Using oil to cleanse your face might sound counterintuitive, especially if you've spent years avoiding anything remotely oily. We've been conditioned to believe that oil-free products are the key to clear, healthy skin, but what if we told you that oil cleansing could actually be the secret to a balanced, glowing complexion? For your healthy skin to thrive, the first step is to clean any accumulated gunk and oil cleansing is the way to go about it. Double cleansing has become the norm, if not the pre-requisite, to night time cleansing when it's time to take the day off. It ensures your skin is squeaky clean by tackling surface-level and deep-down impurities. As skincare routines have been a staple in K-beauty routines for years, oil cleansing has recently gained mainstream popularity worldwide. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, the right cleansing oil can work wonders. If you're curious about how oil cleansing works, which oils are best for your face, and how to incorporate it into your routine, keep reading to delve deeper into this subject.
01What is Oil Cleansing?
Oil cleansing is a skincare technique that uses natural oils to dissolve dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum from your skin. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers that can strip away moisture, oil cleansers help maintain your skin's natural barrier while effectively removing impurities. The principle behind oil cleansing is simple: 'like dissolves like'. This means that the oil in the cleanser binds to the oils and dirt on your skin, lifting them away without disrupting your skin's hydration levels. The result? A clean, soft, and nourished complexion without the tight, dry feeling that harsh cleansers often leave behind. While it has the ability to break down even waterproof formulas effortlessly, oil cleansing is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. With the right oils, your oil cleansing routine can be extremely satisfying and even meditative.
Benefits of Using Oil for Face Cleansing
- Deeply cleanses pores: Removes dirt, makeup, and impurities without stripping skin.
- Hydrates & nourishes: Helps retain moisture and keeps skin soft and smooth.
- Balances oil production: Cleanses without over-drying, making it great for all skin types.
- Improves skin texture: Regular use promotes a healthy, glowing complexion.
- Gentle on sensitive skin: Less irritation compared to harsh cleansers.
- Natural & soothing: Packed with skin-loving oils and antioxidants.
02What Are the Best Oils For Face Cleansing?
Not all oils are created equal when it comes to skincare. The best oils for cleansing depend on your skin type and concerns. Especially if you have oily skin, double cleansing is a great idea. You start off with an oil based cleanser and then move on to another face cleanser, one that's targeted to your skin concern. We've broken it down for you.
- Cleansing oil for sensitive skin: If your skin is sensitive, soothing oils like squalane oil, camellia oil, and sunflower seed oil reduce redness and irritation while gently cleansing.
- Cleansing oil for oily skin: If you have oily and acne-prone skin, lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and hemp seed oil help regulate sebum production without clogging pores.
- Cleansing oil for dry skin: For dry skin, nourishing oils like avocado oil, almond oil, and olive oil provide deep hydration and lock in moisture.
- Cleansing oil for combination skin: Those with combination skin benefit from a mix of balancing oils like argan oil and rosehip oil, which help hydrate dry areas while controlling oil in the T-zone.
If you're looking for a ready-made option, some of the best cleansing oils available contain a blend of these skin-loving oils to cater to different skin types.
BeBeautiful Tip: Looking for the best cleanser for oily skin? Remember to pair your oil cleanser with another cleanser to follow up with. Acne Deep Clearing Cleanser by Novology is perfect for oily or acne prone skin. Co-created with dermatologists, this gentle and light-weight gel formula cleanses without stripping moisture.
How to Use Cleansing Oil for Clear, Balanced Skin
Meant to be used before your water-based face washes, the first step aims to wash away dirt, makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. Here's how it goes. Step 1: Start with dry skin because oil cleansers work best without water diluting them. Without splashing any water on your face, dispense a few pumps or drops of cleansing oil into your palms and warm it up by rubbing your hands together. Then, gently massage the oil onto your face in circular motions for about 30–60 seconds, focusing on areas with heavy makeup, sunscreen, or excess oil. Step 2: Next, emulsify the oil by adding a little water to your hands and continuing to massage. The oil will turn milky as it emulsifies, helping to break down impurities even further. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to wash away the oil, ensuring all residue is removed. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, following up with a gentle water-based cleanser (like a gel or foam cleanser) can help remove any remaining traces of oil and prevent buildup. I have combination skin, yet I like to take the day off and remove all my makeup by double cleansing with an oil cleanser first, followed by a gel based face wash.
03How Often Should You Use Oil for Face Cleansing?
The frequency of oil cleansing depends on your skin type and lifestyle. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, using an oil cleanser once a day—preferably at night—can help keep pores clear without over-stripping the skin. If your skin is dry or sensitive, oil cleansing can be done every other day or a few times a week to maintain moisture levels. If you wear makeup or sunscreen daily, incorporating oil cleansing into your nighttime routine ensures a thorough cleanse before bed. The key is to listen to your skin. If it feels overly greasy or congested, reduce the frequency. If it feels dry or tight, adjust your routine accordingly.
04What Happens After You Start Using Oil for Face Cleansing?
How Your Skin Transforms with Oil Cleansing
- Adjustment period: Your skin may go through a brief phase of purging as clogged pores surface before clearing up.
- Purging is normal: It means the cleansing oil is doing its job, helping to clear out impurities.
- Softer, smoother skin: With consistent use, you'll notice more hydrated and radiant skin.
- Brighter complexion: Dead skin cells are gently removed, revealing a fresher glow.
- Fewer breakouts: Cleaner, less congested pores may lead to fewer breakouts.
- Balanced moisture barrier: Helps prevent both excessive oiliness and dryness.
- Adjust as needed: If irritation or breakouts persist, consider switching oils or adjusting how often you cleanse.
Why Your Skin Says Yes to Oil Cleansing
- Gentle & effective: It's a nourishing way to cleanse all skin types—whether oily, dry, or sensitive.
- Cleansed & balanced: It leaves your skin clean, balanced, and glowing.
05FAQs
1. Will oil cleansing make my skin more oily?
Ans. No, oil cleansing helps balance your skin's natural oil production. Stripping your skin with harsh cleansers can cause overproduction of sebum, leading to even more oiliness.
2. Can I use oil cleansing if I have sensitive skin?
Ans. Yes, but choose gentle oils like squalane, sunflower, or sweet almond oil. Always do a patch test before using a new oil to avoid irritation.
3. Do I need to double cleanse after oil cleansing?
Ans. If you have oily, acne-prone skin or wear heavy sunscreen and makeup, it's best to follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove any leftover residue. Dry skin types may not need a second cleanse.
4. Can oil cleansing help remove blackheads?
Ans. Oil cleansing helps dissolve sebum and dirt from clogged pores, which can reduce blackheads over time. Using non-comedogenic oils and massaging gently can help clear pores.
