Buzz
For decades, the beauty industry has drilled into us that oil is the ultimate foe. Teenagers, in particular, dreaded the sight of a shiny forehead, considering it a major beauty blunder. Skin care brands have perpetuated this belief, convincing us that a flawless, glowing complexion requires the complete elimination of oil.
However, dermatologists challenge this notion. Although they don’t advise dabbing olive oil straight onto your skin, many now advocate for lipid-rich cleansers, particularly for those with dry skin. Dive into the benefits and potential drawbacks of oil-based cleansing methods—and find out if this approach suits your skincare needs.
The Science Behind Oil Cleansing
Remember the chemistry lesson from high school: "like dissolves like." This principle explains that substances with similar chemical compositions can effectively break each other down. Applying this logic, it’s clear why oil-based cleansers can effectively combat facial oil.
"Oil-based cleansers operate differently from foaming cleansers, which rely on detergent-like surfactants to break down oil, dirt, and strip lipids from skin cells," explains Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist based in Miami. In contrast, oil-based cleansers preserve your skin's natural oils. This is beneficial because natural oils play a crucial role in maintaining skin health—they protect, heal, and hydrate, ensuring your skin stays clear and radiant.
The benefits of oil cleansing
While oil-based cleansers are suitable for all skin types, Francesca Fusco, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, notes that those with oily skin often hesitate to try them. However, individuals with dry skin see the most advantages, as oil-based cleansers help lock in moisture. "These cleansers add lipids to the skin, which help retain water," Baumann explains. "Additionally, oils like safflower oil are rich in linoleic acid, essential for producing ceramides that prevent dehydration." Oils high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed oil, and monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Another advantage of oil-based cleansers? They eliminate the need for a separate makeup remover. Since makeup often contains oils, oil-based cleansers effortlessly dissolve stubborn makeup and sunscreen, streamlining your skincare routine.
The drawbacks of oil cleansing
Oil-based cleansers don’t provide the squeaky-clean sensation many are used to. Instead, your skin will feel soft and nourished. "You might even find that you can skip moisturizer altogether," Baumann suggests. However, if your skin feels oily afterward, you might feel the urge to cleanse again with a traditional face wash.
While olive oil is noncomedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog pores), some individuals may still experience breakouts. If you have naturally oily skin or are acne-prone, using an oil-based cleanser might not be ideal. Although these cleansers can remove surface oil, they don’t address hormonal factors that contribute to excess oil production.
How to use oil for facial cleansing
"While olive oil alone can work as a cleanser, it’s better to opt for a facial oil specifically designed for cleansing," advises Fusco. Many brands, including Shu Uemura and Philosophy, now offer specialized oil-based cleansers.
Apply about a pump’s worth of the product and gently massage it onto dry skin (no pre-rinsing needed) for about a minute. You can also use it to remove eye makeup—oil is gentle enough to avoid irritation and can even condition lashes, making them thicker and stronger. Rinse thoroughly with warm water or use a damp cloth or cotton pad to remove any residue. "Unless your skin is extremely dry, you can skip moisturizer after oil cleansing," Baumann notes. "Just remember to apply sunscreen, especially in the morning."
Discover the incredible benefits of olive oil in "The 7 Wonders of Olive Oil: Stronger Bones, Cancer Prevention, Higher Brain Function, and Other Medical Miracles of the Green Nectar" by Alice Alech and Cécile Le Galliard. Mytour selects related titles we believe you’ll enjoy. If you decide to purchase, we may earn a small commission.
