Winter is in full swing right now. The cold, windy outdoor air contrasted with hot, dry indoor air can do a number on our skin. Add the residual effects of holiday indulgences and it is no wonder our skin is feeling and looking a little less than optimal.
When an acquaintance recently asked for moisturizer recommendations, I shared that I like using the oil cleansing method. She was intrigued. So I decided to share it here.
What Is OCM?
The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) is quite old – ancient, really. The Romans used to slather themselves with oil and then scrape it off as part of their hygienic routine. And, of course, there were many oils used for both health and beauty in the Bible.
Interesting Side Note
In Sanskrit, the word for ‘oil’ can also mean ‘love’ because of its nourishing, soothing properties. I like that metaphor, especially in light of 1 Peter 4:8.
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
In the same way that motor oil preserves and protects a car engine, love preserves and protects our relationships. But back to the OCM.
God designed our skin to produce oil as a protectant. When we use soaps or other cleansers on the face, we strip those natural oils and leave our skin bare and unprotected. The body compensates by producing even more oil. This leads to oily, dry skin prone to breakouts and redness. (And we all know – or should know – about the dangers of modern skin care products and how they completely disrupt our hormones.)
OCM takes a different approach; it is based upon the principle that like dissolves like. We massage oils into the skin to dissolve makeup, pollution, and sweat. Simultaneously, those oils are nourishing and protecting our skin. Furthermore, we can customize the oil blend to meet our unique needs in each season.
Which Oils?
First, let me clarify that when we discuss OCM, we are discussing primarily ‘carrier’ oils such as apricot kernel, avocado, and sweet almond. These are not essential oils. Essential oils, such as rose, frankincense, and lavender can be added to enhance the OCM, but they are not the stars of the show. Also, your oils can be infused with skin healing herbs such as chamomile, rosemary, and calendula. Adding herbs and essential oils in your oil cleansing blend will certainly increase the benefits of oil cleansing, but you do NOT have to have either essential oils or herb infused oils to get started.
So which oils should you use? It depends. It is best if you do a little research before selecting your oils. Thankfully, there are women, who are much more knowledgeable than me, who have written extensively about the OCM and which oils are best for which skin types. For help deciding which oils would work best for your skin, be sure to check out:
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My Recipe
My skin tends toward dryness year round, though it does change a bit with the seasons. With that in mind, here is my preferred winter blend:
- 4 tsp apricot kernel oil
- 1/2 tsp rosehip oil
- 1/2 tsp castor oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
Mix all oils in a small, amber, glass bottle. I like to reuse the rosehip oil bottles which have a handy little pump. But a dropper bottle works well, too.
For summer, I generally eliminate the rosehip oil and increase the castor oil to 1 tsp. If I run out of apricot kernel oil, I may use sweet almond oil. Both are beneficial for dry skin.
I am also working on infusing herbs into my oils for even more skin soothing benefits. The creative options are endless!
Sourcing
(Some of the links below are affiliate links. For details regarding my affiliations, click here.)
I like to support local small businesses. Thankfully, we happen to have such a business in my area. Friends who live in or near the ‘Sham, please be sure to support A to Zinc. If you are not local to me and do not have a family owned health food store nearby, Azure Standard is an excellent company. For essential oils, I like the quality and price of Plant Therapy.
The Method
AKA: How to use OCM.
- Put hair up in a headband or shower cap
- Shake oil bottle to remix the blend
- Pump 7-10 pumps or squeeze 2-3 droppers of oil blend into palm of hand
- Rub hands together and smooth oil over face and neck
- Start running water in shower or sink
- Continue massaging face until water is hot
- Rinse a washcloth in hot water
- Apply cloth to face and hold it there until it cools
- Wipe face and neck thoroughly paying extra attention to hairline
- Repeat steps 7-9
- Splash face with cool water to finish cleansing and close pores
- Pat dry with a towel
With the OCM, some women find that they do not need to apply a moisturizer afterward. In the summer, I generally do not need anything else. However in cooler, drier weather, I follow it with a bit of the oil blend or a touch of tallow balm if I need even more protection.
Timing & Frequency
I recommend using the OCM in the evening. It is quite effective at removing makeup as well as oils and dirt from cooking, hiking, or whatever activities my day included. This leaves my skin clean, soft, nourished, and ready for the repair that comes with rest. In the morning, I simply splash warm water on my face to remove any impurities my cells expelled overnight.
Regarding frequency, I choose to use it every day. It is part of my nightly routine. Some women only use it when they wear makeup or when they feel like their skin needs a little extra care. If I did that, I would have trouble remembering it. Making it a daily habit is simpler. Plus, it nourishes my skin and makes my face feel amazing! Who wouldn’t want that every day?
Tips to Make It Easy
- Use it daily. (See above.)
- Make refills EASY. Write the oil measurements on the bottle label. Use a slip of paper and some tape if you don’t have labels handy.
- Keep an additional copy of your preferred blends in a binder with your other DIY beauty recipes – just in case the bottle takes a swim.
- Use a clean wash cloth every time.
- Mix up small batches so it is easy to customize as the seasons change.
- Keep one bottle in the bathroom and one packed for travel.
- Restock ingredients before they run out.
The Results
I LOVE the way this makes my face feel. It softens and smooths my skin and reduces hormonal breakouts.
Several years ago, I got out of the habit of using oil every evening. Maybe I was too lazy to mix up another batch or got distracted with the busy-ness of life. I don’t remember. Then, about two years ago, my skin was feeling really dry and dull. That was when I remembered OCM and immediately mixed up another batch. And once again, I was amazed at how soft it made my skin feel.
Have you used the Oil Cleansing Method?
If so, please share your experiences below.