After a lousy stint with a foaming facial cleanser, I had finally had enough with soapy-based face wash. I wanted to use something as natural as possible with the fewest natural ingredients I could find so that my skin could have the chance to start over. But where to begin?
I’ve run across a few articles that talk about the water cleansing method, but I was hesitant to try it because it didn’t seem very cleansing at all, not to mention drying since water tends to throw off your skin’s PH. What I wanted was something a bit more moisturizing that still offered cleansing benefits. That’s when I came across the oil cleansing method.
Could the Oil Cleansing Method be Your Answer to Clear Skin?
What is the oil cleansing method?
It might seem a bit odd to consider cleansing your face with oil, especially if you have oily skin to begin with. But contrary to popular belief, the oil cleansing method doesn’t cause oily skin or acne at all. That culprit is usually a combination of poor diet choices, hormone imbalances, and other internal disruptors.
The oil cleansing method is where you use oil as your facial cleanser. And, believe it or not, will actually help clear your complexion, leaving your skin moisturized, supple, and glowing!
Why is this?
So first let’s talk about what happens when you use conventional cleansers….
Conventional cleansers dubbed with the “oil-free” stamp of approval are designed to strip the skin’s natural oils. This adulteration contributes to that tight, itchy, squeaky clean feeling. This = BAD! Soapy, foamy, stripping cleansers cause more harm than good. Plus, they age your skin by drying it out, making it easier for wrinkles to form. Many dermatologists will say that you need to remove your skin’s natural oils in order to clear it…
But I beg to differ! Our natural oils are there for a reason. They protect our skin from the environment, keep it moisturized, and support a strict PH balance that keeps acne-causing bacteria in check.
When the natural oils are removed, our skin begins to overcompensate by producing more and more oil. This is the same thing that happens when you wash your hair too often. Your hair gets greasier and greasier, and pretty soon, you can’t go a single day without washing it.
That being said, your skin can also become too dry when using conventional cleansers because the skin is not able to compensate for the loss of oil. This creates just the opposite…dry flaky skin that seems impossible to deal with.
Using the oil cleansing method will fix both issues.
Using the perfect carrier oil for your skin type will help dissolve impurities, remove them, and keep the outer most barrier intact and functioning properly. Skin that can function properly means that it will be bright, clear, and glowing from within.
So no matter what skin type you have, the oil cleansing method allows your skin to balance itself, bringing it back to its natural state and unique constitution with just one or two natural ingredients.
There are no harsh chemicals involved, no oil stripping, and no antibacterial agents that further disrupt the delicate balance of the skin. And this = GOOD.
How Does the Oil Cleansing Method Work?
According to basic chemistry, oil dissolves oil. Or even more simply “like dissolves like”. The best way to nurture your skin’s natural oils is to use other oils that are similar in composition to cleanse it.
Once you find the right mix, carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, and others can effectively draw out and remove impurities and bacteria from deep within the pores to the surface where it can be wiped away.
The oil cleansing method will dissolve blackheads, extract whiteheads, and balance dry, oily, sensitive, and acne prone skin while nourishing and moisturizing it. You’ll never need to buy another cleanser or moisturizer again! How cool is that?
Another thing to note is that the oil cleansing method requires two different carrier oils in order to properly cleanse the skin, usually castor oil and a second, more personally suited carrier oil to help prevent unnecessary dryness.
This is because using castor oil alone will actually draw out too much moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and compromised. However, if used in tiny amounts, it is the perfect companion since it’s good at cleansing.
The second oil you choose is wholly based on your unique skin type, just make sure the oil you choose is pure, unrefined, cold-pressed oil from nuts or seeds. These will be full of all sorts of beneficial antioxidants, fatty acids, and other nutrients.
If you would like a list of over 80 different carrier oils, look no further than my extensive comedogenic oils list.
“So, how do we get started?”
I’m glad you asked!
How to Get Started with The Oil Cleansing Method
1. Choose Your Oils
If you’re not sure about which oils are best, please refer to my previous articles about the best oils for your skin type and is that oil good to use for acne? to help you get started.
I personally love using hemp seed oil
I will usually pump a small amount of oil into my hand, then massage the oil into my skin for around 2 minutes to really get the grime off and to create some good circulation. This will help de-puff the area around your eyes and reduce dark circles. Plus it feels relaxing, so why not right?
One popular oil to use is coconut oil, but if that
Here are a few oils that you may want to consider:
• Avocado Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil
• Grape Seed Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Kukui Nut Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
And, for the love of all that is holy, do NOT use baby oil like I’ve seen suggested elsewhere! You’re just asking for trouble if you use any type of mineral oil.
For a complete list of comedogenic oils, read this post!
Contrary to popular use, I don’t recommend using castor oil
Here are some popular castor oil
• Oily Skin– 30% castor oil to 70% carrier oil (like Coconut oil
• Normal Skin– 20% castor oil to 80% carrier oil
• Dry Skin– 10% castor oil to 90% carrier oil
• Very Dry Skin– 0% castor oil to 100% carrier oil
A handy ratio to keep in mind is the thirds ratio.
• 1 tsp castor oil
• 1 tsp jojoba oil
• 1 tsp sweet almond oil
You can obviously multiply this to fit the container of choice.
Put the oils in a small squeeze bottle
You can add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil if you so desire for a more luxurious cleansing experience. I like tea tree
Be sure to check out my article on which essential oils are best for your skin type to find more variations.
2. Massage it in
Apply a quarter-sized amount of oil into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together and then, while your face is still dry, gently massage the oil into your skin in a circular motion and relaaaax.
Massage your skin for at least 2 minutes to really allow the oil to do its magic. This will release tension, improve circulation, and firm up the skin. Let your mind drift and forget about negative feelings and emotions.
Massaging like this with the oil will also break up sebum, blackheads, dirt, makeup, and any other impurities on the surface of the skin and within the pores – even stubborn mascara! Doing this step too quickly will not allow the oil to fully break up impurities – so take your time!
3. Open the Pores
Once you have finished massaging in the oil for a few blissful minutes, apply a nice comfortably hot microfiber face washcloth
Steaming your face like this will help further extract impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
4. Wipe Off the Oil
Use the hot microfiber face washcloth
Wring out and rinse the washcloth to cleanse it a bit, then repeat steaming process 1-2 more times if desired to help further extract impurities from the skin.
Gently wipe your face again being careful not to scrub or drag your skin as it is very delicate at this stage. Your skin should feel soft and clean.
5. Tone With Rosewater
After you have wiped away all the day’s grime, it’s time to liberally spritz your fresh skin with a high-quality rosewater/rose hydrosol in order to restore a balanced PH to the skin. I cannot stress enough how vital this step is! It has changed my skin completely!
While your skin is still damp and dewy from the rose water, take a drop or two of your favorite facial oil (like rosehip seed, argan, jojoba, etc.) and gently massage it into the skin for a final boost of luxurious and nutrient-rich moisture.
And there you have it! The perfect way to oil cleanse.
How Often Should I Use The Oil Cleansing Method?
You shouldn’t need to use the oil cleansing method more than once a day, though you can do it twice if absolutely needed. Just keep in mind that if your skin seems dry, you should bump the oil cleansing down to just once a day, preferably before bed.
If the dry skin continues, you may need to lessen the amount of castor oil in your blend which is why I suggest starting with a very small recipe until you find your perfect blend.
I like to use the oil cleansing method before bedtime mostly because I like going to sleep with a clean face with no makeup, but you can certainly use this method in the AM instead too.
In the AM, I usually just spritz my face with rosewater
As a side note, don’t be surprised if you notice more sebum production after starting the oil cleansing method. This is short-lived and is because the pores have been opened and cleansed which will allow them to function properly again.
This shouldn’t last more than a week or two at most before things balance out again.
How to Boost the Effectiveness of the Oil Cleansing Method
The easiest way to “kick it up a notch” is to add a drop or 2 of your favorite essential oil to the carrier oil you’re using for cleansing.
This will make your cleansing oil more luxurious and customized to your exact needs but please be aware that essential oils are very concentrated, so you only need 1 drop per teaspoon (5ml) for them to be effective.
Never put essential oils directly on the skin because they can be quite irritating or even burn the skin and NEVER use citrus oils if you are going to be in direct sunlight.
For a beginner’s guide on essential oils, check out this article.
For the suggestions below, only add one essential oil to a cleansing oil at a time AFTER you have discovered your perfect oil cleansing ratio/blend. You may then add any of the oils below. Just keep in mind that rose, neroli, and ylang ylang are VERY strong smelling oils so you only need the teensiest bit.
Here are a few essential oils to consider for oil cleansing:
Feeling stressed? Add some lavender
Feeling down? Add some neroli
Have acne? Add some tea tree oil
Dry Skin? Add lavender, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang
Oily Skin? Add Lemon
Where to buy essential oils 24% off
The combinations for essential oils are endless and you really can’t go wrong when choosing which ones to use since all essential oils are antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and just downright beneficial for the skin in general (think anti-aging!).
In fact, I even have a post on using essential oils in the oil cleansing method called The Enhanced Oil Cleansing Method. Be sure to check it out!
Another little trick you can use is to try adding a little pinch of granulated sugar to your cleansing oil if you need a little extra exfoliation.
This works really well for those who are experiencing the “jojoba purge” where the skin is getting rid of impurities a little faster than your skin can manage.
The sugar will help remove build-up and will also have its own humectant properties.
Just be sure to do this very gently and only 1-2 times per week at most in order to prevent barrier damage or irritation.
Homemade Cleanser – Oil Cleaning Method Recipes
These recipes will make about 1 oz of “castor oil face wash” 😉
Acne-Prone Skin Types
- 2 TB jojoba oil
- 1 TB castor oil
Aging Skin
- 1 TB rosehip seed oil
- 1 TB evening primrose oil
- 2 tsp jojoba oil
- 1 tsp castor oil
Dry Skin Types
- 1 TB avocado oil
- 2 tsp rosehip seed oil
- 2 tsp sunflower seed oil
- 2 tsp castor oil
Normal Skin Types
- 2.5 TB jojoba or hemp seed oil
- 2 tsp castor oil
Oily Skin Types
- 2 TB hemp seed oil
- 1 TB castor oil
These are just guidelines. Remember to find the right balance of castor oil for your unique skin.
The Pros and Cons of the Oil Cleansing Method
The Pros of Oil Cleansing
• It’s great for the skin and works for every skin type
• Helps to clear up acne
• Combats dryness and irritation
• Makes the skin glowy and dewy
• Prevents wrinkles
• It’s supernatural with no harsh chemicals
• It’s a fantastic makeup remover…and CHEAP
• It doesn’t strip away the skin’s natural oils
• Replaces both cleansers and moisturizers
The Cons of Oil Cleansing
• It can take time for your skin to adjust (usually a few weeks)
• It can be more expensive than a normal cleanser depending on which oils you use
• Your skin may become dry at first
Final Notes on Oil Cleansing
Frequency
Generally, you should only be using the OCM at night before bed in order to remove the day’s grime, makeup, and other impurities from your skin.
In the morning, you can simply spritz your face with rosewater and add a drop of your favorite facial oil to your skin. No “cleansing” needed.
It isn’t recommended to use a regular cleanser while using the OCM. This will only confuse your oil glands and cause them to produce excess oil.
Moisturizers are Optional
While using the oil cleansing method, you may find that you no longer need a traditional moisturizer. You may also find that you DO need one and that’s okay!
Just make sure that whatever you’re using is as natural as possible!
Don’t Stress!
The OCM isn’t for everyone. if you simply cannot get your skin to accept oils for cleansing, that’s okay too!
Sometimes your skin just needs extra time, sometimes it just doesn’t like what you’re doing.
Alternatively, if YOU don’t enjoy the process of spending so much time on your skincare, then why force yourself to continue?
It’s all about balance!
For more on the oil cleansing method, check out these articles:
The Complete List of Comedogenic Oils
Oils not working out for you? Rose water can help!
How to Make Rose Water
The Enhanced Oil Cleansing Method
Essential Oils for Hormonal Acne
Using the oil cleansing method will brighten and nourish your skin and will even help clear acne! Let me know how your oil cleansing experience went in the comments below =)
Hi! I love everything you write.
But tell me, instead of using microfiber can i use a cotton washcloth?
You can! However, it isn’s as cleansing as microfiber. Microfiber really pulls out impurities from the skin 🙂
Hello, I am interested in doing this cleanse but I was wondering that if instead of rose water toner I could use Apple cidar vinegar toner? Thank you 🙂
Yes! You can definitely use an apple cider vinegar toner instead 🙂
Wow. Wonderful article Tash!!! I had a query wrt citrus EOs. Recently a friend suggested using 2 drops each of Lemon-Orange-Neroli-Patchouli-Bergamot in 30ml of carrier oil for skin lightening at night. I am a 30+ female with oily, acne prone & pigmented skin. EOs to a large extent have helped me with my acne😊 Would be very helpful if u can guide me with this since citrus oils are photosensitive. Thanks a ton for the article.
Hi Saritha!
If you can get steam-distilled versions of your citrus essential oils then you don’t need to worry about their photosensitivity. Bergamot is the one that can cause A LOT of burning if you’re not careful, even days after it has been applied so be very very careful when using it. Always wear a good sunscreen too when out in the sun even if you wear a har to shade your face. The sun’s rays can reflect off of many surfaces when outdoors. The lemon and orange are fine to use at night, but make sure your bergamot is furocoumarin-free! Hope this helps 🙂 You can read more about phototoxic essential oils HERE.
Hi Tash, thank you for the article. I have a couple questions. I have been using coconut oil for some time for a moisturizer and it’s just too much for my skin and I’m very oily by noon. I was thinking I would try using jojoba oil for a cleanser in the evening followed with rose water. Do I need to mix jojoba with another oil or can I use it alone?
Hi Shara!
You can use it alone 🙂 It may take some time to find your own unique blend, so just keep that in mind. You obviously now know that coconut oil is not for your unique skin, so that’s certainly a start! 🙂
Hi, Tash! I am loving all of your articles. I have been researching natural methods to skincare, cleaning, and living chemical-free. I have severe acne and oily skin since 3rd grade and I’m now over 40. Accutane cleared up my skin and left it nice until I had my first kid. I was using a natural cream from Amazon and I now know that the oils in it have at least a rating of 2 on your comedogenic list. I believe that is why my acne has been so horrible for almost a year. I have been using oral antibiotics and anti-fungal medications for a few months and the pimples are smaller, but my face is covered. My skin has been too sensitive for every topical rx acne and steroid cream. If I try a cleanser or product with glycolic or salicylic acid, retinoids, or alpha or beta hydroxy my skin peels for weeks. My skin has been peeling and so dry since the last cream from the dermatologist that I have to use a fine grit pumice stone every morning to remove all the dead skin. I have been doing this for over a month. I think that Aragon oil with hemp seed oil will be the best for oil cleansing method. I’m afraid that jojoba oil will clog my pores. Do you have to use 2 oils? What oil should I massage in after the rose water? Is it ok to use an oil that is also in the cleansing oil blend? Aragon oil is supposed to be good for rosacea, which I also have. Is it ok to use witch hazel before the rosewater? I also made a spray of aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, and rosewater to spray on my face during the day to help hydrate. I fear that my very oily but dry peeling face is going to take a lot of time to heal and restore the acid mantle, pH, and reduce sebum production. What regimen do you suggest?
I also read and plan on following your regimen for hormonal acne. However, since my skin has been irritated by rose water I thought I should do OCM for at least a week for my skin inflammation and peeling to calm down before I started.
Hi Carolyn!
I’m wondering if your digestive health has to do with your skin’s condition as well since problems with the gut can often manifest in acne. It sounds to me like your use of Accutane, antibiotics, and antifungals have likely played a roll in the development of your current breakouts. I suggest looking into a good probiotic that you can take daily to help improve gut health 🙂
Aside from that, it sounds like your skin is also dehydrated. Be sure that you are getting enough electrolyte-rich fluids into your body on a daily basis while also using a moisturizer that has a bit of cholesterol in it (an example would be Weleda Skin Food). Ceramides are also good to get into your skincare routine, so you may want to check to see if you can find a good moisturizer that has them at your local health food store. If you can’t find any, at least try the Weleda and see how it feels. This moisturizer is very thick and greasy if you use too much, so I suggest using just a tiny amount to help get your skin hydrated. You can certainly use argan oil and/or hemp seed oil if you like in conjunction with the moisturizer, but you don’t need to use both oils. Hemp oil is the least comedogenic, but it is also less moisturizing than argan oil, so play around with it to see what works best for you 🙂
I just saw that you said that rose water is irritating to your skin. You can actually use any type of floral hydrosol to help balance the skin like lavender, chamomile, or helichrysum.
As for the OCM, you can certainly give it a try. I would suggest not using water any warmer than body temperature to wipe away the cleansing oil otherwise the heat may dry out your skin even more. Just be very gentle with your skin. It can actually take up to 6 weeks for things to really start to calm down and normalize.
The oiliness of your skin should start to decrease a bit if you’re gentle with your skincare routine, stay properly hydrated, and eat a clean diet that helps control inflammation in your body (that means avoiding processed foods and drinks). I have oily skin too, and it can be hard to control it if I don’t take good care of the inside of my body, but it can be done!
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions 🙂
Thanks! I am going to try your suggestions. I have been using the argan oil for one week and I am seeing improvements in my skin! I really appreciate your help!
Hi Tash! You talk a lot about the oil cleansing method for the face, but you never mention the rest of the body. Can it be used there as well? And what about the intimate parts? I suppose oil isn’t recommended there, so what can I use instead? Thank you in advance! 🙂
Hi Joana!
I’m thinking you could use the oil cleansing method just fine on the body, though you will want to be careful of any oil slick in the tub or shower! As for the intimates, I’m not sure. I have always heard that water and a very gentle natural soap are most recommended so I’m not sure how the microbiome down there would fare with oil. Something to find out for sure!
Hello!
What type of oils would you recommend for Rosacea? Because I have it, my skin is super sensitive. I tends to be on the dry/normal side though. If I put a moisturizer on it in the morning, it’s normally good to go for the day. It’s just went I take a shower in the morning that it becomes dry.
Hi MacKenzie!
I actually JUST wrote an entire post on rosacea! You can check it out here. To answer your question, I would recommend trying jojoba or rosehip oil. Make sure to spritz the skin with a good rose water/hydrosol to not only help with inflammation but also to make the oil easier to spread on the skin 🙂
Hi!
