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Oil might be the solution to your skincare concerns.
Carolina Garcia Aranda/iStockWhile consuming olive oil can promote heart health and a spoonful of castor oil may aid digestion, could these affordable kitchen staples also enhance your skincare regimen? These oils might just be the key to achieving softer and potentially more youthful skin. Plus, you won’t need to endure the unpleasant taste of either!
In recent years, the use of castor oil and olive oil as gentle, natural substitutes for harsh cleansers has gained traction online. The "oil cleansing method," which replaces traditional face washes and moisturizers with oil-based products, has garnered praise from acne-prone individuals who have adopted this approach.
Rich in antioxidants and boasting antibacterial properties, oil can be an excellent alternative for those who find the chemicals in foaming facial cleansers too abrasive. While it might seem counterintuitive for those with oily skin, the oil-cleansing method isn’t necessarily a bad idea. The oil in the cleanser binds to the oil on your face, and both are rinsed away effortlessly.
Dr. Jeanette Jacknin, a holistic dermatologist based in San Diego and author of Smart Medicine for Your Skin, explains that oil effectively removes makeup, dirt, sweat, and excess sebum—the skin’s natural oil that maintains its protection and softness. It achieves this without irritating sensitive skin and helps preserve the skin’s natural moisture balance. [source: WholeLiving.com]
While many bloggers and DIY beauty enthusiasts praise this method, some dermatologists remain skeptical. Dr. Mona Gohara, an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology, states, "I typically recommend pH-neutral face washes and mild non-soap cleansers. These are gentle yet effective at removing grease, grime, and makeup. I do not advise using a castor oil/olive oil face wash in my practice. Oils are often considered comedogenic, meaning they can clog pores and lead to acne. Even if they have anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties, their consistency isn’t ideal for acne-prone individuals. Additionally, I’d hesitate to recommend such a niche solution, as it might worsen skin issues for many."
Dr. Andrew Ordon, a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-host of 'The Doctors,' acknowledges that natural oils can play a role in your beauty routine—just not as a face wash. "Olive oil is an excellent natural moisturizer, beneficial for your skin, hair, and nails," he says. He suggests using it sparingly, a few times a week as a nighttime moisturizer, due to its thick, baby oil-like consistency.
If you’re eager to try making your own oil cleanser, combine a drop or two of castor oil with a teaspoon of olive, safflower, or sunflower oil. Castor oil’s potent cleansing properties require a richer oil to balance it out. Use a quarter-sized amount, gently massaging it into your skin with slow, firm motions. Then, press a warm, damp washcloth onto your face to remove the oil, rinse with warm water, and pat your skin dry with a towel.
If you’re hesitant to fully commit to the oil cleansing method, consider starting small by using castor oil as a soothing under-eye moisturizer. Simply apply it to the under-eye area before bed, taking care to avoid contact with your eyes. [source: ReadersDigest.com]
Final thoughts? If you’re struggling with acne and considering switching to a gentler, natural cleanser and moisturizer, giving this method a shot could be worthwhile. However, consulting your dermatologist beforehand is highly recommended.
