OCM what?
Oil Cleansing method explained
When we talk about face cleansers usually we have different soap-based products in mind.
And I am sure many times your skin felt so dry and tight after cleansing that you just immediately applied layers of moisturizer.
That was me for sure until I discovered OCM ( Oil cleansing method)
I have struggled with acne breakouts and sensitive skin pretty much since my teen years. Choosing products for my skin was usually a nightmare.
In the first week, most products worked well, then after a while, I start breaking out.
A few years ago I was introduced to natural cosmetics, learning Aromatherapy, and started making my own products.
This is how I came across OCM.
So what is OCM?
The Oil Cleansing Method is where you use oil as your facial cleanser.
Yes, cleaning the skin with oil removes impurities, makeup, and, believe it or not, will actually help clear your complexion, leaving your skin moisturized and glowing!
The key is choosing the right oil (or combination of oils) for your skin type. This is contrary to conventional cleansers that strip the skin’s natural oils that are very important to protect our skin from the environment, keep it moisturized, and support a PH balance that keeps acne-causing bacteria in check.
How does it work?
Oil dissolves oil!
The oil cleansing method will dissolve blackheads, extract whiteheads, and balance dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin while nourishing and moisturizing it.
Usually, we combine two different oils, one being Castor oil to properly cleanse (for its purging properties), and the second oil you will choose according to your skin type to nourish and moisturize.
Method?
Simple three steps will leave your skin looking moisturized, supple, and glowing!
1. CHOOSE YOUR OILS
Using Castor oil as a cleansing and purifying oil is popular but can be drying for some skin.
Another good oil to consider if your skin is very dry is jojoba oil. Then you choose your second oil.
Here are some ratios using a Castor oil to consider:
Oily Skin– 30% castor oil to 70% carrier oil (like Jojoba, argan oil)
Normal Skin– 20% castor oil to 80% carrier oil
Dry Skin– 10% castor oil to 90% carrier oil
Suggestions for your second carrier oil:
Avocado oil – dry, itchy, sensitive, or aging
Apricot kernel oil- dry, sensitive, aging, or normal
Grapeseed oil- acne-prone or oily
Jojoba oil- acne-prone, oily, sensitive, or normal
Sweet Almond oil- oily or normal
Put the oils in the small bottle and shake it up. You can add 2-3 drops of essential oils to enhance the benefits.
I personally like lavender, frankincense, and rosemary.
2. MASSAGE INTO THE SKIN
Massage oils for at least a couple of minutes to allow the oil to fully break up impurities (sebum, blackheads, dirt, makeup)
3. WIPE IT OFF
Yes. Wipe not rinse!
Wipe with the warm cotton towel, gently, repeating 2-3 times. The warm cloth will open the pores and help with the extraction of impurities.
Finish your cleansing with toner (best is green tea toner) to balance skin PH.
While your face is still damp, add a couple of drops of your face oil (or another moisturizer) and here you go!
This method is best done once a day.
I like to do it in the evening before bed,
In the mornings I just do cool water splashes and apply my DIY moisturizer cream made with oils and beeswax, but this is another topic for one of the next blogs.
And while this will be perfect for some of you, others might not get used to the method.
And that is ok.
There are many other natural cleansers to try.
Keep an eye on my next blog as I will be giving you some great tips for face cleansers.
Thank you for reading.
Post below any comments or questions you might have on this topic.
With Love, Jasmina