Thanks so much for answering! 🙂 I just started a rosacea solution recently that a company made up for me with the jojoba oil, lavender, frankincense, helichrysum, and tea tree essential oils! I’ve been following your oil cleansing method with it…so wish me good luck! I’m super excited for the results!
Best of luck!!
Let us know how it goes! 🙂
Did you have acne when you started this method and if so did your skin purge and get a lot worse before it got better?
I’ve been doing it for three weeks and I’m not happy with the results right now, I just don’t know when you hit that point where you realize your skin isn’t going through a detoxing period and its actually destroying your skin.
I used coconut oil a year ago, and it cleared my acne amazingly fast, but about a month in it started giving me blackheads all over my face. So then I stopped and just three weeks ago started oil cleansing again this time with castor, hemp seed oil, and rosehip seed oil.
Hi Kay!
I used to have TERRIBLE cystic acne before starting with oil cleansing and it helped me out a lot. However, I DID notice that my skin really doesn’t like castor oil and that might be the same for your skin as well. You may want to try cutting it out altogether or lessening the amount in the blend you are using. I for one do not use any castor oil any longer because my skin just didn’t like it. The same happened with coconut oil and i think it has something to do with it having a high amount of oleic acid in it.
A purge can last for several weeks, but I would really try using less or none of the castor oil and see how that goes. Best of luck Kay! I know this journey can be so hard!
What do you recommend for Rosacea? My face looks good in the morning when I wake up, but as time goes by it just gets redder and redder. I am at a complete loss as for what I can/should do!
Thank you, Melinda
Hi Melinda!
What does your current skincare routine look like? Products you use on your face? This will give me a better idea 🙂
Currently I have been using products by Primal Life organics. The Earth Face wash, the Beyond moisturizer, and the Infiniti toner. I use these products twice a day.
Hi im in NEED OF HELP! I’ve got red bumpy, scaly, itchy, dry skin around my mouth, chin and nose. I’ve been using oil cleansing method for about a month in the form of cold cream, the same cream to moisturise (combination of hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, almond oil and aloe Vera juice). i made it myself with beeswax as a thickener and a tiny bit of borax for preservative. The OCM has helped my acne loads I have no new pimples anymore but this is happening to my skin… what s up.
Is it congested? dehydrated? Or allergic reaction? I ve tried so many things to moisturise it and keep it from not being dry ? I have a combination/dry skin type prone to acne. and if it was an allergic reaction – wouldnt my whole face have this reaction? i am sure puzzled – any ideas? Thanks so much for the help i really love this blog! XOX
Hi Rosie!
How much borax are you putting in the cold cream you make? I’m asking because it is known to irritate the skin, so I’m betting that’s what the issue is (but keep in mind I am not a doctor, it’s just my best guess!). Allergies can manifest in a lot of different ways so I wouldn’t put it past just showing up in specific areas.
I hope this helps!
HI Tash!
UPDATE i have perioral dermatitis!!! Ah, finally makes sense why it is only that certain area affected. Not the fault of the OCM, rejoice! It is the fault of a topical steroid gel i was prescribed BEFORE i went au natural with my skincare. thank you so much for your reply!
🙂 XOX
Rosie, not sure if you have cleared up your periorial dermatitis yet, but I have some advice if you haven’t. My son had that from a steroid cream he was using and the doctor prescribed several weeks of antibiotics. Not feeling comfortable about that, I researched natural remedies, and we applied plain probiotic yogurt to the affected area. It was totally gone in a couple months and has never been back. I never filled the prescription!
I have a few questions about my daughters acne. She had acne all through her teenage years on her face, neck, chest, back, and upper arms. We made the mistake of using very harsh products on them such as: sa, bp, aha. We also went to a dermatologist and they put her on strong creams: duac, diffren, tazorac, and clindamycin. These destroyed her skin. They caused her skin to look like it had a constant sunburn and it would dry it out so bad that her face would peel in layers. She used these harsh products for a good eight years on and off. It’s left her skin very sensitive and it burns all the time on her tzone. The worst of the burning is on and around her nose. Almost like it’s raw. Nothing that we’ve tried has helped. When she goes out in the sun it makes the burning worse. Also when she sweats when she works out. She still has acne. She has gotten cysts before and she does get postules sometimes but the majority is black heads, white heads, and tiny pimples. Her face is always itchy and there is a lot of texture from clogged pores. Any advice you can give me on the oil cleansing method to help her or any other skin care tips. We have tried everything. We are already working on internal health with a naturopath. Her skin is very reactive btw. Everything seems to cause a problem. Thank you.
Hi Stacy!
So sorry to hear about the condition of your daughter’s skin! Is she currently on any creams? Does she use anything at all on her skin at the moment? What does her routine look like on a normal day? Also, what is her lifestyle like? Diet, exercise, sleep, etc. From what I can gather, the outer most barrier of her skin is pretty damaged and will need to be repaired.
She sleeps for nine hours every night. Her diet is superb (working with a amazing naturopath). She doesn’t exercise much do to a recent injury. She currently uses hemp oil to cleanse and moisturizer her face. She tried the living libations best skin ever in sandalwood but it seemed to be drying it out and irritating it. She has used straight jojoba oil but it’s drying and irritating. She also tried coconut oil and shea butter but they break her out. She has extremely sensitive reactive skin.
Hello again!
Has the naturopath said anything about her skin? I’m thinking it could actually be something either to do with digestive health or an allergy/intolerance. Jojoba oil is probably one of the least irritating oils, so it’s strange that he skin reacts so badly to it. There is definitely something deeper going on here. If it isn’t that, I’m wondering if her skin is just very dehydrated? I would see what the naturopath has to say. Also, what happens if she does nothing to her skin (the caveman method)?
Can 2 different oils be used on the face? For example: Hempseed oil for cleansing and Grapeseed for moisturizing? Or vice versa. (I have acne prone skin).They are my 2 favorites.
Hi C.G.!
Absolutely! 🙂 Use the oils your skin likes!
Hi Tash!
Thank you so much for all the helpful tips on your website. i think going natural will be the best thing for my face. I have one question, I have combo skin no acne but lots of scarring and very large pores on my cheeks and chin. after cleaning, what do you suggest to tighten and close the pores so more yuck doesn’t get back in? Some people say the splash of cold water but I don’t know if thats a myth.
Thanks again! xoxo
Hi Yoddit!
Hmmm, that can be tricky! Where are the clogged pores exactly? if it’s the chin or nose area, honestly the best way to get a fresh start is using some pore strips. That way all the gunk gets pulled out and you can use a gentle face scrub to remove any remnants that the strip didn’t remove. I would then use a good clay mask to close up the pores and rinse with cool water. I would use a mask twice a week and see how that goes 🙂
A lot of the time, clogged pores can stem from our beauty products. Mine on the other hand are caused by an over production of sebum (something I am still working on getting under control!). Best of luck!
Hi Tash,
Thanks for all the great info! I notice that you use quite a few different products and I’m confused as to when I should be using what.
I have combination skin, live in a climate that has all seasons (right now it’s cold) and in my mid-50’s. I have fine lines, hyper pigmentation and acne scars.
My Questions:
1. What should I be using in the morning to cleanse and moisturize?
2. What should I be using in the evening to cleanse and moisturize?
3. Does it have to be Manuka honey or is any raw honey ok?
4. How do you spread the honey on the face?
5. How can I fade my acne scars from long ago?
6. Should I use a toner?
7. What do you think of Micellar water?
8. What is the best oil(s) to moisturize my body year round?
Thanks!
Sam
Hi Sam!
1. For the morning you can use any oil that agrees with your skin type. I suggest looking into jojoba, sweet almond, hemp, or possibly even coconut oil. I personally like to use jojoba or hemp oil as they both have very low comedogenic rating and I have very acne prone skin. Use one of these oils for cleansing and moisturizing and see how your skin feels. If it does well, consider adding essential oils like geranium for oil control and carrot seed or palmarosa for dry skin. I also find that applying rose water after cleansing and after moisturizing really helps heal the skin’s acid mantle.
2. You can use the same method above for nighttime but perhaps use a little bit more for moisture.
3. Manuka honey has a more powerful punch because it is harvested from a tree that is related to tea tree. You can however, use raw honey. I do all the time!
4. I usually will wet my face first either with water or spritz on some rose water (I have a lot of rose water on hand because I make it myself). I then scoop out some honey using a dry utensil and put it on my fingertips. I then massage the honey into my skin and will often leave it on as a mask for 20-30 minutes if I have time. The water/rose water makes it very easy to spread the honey, Just don;t get ANY water in the honey jar or it will go rancid.
5. Using raw honey as a mask can really help with this (you can even add 1 drop of lemon essential oil to help speed things up – but only do this at night). You can also check out this post on how to fade hyperpigmentation for more tips.
6. If you use rose water, you do not need a toner.
7. I have yet to come across a mycellar water that is made with natural ingredients. The vast majority are filled with toxic chemicals 🙁
8. I like to use sweet almond or coconut oil all year round for great moisture.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Thanks Tash for all the great info and patience in answering my many questions, really appreciate it!
One last question, how often should I do the honey mask to fade my old acne scars?
Hey (: I’ve been using the ocm for a week now and I’ve noticed that although this method does a great job of pulling out all the dirty stuff, once my pores are unblocked they stay open and then it just gets blocked again the next day by dried sebum. What can I do to tighten my pores?
