based cleanser.

You can oil cleanse for more than 60 seconds for an extremely deep cleanse (complete with oil and dirt plugs that pop out onto your hands, fun!), but LA Beautyologist recommends doing these longer cleansings only twice a month.

Product Recommendations

Here are some trusted oil cleansers suited for all skin types:

Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil ($43)

This is my absolute fav! This oil feels amazing on the skin and is loaded with antioxidants that rid the skin of free radicals (which speed up the aging process). Your makeup will literally melt off and leave you with soft, nourished skin. 

Dermalogica PreCleanse ($45)

This cleanser is formulated with olive and kukui oils to make for an ultra-deep clean. I haven’t tried this one personally, but it has rave reviews from Jackie Aina.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($28)

This cleanser from DHC is just as powerful as most oil cleansers but much more affordable! It is formulated with olive oil to nourish and cleanse the skin.

Farmacy Green Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($34):

This product is so interesting because instead of a typical oil consistency, this is a balm that melts into an oil once rubbed into the skin. This takes off makeup so easily with a tiny amount of product and smells like limes. What else could you want?

If you prefer, you can also use pure oils, such as olive or grapeseed, for oil cleansing. Avoid using pure coconut oil, though, as it will only clog your pores.

How to Learn More

If you want to keep learning about oil cleansing, check out this video from LA Beautyologist to learn more about the science behind it and other ingredients to look out for based on your skin type.

Remember, skincare isn’t just what you put on your face. It’s also about how you prep & purify it with the right cleansing routine. Your fancy serums and moisturizers can only go so far if your skin isn’t properly cleansed upon application, so be sure to pick up an oil cleanser today!

What’s your favorite oil cleanser? Are there any you’re looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments.