The skincare market is saturated with many different types of cleansers - foam, milk, balm, cream, scrub and and its so easy to feel overwhelmed. We've been there, tried them all, and in doing so there is one that we keep returning to time and time again. The humble oil cleanser.
I know what you may be thinking... "woah, hold on, you're telling me to cleanse with oil? Won't that make me break out? Will I still feel clean? What are the benefits for my skin?"
If you've asked yourselves these questions, then you've come to the right place for answers, let us explain.
Let's start by introducing a key structure of your skin, the acid mantle:
The acid mantle is a film on the skin surface made up of a layer of lipids and amino acids, produced naturally from your oil glands and sweat. This layer protects skin from the bad stuff (pollutants and bacteria) and it also seals all of the good stuff in (moisture). It maintains a PH of 4.4-6, which is slightly acidic.
The acid mantle is can easily be damaged via harsh scrubbing (physical exfoliants) and the use of alkaline face wash (foams and soaps). That tightness you might feel after washing? That's your acid mantle being compromised.
When damaged, you may notice the following:
- Redness.
- Flakiness.
- Peeling.
- Dryness / Dehydration / Tightness.
- Sensitivity or Irritation / Rashes.
Cleansing with oil keeps the acid mantle in check. It seals it with a protective lipid layer to maintain the balance of PH.
A healthy mantle means healthy skin, and prevention of skin issues occurring before they can take hold.
And, its a really really good clean.
In chemistry, oil dissolves oil. Or even more simply “like dissolves like”. The best way to nurture your skin’s natural oils is to use other oils that are similar in composition to cleanse it.
An oil cleanser will easily dissolve all traces of makeup (mascara included), draw out blackheads, whiteheads and balance dry, oily and sensitive skin. It also leaves behind a layer of fresh lipids which often include vitamins and antioxidants and seal in moisture. It's even possible to oil cleanse and not feel the need to apply a moisturiser afterwards (though we recommend including your skincare actives at this point for an added boost) - how great is that?
Lastly, a good oil cleanser is more than just oil.
You might also notice surfactants and emulsifiers as part of the ingredient list of any good oil cleanser. The emulsifier enables the surfactant to blend seamlessly with the oil. Surfactants are attracted to water, so combined, they allow the oil-loving end to pick up the oil left on your skin (along with any dirt from the day) and the other end is attracted to water, so it washes away and pulls the old oil with it.
Want to try it for yourself? We've formulated the perfect solution with the 'No Dirt' Balancing Oil Cleanser. Launching soon! Get ready for hydrated, problem-free skin.
Questions, comments or want to add your own experiences with oil cleansing? Comment below.