Hi Dorothy!
You can try using witch hazel, a facial clay, or calcium carbonate powder (the magical ingredient found in Mario Badescu’s Silver Powder) 🙂 Apply any of these after cleansing. You can then add more facial oil as needed for moisture.
What is the ratio that you would use for this cleansing method? I have oily, acne prone skin. I was going to try jojoba or hemp seed oil with tea tree essential oil. Wouldi need another oil?
Hi Chandler!
You can just use hemp or jojoba oil with the tea tree and it would be perfectly fine 🙂 You don’t HAVE to mix oils.
Thank you so much!! What ratio would I use?
Thanks for the quick response!
Hello again!
I actually just use hemp seed oil now, but everyone’s skin is different! You will find what works best for you. perhaps start with a 50/50 ratio and see how your skin likes it. Otherwise you can certainly just use jojoba or just use hemp oil 🙂
Thank you!!
I am confused. Do you use both coconut oil and hemp oil together? Or just one or the other?
Do you need to do it more often in the cooler weather?
Hi Tammy!
You can if you like, but you shouldn’t need to unless your skin feels dry. 🙂
I am surprised that coconut oil isn’t on the list. Is there any reason it is excluded?
Hi Barbara!
I have coconut oil listed as an example carrier oil for oily skin, but to be honest, I think most people break out using coconut oil. There are of course those whose skin thrives on the OCM with coconut oil, but overall, many people have had issues with it. If you would like to read more about what oils are best for your skin type, please check out my article “The Complete List of Comedogenic Oils”. 🙂
cn i ues baking soda and lemon mixture before the ocm????
Hi there!
You can do anything you like before using the OCM. Let me know how this works out for you!
Thanks for writing this article. I originally tried the OCM a couple of years ago and it was horrible on my skin. A few months ago I tried again but this time I kept it more simple. I have found that the best oil for my skin is straight sweet almond oil with nothing else mixed in. I was amazed.
I came to read your post simply because my skin seems to be looking dull these days. I have no breakouts other than one or two around “that time” that are hormonally caused.
It seems after reading your post and replies to comments, I just need to add a weekly exfoliation or two.
Thanks for sharing the information and your experience!
You’re welcome Karla!
I hope the exfoliation works out for you 🙂
Hi,
Thanks for your post. I have been using OCM for a month, most of my acne are gone, but I still get some little acne around my chin now and then. I am using the half castor oil and half jojoba oil along with 2 drops of lavendor oil and 2 drops of tea tree oil. is it too much? I am planning to add more essential oils to get rid of my scars, will the essential oil affect the result of castor and jojoba oil? Thanks!!!
Hi Tash! I found your article last October I believe and was very interested in the oil cleansing method. I started practically immediately. First I tried hemp oil which I admit didn’t try for as long as I should have (only a week) cause I thought it was doing my skin no good. I switched to jojoba and tea trea oil. That works quite well but then decided to add a second oil for more benefits. Sunflower broke me out so I ordered two different ones. Sea buckthorn and rose hip oil. I actually use the sea buckthorn as a moisturizer in the morning. Only 2-3 drops. I’m loving it! Mixing my jojoba with rose hip isn’t to bad either but am I doing to much? Is using so many different oils bad? I notice I still have white heads which I was hoping the OCM would help me with as well as my make up not really coming off even though I’m massaging it all over my skin for almost 3 minutes. Any suggestions?
Thank you so much!
Hi Brie!
Do you exfoliate? I found that by adding sugar to my face oil and using it as a scrub a few times per week really helped unclog my pores. Also, is sea buckthorn oil is working really well for your skin then definitely keep using that oil as your main oil. Even if you use others and they don’t feel like they should it means that your skin isn’t absorbing their nutrients as well. It sounds to me like your skin really likes the sea buckthorn best 🙂
As for make-up removal, have you tried using a cotton pad before? You can also use a make-up removal cloth which I personally really like!
Hi again! I use honey to wash my face in the mornings. Along with ith rose water as my toner. Some mornings i will mix sugar in with the honey. I think I’ll try the sugar and oil and see how that works though! Yes, I have heard of these makeup clothes. I shall definitely try them because I think a regular wash cloth isn’t cutting it.
Thank you much for answering!
Do you use a toner? And if so at what time? Before or after oil cleansing?
Hi Robyn!
You can use a toner anytime. However, keep in mind that unless you use a regular cleanser, a traditional toner (like witch hazel) may not be able to break through an oil barrier on the skin very easily depending on which oil you use. A lighter oil like grapeseed oil would be easier than coconut oil for example. Personally, I use rosewater as a toner and I use it after oil cleansing to re-balance my skin’s acid mantle. It works GREAT! Just look for rose hydrosol or rose water at your local health food store. OR you can make your own rose water very easily! Hope this helps 🙂
Hi Tash!
A quick question: Would you recommend blending castor oil with a carrier for combination skin types?
Thank you,
I just found your site via pinterest and have been studying this oil stuff for hours hahaha… I am new to oil cleansing but am so sick of buying commercial products only to breakout worse and get super dry irritated skin etc. (I have acne so I went with Argan oil because it was a 0 on that list you have… and tea tree oil… and rosewater.) Can’t wait to see if it helps 🙂 Thanks so much!
I hope it works out for you too Rachel! Best of luck! It sounds like you’ve got a great formula!
i have been using the method and like it, but still have these small bumps (alot) on my neck and chin line? some on my forehead but mostly my neck and chin what can i do for these?
Can you make the rosewater your using with rose essential oil?
Hi Carrie!
You can but it won’t have exactly the same benefits. For a 2oz size bottle add distilled or spring water and just 1 or 2 drops of rose essential oil (you don’t need much at all). Shake really well before use.
i have been using the method and like it, but still have these small bumps (alot) on my neck and chin line? some on my forehead but mostly my neck and chin what can i do for these?
I have been trying to eat clean for awhile now. I usually have oily, acne prone skin, but lately it’s been very dry. Since using the coconut oil my large breakouts have stopped but now I have tiny breakouts all over and my skin is still very dry. I only use it at night and then just swipe toner on in the morning and moisturizer because my skin is so dry. I don’t know why it is so dry and I don’t know if my skin is breaking out as a purge or if it’s not reacting well to the coconut oil
Hello again,
Do you drink enough fluids? Did your skin stop producing oil altogether? I’m wondering if you may need a different oil that is more emollient for your skin type. If upping your hydration doesn’t do the trick then I would suggest trying hemp seed oil or jojoba oil and make sure to apply them before your skin dries (like after a shower etc.). I’m thinking the breakouts are from the dry skin getting stuck, so exfoliating even with a simple homemade sugar scrub should really help too. just add sugar to a little coconut oil and use that to gently scrub away dry skin. Let me know how it goes!
I just started using the OCM. But I was still using different night spot treatment because I found myself still breaking out? Which the spot treatment I use makes my skin super dry. But usually my skin is OK. Just ordered the jojoba oil so we’ll try that maybe with tea tree oil. Do you have any more recommendations I should try? Thank you
Hi Carrie,
It may be that your skin just needs to be exfoliated because of its dryness. If you can cut back on the spot treatment that would really help too! To make a scrub just mix sugar and honey together or sugar and the oil you are using for the OCM until you have a “scrub” consistency. Rinse off then apply more oil or a really great moisturizer to help get your skin back in balance.
How can you tell if your skin is just purging or if you need to try a different oil? I just got coconut oil to try but after reading your post I’m wondering if it will make my skin worse. I’ve been struggling with acne nearly 10 years now and have tried just about every cleansing “system” out there so I’m wanting to try something new.
Hi Ashley!
How is your lifestyle and diet? What type of skin do you have?
hi, im new to this ocm and trying to figure it out. i was using evoo with castor oil but it was way to much oil for me and i didnt like it. i am now using coconut oil but was wondering if i should be mixing it with something or what? i ordered the jojoba oil to switch to. do we have to use evoo? also i am not seeing any results not sure what im doing wrong?
Hi Carrie!
You don’t need to mix the oils necessarily. What does help is knowing what your skin type is. For example I have really oily skin so for me I have found that jojoba oil or hemp seed oil work best for me. If you have dry skin then coconut oil works for a lot of people. The thing with the OCM is trying different combos as you go to see what works best for your skin. Adding essential oils can help too like tea tree oil 🙂 How long have you been using the OCM?
i am new to this whole oil cleansing method. i tried castor oil and evoo. my face seemed like there was even more oil and clogged. you said in your post you can use coconut oil? do you use it straight? or mix it with evoo? thank you for your help.
hello,
I hope this was not already addressed but my question is about toner and moisturizer. Are these steps not needed when using the OCM? What about a moisturizer after you use the rosewater in the mornings? I have not considered this method before but I am very interested and want all the info I can get before I start 🙂 thanks.
Hi Amber!
It depends on what oil you use for the OCM and how dry your skin is. For example: if grapeseed oil works well but your skin is still dry then you may need to use a heavier oil for moisturizing. I have found that when I use rose water as a toner my skin balances out and I don;t have any issues with dryness, but everyone is different. A great oil to try the is mid-range in thickness is hemp seed oil. What’s great about it too is is will not clog your pores! 🙂 So what I would do is use hemp seed oil to cleanse in the mornings and evenings and then spritz with rose water. If your skin feels dry then apply just a few drops of hemp seed oil and use that as you moisturizer. Be warned though, often your skin will go through a purging stage until things get detoxed.
