starmama ([info]starmama) wrote in [info]naturalliving,
2004-12-01 22:07:00
I am THRILLED with my skin since I started using the Oil Cleansing Method. Here's an article I saved about it:

When cleansing and moisturizing your skin, it is imperative that you keep in mind that oil disolves oil. Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not cause you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads and whiteheads are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with, it is there for the benefit of your skin. It is naturally occurring. Oil helps lubricate, heal, protect, and moisturize your skin so that it may function properly. Properly functioning skin is beautiful, clear, and glowing.

While I'm talking about the benefits of oil applied externally, I'd like to mention how important it is to moisturize from the inside as well. WATER! Drink no less than 8 glasses of water a day. If your skin has issues with blemishes, drink up! Water will help release and remove the toxins from within, leaving behind glowing, dewey, toned skin. Carry a bottle of water around with you throughout the day so water is always available.

Now, to the point of this article.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is used for moisture, while Castor Oil (CO) is used for cleansing. Castor Oil tends to be a bit on the thick side, so a mix of the two (EVOO/CO) is frequently used. This allows for the Castor Oil to really sink into the pores and draw out the dirt and grime to the surface. You can vary this ratio to match your skins needs. More EVOO for moisture or more CO for cleansing (25/75 EVOO/CO for Oily skin, or 75/25 EVOO/CO for dry skin). EVOO is incredibly high in antioxidants, while CO is excellent for drawing and healing. CO has been the focus of many books and medical discussion because of its seemingly "magical" healing properties. It only makes sense (after a bit of research) that one would use CO on their face to help treat blemishes and acne, or simply to make their skin look and feel better.

As quoted in The Oil That Heals by Dr. McGarey, a country doctor (unknown?) states, "Castor oil will leave the body in better condition than it found it."

The Routine:
Massage a substantial amount (the cup of your palm, while hand is held open) of EVOO/CO into your face and neck.

This is to be done over makeup or any visible dirt. Take this time to give yourself a facial massage. Really work the oil into your skin. Take your time, breathe deeply, and relax. Sit down to do this if it helps.

You, of course, do not have to sit and relax, but keep in mind that stress isn't good for your skin and you should take any moment you can to destress and let tension float away.

Take a washcloth, terry cloth or flannel preferred, and soak it in steamy hot water. Wring it out and drape it over your face.

What we are doing is steaming your face as an esthetician would, but without the steam machine. You want to open your pores. This helps release any impurities from deep within your pores.

As the washcloth begins to cool, gently wipe the oil and dirt away. This will also help remove any dead skin cells that are stubbornly clinging on.

Rinse the washcloth out in hot water and wipe away any remaining impurities. You may have to do this two or three times more to remove any remaining dirt and oil residue, but it will come off leaving your skin with a beautiful, healthy glow. No additional cleansing is necessary.

After you have rinsed well, you can either splash your face with cool water to help tone and close your pores, or if your face feels tight, you can moisturize.

If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your EVOO/CO, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it into your damp skin. Massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Being prone to breakouts, myself, I've found that this is perhaps the most important step.

Your skin should glow now.
Tags: skin care: oil cleansing method

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[info]summerain

December 1 2004, 20:30:11 UTC 7 years ago

i know CO is castor oil but what is EVOO please?

[info]babyslime

December 1 2004, 20:35:00 UTC 7 years ago

Extra virgin olive oil

[info]summerain

7 years ago

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[info]babyslime

7 years ago

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[info]summerain

7 years ago

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[info]arshes

7 years ago

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[info]summerain

7 years ago

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[info]brightsoul

7 years ago

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[info]babyslime

7 years ago

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[info]troyworks

7 years ago

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[info]babyslime

7 years ago

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[info]brightsoul

7 years ago

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[info]babyslime

7 years ago

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[info]brightsoul

7 years ago

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[info]barefootmomma

7 years ago

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[info]troyworks

7 years ago

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[info]starmama

7 years ago

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[info]webtar

7 years ago

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[info]babyslime

December 1 2004, 20:34:50 UTC 7 years ago

I use OCM, so does my husband. I've always had good skin, if not a little dry. He has bad, bad acne-prone skin. His whole family still has acne into their 50's. OCM got rid of my dry skin and made it amazing.
OCM got rid of his acne, he went from having the worst skin the family to the best! :D

[info]crazypumpkin

December 1 2004, 20:58:40 UTC 7 years ago

what mixture has your husband used? i've been using OCM with mild success (well, great at making my skin feel better, but the pimples aren't going away the amount that i'd like them to).
i've been using 1:1 EVOO and CO with a few drops of tea tree oil.

