CLEANSING OILS

I've just recently tried the oil cleansing method (OCM) after years of dreading applying oil on my already oily face. After reading the joy it brings to so many people, including those who initially felt like I did, I had to see it for myself. Shu Uemura  introduced the first oil-based cleanser in 1967 to Japan and it's been a cleansing ritual of  Asian women since then. If you've looked closely at how good the condition of their skin is, you'll want to kick yourself for never trying it out first before disregarding it completely. They say "Oil dissolves oil" so if your skin is very oily, the best way to combat the oiliness is to use cleansing oil as harsh soaps and face washes can actually make it worst. For those with dry skin, cleansing oil is as beneficial because it maintains the skin's natural moisture. Cleansing oil also has anti-aging properties, which makes it all the more necessary. 


How to use: 

• Pump a few drops of oil onto your dry hands and massage it gently on dry face. This should take at least 2 minutes.
• After you've covered your whole face, wet your fingers with lukewarm water and massage whole face again (emulsify). This time, it will turn milky white like a thin lather.
• Then rinse it all off with lukewarm warm water.
• Use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil or any soap-free cleanser if there's any oily residue although the best ones should not leave any.

Many brands have come up with their own versions of cleansing oils and some have become cult favorites and on every beauty addict's wishlist. Some of them are:

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

This is an award-winning cleansing oil from Japan  and is the most popular one worldwide. It is made with olive oil and vitamin E which are great for the skin and suitable for all skin types. It is priced at $12.50 and $25.

RMK Cleansing Oil

This is also a Japanese brand by Rumiko, a celebrity make-up artist. It's made with olive oil, carrot seed oil and grape seed oil. I've read rave reviews about it.

Shu Uemura cleansing oils are available in every skin type and are highly recommended. The only concern expressed by most is that they contain mineral oil (which many people are still skeptical about using on their skin) and the price, which ranges between $62 to $75.

Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil is also an award winning product which is great for sensitive skin as it is preservative-free like all their other products. Shelf life of 120 days once opened. Costs $23.95.

As the ones above are not available in India and I'm not yet into buying stuff online, I went ahead and bought the MAC Cleanse Off Oil (Rs.1180), which has also got pretty good reviews and is readily available here.

I'm blown away by how thoroughly it cleanses off my make-up, which always includes waterproof mascara, without drying out my skin. I don't have to go through the time-consuming make-up remover and then cleanser routine anymore. It also makes my skin really soft and clean that I have to stop myself from touching it constantly afterwards. It is botanically formulated with olive oil, evening primrose ,jojoba seed, vitamin E and is 100% mireral-oil free. Loving it!

Below are some pictures to show you how it works...

If you prefer more natural organic plant-based products, you can opt for:

L'occitane Almond Apple Cleansing Oil

It is available at their store in Select City Walk Mall, Saket. I'd definitely give it a try if it's safe to be used in the eye area which unfortunately it's not. Priced at Rs.1250.

Baby oil can also act as a cleanser and removes all kinds of make-up but it also contains mineral oil like all baby care products. Another great oil that works for cleansing is extra virgin olive oil which can do wonders for your skin.

Remember:"To each his (her) own" so it is better if you try out different methods and find out what's best for you. Something that doesn't work on some people could turn out to be your best.

You can also make your own concoction of cleansing oil by mixing various oils like virgin olive oil, castor oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and many more, but  I've yet to make one myself, so I can't recommend any recipes. Maybe in the future...