Best of luck!
Hello I have oily skin and I want to try the safflower oil. Is it OK to use only one oil if not what do you recommend. I have mild acne but I am a teenager so obviously it’s not uncommon. This method causes your skin to get worse before it gets better right? how long will that last. I eat very healthy and exercise everyday.
Hi Rhe!
You can definitely use just one oil. And yes, often your skin will get worse before it gets better. This is what’s known as the “purging” period. If you eat clean, stay hydrated, get good sleep, and keep your stress under control you should see a difference soon!
Thanks for the info! I’ve just started the OCM in the past week and definitely love it. I’m struggling, however, with dryness. I’m using avocado oil with a bit of hazelnut and sweet almond oils, which from what I’ve read shouldn’t be too harsh for my skin. I have upped the ratio of avocado to the other oils, to ensure I’m getting lots of moisture, but I still have dry patches showing up around my mouth, chin and cheeks. It was great to read in your article that this is normal in the adjustment period, but I’m wondering if there’s anything I could or should be doing until my skin adjusts in a week or two – should I apply a bit of extra oil once my skin is clean, or just leave it? Any thoughts would be great! 🙂
Hi Olivia!
I went through the same thing! Honestly, what worked for me was mixing my OCM oil with a little sit of sugar and using it as a scrub a couple times a week. Also stay hydrated and avoid too much caffeine as that can dry you out (coffee in the morning is fine). Another thing I did was use rose water on my face to help keep my skin hydrated and balanced. You can learn how to make it here: https://holistichealthherbalist.com/make-rose-water/
This stage can take up to 3 months to end, just be patient 🙂
Best of luck!!
Hey tash its shweta again.act I suffer from lots f acne in dis summer bt I didn’t use any commercial products.whn I use coconut my skin gets clr bt nt complete.I live in india,Mumbai.is hemp oil suits me???m havin v oily nd acne prone skin
Hey its shweta again.tysm fr reply
Hi,its shweta.I hv been usin ocm frm 6months bt im nt getting happy result.I use coconut oil and little castor oil.m nt using any commercial products on my face.I m really havin acne prone skin..plz tell me what should I do??thnx in advcn
Hi Shweta!
You might want to try using less castor oil. Sometimes coconut oil can break you out too so you could try a different oil like jojoba or hemp seed oil to see how they work out for you. 🙂
Hi I wanted to get some advice, I have oily, acne prone sensitive skin, what oils would you suggest and how much of each do I mix? also my skin does get dry patches Help! 🙂
Hi Marcela!
I have very oily skin too! What works best for me is hemp seed oil with a drop of tea tree essential oil. It seems to work really well for me atm 🙂 Everyone’s skin is different so try to experiment and see what works best for YOU! Best of luck!
I’m confused. Do you use EVOO/jojoba oil as a base for cleansing and then add the essential oils? Also, in the pros and cons you mention this method being cheap as a “pro”, but as a “con” you say it’s expensive.
Hi Veda!
When cleansing, I add the essential oils to the oil before cleansing. The essential oils can be pricey depending on which ones you choose to go with. The OCM itself is really cheap compared to using conventional cleansers but if you use high end essential oils like rose, frankincense, or helichrysum it can be expensive. Hope this makes sense!
I have been doing the ocm for about a week and have a million little bumps allll over my face. What is this and what should I do?
Hi Evelyn!
This is usually an indication of purging. Make sure you are wiping off the oil very well when you use it as a cleanser. You can also switch up the oils to find a better match for your skin. What oils are you using now?
Thanks task, sorry I didn’t mean to come across as so harsh it’s just someone had commented after me and got a reply. Many thanks for the reply. Funny you should say about a clean diet I am starting one on the 22nd so hopefully this helps 🙂
No worries!
I’m always happy to help everyone I can 🙂 I wish you tons of luck! Let me know if you have more questions!
Hi I just wondered why my comment was ignored?
Hello again Carley,
I was not ignoring your comment, so I’m sorry if you felt that way. I get A LOT of comments everyday and sometimes it is hard for me to answer all of them in a timely fashion. Sometimes I have to approve them as is in hopes that someone else can help me answer all of the questions I get.
I try my best 🙂
Hi,
At first sorry about my english it’s not my native language.
Can I skip the steaming part or replace it? I have really sensitive skin and I think my skin don’t like the hot/warm steam.
I hope you can help 🙂
Hi Saskia!
You can skin the steaming part if you like 🙂
Hi I have just came across this post. I have heard of OCM but just wanted to know which oils you would recommend for my skin. I have been suffering with inflammatory adult acne for 3 and a half years now (I’m 27) in which I believe was hormonal as a month after having the mirena coil fitted my skin flared up and hasn’t disappeared since. Now that I have had the mirena coil removed (around 2 weeks ago) and am now on the pill my skin has flared up again. Do you agree and think it could be hormona? So all I have, and have used the odd time i have done the OCM is EVOO. Will this cause good or more harm to my skin? Plus since having acne my skin is more oily. It has calmed down a bit now though. Many thanks
Hi Carley!
This is definitely hormonal. Any type of hormonal contraceptive will cause a hormonal imbalance. The best thing to do is support the liver by taking herbs like turmeric and milk thistle. Also, eating a clean diet will really help your body to figure things out more easily. It takes time for hormones to even out so just be patient.
EVOO is not for every skin type but a lot of people are able to use it. For acne prone skin, I really recommend hemp seed oil. The key is being gentle and consistent. If EVOO doesn’t work the way you like, try hemp seed oil. It will never clog your pores 🙂
Hi,
I’m confused about the make up removal process. Your cleansing method has three steps, the first of which is rubbing the oil into your skin. Do you rub it in with your make up still on? If not, how do you use these oils to remove make up first?
Thank you
Hi Dans!
The oils will remove your makeup when you rub it in. You can also use a cotton round to remove the makeup first if you like 🙂
Hey Tash, it’s me again!
I have been following your routine from https://holistichealthherbalist.com/6-skincare-tips-that-cleared-my-acne-naturally/ and my skin has been moisturized and decently healthy. But, my nose, forehead, and chin have broken out into small sections of concentrated pimples–almost like a mild rash on my nose. To be fair, I was suffering from a major forehead breakout before switching routines. The rosewater and honey seem to eliminate most of the redness so luckily my breakouts are not too noticeable during the day but after washing my face, they are bright red. Think miniature tomato-like zits from hell. My skin has also still been a bit oily. I was wondering what you suggest? Trying castor oil with a carrier? Trying a different oil from coconut all together? Or should I wait it out since I am going to start using a few drops of essential oils for extra benefits once they come in?
Thanks again for helping me through this whole crazy process,
~Jenna
Hi Jenna!
How is your lifestyle and diet? Also, coconut oil could possibly be the culprit. I know that personally, I can’t use coconut oil 🙁 Also, lessening the amount of castor oil seems to help a lot of people with the same issue!
Hope this helps! <3
Hey there, thanks for the tips. I am actually not using castor oil but am wondering if I should try it out since I’ve heard it can be beneficial for oily skin. Maybe I should switch to using jojoba as a cleanser if my breakouts continue. I will probably experiment a bit once I can get my hands on some essential oils. My lifestyle is not too bad except I don’t get a lot of sleep, and have been very stressed lately. Aren’t we all though? I eat decently well but am not overly careful of my diet. I try to avoid sugar and junk food but that’s about it. Hopefully, I can figure this whole skin situation out soon and be back in control of my acne!
Hello again!
Stress is definitely a factor! It can impair good digestion which leads to a sluggish liver. A sluggish liver means hormones have the chance to recirculate in the body and cause acne. I would definitely look into a good way to manage stress (I take herbs like holy basil, rhodiola, or ashwagandha. I also take natural calm which is a powdered magnesium). Lack of sleep can make stress worse, so try to get a good nights sleep whenever possible.
The BEST oil I have come across is hemp seed oil. It literally has a zero chance of clogging pores! The only downside is it has to be kept refrigerated, so I often forget to use it. I highly recommend it if you can remember it! 🙂
Diet also plays a role in acne. Try to see what foods don’t agree with you and avoid them. I eat a whole foods diet and try not to make complicated meals….my meals are literally a small amount of meat seasoned with spices or herbs, sweet potatoes, and some sort of steamed green or salad. Very straight forward and easy for my body to digest. It may sound boring but cooking is a breeze and my body responds well which is WORTH IT. Dairy is a common allergy as well as wheat and eggs. Maybe try to avoid those and see how you feel? Too much caffeine can also allow your body to become stressed more easily.
Try to get a little exercise if you can as well! and some sunshine! 🙂 Your skin WILL get clear, it just takes commitment and a little research.
Hello!
