It’s the time of year when we need to get ready for the winter and reevaluate our health. Do you love the idea of putting away your fall clothes to make room for something warmer? While we take care to our homes and clean them out, it is also important to care for our skin.

Let us share with you an extremely effective and low-waste method to cleanse, moisturize, and purify your skin. It is called the oil cleansing method. Oil cleansing can simplify your skin care routine and reduce waste

Let’s face it. All of us have been in that stage of trying out a million different detergents to brighten and cleanse our skin, remove excess oil, or combat acne. Detergents can clean your skin but also strip your skin of its natural oils.

This causes our skin to produce more oil than usual, which can lead to oily skin and blemishes.

The oil cleansing method is based on the notion that oil can dissolve oil. We can cleanse our skin by simply replacing the original oil (the sebum), with a pure, natural oil. The best part is that oil cleansing can be used on all skin types.

You will need a mixture of oils, a glass dropper bottle and a cotton/bamboo fibre cloth pad. It can be used to cleanse your skin before you go to bed, or to remove any make-up.

This makes it an ideal method to use if you are looking to change to a simpler, more natural, and minimally invasive skincare regimen.

How to choose the best oil for you

These are the parameters to consider when choosing the oil that is best for you skin:

• Oil quality

It is essential that you only use high-quality, cold-pressed oils. If possible, opt for unrefined oils and organics.

• Oil properties

You can oil cleanse your skin with one type of oil, but a mixture of oils can make a big difference to your skin. This is because each oil has its own unique fatty acid profile which gives it exclusive properties.

Some oils may have similar properties to others, but other oils might not have the same qualities.

• Comedogenic scale

The comedogenic scale is a tool that helps you assess your risk of getting clogged pores. It measures the likelihood of oil clogging your pores and is based on the oil’s absorption rate. This assumption alone is not enough to make a decision about which oil to use.

Oils with a higher comedogenic level (such as avocado oil) may be able to help moisturise skin.

Castor oil and other oils with low comedogenic ratings might dry out the skin. We love to mix different oils that provide the right balance for our skin.

The 4 oils strategy

The following “strategy” can be used to create an oil cleanser that is effective and balanced:

1. Cleansing oil

The base oil of your oil cleansing mixture should have antibacterial and cleansing properties. Castor oil is the star oil that has these properties most often used in oil cleansing methods. Castor oil is a powerful astringent and can be used to draw impurities from your skin that could lead to acne breakouts. Your skin type will determine how much castor oil you are allowed to use. If you have dry skin, start with 30% and work your way down.

Castor oil can dry out your skin so don’t use too much. You can use coconut oil to replace the castor oil if you have very dry or sensitive skin. Coconut oil will not solidify in cold temperatures. Fractionated coconut oil is another option, although it does not set up. However, this oil will contain different fatty acids than coconut oil.

2. The Core Oil

Select the oil that suits your skin best! This oil can be added to the castor oil base up to 50%. You can choose from hemp seed oil or grapeseed oil depending on your skin type. You can mix two oils for 25% each if you wish.

3. Luxury Oil

You can also add an oil with special properties to the 20% remaining. Although they are usually very costly, these oils can really enhance and complement your oil mix in a unique manner. Argan, jojoba and tamanu oils, sea buckthorn oil evening primrose oil and rosehip oil are all examples of “luxurious” oils. You can increase your core oil percentage by 20 percent if you prefer to use only your core oils.

4. Essential Oil

This step is optional. We recommend skipping it if your skin is very sensitive. You can include essential oils in your recipe by adjusting the oil base so that there is room for 0.5% of essential oils. Essential oils we can use for face include lavender, sandalwood and tea tree. Grapefruit, sweet orange, and neroli are our favorite citrus essential oils. Keep in mind that citrus essential oil contains photosensitizers. Wear them at night and avoid sun exposure.

Are you ready to create your oil cleanser recipe?

You now know how to select the oils and essential oils that are best for your skin. Now you can have some fun making your own oil cleanser. Below are some recipes and ratios that we recommend. You are free to change the oil ratios according to your preference.

• Combination, oily, or acne-prone skin

30% Castor oil, 50%: Grapeseed oil and hemp seed oil. 20% Luxury Oil: Tamanu, Sea Buckthorn oil, Argan oil. Optional: Up to 0.5% essential oil: lavender.

• Normal skin

20% Castor oil. 60% core oil: Sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil. 20% luxury oil: rosehip seed oil and argan oil, evening primrose oil, and jojoba. Optional: Up to 0.5% essential oil: lavender and geranium, sandalwoods, frankincesce, cedarwood.

• Sensitive/very dry skin

0%-10% Castor Oil, 80% Core Oil: Avocado oil, Olive oil, Sweet Almond oil, Ricebran oil and Sunflower oil. 20% Luxury Oil: Neem oil (jojoba), argan

How to use your oil cleanser every day

It’s easy to apply your oil blend. You only need a cotton cloth or soft bamboo fibre to apply your oil blend. You can use a reusable cotton roundel to remove makeup from delicate areas such as your eyes.

• Step 1

After washing your hands, dry them well and then add 4-5 drops to your palm.

• Step 2

Use your hands to distribute the oil and massage the oil onto the face. It will take between one and three minutes. Enjoy it, and don’t rush. To remove eye makeup, apply a few drops of oil to a cotton roundel. Use the roundel to gently scrub away any make-up. Rinse, and then repeat as necessary.

• Step 3

Warm/hot water should be used to dampen the face cloth. After a few seconds, place the towel on top of your face. You can repeat this process if needed, but make sure you also cover your neck. Before removing the cloth, massage your skin. You can still use the cloth to massage your skin if you have any oily residue.

• Step 4

Use a towel to dry your skin and feel the incredible feeling of smooth, soft skin.

This method can be used once or twice daily. Personally, we prefer a stronger cleansing oil blend at night and a moisturizing oil blend in the morning, when my skin is super dry. This method makes it less necessary to apply a cream.

Your skin will experience a transition period, just like many natural switches. There is still the possibility of some skin imperfections. You can try changing the oil you use if this doesn’t work for you.

The oil cleansing method is a great way to simplify your skin care routine. Sometimes, we don’t need so many products. But sometimes the simple things can really make a big difference.

Glass jars are available for many oils. If this is not possible you can purchase a larger bottle that will last longer. You should always read the label because some oils, such as grapeseed oil and hemp seed oil, have a shorter shelf-life.