A few months ago, I started having problems with my skin. Everything from dry patches to breakouts, which truthfully were uncommon for me. Even after cleaning up my diet my skin seemed to be inconsistent and annoying.
With each breakout, I washed my face more than twice a day, tried charcoal masks, ice for inflammation, and even toothpaste for zits, but just ended up putting on more concealer and foundation to cover my bumps and blemishes.
What I didn’t realize was that all of these products were only adding more damage and disruption to my skin. I learned that over-cleansing actually causes your skin to produce more oil and leads to breakouts, and depending on your skin, you can even develop dry spots and inconsistency in appearance.
All this being said, I was tired of my old skin care cleansing routine because it wasn’t working. I had heard good things about Primally Pure’s Oil Cleanser and wanted try something new and different, so I gave it a shot.
Admittedly, I was hesitant to try oil cleansing, because the idea of adding more oil to my already oily face seemed counterproductive, but it’s been such a proven game changer in my skin care routine. I’ve had less breakouts, clearer, more hydrated skin and an overall glow.
Plus, I LOVE the fact that I no longer have to use makeup remover or makeup removing wipes because the oil cleansing method takes it all off!
What is oil cleansing + why it works
Oil cleansing is a skin care and face cleansing method where you massage healthy oils into your skin to trap other excess oils, dirt and makeup. The theory is that oil traps and dissolves oil, and dissolves dirt and bacteria naturally with oils that heal and balance your skin.
I love the Primally Pure oil cleansing because it’s a special blend of oils known to detoxify the skin and dissolve dirt. My skin feels incredibly soft and supple with each use.
How to oil cleanse
Step 1: Add a quarter sized dollop of oil to the palm of your hand. Add oil to face and massage all over, even over your eyes if you’re wearing eye-makeup. Work and massage the oil in with your fingertips for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Place a soft, warm washcloth over your face and allow it to steam over your face for a minute until the towel begins to cool.
Step 3: Wipe makeup and dirt away with your washcloth, then pat dry and finish with your normal skin care routine. Be sure not to wipe too hard otherwise you can irritate your skin with a washcloth. You’ll truly be amazed by how much dirt and makeup will come off!
Watch how to use the oil cleansing method here:
How often should you oil cleanse?
I recommend oil cleansing no more than 1x per day. Usually I do it prior to bed, as there is no need to wash your face in the morning if you cleaned it the night before. Just simply rinse your face with cold water in the morning!
If you are prone to breakouts or acne, you may want to cleanse twice. First, use the oil cleansing method and then follow with a simple skin care cleanser such as Drunk Elephant’s Beste Jelly cleanser.
How to choose an oil cleanser
I’ve only tried Primally Pure’s oil cleanser for normal skin, so I can only really speak to what I know and love. I do want to mention that they also have an oil cleanser for dry skin and oily skin.
If you’ve ever tried an oil cleanser before that you like and recommend, leave a comment below! Use the code ‘AMBITIOUS’ on the Primally Pure website for 10% off your first order. And don’t forget to grab their natural deodorant while you’re there, it’s my favorite!
33 comments
I started oil cleansing this winter and love the Biossance cleansing oil: https://biossance.com/products/squalane-antioxidant-cleansing-oil
I love all their products and my skin has never looked better! I’m excited to try the one you just recommended!
Love it! It’s great for getting that extra hydration in the winter. Let me know how you like Primally Pure too 🙂
I’ve been using an oil cleanser for years as part of a double cleansing method and love it! Really helps to get makeup off. On the days I don’t wear makeup then I just use the oil cleanser by alone. I use the brand DHC and have been happy with it.
Perfect! Isn’t it amazing for getting makeup off? So much better than those alcohol wipes. Glad you found a brand that works well for you!
I’ve been doing this for years using olive oil!
Amazing! I’ve heard about people using olive oil and other oil blends. Such a great method!
I have been oil cleansing for about 5 years now with organic olive oil and it’s completely changed my skin. I swear by oil cleansing
I love it! So great to hear you use olive oil and it works for you. Usually it’s a blend of oils but everyone’s skin is different!
This is the only thing that keeps my skin under control. But it takes getting the right oil. Don’t cheap out like I did once 🙈 Neutrogena cleansing oil is mineral oil. It is so bad. I personally love Shu Uemura. I like the pink one (Porefinest), but have tried samples of the others and think they’re all pretty great.
Thanks for sharing, Tricia! Glad to know you found something that works well. I totally agree on Neutrogena.
Thanks for the video Monique. Do you have to wash your wash cloth between each use? Thanks
I would! Or you can use a large wash cloth/towel and alternate where you wiped off your makeup!
Ive used Austin St. Skincare for a few years and I loooove it!
Great! Glad you have a favorite that you love 🙂
hi hi,
because of this article i am officially changing over ASAP. thanks, Monique!
question though, often i go for a run or gym class at lunch – should i oil cleanse after that or just rinse my face and wait until night? this is a question that is always lurking – even with my current routine! thanks! Hope
I think it really depends on your skin. You might want to use a simple cleanser after your run, and then at night oil cleanse. Let me know what you think! 🙂
Your skin looks absolutely magnificent. Such a glowing beauty! I read other articles about oil cleansing and how many other women needed different types of cleansing oils and combinations to see what fit for them, but it’s amazing how they all found a recipe that worked! I’d love to try this skincare routine for myself and experiment with all the oils 😀
Thanks Cassie! Absolutely – everyone’s skin is different 🙂 Let me know if you give this method a try!
I do exactly what you do but with coconut oil. I use a fresh wash cloth each time. I only do it when I makeup. Otherwise, i use a fresh cotton cloth (cut from old cotton undershirts) and splash with warm watear and gently massage for a minute or so. In both cases I follow that by moisturizing with lately argan oil or a combo of almond and rose hip oil, sometimes avocado oil or olive oil. Never coconut oil because that caused me a rash once so I only use it for washing.. I do that morning & night, the water rinse and moisturizer.
Hi Marge201 – I really enjoyed your words. I have never used oil for cleansing, but with a continuously dry face, every morning, I expect it will be a huge help. I wear a sleep apnea mask which has air blowing at my all night long, so I blamed that. However, improving my moisture levels with oil sounds like a really good plan; both for cleansing as well as moisturizing. Thanks for your comments. I also like the idea of using old cotton. Joan
Perfect! Such a great way to cleanse and get rid of makeup. Love rosehip oil, too.
I just started doing this with Cocokind products and have been loving it so far! Thanks for sharing!
Perfect! Love Cocokind.
For about 10 years, I’ve been using DHC Skin Care’s Deep Cleansing Oil and love it. Highly recommend it.
https://www.dhccare.com/deep-cleansing-oilr.html
So great to hear you found a cleansing oil you love, too!
Hello Monique do you send shipments to Australia?
Thank you
Marie
Hi Marie! I don’t sell/ship products – just recommending some of my favorites 🙂 You’ll have to check with the brand to see their shipping policies!
I like that you said that you should apply it before bed. That way you could get it to work overnight and on have to worry about having an oily face. I’ll have to make sure that I do that if I decide to try facial cleansing oil.
Absolutely! Let me know if you give this method a try 🙂