Thank you for helping with all of this. I forgot to mention that I do work out every other day and am in pretty good physical health (if I do say so myself) but sadly I have not gotten too much of nature and sunshine. I’m hoping to remedy this once things calm down and the weather is nicer. I definitely know that I have been very stressed as well as depressed so I am working on figuring that out. I run a photography business with two of my siblings and we have been trying to get more work lately but it is difficult to get things moving faster. On top of the financial stress, I am still dealing with studies and all sorts of fun yet crazy things because we are all extremely eccentric in my family… very eccentric (nice word, right?). I am also a worry wart, which I don’t often admit, and it definitely hampers my calm-keeping abilities. To top it all of I have been very self-conscious of my appearance to the point of being hyper-critical. Oh! woe is me! 😉 Anyways, I need to have patience above all else and realize that things like this take time, and don’t often go as planned. And now I shall brew myself a cup of tea…
Thanks again,
~Jenna
Stress can definitely be the bane of our existence. Try not to let it bring you down (easier said than done…I know!), but try your best! Clear skin will follow 🙂
Well people like you help to make things a bit easier! Thank you so much for taking the time to help. I have been a depressed emotional wreck lately and to have a stranger come out of nowhere and be so nice–it definitely makes one feel better about things. Not too be overly dramatic (like us writers tend to be) but thank you for putting a smile on my face when the skies seem so dark. It means a lot.
Just a thought, but if you have a Pinterest account or facebook, I am on both sites under the name of River Wood. Also, our photography business is called “Minions’ Photography” (www.minionsphotography.com) if you are interested in checking it out. If you do, let me know what you think! Opinions are always helpful.
So to end my ramblings, thanks again and all the best,
~Jenna
P.S.
I have no clue as to how my replies grow to become so long. *slight shrug/grin*
I have acne prone skin. What should I be using to remove my makeup? I bought jojoba oil. Will that work, or do I need to use something else?
Hi Alisha!
If you are careful, dabbing jojoba oil on a cotton ball/round with work very well 🙂
Great post, thanks for helping out a newbie like me. 🙂
Hemp oil!!! Why isn’t this on your list, you have not spoke about how different oils and products have a number to tell us how much the product will clog pores. Hemp oil has zero, there is also some research suggesting hep oil cures skin cancer as well as having numerous other benefits for skin. I think to recommend oil cleansing this should 100% be the oil of choice. X
Good call Katie!
I wrote about hemp oil a bit after this article 🙂 It’s great stuff!
Hello!
I have slightly oily skin, prone to redness, and very recently I cut out commercial acne cleansers from my morning routine and replaced them with coconut oil instead. I have loved the way my skin feels but was wondering if coconut oil is the best since my skin feels a bit oily towards the evening. My question, is whether I need to use a moisturizer after I wash with the coconut oil and what? Right now I am just washing with coconut oil when I wake and starting my day. I am still using non natural acne cleansers (proactiv) at night, which I know is not ideal, but I am reluctant to completely change my routine by cutting them out. Is this really terrible? Also should I be using rose water at some point? Any input you can give to a newbie at this whole game would be great! Thanks!
Hi Jenna!
If your skin is tolerating coconut oil as a cleanser then by all means keep using it! You could even experiment with lighter oils like hemp, argan, or rosehip to see if those don’t leave your skin feeling oily later in the day.
I LOVE using rosewater because it balances the PH of your skin; an important factor in keeping acne at bay.
If you slowly wean off of proactive, like maybe try to wash every other night, then every few days, then 2 a week, then once a week ect…, you should be able to keep from breaking out. This way you don’t shock your skin and freak it out. The more natural you can make your regimen, the better! Just take it slow =)
Thank You for the information! I truly appreciate people like you who are willing to take the time and help complete strangers out of kindness. I will be taking your advice and buy a lighter oil but am unsure about which of the three to choose… I will also most likely be securing rosewater and plan to slowly cut out proactiv after the holidays have passsed. Once again, thank you so much and I hope your holidays go wonderfully!
~Jen
I personally use rosehip seed oil because of its vitamin C content =) I really hope it works out for you! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Sheryl, a natural sulfur based soap works for rosacea! There is a 3% and 5%, I use the 5% and it is the ONLY thing that has ever helped me. I started oil cleansing tonight, but have been using the sulfur soap for almost a month with a light exfoliation using a soft brush once a week and incredible results! Good luck everyone! 🙂
Hey,i have oily skin prone to acne.Can i use avocado oil to oil cleanse?If yes,does the proportion matter?
Hi Linda!
You can certainly use avocado oil to cleanse especially if you have very dry skin. I would try mixing it 1/4 avocado oil to 3/4 jojoba oil or almond oil and see how that works out for you. If it isn’t moisturizing enough, try going half and half.
What do you recommend for blemishes?
Hi Connie!
I recommend the tried an true tea tree oil (diluted) for topical use in a lot of formulas. However, acne is largely an internal problem. How is your lifestyle?
My skin is dry and yet acne prone, thus sensitive as well. I’ve been using the OCM for a month now using castor oil & jojoba oil with a ratio of 1:9. Now, my skin becomes rough on both of my cheeks, chin and jaw area which seem like tiny tiny spots. The drying also hasnt subsided and now my jawline has started breaking out. I mostly use a muslin washcloth and i do the OCM every night. Please help me, what is wrong? 🙁
Hi Vanessa!
In cases like this, it is often the castor oil that is the culprit. I would try omitting the castor oil and just using jojoba oil and see how that works out for you. Are you leaving anyof the cleansing oil on after “washing”?
Oh do you have a recommended dose of milk thristles?
I would recommend 2 capsules daily. The brand I like is called Eclectic Institute =)
DO you take it at night, or with food, etc? I have that brand and a full bottle and have yet to even take it…..
Thank you =)
Tash,
OMG thank you so much! I figured it would be a hormonal thing. But you are the only one who has offered me any advice to fix the issue! I’m excited to try and I will keep you posted. As for my digestion…. I feel like it’s healthy and regular. I’m going to try the EVOO and coconut oil. Do you suggest I try anything else?
Yeah hormonal stuff can be complicated! But essentially it boils down to liver health in most cases. Aside from the milk thistle I suggested, I would recommend trying jojoba oil topically to see how your skin likes it. EVOO and coconut oil are great and all, but if you have especially acne prone/ sensitive skin, they have been known to cause more breakouts for some people. It can be tricky to find out what works best but there is a good chance jojoba oil will work just fine =)
Also, how is your circulation?
Hi Tash,
I’ve been oil cleansing for a few months now and my skin has improved. It is a million times less oily, nice and bright. But I am still breaking out and getting a few blackheads on cheeks closer to my nose. I have cyctic acne around my jawline that comes and goes, hormonal I’m assuming. (I’m in my first trimester of my second pregnancy while nursing my 14month old. I’ve been eating a lot of fermented foods lately too.) I’m tempted to switch up my oils from jojoba and castor to something else possibly castor and rosehip or castor and grapeseed oil. I live in Chicago and with the winter here and dry heaters inside my skin will become more combination now instead of super oily like most of the year. I’m open to whatever oil you think will work best. I also was thinking I should use a toner like rosewater or ACV. I drool a lot at nights (sorry for the details) but I’m wondering if I should wash my face in the morning too or what you would suggest? I read all the comments and I’m curious how you use manuka honey in the am? I only use it to mask and for spot treatments at night. Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate you help.
Thanks,
Megan
Hi Megan!
I oil cleanse morning and night with rosehip seed oil that contains a few drops of either tea tree or rose essential oil. I then spritz with rose water and apply a few drops of the same rosehip seed oil to my face and massage it in as my moisturizer. I have found that this method has worked best for me and my skin typically stays the same unless I go without moisturizing.
I definitely suggest oil cleansing twice a day to keep things fresh and clean. On occasion, I will use a very small (1/4 tsp) amount of manuka honey as a “face wash” or mask in the mornings a couple times a week to help smooth and nourish my skin. Using at a spot treatment works great if you can keep it off your pillow! LOL
I had a quick question. I have dry acne prone skin. I tend to brake out more on my period and I spend the rest of the month trying to get rid of them and it just flares up again my next cycle. How soon after using the OCM should I decide that it works for me?
Hi Nikki,
It sounds like your acne may be caused by hormonal imbalance. I would look into possibly adding milk thistle to your daily supplements. Also, look into how your digestion is. When it isn’t optimal excess hormones can get recirculated throughout the body!
Sorry but what does EVOO mean? seen it written a lot recently as i am slowly detoxing my life and this is really going to help me, but being a newbie I’m finding all the shorthand hard!
Hi Nikki!
It means Extra Virgin Olive Oil =)
Has anyone tried sesame oil before? Just on its own.
Add half teaspoon of baking soda to your EVOO twice a week for a great exfoliant!!
Thank you for the response Tash! I have done exactly that and started using raw honey to cleanse in the morning and almost all the dry areas are gone now and no new breakouts and I have never had such soft glowing skin 🙂
AWESOME!! Glad to hear it’s working out for you =D
I have recently started the OCM Method about 2 weeks ago. I stopped taking birth control around 3months ago and my skin started to break out, typical I know but it became very dry too!!
I am using equal parts hemp seed oil and avocado oil for my combination skin type. The first week I loved it soooooo soft!!
I apply two drops of avocado oil after cleansing to moisturize my dry skin. It is now soooo dry it’s hurts!! I have had some acne but nothing serious.I know it can take a while to adjust but should I put more avocado than hemp seed oil? 2:1 Or just wait?? It’s so dry I need to apply 2 drops of avocado oil in the middle of the day sometimes :/ Can someone help??
Hi MasseyRene!
I would try moisturizing with a few more drops of avocado oil and see how that feels. Do you live in a cold or dry climate? This time of year, you may need to add a little more of the heavier oils to keep your skin happy.