[info]babyslime

7 years ago

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[info]crazypumpkin

7 years ago

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[info]brightsoul

7 years ago

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[info]barefootmomma

7 years ago

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[info]crazypumpkin

7 years ago

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[info]fairis

7 years ago

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[info]babyslime

7 years ago

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[info]fairis

7 years ago

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[info]lemniskate

7 years ago

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[info]fairis

7 years ago

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[info]ex_mamarose134

7 years ago

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...and 8 more comments... from [info]starmama, [info]barefootmomma, [info]crazypumpkin… Expand
...and 9 more comments... from [info]bitty_colour, [info]ivyinautumn, [info]babyslime… Expand

[info]spiderdust

December 1 2004, 22:18:26 UTC 7 years ago

I *love* this method. I wish I had known about it when I was a teen.

[info]lemniskate

December 2 2004, 06:09:38 UTC 7 years ago

me too. I started, and I was like, god, if I'd been doing this for 20 years I bet I'd have *no* wrinkles or little scars. ah well :)

[info]louisetufeg

3 years ago

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[info]lacyjae

December 2 2004, 05:36:06 UTC 7 years ago

I've never had castor oil to try this with, so I've been using.. let's see..

Probably 75/15/10 Olive Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil/Jojoba Oil.. though it's juts a rough estimate. I put a bunch of olive oil in a container, add a littler bunch of apricot oil, and even littler jojoba oil.

I also have some tea tree oil in there, enough to really smell it, since it doesn't sit on my skin after I do this anyway. Sometimes I'll add a tiny bit of EO for smell, mainly a Lemon Myrtle EO that I got in Australia (mostly cos it reminds me of Australia *grin*).

I coat my face, rub it in, and then steam without wiping twice, and then steam a third time and scrub it all off. Then I do the cold water splash, and moisturize with a bit of oil.

I also don't wash my face with anything else. I have never liked using soap on my face, though I used to use scrubs. My face doesn't need it anymore.

To avoid mess, I usually do this right out of my shower first thing in the morning, while in my towel or nekkid. I haven't noticed a mess in the sink or anything. I suppose you could do it in the shower also, and avoid much mess there..

I don't wear much makeup and I don't tend to do it in the pm unless I've worn makeup, but I love doing it first thing in the morning because it leaves me feeling fresh, clean, soft and moisturized all day! :D

I love it. It's cleared up the uneven skintone I have (I think I'm destined for rosacea, my mom has it pretty bad, and I have reddish splotches on my face, but OCM has made them much less noticeable!), it's gotten rid of dryness unless I don't do it too often, but that's probably because I freeze easily and live in the oven half the time, or have the heat on high and it dries me out.

I hope you don't mind but I copied the article for my own journal, to explain to people how I cleanse. :)

[info]ex_mamarose134

December 2 2004, 06:54:36 UTC 7 years ago

I use OCM and LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!

My husband loves it, and I use it to remove make up (on the rare occasions I wear it) and don't use anything else on my face. OCM is the best!

[info]aries_angel

August 20 2005, 04:50:07 UTC 6 years ago

Dumb question....Is OCM a brand of olive oil?

[info]ex_mamarose134

6 years ago

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[info]aries_angel

6 years ago

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[info]stillmotion

December 2 2004, 06:59:10 UTC 7 years ago

Wow, I'm sold! I've just got to go pick up some castor oil! Thank you!

[info]terabithiabeth

December 2 2004, 09:13:35 UTC 7 years ago

I've been intrigued by the catalog I've received in the mail from the Japanese skincare company DHC, and have once or twice used the olive oil sample to cleanse. But with my oily skin and large pores, I've been too scared to try it on a long term basis.

I might now however, with these reports.

Any advice to be given on what kinds/grades of oil to use, other than the olive oil? I would like to try to make my own blend at home.

[info]webtar

December 2 2004, 11:22:09 UTC 7 years ago

they suggest extra virgin, unfiltered, organic, olive oil. I had a hard time finding unfiltered for a bit, but i have found it now after I learned more about olive oil.

[info]dusty_miller

7 years ago

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[info]webtar

7 years ago

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[info]webtar

December 2 2004, 11:20:28 UTC 7 years ago

In the mornings, when I don't have time to let something hot sit on my face I just rub in the oils then rinse them off with hot water splashes on my face .
I always thought I had decent skin before I started but now it GLOWS. it's weird how amazing and simple it is. I will never go back to using anything other than olive oil on my face.

