Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

Articles
Writers

The Oil Cleansing Method

Restore your face with natural oils and stop using caustic soap

Mar 15, 2007 Victoria Anisman-Reiner

The Oil Cleansing Method or "OCM" is a natural way to create radiantly clear skin using only hot water, a washcloth, unprocessed castor oil and extra virgin olive oil.

“Oil dissolves oil” has become a mantra to fans of the oil cleansing method or “OCM.” For many people, the simplest way to clear up acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, blemishes, rashes or outbreaks on your face is simple: Stop using soap and other caustic synthetic cleansers, scrubs and moisturizers, and turn instead to the most natural, time-honored facial trick of all: cleaning your skin with oils.

Almost every facial soap sold in drug stores contains synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients, despite the number of brands that claim to be “organic” or “natural.” These soaps can be toxic to your liver and other organs with long-term use - and, even in the short term, they can do real damage to your skin.

Harsh cleansers contribute to acne and outbreaks by adding potentially dangerous chemicals to your face and by cleaning away not only dirt and bacteria, but the oils that your skin needs. When skin’s natural oils have been removed, the body’s reaction is to compensate by producing more oil - causing oily patches and outbreaks and creating a vicious cycle of purchasing yet more products that work against your body’s actual needs.

Escape the Vicious Cycle - and save money and your face by doing so

First, stop washing your face with soap. For some people, the switch to washing their face with water alone is enough to dramatically alter the appearance and health of their skin. We’ve been fed a beauty myth that we need to do dramatic upkeep on our face with expensive skin care products in order to keep skin healthy, and it simply isn’t so.

For some, washing with only water is enough. For most people, however, the effects of years of stress and exposure make a natural skin treatment like oil cleansing indispensable.

What is the Oil Cleansing Method?

All that’s required to try the oil cleansing method is the right oils, a soft washcloth, and hot running water.

  1. Mix up a blend of extra virgin olive oil and castor oil - or any other natural, unprocessed oils that you prefer - see a partial list here.
  2. Massage a small amount of the oils gently into your face. Spend a few minutes rubbing the oils into your cheeks, nose, forehead, neck, and chin, allowing the oils to penetrate into the skin and pull out wastes, bacteria, dead cells and other dirt.
  3. Wring out a facecloth or washcloth in hot water, and drape it over your face to steam - it's just like giving yourself a mini facial!
  4. After a minute or so, wipe away the oil, along with any dirt, using the washcloth. Your skin should feel clean, soft, and moist with just a little of the OCM oil remaining on your face. If skin feels dry and tight, you can moisturize it using just a touch of the olive oil/castor oil blend.

Personalizing the Oil Cleanse for your skin type

You may want to try combining olive oil and castor in a different ratio, or trying the oil cleanse with only one of the two, or different oils altogether, depending on your skin’s need. Some people substitute jojoba for olive oil, or add essential oils to the oil mixture for the aroma and their skin-healing properties.

Castor oil is known to be an excellent skin cleansing agent, but it is too drying for some skin. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and is an excellent moisturizer. Olive oil renews the skin, but it can be too fatty for oily skin types. You can experiment by altering the ratios to suit your needs, based on these properties.

How does the oil cleanse work for YOU? Tips and feedback are welcome in discussion here.

For more tips on improving the health and appearance of your skin naturally, read Beautiful Skin from the Inside Out and Beautiful Skin from the Outside In.

The copyright of the article The Oil Cleansing Method in Beauty is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish The Oil Cleansing Method in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
What do you think about this article?
NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 5+2?
Incorrect, please resolve x + y!
39 Comments

