Want a radiant and clear complexion? Try the oil cleansing method!
Are we overcomplicating our facial skincare routine? A smooth, clear and glowing complexion is simpler to achieve than you would believe.
Cleansing your face with oil may seem counterintuitive, especially for Sri Lankans as we usually have combination skin, and adding oil to the skin can create a feeling of clogged pores. However, people who have tried and tested the oil cleansing method swear by its effectiveness in producing heathy and radiant skin. Using soap based cleansers can strip the oil out of our skin, and so the skin compensates for this by producing more oil to replace that which has been stripped away. This ultimately creates a cycle of tight and dry skin followed by an overproduction of oil. Using oil based cleansers can help to break this cycle as it effectively removes all the dirt and impurities in your skin, while at the same time maintaining its moisture levels.
How does it work?
Oil cleansing is based on the premise that “like dissolves like” which means that one substance can dissolve or remove substances similar to it.Your skin naturally produces oil, which moisturises, heals and protects your skin so that it can function better. In this method, you massage oil into your skin, which dissolves the oil that has hardened with impurities and clogged up your pores. Afterwards steam is used to open your pores, allowing the oil to be removed easily. When you rinse away the product, the 'good oil' takes all the 'bad skin oils' and dirt along with it, leaving your skin clean and hydrated. Other benefits of using oil cleansers are that it helps maintain your skin's natural pH balance. Additionally, oil cleansers contain antioxidants and have anti-aging ingredients that improve the texture and youthful appearance of your skin.
General Manager of Sothys, Soraya de Soyza, suggests before trying any new cleansing method, to firstly consider whether it's suitable to your skin type. "In order to be effective, the cleanser should have a slightly lower pH to your skin, but not too low as that can strip away oil. Oil based cleansers work best with removing eye and lip makeup." Soraya explains.
Now, how do you do an oil cleanse?
First you will need to mix two oils. The first and primary oil is castor oil. Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which protects your skin from an adverse reaction, and it also helps to heal and clean your skin. Since castor oil is very thick and strong, it should be diluted withanother thinneroil. You can select from a variety of oil such as extra virgin olive oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and almond oil. If you have dry skin, you can use most oils, however, those with oily and sensitive skin should go for olive oil which is much more soothing and prevents skin irritation.
This method works best when you do it in the evening, just before retiring to bed. To wake up to beautifully clear and radiant skin, you just have to follow these simple steps:
· Pour a generous amount of the oil mix into the palm of your hand. Then smooth the oil all over your face and begin massaging it into your skin with your fingertips in firm, circular motions. This will then remove all traces of makeup and dirt that has accumulated on your face throughout the course of the day.
· Relax for a few minutes as the oil seeps deep into your pores.
· Afterwards, run a clean washcloth under steamy water and then wring it out.
· Place the washcloth over your face and let the steam enter and clean out the pores.
· Wipe away the oil using the washcloth.
This method should be done regularly, but not too frequently, be mindful of how your skin is responding to the treatment and adjust your skincare regime accordingly. If your skin looks like it needs a boost and your usual products just aren't working for you anymore, try an oil cleanse.
By Shazana Shahjahan
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