Though I agree that there are many benefits to the oil cleansing method, I must point out that your suggestion to add essential oils to the mix isn’t very well thought out. Many fragrant plant oils have been demonstrated time and time again to be skin irritants. Lavender and citrus oils ( which is actually photo toxic to the skin) are some of the worst things you can put on your skin. Even if you don’t see visible signs of irritation, cell damage does take place. And those with sensitive skin will likely notice signs of irritation. Irritated and inflamed skin = faster aging, and a more hospitible environment for acne causing bacteria.
The only oil additive I support in this article would be tea tree oil- but used sparingly and we’ll diluted.
I encourage you to research the use of fragrant/essential oils in skin care before you continue to reccomend them.
Hi Tash,
I just stumbled across this post and I have recently been doing the OCM with a product i purchased from Living Libations that contains jojoba, coconut,tamanu, sea buckthorn, and several other oils. I have been using it about three weeks now, but have noticed that my forehead, which was perfectly smooth while I was using nasty chemical face cleansers, is now covered in little red bumps. For awhile I thought this may just be my skin purging. Do you know, if that were the case, roughly how long the purging would last or if anyone has ever reported extensive purging with the OCM? I’m not sure if I should continue with this oil combination, or try creating my own using different oils.
Hi Emma!
purging can last several months depending on how much toxins need to come out. It’s different for everyone.You could be having a reaction to one of the oils in Living Libations product you are using…I would suspect coconut as the possible culprit. Maybe trying just one oil at first will do the trick =)
Now that I’ve done a bit if research I think I may be having more of a folliculitis type reaction, rather than acne. Have you ever seen this with the OCM? I was on topical antibiotics for years before switching to the OCM so it would make sense that my good bacteria is gone and my skin could easily become infected with something like staph (yikes!) when I stopped using it. Do you know if the OCM can still be used for people with folliculitis? And if so if there are any beneficial oils to add to a mixture to get rid of the nasty bacteria
I have rosacea. I can not use anything in my face that does not burn / sting. I have used avon, mary kay, arbonne and now Nerium ad. Nothing has worked in ten years. I watch my food but I know something has to work. Any suggestions.
Start with your diet. Eliminate wheat and sugar. Cleared up my rosacea in 30 days. Hemp oil at night and honey in am keeps my face clear and if I get a a zit starting a bit of honey at night on it clears it right up.
I use this method for a considerable time now and also if I drift away, I always come back to it, because it is the best for my skin. I came upon your article via Pinterest and just wanted to add, that the castor oil is used, because it is the most cleansing and “drawing” oil there is. You’re right about the drying out, but to make the OCM the most effective, it should have some castor oil in it. 😉
Thank you for your great text!
Regards, Lotte
I had no idea you could use oil like this for your skin. I will give it a try, it sounds great! Thanks for the info! xoxo
militaryandmakeup.blogspot.com
Does this method help with acne scars also?
Hi Denise!
this method will help with newer acne scars, especially scars that are still healing. Older scars on the other hand will take much more time to smooth out. I’ve had good results with weekly exfoliation and rosehip oil. I also have an article about how to get rid of scars here: https://holistichealthherbalist.com/3-simple-remedies-scars/
Hope this helps! =)
After reading this yesterday I had to run right out and purchase some oils. I ended up with a blend of grapeseed, castor & sweet almond. After trying it last night I am already amazed with the results. I usually have to clean my face halfway through the day because of crazy oil production, but today my face still looks balanced & it’s nearly dinner time! I did have a few questions regarding the OCM; should I still be following up with a toner and moisturizer at night? Last night I did have some dry skin around my mouth & chin after trying the method. Also, is it best to just rinse my skin with water in the morning, or should I be using something like raw honey?
Hi Sara!
I’m so happy to hear that the OCM is working out for you! Isn’t it awesome?
As far as toner and moisturizer, if your skin is fine without it, you don’t need it, but if your skin is still blotchy and/or dry then I would use rose water as a toner and a nice serum for moisture (like rosehip oil). You may have to experiment to find the right balance, but once you do you’ll be on your way to well hydrated clear skin!
After reading this yesterday, I had to run right out to the local farmers market and buy some oil. I am 20 years old and have had the same situation as many; nearly perfect skin throughout my teenage years, then the struggle of acne came with college. After moving from Michigan to Arizona, the oil production on my face is practically uncontrollable. Yesterday I made a mixture of almond oil, castor oil & grapeseed oil. After waking up this morning and noticing that a few of my blemishes have already decreased in size, I am convinced the OCM is a miracle worker! I did have a few questions; I did have to follow up with a moisturizer because the skin around my mouth became dry. Should I still be using toner as well? Also, is raw honey a good cleanser to be following up with in the morning, or should I just be using water? Thanks for all your insight- it’s truly life changing!
Raw honey is wonderful for cleansing!! I use it everyday!
Also I really recommend rose water as a toner because it will balance the PH of your skin. Try it and see for yourself! =)
Do you wash your face with the makeup still on or should the makeup be removed before the cleanse?
I have been able to use this method with and without makeup on with great results!
Just started using OCM recently. This is my second week in and my face is breaking out more than normal, so I wanted to check out a few websites to make sure I was doing it right. I’m still sticking with it so we will see! So far though I love the way it makes your face feel! I even got my boyfriend hooked! P.S Love your website, definitely bookmarking it!
Aw thanks Liz!
I really hope that the OCM works out for you! Keep me posted =)
(Continued) had never gotten in certain places before, like my eyebrows, nose, and on the side of my nose. I followed up my routine with a oil-free proactiv moisturizer just for the extra moisture. When I was using this my skin was completely soft and actually felt like skin! Haha, but the worse breakouts never stopped. Just a few weeks ago I stopped using the OCM and went back to proactiv. My breakouts are still the same, I still have acne on my hairline, some of the little pimples in weird places are gone but my skin is completely dry, flakey, and makeup just looks horrible. Im debating going to a dermatologist or trying a new combination of oil for the OCM. I know some of my acne is hormonal because i get it on my back and chest too but i only have a few pimples and it has improved over the years so i am assuming this has to do with my skincare. I am so sorry for the long post but I didn’t want to leave anything out. What would you recommend?
Hi Whitney!
I would definitely consider switching to a different oil for starters (coconut oil is not the best oil for everyone). the absolute best oil to use is hemp seed oil because it will NOT clog your pores at all. It may be more expensive, but believe me, it’s worth it! You should see a difference in 2-3 weeks, perhaps even sooner.
I agree that your acne is caused by hormonal imbalances. The best thing to do right now is to make sure your diet is as clean as possible (no processed or super sugary foods and decreased dairy intake) as well as stress control, good sleep habits, and optimal digestion (this is KEY!).
Are any of these things giving you issues at all?
<3 Tash
yep hemp oil rocks! then raw honey in the am, keeps my face clear.
Hey Tash,
So I have been struggling with acne since I became a teenager. I’m 17 now and have tried everything from a dermatologist to proactiv to any drugstore product that looks promising. In middle school and my early years in high school I had a few pimples and a lot of black heads but never enough to look bad, especially with a little bit of concealer on. Last year i started getting really big pimples in a big cluster around my forehead or jawline every one-two months (usually around my period) which is pretty normal, and then my skin would return to the 3-4 pimples. Around thanksgiving break of this last year my face started breaking out a little more than usual. I would get 7-8 medium/large pimples and I got two deep acne cysts (I still have them today). I have never experienced anything like this. Since then, I haven’t got anymore cysts but my breakouts are horrible, and I don’t consider them breakouts anymore just my regular skin! My skin usually gets worse around the winter time (last summer I wore no makeup) but it has never ever been this bad. I used to only get breakouts around my jawline and the sides of my forehead but now i have acne all over my forehead, jawline, lower cheeks, and all over my hairline (I seem to never get acne on my cheekbones or between my eyebrows). After thanksgiving when it started betting bad i decided to stop using proactiv and try the OCM. I used just straight coconut oil and washed it off after i used a warm cloth to absorb it into my face. My skin felt amazing but the acne just got worse. I would still get the regular amount of breakout i was having before plus a bunch of little clogged pores and pimples I
My sister is an esthetician and works at TSecret in Orlando where they specialize in acne. Their formula is based on the oil cleansing method and manuka honey. She told me that jojoba oil is most similar to the skin’s natural oils in its molecule size which would explain why it works so well for many people. They do extensive extractions for clients and advise to use the natural oil cleansing method along with avoiding foods that cause inflammation if you have acne. Their website explains their methods more fully. I think that what you’ve described in this article probably works as well as what they recommend at the salon!
Dear Tash,
Great Advice here! I have been experimenting with oils and oil cleansing in the last weeks because I seem to have a slightly reactive face…Occasionally, I will just get a red rash on my cheek and my whole right side of my face will just completely dry out…I have never had bad acne…probably more just dry skin (I live in Arizona) so in the past I have doused my face with moisturizers and what not. I tried the coconut oil for the last week or so and I had huge breakouts all over my face…and in the morning my face is still dry. The problem is, it becomes so dry and itchy, I will scratch while I sleep. It has become so bad that I have formed an acne scar in the area…but I have never truly had bad acne!
I have started utilizing the OCM with avocado oil and some lavender tonight…My face feels pretty dry…what should I do in the morning though? Or do you recommend just doing this before bed and not washing in morning? I’m still very new to this…I was always told to wash my face in the morning and at night so maybe I just don’t do anything. Also-after the OCM, do you add oil to moisturize your face, or just let it air dry and that’s that? Thank you so much for this blog-it’s very helpful…I have been using burt’s bee’s stuff for the last year (sensitive skin formula) and I just wanted to try something else. This seems really cool!