Comments

Aug 26, 2008 9:58 PM
Guest :
I can't wait to try it!
Aug 31, 2008 2:58 PM
Guest :
I have very oily skin and I break out each week. I was using proactiv. but I am concerned about the chemicals in the product. I have tried this for a week. My skin was doing ok no new breakouts, until I broke out (my period). I plan on continuing this method for about 2 more months to see if there is improvement over time.
Sep 5, 2008 10:41 PM
Guest :
I am trying it as I speak hopefully it works out for my face!
Sep 13, 2008 6:15 AM
Guest :
try using Manuka (honey balm)it is a very natural moisturizer put doze really help get ride of pimples,=)
Sep 14, 2008 6:12 AM
Guest :
I can say that I have been doing an OCM with an Origins product. I've been cleansing this way for the better part of a year. I used it during my pregnancy and you know how the hormones are raging then; well, I can say that I never broke out. My skin has stayed happy and clear in the four months after her birth. I had started with a little something the other day that seemed like it could become a zip. But it seem to pass within a 24 hr period and never become red and raised.
Sep 17, 2008 7:27 AM
Guest :
hi! i'm trying this out too, and i hope it works for me!
Oct 2, 2008 9:08 AM
Guest :
I have been using OCM for 2 to 3 weeks now and what a difference.. I no longer need to wear foundation anymore.. and my skin is glowing!
I have been using Jajoba,Grapeseed and Rose Hip oil for cleansing and at night I use Jajoba Oil as a moisturizer.. My skin is glowing! No breakouts.. nothing.. I am amazed and saved TONS of money!
Oct 15, 2008 8:40 PM
Guest :
I was very scared to try using oil on my skin! For years I have had terrible breakouts. Finally, I had enough with acne and blackhead medication. It just was not working. Fed up, I found this treatment after exhausted efforts to clear my skin. Now I do not feel self conscious! What a cure! My skin is beaming and I have a smile to match :)
Oct 30, 2008 8:38 PM
Guest :
I tried this last nite for the first time and all I can say is, "WOW". My skin has never felt so soft. As i was massaging the oils into my face, I could feel, (what i gues was), dead skin lift off. My skin tends to be dryer than not in the winter and oily/ combination in the summer. I tried roughly about a 1:1 EVOO and Castor oil with a couple drops of Rosehip oil. After my 'session', my skin wasn't tight or anything other than in a part that was already extremely dry, does this mean i've found my 'right' blend? Afterward, I put a tiny amount of EVOO and Rosehip on my face, should I have added some of the Castor oil in as well? This morning my face was a littlt dry, but not as dry as usual. Which brings me to my next question,can I put a bit of the oils on my face or will this clog my pores and cause me to breakout?!? Well, i'm getting ready to do my second cleanse-- wish me luck.
Nov 25, 2008 3:50 PM
Guest :
This sounds great! I like the idea of not having to use harsh cleansers and toners. I'm trying this tomorrow, hope it works!
Dec 1, 2008 8:04 AM
Guest :
Tried it last night--I have oily acned skin, lots of deep blackheads and whiteheads all over my face. Yes, the OCM did remove a lot of the superficial hardened oil plugs, and no, it did not eliminate the deep waxy ones. My skin is dry and taut this morning, likely because of the steam from the washcloth. Pores seem a little smaller and skin texture is slightly improved but my skin is still a long way from being dewy, soft, and clear, as promised. Personally I think the method makes a lot of extravagant claims but still works as a cleansing facial if you don't overdo it. At least the oils didn't clog my pores or aggravate my skin problems any--I didn't wake up broken out in huge cysts or even small raised pimples. I thought it was a lot of fun to apply and may have even improved the appearance of my skin a little. I'm not ready to use it as my sole cleansing method. I'm still using my "harsh chemicals" and soap to cleanse and exfoliate, and I want to give this method a little more time before I can recommend it to others.
Dec 1, 2008 2:33 PM
Guest :
After having used a wide variety of expensive creams for nearly twenty years, I decided to give my skin a break from chemicals and switched to organic extra virgin olive oil for cleansing, once I cleansed my skin, I apply olive oil again for moisturizing. I have been doing this for nearly one month now and am more than happy with the results. It's great not to give my money to the cosmetic business and to feel my skin so soft and silky with this beautiful product, olive oil.
Dec 2, 2008 9:14 PM
Guest :
i will try and give feedback after 20 days
Dec 17, 2008 7:32 PM
Guest :
okay i have sever acne with red flaky skin on my cheeks and my forhead is really oily. i threw away all my harsh chemicals and acne treatments and relied 100% on the ocm and it saved my life. for the first two weeks the redness and flaky skin completley went away and after a month i no longer had acne at all. i used a 75% castor oil 24% evoo and 1% tea tree oil I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS TO EVERYONE
Dec 24, 2008 1:33 AM
Guest :
I am currently using the method.
I'm already noticing that my skin is softer..
I have high hopes for this! :)
Dec 30, 2008 3:35 PM
Guest :
How often should I use this? Daily? I am excited to get started. I haven't too much acne but have terribly dry skin that moisturizer can't help with.
Jan 18, 2009 5:22 PM
Guest :
The findings made here are absolutely true. I am a teenager that used to suffer from overly active sebaceous glands because I was using scrubs and washes. However, ever since I switched over to Burt's Bees all natural orange essence facial cleanser, (which ADDS oil to my face- olive oil,) my breakouts have been fewer, and my face is recovering. In the summer, when it is less dry, I believe that washing my face solely with water will do the trick. The other products are SO misguiding and for such a long time, I was tricked into believing that I had to purchase all of these "oil-balancing" or "oil-free" products, that NEVER WORKED. The Burt's Bees cleanser, (this specific one and not any other one,) is designed to leave some residual oil on your face but that acts as a natural moisturizer, which is great for use in the winter time. Finally, there is some evidence and proof that using oils on oily skin is the actual solution, instead of companies who just try to extort money from consumers by paying for articles to be written about how various chemicals block oil production.
Feb 2, 2009 3:49 AM
Guest :
Works great.It gives u that 'Feel Good' attitude.I tried it at night and the next day after a wash was just great.
Feb 18, 2009 1:34 PM
Guest :
I was very skeptical about trying this because I have extremely oily and sensitive skin i thought if i tried this i would break out for sure but i said what the hell and tried it out anyway last night except i used castor oil and tea tree oil ..... i loved it...it was relaxing and my skin felt so clean after and today i can see a big difference in my skin tone and the acne red blemishes faded down a bit .....
Feb 19, 2009 4:33 PM
Guest :
I had been trying this method with just extra virgin olive oil for a while, and it was working ok. The main oil in the OCM, though, is castor oil. I finally got all the oils I wanted: Jojoba, Cold-pressed Castor Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and more EVOO (just to make sure it wasn't contaminates since the olive oil I was using before was from my kitchen).

