You have probably heard of oil cleansing by now, but if you have not yet tried it, you may be missing out on a personal revolution!  

What is Oil Cleansing? 

Oil Cleansing is a method of cleansing that uses oil to remove dirt, sunscreen, and makeup from the skin.  Oil attracts oil, so when it’s massaged into the skin, it works almost like a magnet to pull away excess oil and debris that can then be easily wiped away.  This is not a new method, but one that many of our ancestors likely used, and that we are remembering as an antidote to the negative effects of many generations of a squeaky clean philosophy.  

Why is it so effective and what are the benefits? 

Our skin has its own mechanisms of protection, most importantly the acid mantle, a barrier that is comprised of sebum (oil), essential fatty acids, and healthy bacteria.  When cleansers that contain harsh surfactants (sudsing agents) and acids, this barrier can be compromised. As a result, skin can become more susceptible to breakouts, texture, rosacea, sensitivities and other inflammatory issues.  

Oil cleansing is a great option, because it removes unwanted debris while not overstripping your natural barrier.  When using the right types of oils, it can actually nourish your skin while cleansing. Over time, the emolllient quality of the oil cleanser can help to soften and attract the sebum in your pores and help diminish clogged pores.  

This method is effective for all skin, and totally appropriate even for those experiencing breakouts and congestion, as it will help to balance your oil production, clear clogged pores and give your skin what it needs to fight infection and inflammation.  

I’ll speak more about the ritual of it below, but what is most important to me is that this method is also extremely relaxing, and helps to greatly calm the nervous system.  Doing an oil cleanse in the evening prepares you for great sleep, which plays an important part in our skin health.  This is what makes it so life-changing...Better sleep, better health, better skin, better life! 

What is it made of? 

Not all oils are created equal, and there are certain types of oils that work well for oil cleansing.  These tend to be made up of larger molecules that aren’t as readily absorbed into skin, and oils that high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid that is vital for healthy skin and often deficient in acneic skin.  Oils should also be cold-pressed, unrefined, and organic whenever possible for the best benefits.  

Though there are many different ways to approach oil cleansing, I created a blend of plant-based oils and essential oils that create an ideal oil cleansing experience--- the Clear Horizon Cleansing Oil.  Clear Horizon Cleansing Oil was formulated to be compatible with most skin, and it non-clogging, and nourishing to breakouts and sensitive skin.  

Read all about the ingredients here.  

How do I do it? 

Check out this video, "The 5 Best Practices of Oil Cleansing", to see step by step instructions and my best practices for a wonderful and effective oil cleanse that will transform your skin! 

Steps to oil cleansing: 

1. Wash and dry hands. 
2. Pump 3-4 pumps of oil cleanser into dry palm.  Rub palms together and massage oil into dry face and neck.  Spend 30 seconds or more gently massaging you face and working it into congested areas.  Take pleasure in this massage, and work outward and down your neck to stimulate your lymphatic system (Note: if you are wearing a lot of makeup, you may want to massage in lightly, remove as instructed in next steps, and then repeat this massage step to fully cleanse your skin). 
3. Rinse oil off of hands.  Run a clean washcloth under hot water.  Wring the cloth out well. Place steaming cloth over face for a couple seconds and breathe deeply.  
4. Use cloth to gently wipe all of the oil away.  You may need to rinse and wring out the cloth a few times to fully remove.  
5. Follow with the rest of your routine.  

I recommend oil cleansing in the evening, as part of your nightly ritual, but you can do it anytime.  

I’m scared, how do I make the change? 

Oil cleansing requires a re-thinking of how we approach our skin, which is why so many of us have blockages to starting this method or to doing it regularly.  Many of us are still getting used to the idea of moisturizing with pure oil, and now I’m telling you to clean your skin with oil?! But as you notice the results of this ritual, you will understand why the tide has turned towards this method.  I challenge you to oil cleanse every night for 30 days.  Stick with it. Make notes along the way if you want to track your results.  I think you will be hooked just like us here at Pink Light.

Thanks for reading, and happy oil cleansing!