The last couple of weeks I’ve explained what the oil cleansing method is, what all the rave is about and how to do it.
Today, I share why you should NOT try oil cleansing. So let’s jump right in.
In the last post, How They Do Oil Cleansing, I shared some instructions I found over on Acne.org. Obviously, this was written by someone who is Pro-Oil Cleansing.
Check out the reasons for why you shouldn’t bother with oil cleansing:
- While there are some who swear by the oil cleansing method, there are just as many who started this skin care method and figured out after long that it caused their skin to be worst than when started. Whiteheads were the result for many and some ladies found that they had more acne breakouts than what they started with.
- While some have found some success with the oil cleansing method, it took trial after trial to find the “right” (and it’s still trial and error) combination and types of oil. Why go through all of this when there are plenty of all natural or mostly natural oily skin products that WORK well at absorbing the excess oils that cause acne?
- If you don’t do the oil cleansing method correctly (and remember it’s trial and error), you can cause a case of adult acne to develop – especially if you have sensitive skin
- Notice in the last post, it talks about using a washcloth on your face. WHAT? Washcloths carry so many germs. You should never use washcloths on your face. AND your face should be allowed to air dry after cleansing.
- While natural oils are used to “absorb” excess oils, what about cleansing dirt and debris from your skin? You can’t possibly clean your skin with oil. You need to WASH it with a cleanser for your skin type.
- This method is very time consuming and not guaranteed.
- Lastly, many estheticians don’t recommend this method for good reason. The constituency of natural oils is very thick and CAN clog pores causing milia (small, kind of hard and white pimples). Natural oils in skin care products have been emulsified to make them a lighter texture for all skin types.
Now of course you are free to do WHATEVER you like but hopefully you will see why you should not choose to try or continue using the oil cleansing method.
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that method was hell for my skin! breakout city baby
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You are so my social proof! I have read on different forums people who have had some success with it but had to try so many different oils and ways. It’s too much and it’s not for everyone.
I started oil cleansing earlier this year and stopped around the end of June. You’re right; it’s not for everyone and it’s a lot of trial and error to work out which percentages of the different oils you should use. I was getting breakouts but didn’t associate them with oil cleansing until I read your post. It makes sense because now my skin is much better. Thanks for posting!
you’re welcome! Truly, a lot to do with skin care, hair and personal care in general has to do with what your body prefers. For example, for some, parabens (yuck) cause no issues. For others, major sensitivity. I feel it’s best to try and keep it as natural as possible when possible. My hair loves oils. My skin doesn’t go figure
I’ve heard so many people talk about this method but I never tried it. In fact, I’m glad I didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I use oils for my hair, but for my skin, no thanks.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey Dre, it just seems so counterintuitive if you have oily skin already.
Girl, I’ve been meaning to do a post on this FOREVER! I tried using the OC method in Fall/Winter 2010. I hadn’t had break-outs in years (I used Rx topical cleanser [Clenia] and spot treatment [Duac] with great success). But, I decided I wanted to go natural and was inspired by how beautiful Mop Top Maven’s skin was. Girl, I started breaking out so badly and still have the scars to show for it. It took months for my Rx cleanser/gel to fix the damage … my skin didn’t respond quickly to my change back to my normal regimen. Oh well, you live and you learn. I did a little research and did find two little homemade treatments that seemed to help tame the break-outs and fade the scars … crushed and dissolved (in water) aspirin in honey and honey and lemon. I used raw honey and would usually just use the lemon and honey combo for fading makings. I’d apply lemon first, then honey. It really seemed to help and I stopped after a while. But, I still have a couple residual scars, so I’ve been meaning to start doing it again in the mornings. I usually leave it on for 15-30 minutes and then just wash when I wash my face.
Shelli
And some women swear by the oil cleansing method. It’s definitely not for everyone. I don’t think it’s for most people. There are too many unknown factors.
As for the aspirin, the reason it works is because aspirin has salicylic acid in it, a common ingredient found in many acne products
The honey is great and you probably saw such success because you used raw honey which is pure and absorbs bacteria. I’ve read a lot about the use of Organic Manukah honey but I’ve found regular organic honey works just fine.
You, scars? Where girl I didn’t notice any!
