That squeaky clean feeling you get after washing your face with foamy, conventional facial washes may not so be as good as you think. In fact, these facial wash concoctions, marketed to "gently" cleanse the face and retain its moisture, are stripping the face of natural oils and causing long-term harm.
Ingredients such as parabens, fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol, glycerin, among others, negatively impact health- from causing allergies and asthma attacks to increasing breast cancer risk. The skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs whatever chemicals we rub or put on it.
Thankfully, there are better options that can serve as alternatives to using these conventionally-produced facial washes and cleansers, one of which is oil cleansing. According to Krystle Hope of Mind Body Green, the oil cleansing method allows the oil you use for cleansing to remove the existing oils on your skin, thus helping remove it upon rinsing. Facial impurities hardened and stuck in your pores are dissolved.
Different types of oil are available for different types of skin. Castor oil is ideal for skin that is prone to acne; however, Hope notes that it should also be diluted in another type of oil as it can irritate sensitive skin. Another type of oil good for acne-prone skin s jojoba oil, which can be used alone or mixed with another kind of oil. For oily skin, grapeseed oil is recommended; avocado oil is best for dry skin. On the other hand, coconut oil is good for all skin types, but Hope reminds to get one that is unrefined and organic.
The oil cleansing method is done by first warming up one teaspoon of oil with the fingers, followed by massaging it into the skin for 2 minutes using a circular motion. Next, place a wet, warm washcloth on your face for 30 seconds, and then gently remove the oil. Rinse with cool water or a chemical-free toner to seal off pores.