I checked the website for OCM and decided to use the combination for balanced skin, as my face isn't excessively dry or oily. This means 20% Castor, and 80% moisturizing oils. I used 40% Jojoba, 40% EVOO, and 20% Castor. I then added two drops tea tree oil, as that stuff is really concentrated and I really don't need much. I put all of it in an empty water bottle, shook it up, poured some into my hands and viola! My face is SO soft.

I'm so excited and pleased that I found this method. I hope you guys try it as well someday.
Feb 22, 2009 4:36 PM
Guest :
It's 4 months a have been using Only This method to cleanse my face, castor and sunflower, organic. After it, you don't need to put anything else on, it's beautiful! that means it doesn't leave you nor oily nor dry but just perfect... Take it from me who has one of the toughest skin to satisfy (oily on hairline and around nose and on nose and sometimes forehead, just sometimes PLUS cystic acne since 13 (now i'm 30) though it's balancing out now thanks to given amount of time of having changed some things like this, cleansing PLUS DRY SKIN AT OTHER AREAS, plus thin sensitive skin)...
Can't tell you how TOTALLY SATISFYED I AM that finally i run into something that works ALWAYS and is chemical presevative etc free!! This is truly going back to the basics scam free...

I OWE YOU!

WOULD IT BE TOOO MUCH TO ASK FOR A NATURAL EFFECTIVE WAY TO MAKE YOUR BROWN CHESTNUT HAIR BLACK OR GOLDENISH? JUST THOUGHT MAYBE THERE IS A NATURAL WAY TO PLAY AROUND WITH HAIR'S COLOR ! ( MY HAIR ISN'T TINTED WITH NATURAL NOR SYNTHETIC, IT'S ALL NATURAL TILL THE MOMENT).
i have an organic shop nearby so maybe just maybe it is possible to play with this?

coperniciaalba@gmail.com

Thanks


Feb 27, 2009 11:07 AM
Guest :
I'm doing this with almond oil and it works wonders! Not only my skin is much better, but also my very thin and reactive skin around the eyes is suffering much less since I remove the heavy concealer and mascara with this oil.
I have a port-wine stain under my right eye and deep dark circles, so I use heavy make up on that sensitive region. Years of harsh cleansers made me accelerate the appearance of eye wrinkles.
I can't find castor oil in my country (and almond oil is sold in every pharmacy). But I will try others, and home made blends. I'm really happy with this method!.
Mar 8, 2009 7:42 PM
Guest :
I've been using ocm for 3 days now and I've seen a big improvment.
Still not completely clear, but it's definately getting there.

