Oil Cleansing Method

The Oil-Cleansing Method, or the OCM, is a method of washing your face that I found on Crunchy Betty. Instead of washing with SOAP, you wash with OIL. The idea is that like attracts like, so the oils will grab the dirty oil on your face and replace it with clean oil. Or something like that.

When I reached the old age of 25, I felt my skin start to change. I'm now 29 years old and my skin looks dry and dull and it breaks out on a regular basis. I guess I kind of felt the same way about trying this out, as I did about the 'no 'poo challenge'. My skin's not doing so hot as it is, so I've got nothing to lose. I figure what's the harm in trying it out and seeing if it's the solution to my skin problems?

I did my first oil cleanse on Monday night, and washed with honey the next morning (tutorial here). I've continued the morning/honey, night/oil routine since then. So I've done it a total of three times and I can't say enough good things about it. Sounds strange, but I get so excited to wash my face every morning and night. That's what happens when you're seeing results.

Now, mind you, my after pics are with make-up on so I know it's not completely valid, but I'm just feeling so much better about my skin, I felt like I HAD to share. I'll do another 'after' post in a few weeks, when I've been doing it longer. Something important to note about the make-up, though, is that I usually wear foundation, concealer, AND powder. In these pictures (which I took yesterday- DAY 2), I'm only wearing a little liquid foundation to even out my skin tone. And that's how I've been doing it since starting my oil cleansing routine. I'm not nearly as self conscious as I was just THREE days ago!

I cannot believe I'm about to show the world my broken out face. Am I crazy!

EEK! I'm just going to press 'Publish' before I can change my mind.

before (right side):

I've been breaking out along my jawline and it seemed no matter what I did, I couldn't fix it. Until the OCM, that is.

after (right side):

this was the area that saw the biggest change. right after washing for the first time, I saw a difference. It didn't completely clear up (that would be impossible, I think) but there was a considerable change.

before (left side):

after (left side):

before :

after (don't mind the oily hair):

So, this was just after TWO DAYS and I've now been doing it for THREE!! My skin feels softer, smoother, clearer, and my confidence has been boosted. I'm LOVING the fact that I don't have to cake on the make-up to cover up all of my many skin flaws.

I just can't wait to see how this goes after a few weeks!

The oil mixture I use is 1tsp castor oil, 2tsp avocado oil. I massage it into a wet face for about two minutes, then get a washcloth completely wet with hot water. Ring it out and put it on my face for 15 seconds to soften the oils. Then I just wipe my face clean (I don't even remove my make up beforehand).

I pat it dry with a towel and that's it!

here are the links to Crunchy Betty again:

Oil Cleansing Method

check to see the different oils she suggests. you kind of have to figure out the right mixture for your skin type. I chose to use avocado oil because I think I have dry skin.

Honey Cleansing

GOOD LUCK!