Recipe: DIY Oil Cleanser
Skincare doesn't have to be complicated, and if you're wanting to try out a new type of product without the expense, then DIY-ing can be a good place to start.
What is oil cleansing?
In simple terms, it is using an oil mixture in place or alongside your typical soap-based, foam or gel cleanser. Using a soap-free cleansing product is particularly beneficial for those with drier skin, surfactants in foamy, bubbly cleansers tend to dry the skin out more as they strip away some of the skin’s natural oil. Contrary to popular belief, oils absorb oils, therefore an oil cleanser will cling to any dirt, make up and excess oil allowing you to simply swipe it away with the product.
Oil cleansing is simply a method of facial cleansing, whereby the oils in your cleanser absorb excess sebum, dirt and make up from the skin. There are several ways in which you can use the oil cleansing method in your skincare routine, and if you’re new to it then a bit of trial and error with different methods will help you work out what feels best for you.
Let's make at home
You can make a very simple oil cleanser with just two ingredients - a carrier oil and a "treatment" oil but in this recipe you can use up to two carrier oils and three treatment oils, taking into consideration your skin type.
Oily + Acne Prone Skin
The best oils for this type of skin those such as Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grapeseed for your carrier oil as they're light and add Rosehip, Pomegranate, Hemp or Pumpkin Seed oils to complement.
Combination Skin (mix of dry/oily and sometimes experience acne)
Jojoba and Sunflower Seed oil are a great match, they are both very close in texture to the skin's natural oil and so help maintain the balance. For your treatment oils, you can add Strawberry Seed, Argan or Avocado oil.
Dry + Mature Skin
Richer oils like Avocado, Argan or Flaxseed oil penetrate the skin and help retain plenty of moisture. Add in Evening Primrose, Wheatgerm or Safflower which are higher in fatty acids which help soften skin and retain moisture.
First, decide what volume of oil you'd like to make, then we need to split our carrier vs treatment oil mix in a 2:1 ratio (two-thirds carrier + one third treatment). Let's take 60ml of the Oily + Acne Prone suggestions as an example here:
20ml Jojoba oil
20ml Sweet Almond oil
10ml Rosehip oil
10ml Pomegranate oil
Mix the oils together either stirring vigorously in a jar or bowl, or adding to your end vessel and shaking for a minute. To be sure you're applying an even mixture, you can shake your oil product before each use.
How to use your oil cleanser
There’s a few different options depending on how your skin feels, the below directions are best suited from driest to oiliest skin:
Use with clean bare hands and apply all over, rinse away, add another small amount and blot before leaving on.
Use with clean bare hands and apply all over, add water and work into a runny consistency, rinse again and pat dry.
Use with clean bare hands and apply all over, rinse a face cloth, reusable make-up wipe or reusable cotton pad and squeeze out, use to wipe the oil away from the face.
Use with a reusable make-up wipe or cotton pad and apply liberally to the face in a circular motion, use clean hands to massage in further, rinse wipe or pad and wipe clean.
Use either method 3 or 4, then follow with an additional cleanser - milk, foam or gel to remove all oily residues.
You can also use a mixture of these methods throughout your week, or even different times of the month if your skin has particular hormonal sensitivities.
Where to source ingredients
If you're new to DIY-ing skincare you may be wondering where on Earth you can buy ingredients like this, so here's a couple of places you can buy them in relatively small quantities:
If you have any questions about ingredients, this recipe or oil cleansing, get in touch! Otherwise, enjoy getting creative at home!