The Oil Cleansing Method
"Cleansing your skin with oil?" "How can that be right?" "Won't it clog my pores and make me breakout?"
Are those the questions running through your mind right now? If so, you're not alone. Even as an esthetician, I was skeptical (OK, I was actually a little freaked out) when I was first introduced to this method of cleansing my face. Since I have very oily skin, I couldn't imagine using an oil to cleanse it! But, let's take a look at the facts and you'll get a better understanding as to why this method is one of the best ways to a healthier-looking complexion, bar none.
First, let's dispel the myth that oil itself causes acne. This is so far removed from the truth. The cause of acne has a multitude of factors including: genetics, hormones, hyperkeratinization, propensity of the pore(s) to become clogged, ingredients in cosmetics, bacterial growth, etc. The oil your skin produces, known as sebum, is there to protect and lubricate delicate facial tissue. It's only when the oil begins to become trapped underneath the skin, that bacteria will begin to feed off of the fatty acids in the oil and multiply at a rapid growth rate.
The sebum gets trapped in the pore because of a process called hyperkeratinization. This is when the skin cells turn over rapidly but are not being sloughed away quick enough from the surface of the skin. The keratinized cells build up layer after layer, the sebum helps to compact them even more, bacteria feed off of this and multiply rapidly and before you know it, you've got a problem rearing its ugly head right on your face. So, now you know that oil, by itself, does not cause acne.
Oil will actually dissolve oil, whereas water cannot unless combined with an emulsifying agent as in typical, over-the-counter cleansers. One of the basic principles of chemistry is that "like dissolves like" unless you are using a harsh solvent. The best way to dissolve a non-polar solvent like sebum/oil, is by using another non-polar solvent similar in composition.
By using the right oils on your skin, known as THE OIL CLEANSING METHOD (or OCM), you can help release your pores from dirt and bacteria naturally without the use of harsh chemical surfactants, such as sulphates. Using natural oils to cleanse the skin helps to heal, protect, nourish and moisturize it.
When the OCM is done properly and performed on a consistent basis, it can help to rid the skin of issues like: overly oily skin, dry/dehydrated skin, blackheads, whiteheads and other skin issues. Your skin will look and feel healthier, be more balanced and also be properly moisturized. It's a win-win situation.
The OCM may take a little while to get used to, but over time with consistent use and the results it yields, you'll wonder what you ever did without it.
Try a sample of PRIIA's Exotic Oil Cleanse today!
