How to ace the oil cleansing method

Ok. So, we’ve got our head around the idea of cleansing oil being a thing. Now’s the time to embrace that shiny new bottle of cleansing oil on your bathroom shelf! Let’s tell you why. Cleansing with oil is easy, zero fuss, and surprisingly grease-free, and we can’t help but think you’ll be (pleasantly!) surprised. Ready to give it a whirl? Here’s how to use cleansing oil like a pro.

What’s so good about the oil cleansing method?

• 1. Funnily enough, oil dissolves oil. Cleansing oil cleverly clings to the excess oil on skin (as well as make-up, grime, and sweat), whisking away impurities gently yet effectively
• 2. It hydrates and nourishes the skin
• 3. Cleansing oils tend to be soap-free, meaning no foamy suds to strip away your skin’s natural oils
• 4. Oil cleansers emulsify with water for easy rinsing, and no greasy residue – surprising, right?
• 4. Oil cleansers emulsify with water for easy rinsing, and no greasy residue – surprising, right?

So, how to use cleansing oil?

Time to decipher the dos and don’ts behind how to use cleansing oil, to help it slip easily into your skincare routine.

Do: Keep hands and face dry

Contrary to your usual face washing ritual, cleansing oil goes straight from dry hands to a dry face. Go easy! A 50 pence-sized drop will be enough for it to smooth over skin, friction (and drip!) free.

Don’t: Remove make-up first

The best cleansing oil will have no problem melting make-up and impurities in one go, so no need to remove your make-up first. Simply massage in the oil to gently dissolve make-up before rinsing easily away with warm water. Simple® Kind to Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil goes super easy on delicate eyes and needs no harsh rubbing to do its job – nope, not even on stubborn waterproof mascara!

Do: Look for the right cleansing oil ingredients

Insider tip: not all oils are created equal! While Coconut Oil is great for cooking up healthy goodness in the kitchen, it can be comedogenic - meaning it’ll block pores when topically applied to skin. Grapeseed Oil, however, can help defend skin from free-radicals, which can damage our skin cells, making them dry or rough. It’s also rich in essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, meaning it moisturises and nourishes skin. We’d argue it’s a strong contender for the best cleansing oil ingredient.

Don’t: Rush!

Once you’ve found your best cleansing oil, why not use your oil face cleansing method as an opportunity to clock in a bit of self-care? Get all the ahh of the spa without leaving the comfort of home with a cleansing oil mini massage. Rather than rinsing the oil away as soon as you’ve cleansed, spend a bit more time massaging it into skin in small, circular motions to dislodge grime and give your skin a feel-good glow.

Do: Reach for a face cloth

As an extra treat, give your cleansing oil a helping hand by removing it with a warm, damp, super-soft face cloth. It’ll help whisk away any last traces of oil, will make sure you don’t miss any pesky make-up remains, plus it feels lovely when you have a few extra minutes to spend on your cleanse.

Don’t: Skip steps in your skincare routine

Facial cleansing oil essentially replaces your usual cleanser, so swap out your face wash, and give the oil cleansing method a go instead. Yes, the best cleansing oils are nourishing and non-drying, but don’t be tempted to skip your regular post-cleanse steps. You’ll still need to follow with a moisturiser (or your usual toner, eye cream, and serum if that’s how you roll), to keep skin soft and supple.

Do: Use as part of a double-cleansing routine

Chances are you’ve heard of double-cleansing. But have you tried it? It’s the ultimate skin refresh (to really help deep cleanse your skin!), and a great way to add a cleansing oil to your routine if you’re staying loyal to your daily cleanser. This two-step cleansing revolution doubly rids skin of make-up, dirt, bacteria, and helps protect against dull skin, dryness, and breakouts in the process (sounds good, right?).

Start with a cleansing oil to break down make-up and surface dirt, before following with your favourite rinse-off face wash, to directly deep clean pores. It’s doubly refreshing for your skin, and is a great (once or twice to avoid extra irritation) weekly booster for your skincare routine.

Ready to reach for the cleansing oil? With so many skin-loving benefits, and with the dos and don’ts duly sussed, we think it’s time to give the oil cleansing method a try!