Discover the Top 8 Reasons Why Oil Cleansing Benefits All Skin Types

Today we're going to dive right into the world of oil cleansing, exploring its numerous benefits, and the fears you may have when you consider using an oil cleanser on your Acne-prone skin! From oil cleanser formulations to cleansing for specific skin-types, let’s talk about oil cleansing as a deep cleansing method and a total game changer for skin health.

As an Esthetician, one of the issues I run into frequently with clients is that they don’t understand what their cleanser is doing to their skin or how to choose a good one. Clients who have Complicated Skin, aka skin that is both dry and sometimes Acne-prone, or oily in some places and Redness-prone in others, or skin that is temperamental and sensitized, often have a hard time choosing a cleanser because they fear it will make them breakout. Some people think they need a specific “Acne” cleanser, or a gel or foaming cleanser to get them uber clean. That is not true, and an oil cleanser is often the best option for everyone. Let’s learn why oil cleansing benefits all skin types.

Oil Cleansing 101: the formulation makes a difference!

It’s all in the formulation! As a Cosmetic Formulator and Esthetician, I can tell you all oil cleansers are not created equal, and they fall into two categories: 

Oil cleanser formulas and balms: Anhydrous formulations that get milky or emulsify when water is added and are easily washed off the skin. These cleansers can be formulated to leave a small amount of oil on the skin for moisture, or there can be no oil left behind when you wash them off. This depends on the ratio of Surfactant (explained below) to Oil in the formula and type of Surfactants used. 

The Oil Cleansing Method: The segment of oil cleansers that are marketed as the “Oil Cleansing Method” leave a lot of oil on the skin and are not technically cleansers because they have no Surfactants in them at all. The Oil Cleansing Method is said to work by massaging in the oils and removing them with a warm towel. In my opinion, these cleansers are a very risky choice for most people because they do not sufficiently cleanse the skin. They can be used by people with very dry skin or as a makeup remover only. 

Oh, right. WTF is a Surfactant you ask? A Surfactant is a Surface-Acting-Agent or class of cosmetic ingredients that makes the oils in your cleanser dissolve and wash off the skin. Surfactants are cleansing agents and are necessary in every cleanser (in my opinion!) 

To make this more complicated, not all oils are created equal, and some are going to be more comedogenic (pore clogging) than others. For example, Coconut Oil is highly comedogenic to the skin while Hemp Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Cucumber Seed Oil, are all fantastic, non-pore-clogging choices for oil cleansing. The oils used in your cleanser are important and will make all the difference in how it performs. You want a selection of moisturizing oils with lots of nutritional benefits and antioxidants in your cleanser.

1. Oil Cleansers can prevent TEWL aka Trans-Epidermal-Water-Loss or Dry, Flaky Skin

TEWL happens when your skin is over-cleansed from harsh cleansing ingredients leaving the surface dry, flaky, red, and so so so tight! It is very important to keep your skin barrier moisturized, soft, and supple and a properly formulated oil cleanser can help you do just that!

When you apply these oils to your skin, you're giving it a healthy dose of hydration. Unlike some traditional cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils, oil cleansing works in harmony with your skin. How, you ask? It's simple: the oil you apply attracts the excess oil on your skin, helping to balance it out. Save the stripping for your lover, not your face!

Here's the beautiful part: with oil cleansing, your skin is not left dry or tight after oil cleansing. Instead, you'd notice a soft, moisturized glow. The oils nourish and hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling smooth and supple. So, if you're tired of battling dry skin or the dreaded 'tight' feeling after washing your face, you might want to consider giving oil cleansing a whirl.

2. Create Balance for Oily Skin

Moving on to the next oil cleansing benefit, let's talk about balancing skin's natural oils. You might be thinking, "Using oil on my already oily skin? You've got to be kidding, right?" But hear me out, the logic behind oil cleansing is scientific.

Here's the deal: your skin produces oil naturally, which is a good thing. However, sometimes it can overproduce, leading to an oily complexion, clogged pores, and the dreaded acne breakout. What's the root cause? Often, it's because skin has been stripped of its natural oils through harsh cleansing. Stripping your skin leads to more irritation, sensitivity, redness, and breakouts.

Enter oil cleansing. When you apply oil to your skin, it essentially communicates with your skin saying "Hey, there's enough oil here, no need to go into overdrive." This helps regulate oil production and keeps your skin balanced.

Here's the deal: oil cleansing uses the principle of 'like dissolves like.' This means that the oil you apply to your skin will mix with the excess oil (sebum) that has hardened and is stuck in your pores and will be easily removed.

So, if you've been struggling with oily skin or clogged pores, oil cleansing can be a game changer for you. It's a gentle yet effective way to balance your skin's natural oils, preventing overproduction, and keeping your skin looking its best.

3. A Gentle Solution for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is a common skin issue for many of us, and it can feel like a never-ending battle. But what if I told you that oil cleansing could be the secret weapon to deep clean your acne-prone skin you've been searching for?

As we mentioned above: when the oils from oil cleansing meet the oil in your pores, they bond together. As you gently massage the oil into your skin, it lifts away the pore-clogging oil, along with dirt, makeup, and any other skin impurities without irritating your skin in the process.

