By Bimbola Segun-Amao
You are not really at a disadvantage with an oily skin because it ages slower than dry skin; all you need do is care for it well. Asides exfoliating, another way of cleansing your oily face is to use the oil cleansing method, using oil to combat the oily face.
Here is how it is done:
You will need an oil blend of castor oil and extra virgin oil, some use sunflower seed oil to replace the extra virgin olive oil, both works perfectly fine. A blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil or extra virgin olive oil is good. Castor oil is the cleansing and purging oil for your pores but needs to be diluted because of its viscosity. For skin that are not too oily, the percentage of castor oil should be reduced. The oil could be safely kept in a flip-flop bottle or airtight bottle at room temperature.
You’ll need a soft washcloth, your oil blend, and hot, running water.
- Pour a generous puddle of oil into the palm of your hand, rub hands together to warm the oil and smoothen over the face and massage deep, this will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to wash your face prior to the massage.
- Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas so the oil gets well into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.
- After this, wait for a little while, then pick up your washcloth and soak it in clean, steamy water. The water should be hot enough to open your pores and remove oil yet not scald your face, just see it as steaming your face without the luxury of a beauty spa.
- Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. You will feel your pores release the impurities, wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. The process could be repeated up to four times, by then; you should feel your skin soft and free of impurities. Do not scrub your face with the hot wash cloth. The Castor Oil will help with the removal of the other oils, as well. It is our main cleansing oil and is easily removed with warm water with the skin impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria also.
If your skin feels tight, rub a tiny drop of your oil blend onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface.
You have just unblocked your pores so there might be a good flow of oil in the first few days, your skin would need a few days to adjust, more so the new oil coming from your skin is a good sign. You’ll find your skin losing that “congested” thick feeling.
This deep cleansing method should be done regularly, but not too frequently. You can carry blotting papers on you at all times to soak up excess shine during the day and don’t forget a quick touch of powder is needful for a glam look.