I was wondering if I should use this method in the morning and night?
And if not, what type of cleanser/moisturizer so you suggest in the morning?
Because you certainly can't put make-up over the oils.
Apr 1, 2009 11:55 PM
Guest :
I woke up with acne one day (age 21) and didn't know how to properly cleanse my face and deal with this problem. My skin was fairly oily (without moisterizing). I was using Dove bar soap and moisterizing using Keri lotion. Never worked for me, I kept breaking out (getting more pimples, the big red dots that hurt).
Then I started cleansing with a gentle acne cleansing exfoliator (Vichy Normaderm exfoliator) and moisterizing with Extra Virgin Olive Oil instead of a facial or body cream. I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil on my body and my face. It is very cost efficient and it works! I have no acne and very soft supple skin, at last! One year of acne and now I'll never have them again, thank God!
Apr 13, 2009 4:48 AM
Guest :
I have been using the OCM for almost 6 months now. I am a 29 year old woman that has not had clear skin since I was 14. When I started getting acne as a teen my mother taught me to "pop" my zits. Because I saw some improvement with popping it became an addictive cycle of picking and pimples. Since I never stopped picking at my skin I have had severe acne lesions, small cysts and deep nodules nestled in the subcutaneous layers of my flesh. It seemed like I was always bumpy. I used to call myself "braille face."

Over the years I have tried all of the methods except accutane. I have been prescribed antibiotics, topical gels, retin-a and other remedies. I have gone to day spas and paid for $400 facials and skin treatments. Yet I still had acne. Because I am an African American female my acne was accompanied by dark spots called hyperpigmentation, scars and light pitting that are hard to cover with makeup.

Last year I was at the end of my rope...then I discovered OCM. After the first wash I could tell a difference. My skin appeared brighter. My usually oily face was noticeably matte the next morning. I kept using this method with some serious improvement for the first two weeks and then...Ta Da! More acne. MORE ACNE!?! Large red bumps and open blackheads filled with hardened plugs the likes of which I had never seen started to emerge. My skin felt like braille again. I was embarrassed and constantly picking at my face. My cheeks were red and brown from the irritated acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Yes, I was still picking but that was not the only cause of this drudgery, it was the OCM.

Although I was having a major breakout I knew that any skincare regiment of this kind would require a period of "getting worse before getting better." I realized though that I needed to press on with the OCM. This is called the purging period.

OCM has purged away bumps that I thought were premature wrinkles and hardened nodules nestled so deep in my flesh that I thought they would never be released. After 6 months my skin is almost completely new and purged. I adjusted the ratio to 90% EVOO/10% Castor oil in effort to retard the purging process and slow the eruptions a bit. It has worked, it has worked, it has worked, it has worked, SOMETHING has finally worked! After the final holdouts of stubborn blackheads are released from my skin I know that they are never coming back. I am looking forward to my thirties with a fresh face.

Amani Murph
Apr 13, 2009 12:41 PM
Guest :
Gave up on it after two months. It was oily, inconvenient, messy, and did nothing for the deep plugs and clogged pores I've been suffering from for a lifetime. It did not clear my skin. It didn't make my skin worse, but it didn't heal anything, either. My skin is still oily with deep, large plugs that make my face look dirty and that are impossible to remove. Right now I don't care who clears my skin, the pharmaceutical companies or the holistic care practitioners, as long as SOMEONE can refer me, please, to something that works! At this point I'm skeptical of any "quick fixes," whether recommended by the drug companies or by the "natural remedy" industry. This method gave me no improvement and no success.
May 1, 2009 3:06 PM
Guest :
Hi All,
I would like to try this OCM, can someone please suggest me where to purchase the olive oil. Can I use the regular extra virgin olive oil that we use for cooking? If not please suggest me where from should I purchase olive oil for facial use.
Thanks,
May 4, 2009 1:18 AM
Guest :
I just did it with extra virgin olive oil because i didnt have any of the other oils & my skin feels soo soft :D yay!
i myt do this once a week now haha
May 6, 2009 7:47 PM
Guest :
I can't tell you how AMAZING my skin looks. I have been oil cleansing for about 2 months now and it took me a while to find the right oil balance. I have fairly normal skin, thats slightly dehydrated with an ever-so-slight oily T-Zone. I am in my early 30's and worried about aging.

My combination is about 60% Organic Coconut Oil, 10% Rosehip Oil, 15% Sweet Almond Oil, 15% Castor Oil. To the 2 oz bottle of my mix, I added 3 drops of Organic Lavender Essential Oil as it's a gently anti-bacterial.

I wear make-up every day, some days more than others. I use the above combo on my made-up face, massaging for at least 2 minutes, then using the hot, wet washcloth to steam and cleanse (I repeat the steam and wipe process two times). I then use pure organic coconut oil to moisturize.