This means oil cleansing can help cleanse your skin naturally and gently, without resorting to harsh acne treatments that can leave your skin dry, irritated, and even more unbalanced. And next time you spot a breakout, don't panic. Reach for your oil cleanser and give your skin the gentle, natural treatment it needs.

4. The Best Cleanser for a Youthful Glow

We've all heard the promises of miracle creams and treatments that claim to turn back the clock on our skin. But did you know that oil cleansing could hold the key to a youthful glow?

The reason is simple: oils are packed with antioxidants. These little heroes are known for their ability to fight off free radicals — those pesky molecules that cause damage to our skin and accelerate the aging process.

Oil cleansing not only cleanses your skin but also infuses it with a rich supply of fatty acids and nutrients. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a more youthful look. 

Consider oils like Watermelon Seed, Sea Buckthorn, and Black Cumin Seed Oil for their renowned anti-aging benefits. These oils are known to moisturize and soften the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and helping to naturally preserve the look of healthy, glowing skin.

When it comes to aging, the absolute worst thing you can do is dry out your skin. Well maintained, moisturized skin starts with your Oil Cleanser.

5. A Gentle Option for Sensitive Skin

Let's shift our focus to a common concern: sensitive skin. If you're the type who turns tomato red at the mere mention of a new skincare product, then oil cleansing might be your skin's new best friend.

Here's why: unlike harsh cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils, oil cleansing works in harmony with your skin. Oils like Jojoba Oil, Hemp Seed, or Kukui Nut Oil are gentle, yet effective, at dissolving dirt and excess sebum without causing irritation or redness due to dryness.

The beauty of oil cleansing is that we can say goodbye to that tight, dry feeling that often comes after using traditional cleansers. Instead, it leaves your skin feeling soft, supple, and most importantly, calm. Remember when I mentioned TEWL above? It is the unwelcome houseguest of Sensitive Skin. She might leave sooner if you start using an Oil Cleanser!

Isn't it wonderful to know that even in the world of skincare, there's something for everyone? Whether your skin is as tough as a rhino's or as delicate as a butterfly's wing, oil cleansing has got you covered.

6. A Deep Cleansing Method for All

Yes, I said it. A deep cleansing method! As we navigate our journey through the top 8 oil cleansing benefits for ALL skin types, we come to a key stop: deep cleansing. Now, imagine a team of microscopic janitors, working tirelessly to keep your pores squeaky clean. That's essentially what oil cleansing does for your skin! If you don’t believe me, here why:

Unlike regular cleansers that merely work on the skin's surface, oil cleansing takes a deep dive. So, from what we have learned already, we know that oil cleansers are massaged into the pores, where they go about mixing with our natural sebum that our skin creates, and dislodging dirt, makeup residue, sunscreen, and pollution. 

Now here is where the magic chemistry happens; add a little water to activate or emulsify the oil cleanser and all that oil and dirt will be easily rinsed away with the aid of Surfactants! If the oils are not cleansed out of the pores, that oil and dirt can cause congestion. The result? A thorough clean that leaves your skin looking and feeling refreshed.

And the best part? It achieves all this without disrupting your skin's natural moisture balance. Unlike soaps and harsh cleansers, oil cleansing doesn't strip your skin and leave it high and dry. Instead, it maintains that delicate balance, giving you clean yet hydrated skin. 

Oil cleansing goes beyond surface level cleansing and gives you a deep clean that's hard to beat.

7. A Solid Makeup Remover

Another noteworthy benefit in our voyage of discovery is oil cleansing's fantastic ability to remove makeup. Yes, you read that right. Those oils you've been using to cleanse your skin can also replace your store-bought makeup remover.

Even the most stubborn waterproof mascara doesn't stand a chance against the mightiest of oil cleansers. What's the secret? The "like dissolves like" principle. This means the oils in the cleanser bond with the oils in your makeup, making it easier to remove them from your skin.

So, don’t discount the oil cleanser’s role as a gentle yet effective makeup remover. Not only does it get the makeup and sunscreen removing job done, but it also leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished with a thorough deep cleaning. If you are wearing sunscreen or makeup, it is prudent to do a double cleanse (just like you get during a facial!)

8. A Path to Glowing Skin for All

Oil cleansing paves the way for glowing skin by softening the skin barrier so that you can gently exfoliate / remove dead skin naturally. When the skin is dry, it cannot naturally shed dead skin like it should. Oil cleansers help to add moisture to the skin, allowing this natural action, thereby revealing a fresh layer of skin that's just waiting to shine. Plus, these natural oils can replenish your skin with essential nutrients, giving it a boost of vitality.

Ever noticed how some people seem to be lit from within, their skin glowing like a thousand sunsets? That could be you, my friend. By including oil cleansing in your skincare routine, you're nudging your skin towards a radiant glow that's bound to turn heads.

So, there you have it, the top 8 oil cleansing benefits for all skin types. Now, wouldn't it be great to start your oil cleansing journey and witness these benefits firsthand? I think we both know the answer to that! There's a reason it's one of our bestselling products.