Oil Cleansing, Your skin’s best friend.

In my studio, I begin Every. Single. Facial with an oil cleanse. Why? Because oil cleansing is so effective at removing makeup and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated, calm and soft. If your skin is reactive, dehydrated and congested, oil cleansing may be just what your skin needs.

Although oil cleansing has become more main stream over the years, I find that many clients are still wary of the idea of cleansing their face with an oil, especially those prone to breakouts. Understandable, as many of us grew up using foaming cleansers on our face. That "squeaky clean" feeling can be addictive, but even worse, damaging to your skin.

No matter what type of cleanser you use, the goal of cleansing your skin remains the same; to remove impurities, pollution, make up, excess sebum and to create a clean slate for your skincare products. A properly formulated oil cleanser does all of that but also soothes, calms and hydrates while supporting your skins natural barrier and microbiome.

Here are 3 reasons why you should be using an oil cleanser.

1. Gentle

Oil cleansers are extremely gentle on the skin while still effectively dissolving makeup, pollution, dirt, excess sebum and dead skin cells. Traditional foaming cleansers contain foaming agents that can strip your skins protective lipid barrier which can lead to dry and sensitive skin. The skins barrier is super important to keep intact as it keeps the good stuff (think hydration) in and the bad stuff (bacteria) out.

2.Effectively removes makeup and sunscreen - even waterproof.

One of the reasons I first fell in love with oil cleansers! Nothing dissolves waterproof mascara, makeup, sunscreen and BB cream as effectively and as gently as an oil cleanser.

3. Deep cleans the skin.

Cleansing oils thoroughly clean skin of excess sebum and impurities. The oils gently dissolve impurities in the pores. A popular and simplified explanation of oil cleansing is that "like dissolves like". Oils help to dissolve excess sebum (oil) and impurities (blackheads) in the skin. The right oil cleanser will thoroughly cleanse your skin while leaving it soothed and balanced.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind when choosing an oil cleanser. The type of oil used matters a great deal, especially if you are acne prone. Look for oils high in linoleic acid such as sunflower seed oil. Cleansers that contain a surfactant to help rinse the cleanser away completely are also very important. In the treatment room and at home, I use Roccoco Botanicals Soothing Cleansing Oil. The ingredients check all of the boxes for clean, healthy, happy skin. Visit the online shop to purchase.

Pro tip: Oil cleansers should be used on dry skin. Take a minute or two to gently massage the cleanser into your skin. Rinse. If you'd like, you can follow up with a second cleanse. I like to finish with a warm, damp wash cloth. Place the wash cloth over the face for a moment and then gently wipe the face. This helps to remove any residual cleanser and feels so lovely.

Let me know if you have any questions about oil cleansing. I'd love to hear from you!

Wishing you love, peace and healthy skin,

Renée