I’ve actually had great success with the oil cleansing method. I’m 20 years old and have severe, cystic-acne prone, sensitive skin and this is the only cleanser that truly cleans my face (dirt & debris included) and cleared my acne. When I apply witch hazel with a cotton pad after cleansing w/ the OCM, NOTHING is on the pad because it truly cleanses my face. When I use a bubbly, lathering cleanser, I have to use 2-3 cotton pads to get my face as clean as I can. My point is EVERYTHING is trial & error, so don’t knock it before you try it because you could be missing out on the one thing that could help your skin.
you’re certainly entitled to your opinion and that’s great that it’s working for you. However, I’m 23 years your senior so please allow me to chime in with a few added words of wisdom:
1) I knock nothing before trying it. Hence, been there done that. Not many skin remedies I haven’t tried. Even the beloved Proactiv which many women swear by, does not work for everyone.
2) The results with the oil cleansing method are very unpredictable. As I mentioned, there are too many variables. Some people have success with it at the beginning and then it changes. For others, it’s never been helpful.
3) Also, it’s very important to understand that as you age, your skin changes. What works today may not work tomorrow.
Yes, there are many methods of skin care on the market. Some are trial and error but I’d never say EVERYTHING or ALL with respect to anything or anybody. That’s like saying the oil cleansing method works for everyone and we know that’s not true.
This post was written from my point of view based on my experience and the experience of others that I know.
1) In the intro you stated, “Today, I share why you should NOT try oil cleansing.” So, this article is addressing people who have yet to try the OCM. I was simply trying to help people who have not tried OCM to understand that many have had success with it and it could help them as well.
2) The results of every product on the market are unpredictable. When we purchase things we’ve never tried before we don’t know if it’s going to work until we get home and actually try it. “…there are too many variables. Some people have success with it at the beginning and then it changes. For others, it’s never been helpful.” That goes for any product because variables such as each individuals diet, exercise routine (or lack of), geographical location, natural body pH, etc. contribute to whether or not certain products work with or against them.
3) I know too well about this one, but I’m going to use whatever’s working for me now, which I think everyone should.
Being someone who has suffered (emotionally & physically) from acne for a long time, I would never give reasons as to why someone else should or should not try something just because it didn’t work for me or my loved ones. It all depends on the variables I mentioned above. When my acne was active (pre-OCM) I was desperate and had tried many things that just didn’t work for me. So, the trial & error of OCM didn’t bother me and it paid off. And I’m sure that you use & love products (makeup, skincare, etc.) that have not worked the best for others. So, the point of my first comment was not to attack your article, but to share my experience & let your readers (who haven’t tried the OCM) see that they shouldn’t overlook it just because their favorite blogger had an unfavorable experience and produced reasons why others shouldn’t try it.
There’s a HUGE difference in someone using a product that may not work for them (trial and error) vs. using a product that could potentially make their condition worst which is what MANY people have experienced.
Just because this worked for your skin doesn’t mean it will work for the masses.
This article is only one in a series so I’m not telling people what to do. I provide both sides of the story. I guess you didn’t read the other posts
In this post. I provided 7 solid reasons why I think a person should not bother with this method.
If its working for you then that’s fine. Do you. Like I said, some people say it works for them and some say it doesn’t.
I ended the post with “Now of course you are free to do WHATEVER you like…” for a reason.
It’s a choice. If a person chooses to do it, that’s up to them. Had I taken the stance of “7 reasons you SHOULD try oil cleansing” I’d get someone out of the woodwork telling me that I shouldn’t be telling people to do something that messes up their skin. That’s based on their experience just like your response is based on yours.
This blog is written from that point of view taking into consideration a wide variety of experiences. I wrote from my stance which includes not only my opinion but also information received from several skin professionals including dermatologists and estheticians. That’s far beyond “my loved ones” as you stated.
I guess we will have to agree to disagree! Thanks for the lengthy discussion.
Like I said before, my 1st comment was to just share my background & experience (like the previous commenters), not to promote the OCM because I know it will not work for all the masses. It was also geared to your audience to let them know that it’s best to try things before making up their minds about them. It wasn’t to offend or attack your work. It seems like opposing experiences and opinions aren’t welcome on this blog.
Come on Chantel. I’m not up for a virtual argument so you can stop trying to push whatever buttons to invoke a response.
Plenty of people voice their opinions here and share their experiences. It’s how you went about doing it – making assumptions (ex: “don’t knock it before you try it”) and the constant need to justify your every statement as if you paid to be here.
I even said let’s agree to disagree yet you persisted. You had to prove your point and persist. For what? I’ve done my research and stand behind my statements.
If you don’t approve of what you read. That’s fine. I don’t expect everyone to agree but I do expect not to be challenged again and again on the blog that I pay my money,spend my time and devote my resources to running.
If you are this strong on this subject any for that matter, may I suggest you write it up on your own blog then you can vent as much as you like.
On that note, I’m ceasing to respond from this point because arguing back and forth about a topic that we are both obviously passionate about is simply useless.