I have never received so many compliments on my skin. And it costs next-to-nothing and there are ZERO chemicals on my skin.
May 6, 2009 9:41 PM
Guest :
Someone said:
"Tried it last night--I have oily acned skin, lots of deep blackheads and whiteheads all over my face. Yes, the OCM did remove a lot of the superficial hardened oil plugs, and no, it did not eliminate the deep waxy ones. My skin is dry and taut this morning, likely because of the steam from the washcloth. Pores seem a little smaller and skin texture is slightly improved but my skin is still a long way from being dewy, soft, and clear, as promised. Personally I think the method makes a lot of extravagant claims but still works as a cleansing facial if you don't overdo it....."

'Soft, dewy, and clear' after one use...who/what made that promise? Nice skin takes time. And consistency. Myself, I've been using this method for a couple weeks now and already there is great improvement. I also started taking vitamins recommended to for acne sufferers and that has helped as well, it seems. In addition to spot treating (with zinc and aloe) the couple deeper blemishes. Oh, one more thing, every 4 or 5 days, I smooth on a salycilic acid lotion. My skin hasn't looked as good as it does now, in YEARS.
May 19, 2009 1:46 PM
Guest :
Sorry--but I worked for this method for two full months, and I repeat: it did nothing to eliminate the large pores and deep, waxy plugs that have been in my skin forever. Nor did it make my skin look any better. I found this method to be a disappointment.
Jun 20, 2009 11:07 PM
Guest :
I have been doing a modified version, and it is definitely working. I have read that castor oil is an antibacterial and I believe it - I have had a dramatic reduction in acne.
I wash my face with soap and water - I know our natural facial oil, sebum, actually causes comedones, so I just have to get rid of it first. Then exfoliate by briskly scrubbing your dry face with a dry towel for a minute or so - I have read that this is as effective as any expensive exfoliation, and it seems to be. Then apply plain castor oil in a thin layer and massage in - it really doesn't take much, I usually just dip my fingers into the oil once, and that's enough. The oil is so thick that even with just a little my face ends up shiny, and I leave it on to absorb as long as I can, then rub off the excess with a dry towel, and go. Makeup can go right over. This has become my daily routine and there is improvement in my skin! Previously I had consistant acne, and that has greatly reduced, although it did flare up when i took a break from the oil for a few days - but it is now healing nicely with the aid of the oil. I find that breakouts heal faster and with less redness. The oil is very drying, but I use it straight because my skin is so oily, seems to work well. This modified version was the best way to work the oil into my routine as I am too busy to steam or sit with hot towels (work full time and full time student) but I still seem to be getting the good effects. My skin is not perfect, but it is very improved in overall texture, reduction in blackheads, faster healing.
Jun 21, 2009 8:26 AM
Guest :
I haven't tried this yet but in addition to using the OCM method what I've done is use naturally healing aloe (aloe vera plant) which dries out your skin.. if you are going to do this I suggest alternating it with the oil treatment because both at the same time would most likely dry out your skin too much.
Jul 7, 2009 5:18 PM
coldtoesinmi :
I need help I purchased Sweet Almond Oil for acne prone skin. I have castor oil. They are both manufactured by NOW nad the reviews seem great. I bought 16 oz. bottles and should have purchased jojoba or grapeseed oil. According to my research I just bought one of the two carrier oils. I do have Tea Tree Oil. If I use that in the mixture as well will it help avoid breakouts.

Did I just waste $13.00 on this bottle? My 18 y/o daughter accidently opened the bottle so I can not return it.
Jul 12, 2009 8:06 PM
Guest :
hey i cant wait to try it
Dec 24, 2009 12:37 AM
Guest :

The OCM works on my combination - oily skin. No further comments (^_^)
Jan 5, 2010 5:40 PM
Guest :
I've started using just evoo as a moisturizer after washing my face. Could anything be wrong with leaving it on?
Jan 11, 2010 10:13 PM
Guest :
hey just wondering, i can use this in the morning right when i get out of the shower right?
Jan 25, 2010 8:44 AM
Guest :
I found this not to long ago and had to try it. after many many different products and a lot of money... i was at my wits end!
i have to say I LOVE THIS!!!
My skin was breaking out a lot and just looked bad.... after not even a week of doing this.... i see a HUGE improvement... breakouts gone, pores smaller, and my face just looks healthier!
I love that it doesn't leave my face dry and then i have to coat on moisturizer. If you are are thinking about trying it... do! I am sooooo glad i did. Right now I'm just using caster and EVOO with a touch of Vit. E and Tea Tree oil.... I just ordered a few other oils to try... and can't wait. It's cheap to try with just caster and EVOO so it's worth a shot!
39 Comments
;