Oil Cleansing Method
The Oil Cleansing Method or "OCM" is a natural way to create radiantly clear skin using only hot water, a washcloth, unprocessed castor oil and extra virgin olive oil.
“Oil dissolves oil” has become a mantra to fans of the oil cleansing method or “OCM.” For many people, the simplest way to clear up acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, blemishes, rashes or outbreaks on your face is simple: Stop using soap and other caustic synthetic cleansers, scrubs and moisturizers, and turn instead to the most natural, time-honored facial trick of all: cleaning your skin with oils.
Almost every facial soap sold in drug stores contains synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients, despite the number of brands that claim to be “organic” or “natural.” These soaps can be toxic to your liver and other organs with long-term use - and, even in the short term, they can do real damage to your skin.
Harsh cleansers contribute to acne and outbreaks by adding potentially dangerous chemicals to your face and by cleaning away not only dirt and bacteria, but the oils that your skin needs. When skin’s natural oils have been removed, the body’s reaction is to compensate by producing more oil - causing oily patches and outbreaks and creating a vicious cycle of purchasing yet more products that work against your body’s actual needs.
Escape the Vicious Cycle - and save money and your face by doing so
First, stop washing your face with soap. For some people, the switch to washing their face with water alone is enough to dramatically alter the appearance and health of their skin. We’ve been fed a beauty myth that we need to do dramatic upkeep on our face with expensive skin care products in order to keep skin healthy, and it simply isn’t so.
For some, washing with only water is enough. For most people, however, the effects of years of stress and exposure make a natural skin treatment like oil cleansing indispensable.
What You'll Need:
- a soft washcloth
- a blend of castor oil and olive oil
- hot water
Pour the oil into your palm. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth it over your face.
Massage the oil into your face. Massage the oil deeply into your pores in a circular motion. Work it into your pores so that blackheads and all that gunk can be dissolved and steamed away. (I love it when I feel little beady, pore-clogging stuff coming out of my pores as I massage the oil, delightfully gross haha!)
Once you feel your pores are clean enough, pick up your washcloth and soak it in hot water. The water must be warm enough to open pores and remove the oil.
Cover your face with the warm washcloth, and let it stay until it cools.
Wipe the oil away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for at least 2 more times.