What oil do you use for the "oil cleansing method"? (merged)

Beenie

I have a couple of questions about this method

1) doesn't the oil irritate your eyes and /or leave them smeary when using this method to remove eye make-up?

2) do you use a wash cloth or just bare hands to clean the gunk off with?

3) do you add any fragrance oil to make it more pleasant to use - and if so, which ones are recommended for facial use?

4)does anyone know why a large company such as Boots no longer seem to stock this basic item (castor oil)??

Crocswearer

Beenie wrote: »

I have a couple of questions about this method

1) doesn't the oil irritate your eyes and /or leave them smeary when using this method to remove eye make-up?

2) do you use a wash cloth or just bare hands to clean the gunk off with?

3) do you add any fragrance oil to make it more pleasant to use - and if so, which ones are recommended for facial use?

4)does anyone know why a large company such as Boots no longer seem to stock this basic item?

1 - No, as I don't use enough for it to run into my eyes.
2 - A wash cloth, rinsed in hot water.
3 - No, but I don't find the unscented oils unpleasant anyway!
4 - Not sure what you mean. I use castor oil (from any pharmacy) with sunflower oil (from any supermarket).

The following is a summary of the method, copied from theoilcleansingmethod dot com:

First and foremost, this is typically done in the evening, prior to bed. There should be no need for deep cleansing in the morning if you're waking up with skin cleansed the night before. In the morning, a quick wipe with a warm washcloth should suffice.

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. Roughly, the size of a 10p, but more is acceptable. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth over your face.

Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to use a makeup remover or wash your face prior to the massage. I've found that this removes even my stubborn waterproof mascara and concealor.

Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. You want the oil to work into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.

Take plenty of time over this - as long as you can, from about 5 mins up to about 30 mins.

Once you're satisfied that your pores are saturated wet your facecloth with as hot water as your hands can manage. Cool water will not open your pores, nor will it remove the oil efficiently. Don't scald your skin though - the heat will coax our pores to release the oil carrying the impurities.

Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. Wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse well, and repeat two or three more times. Avoid any temptation to scrub, as you'll find it's completely unnecessary.

Have no fear of the oil, as the steamy washcloth will remove it. The Castor Oil, though it is an 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.

If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your oil blend, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Your skin should now glow!

This deep cleansing method should be done regularly, but not too frequently. You'll know if you're deep cleansing too frequently by the dryness that your skin will exhibit. Don't be surprised if you find you've unblocked an oil flow for the first few days.

Bronnie

Beenie wrote: »

I have a couple of questions about this method

1) doesn't the oil irritate your eyes and /or leave them smeary when using this method to remove eye make-up?
No. I just use almond oil, it is very light, I only use a small amount and use the ring finger of each hand to lightly massage in to loosen my mascara then wipe off with a damp pad and repeat if necessary. I wouldn't necessarily advise the castor oil mix to remove eye make-up.

2) do you use a wash cloth or just bare hands to clean the gunk off with?
I use damp cotton pads. I am too lazy to deal with reusable soiled facecloths!

3) do you add any fragrance oil to make it more pleasant to use - and if so, which ones are recommended for facial use?
No, I actually prefer to use an unfragranced product on my face

4)does anyone know why a large company such as Boots no longer seem to stock this basic item?
Castor oil has a reputation for being used (or misused) as a laxative, hence it is less easily available than it was.

I don't do the full OCM. I have mature skin, but my skin doesn't really have any issues. I just use almond oil instead of a cleanser and started using it a couple of years ago, when I found I was forever buying cleanser to remove my fairly enduring foundation.

I use this. It lasts for ages and is very economical. I cleanse with almond oil in the evening, simply massaging it in briefly and wiping off with a warm damp cotton pad, repeating as necessary until the cotton pad coms clean. I just rinse with water in the mornings.

My skin is very balanced now and I never have that tight feeling I used to get. I also hardly need any additional moisturisation , which means my face creams last for ages.

HTH

Beenie

Crocswearer, you say it's easily available from any pharmacy but I've had no luck at all with Boots and Lloyds in quite a few towns near me.

Do you get yours from an independant...or are you not based in the UK? Maybe other countries have different rules.

Crocswearer

Beenie wrote: »

Crocswearer, you say it's easily available from any pharmacy but I've had no luck at all with Boots and Lloyds in quite a few towns near me.

Do you get yours from an independant...or are you not based in the UK? Maybe other countries have different rules.

I am in the UK. I get mine from a Day Lewis pharmacy where the bottles are on display.

Have you asked the pharmacy counter at Boots and Lloyds? Its usually held behind the counter there. Or try Ebay! A little bottle will last for ages.

HTH

suki1964

Ive been using the OCM for around two years perhaps???

Anyways my skin is the best it has ever been and seeing as Im hitting 50 -I can tell you I have tried just about everything in the past without such long lasting effects

The OCM has been the only thing that has had a long term effect on my own oil production. Keeping the oil from being produced in the gallons as is its want has made a huge difference in its general appearance - pores clean so looking much smaller and along my cheeks - non existent

To beanie - the oil although liquid isnt runny so you dont have to worry about it getting in the eyes. The hot cloth method of removel kind of emulsifies the oils so makes it easy for removal. No way will you get the same result with splashing and rinsing.

I dont see the point of adding anything to a mix of oils that suits me. IMO adding yet another oil will mean upsetting the balance that suits me and another trial and error period to work through. Using the basic oils are not smelly

I dont know why your particular Boots is not stocking castor oil as mine is, as is lloyds and most of the independents. Have you asked at the counter for it? Often or not the assistant will open a drawer and there it is. If they dont have any in stock the pharmacist can order it for you for the following day

BellyDuJour

Tesco stocks Caster Oil - KTC brand. It's £1.48 for 250ml and says it's 'Pharmaceutical grade' on the label. I've been using it and it's fine.
They also stock Jasmine Oil - 99p for 250ml, almond oil £1.79 for 300ml and Coconut Oil - 99p for 250ml. I haven't tried the last three oils, was going to once my current stocks were starting to run low.

bexbex

Hiya
I've been following this thread for a while now.
I use Botanics Baby Gentle & Mild Baby Oil which has Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed oil, Peach oil and Wheatgerm oil, then follow it up with plain E45 cream. Makes my skin so smooth I love it
Only thing which gets every trace of make up off too after a shift and doesn't sting eyes when used over them either.
x

bexbex

also just wanted to add that I re-use my sons school white polo shirts. I cut them into strips, one side is slightly rough so exfoliates too.

Tiara_Boom_D.A.

I find the smell of castor oil unpleasant. Which EO can be used to mask it? I like Rose or Neroli - would these be okay?