Sincerely,
Sunny
Hi Sunny!
The OCM is really awesome but may take some time for your skin to adjust. The oils that have worked best for me are jojoba oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, and hemp seed oil. They never break me out (especially the hemp seed oil) and keep my skin feeling really hydrated. I find that the oils work best when used in the shower since your skin will soften and open up with hot water. Be careful though! Hot showers may be making your issue worse because hot water dehydrates skin that tends to be dry. However, using oil in the shower should allow you to avoid this issue.
Avocado oil is one of the more moisturizing oils. Since your skin still feels a little dry, try adding a drop or two to your skin after you have “cleansed” with the oil. It should re-hydrate your skin. I find that oils work better if your skin is still damp when applying them after cleansing.
Keep in mind that it may take time to find the right oil for your skin type. Don’t give up! =)
In the morning I usually rinse my face with warm water, “wash” with a small amount of oil, wipe it off with a warm damp cloth, and then while my skin is still damp I will add just a few drops of oil to my face for moisture.
Pretty soon your skin will right itself!
I’m happy you enjoy my blog =) Thank you!
xoxo Tash
I have yet to try the OCM. I have on hand Jojoba oil, Grape seed oil, lavender essential oil, tea tree oil and peppermint essential oil.
Would any of this make a good combination for the OCM? I have oily/acne prone skin.
Hi Sierra,
Jojoba oil has always worked well for me as a moisturizer after oil cleansing (it’s a bit too expensive for me to use as a cleanser). Since you have oily skin, grape seed oil would be ideal because it’s very light. I would definitely give it a try with a few drops of the lavender essential oil.
Lots of love,
Tash
Thanks! Im going to start trying this tonight!
HI,
I recently made a mix of castor oil and extra virgin olive oil in equal proportions. Used it 2/3 times. But it has made my skin extremely dry.
You have mentioned in the “Cons” that skin can become dry initially.
So do you think i should continue with the routine? or make some changes?
I have a normal skin.
Hi Pallavi!
If the castor oil is drying you skin a bit too much, you can lessen the ration and see if that helps. Sometimes it’s just a transitional period that you have to go through, but if the castor oil is making things uncomfortable or making acne worse, I suggest using less =)
Hope this helps!
Much love,
Tash
Thanks. I’ll add some more olive oil and continue to use.
Hi Tash!
Thanks for all of your wonderful blogs. I am really interested in the OCM and I am going to try it. I have been using Argan oil as a moisturizer and that alone has helped a lot with my acne. I’m excited to see these new results!
I do have a question… my skin is really oily on my forehead, nose, chin, but can get REALLY dry on my cheeks. I have sensitive skin and lots of blackheads on my nose. I have acne but it has gotten a lot better lately and I’m down to just the blackheads and occasional pimple near my period. I am worried about using castor oil because I think it make dry out my skin too much. I think I am going to go for jojoba oil and perhaps sunflower/safflower oil? Do you have any recommendations? Thanks so much!
Hi Mel!
I find castor oil to be too drying for my skin. I tend to be dry on my cheeks too and oily in my t-zone so jojoba or rosehip seed oil works great for me =) Jojoba oil will actually dissolve blackheads in just a few weeks, so you might want to try that where you have them most and try the sunflower/safflower oil on the dry areas. Keep in mind that the OCM can take some time to really show a difference, so don’t give up!
I’m really happy to hear that you like my blog, it means a lot =)
Lots of love,
Tash
I’ve been doing oil cleansing for just over 3 weeks now. Prior to that I totally neglected my skin and never even used to wash my makeup off at bedtime – it’s gross I know! I’ve suffered from really bad acne all my life and I’m 32 now and still having major issues so I thought I had nothing to lose by trying it. I have severe acne scarring all over my jawline and neck and since doing OCM it has only got worse. I’m hoping it’s just my skin adjusting. I use castor, olive and grapeseed, plus I moisturise with grapeseed, argan oil and lavender oil. Should I be using other oils maybe? My skin is very oily. I don’t want to give up as my skin feels amazing, but the big red spots are still coming all over my neck. Sorry to harp on, cheers for reading!
Hi Debbie!
The acne that you’re getting today actually started forming several weeks ago, so it’s expected to keep having breakouts even 3 months after switching skin care. I’m wondering though about the castor oil. I’ve always found it to be pretty harsh on my skin and a bit too drying. Are you experiencing any of this at all? If so, I would probably try using less or none at all and try using a different oil instead. Maybe just almond, olive, or grape seed oil by themselves?
I personally use olive oil atm and have had good results with it. For a moisturizer I just use argan or rose hip oil and they both work great! I also have very oily skin, though it has gotten much better since using the OCM.
I wish you luck!
Also, I’m wondering if there is anything that constantly touches your neck like jewelry, a lanyard, clothing, cell phone…etc that might be aggravating the issue?
Love,
Tash
Tash – your prompt replies are both impressive and appreciated. Re the castor oil, I haven’t found it to be drying at all. I use about a 10% ratio and the rest is olive and grapeseed. I assumed the castor part was kinda vital in treating acne? I do wear a lanyard for work but my neck acne doesn’t come down that low. I also suffer from back acne and have recently started washing my hair separate to when I bath or shower to see if that helps any. It’s started creeping onto my shoulders and arms too. I have very oily hair so don’t know if that’s a factor? I’ve been reading a lot about Apple cider vinegar and honey (not together) do you think they may help in some way with my shoulders and back? I will literally try anything!
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. X
If your hair is oily it can definitely contribute to breakouts if it lays on the face, neck, shoulders, or arms. So I would try pulling it up especially during the summer. Other factors can include what type of shampoo, conditioner, or lotions you might be using too. When I was using Tresseme hair products, I started breaking out on my back and chest out of nowhere! Once I switched to a more natural shampoo it cleared up in just a few weeks.
Sometimes acne can show up in those places too if you scrub too hard, use an overly fragrant soap, or even your laundry detergent.
Apple cider vinegar is a great toner to use for acne. I would dilute 1 TB ACV in 3 TB water. You can adjust it to your needs =)
Honey is also great especially if you use manuka honey!
xox
Hi Tash.
Just wanted to give you a bit of an update really. I read somewhere last week that olive oil can sometimes have an adverse effect when oil cleansing, so i took it out of my mix 3 days ago and made a fresh batch with grapeseed, castor, argan and tamanu oil and the difference in my skin is unbelieveable. At the same time I also started sleepign mwith my hair tied up so that may have contributed. I took a pic of my skin before, then 3 days later, and i can’t believe the difference. If i could post the pics i would!! I also used manuka honey for the first time this morning so hopefully that will also umprove it. Can i apply the honey to my blemishes/spots every day or is that overkill?? Don’t want to do too much all at once, but long may this improvement continue.
Thanks,
Debs.
Awesome Debbie! That’s great to hear! I love argan and Tamanu oils, their so healing and supportive.
Manuka Honey can definitely be applied daily! As a matter of fact, I apply it daily even when I don’t have any blemishes because it makes my skin so supple and nourished!
I’m so happy to hear that your skin is improving!
xox
-Tash
Hi,
Do you think an oil cleanser like from Shiseido would work as a substitute? I massage it in and take it off using a hot muslin cloth and it emulsifies with water so all traces of oil is gone. Do you think this is enough or does using OCM have any extra advantages?
Hi Emjay!
From what I could find out about Shiseido’s ingredients in their oil cleanser, it seems to contain mineral oil. From my personal experience, mineral oil caused me to have breakouts after using products that contained it(not to say that this happens to everyone!). Mineral oil is also a bi-product of petroleum…not so great or natural for the skin, so if you would rather use something more natural, then the OCM is definitely up for consideration.
The advantages of using the oil cleansing method are that it’s natural, chemical free, gentle, cheap, and largely effective for most people. HOWEVER, if the shiseido cleanser is working out for you, then by all means, keep using it. But if you’re looking for something a bit more natural that is just as effective, I recommend giving the OCM a go and see how it works out for you =)
Much Love!
Ah got you, thanks!
You’re welcome! =)
I’ve been using the OCM for the past month or so and I do like it. My skin is very dry in the winter and it helped with that. I have been using an equal parts blend of castor oil, apricot kernel oil and avocado oil. Do you have any advice for using an oil that will help with blackheads? My skin is dry and sensitive with blackheads. I don’t really have much acne otherwise and I feel like the OCM might actually be making my blackheads worse.
Hi there Erika,
When I used castor oil I found that my skin would get a bit dry and make my blackheads worse so I lowered the amount of castor oil. It seemed to help a lot! I actually don’t use castor oil at all now and only use jojoba oil (this oil will not cause blackheads) or almond oil when I’ve run out. I find that I usually only get blackheads on my nose every once in a while which are easily remedied by using either rassoul clay (red clay) or by using an exfoliating cloth.
Some oils, when they are not the right ones for your skin, can create dry skin cells that might clog pores. If this is the case for you, try oils that are gentler and lighter like jojoba oil. Jojoba oil may be a bit more expensive, but you really only need a few drops on damp skin. My little bottle lasts way longer than regular cleansers ever did.
Hope this helps! =)
Love,
Tash