When it comes to cleansing products, there's a lot of choice but they aren't all alike. Today we'll break down the benefits of cleansing with oil instead of soap. We're sure your grandparents swear by a bar of soap for everything because they're used to it, and they didn't have the incredible choice we do today. Their skin also didn't face all the stressors ours do like blue light, pollution, and drying air conditioning so it makes sense we need more of a helping hand.
Despite beliefs otherwise, soap is a harsh ingredient that dries out the skin. It does this by removing the natural oils your skin produces and damaging its protective barrier. This leaves your skin open to irritation and infection so your sensitivity will only worsen. As we look into our skin more with scientific studies we've found that much like our gut, we have 'good' bacteria living in the outer layers of our skin which helps keep our oils balanced and even reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Soap is a different pH to our skin, so it wreaks havoc on our natural biome and leads to more 'bad' bacteria growing. This can lead to more spots or in the case of sensitive skin, more patches of red angry irritation. As well as all this, soap production has a big impact on the environment. Ingredients like palm oil are connected to deforestation and the process releases gases that add to air pollution.
So we know why soap isn't a good cleanser, what makes oil better? It's a natural product that provides a thorough cleanse while helping your skin retain its natural moisture and keeping the protective barrier intact. Instead of trying to remove the natural oils of your skin, oil cleansers mix into them and only remove the excess. This keeps the pH of your skin optimal and the 'good' bacteria can thrive and keep your skin balanced. There are many options of oils which means blends have been created to suit skin types or achieve certain skincare goals. This leads to more success than the one-size-fits-all approach of soap. As oils are natural products, they are biodegradable so it's a much better choice for the environment.
Oil cleansing is easy as well as more effective. It's best to gently remove your make-up first so the oil can get straight through. Dry your face after this and get out a dollop of oil around the size of a cent. Massage in all over your face for a minute. Take a little water so the oil turns into a decadent lather then gently wipe away the excess with a warm cloth. You can follow up with a full skincare routine or just a spray toner or good serum. Discover our collection of cleansing oils for more options to suit your sensitive skin.
Tips on Choosing a Moisturising Oil
If your skin is sensitive, it's also likely to be crying out for some moisture so we'll now look into the best oils for cleansing dry skin. Jojoba oil is a great all-rounder because it helps balance your skin's oil production so it works for those with oily skin but is also moisturising so works for dry and sensitive skin. Another great option for sensitive skin is rosehip oil. This is moisturising and calms the skin while helping prevent sun damage and the appearance of scars. Castor oil is one to avoid with sensitive skin as it can be drying which leads to irritation. Many companies offer blends to target skin types and now you know which ingredients to look for within them. For an enhanced experience, try our restorative face oil which pairs perfectly with our cleansing oils for sensitive skin.
Can I Oil Cleanse Every day?
We can't give a definitive answer on this one as it comes down to your skin. Oil cleansing is a deeper cleanse than you may be used to so while many people find they can do it every day, it will depend on how sensitive your skin is. There will be an adjustment period as your skin gets used to the new product which can lead to spots and a bit of redness. If after a couple of weeks, you're still finding that your skin feels tight or irritated then it's likely that your skin can't cope with daily oil cleansing. If you drop down to every other day your skin is likely to feel a lot better and look radiant. You may be able to build back up to daily once your skin is getting great moisture and cleansing but if not a gentle water-based cleanser every other day will keep your skin clear and ready for the oil.
To get started with oil cleansing, check out our incredible blend here.