[info]crazy_talk23

December 2 2004, 13:47:22 UTC 7 years ago

i am going to give this a try - i need something to help. i've been using my 'kiss my face' olive oil bar soap but i never feel like i'm able to get clean (the bar is huge so i have a hard time even getting a lather - thinking of attacking it with my hatchet this weekend).

i hope it works for me - i'm tired of dry/oily acne skin!

thanks for posting this maka and for everyone chiming in with their versions/experiences!!!

[info]juliann

December 10 2004, 12:19:46 UTC 7 years ago

Olive oil soap (also known as castille if it's pure olive oil) just doesn't lather well. No matter what size the bar. That doesn't mean it's not cleaning though.

[info]crazy_talk23

December 2 2004, 13:48:35 UTC 7 years ago

gift?

i'm thinking of even putting together a solution to give as holiday gifts? i could find little bottles or just soap pumps or something.. what do you think?

[info]starmama

December 2 2004, 21:24:27 UTC 7 years ago

Re: gift?

LOL I thought of this same thing today, Michelle! Great minds...there are great containers here.

[info]loveluxx

December 2 2004, 14:28:14 UTC 7 years ago

i mix evoo and tea tree oil and ive started to notice a difference the very next day. i actually follow some of these steps that rosefoxx once posted http://www.angelfire.com/md/cookiemueller/pimplescure.html

i pretty much just wash my face with soap, then tone with apple cider vinegar diluted with water, and then mix the evoo with tea tree oil. it works like a charm.. my pms zits disappeared.

[info]kitty_bangbang

May 3 2011, 01:05:07 UTC 1 year ago

oh good! I bought some castor oil and sunflower today. i was thinking about adding another oil it and possibly tea tree and its nice knowing it does have good effects. :)
i also use a tea tree shampoo and bar soap, or a neem bar soap, every other day or so tho not every day, tho i have to shower everyday since i work with doggies and get wet and yucky. i don't get a lot of break outs but i have a red face around all my freckles :/ and large pores.

[info]dreams_unwind13

January 4 2005, 01:06:54 UTC 7 years ago

Eye makeup?

Is it safe to use for removing eye makeup, too?
I'd imagine with most mascaras it'll take some rubbing and it would seem counterintuitive to rub oil into one's eyes...
Although I suppose most commercial eye makeup removers are mostly oil, huh?

[info]starmama

January 4 2005, 13:05:31 UTC 7 years ago

Re: Eye makeup?

Not only are most commercial eye makeup removers made from oil, most are made from mineral oil, which is awful for your skin, and is a petroleum product that is probably far less safe for your eyes than olive oil!

I haven't worn eye makeup in years, but when I did, I used plain olive oil to remove it.

[info]kitty_bangbang

1 year ago

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[info]002flurred

January 9 2005, 08:58:58 UTC 7 years ago

I wash my face every morning and night.. are you supposed to do this weekly or daily to start seeing results ??

[info]starmama

January 9 2005, 15:18:48 UTC 7 years ago

I do it once a day. :)

[info]002flurred

7 years ago

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[info]starmama

7 years ago

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[info]002flurred

7 years ago

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[info]heisaspy

January 9 2005, 19:04:55 UTC 7 years ago

Where do you purchase EVOO & CO?
& How long does it take to see results from using OCM?

[info]starmama

January 9 2005, 21:44:43 UTC 7 years ago

I buy them at a health food store - if you're not concerned about using organics, you can get the olive oil in a grocery store and the castor oil from any drugstore (look in the laxatives section).

The first couple of weeks I felt that my skin was oilier than usual (I assume that's because it had learned to overproduce oil back when I was washing, and it had to learn not to again). But even during that time, I was happier with the feel of my skin. By a month after starting, I was swearing I'd never go back!

[info]heisaspy

7 years ago

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[info]pateo

January 11 2005, 20:49:35 UTC 7 years ago

This won't clog up my pores or make my skin greasy?

[info]starmama

January 11 2005, 22:06:26 UTC 7 years ago

No. Your skin gets overly oily because you strip its natural oils away by washing. You've trained your skin to do this over a long period of time, so you can expect an initial adjustment period in which you're putting oil on and your skin is still overproducing oil as it has learned to do. During that period - which is going to be different for everyone, but for most seems to be about 1-2 weeks - your skin may feel a bit oily. But quickly your skin will adjust (with great relief!) to not having to work so hard to keep itself up, and you won't notice any extra oiliness.

As for clogging pores, it isn't oil that clogs pores, it's dirt. The pores already have oil in them - the natural oil produced by your body - and that doesn't clog them. Avoid putting cosmetics on your face if you can, and clean your face with your oil blend.

[info]skirril

January 13 2005, 21:33:43 UTC 7 years ago

Ok, I really want to try this, but I'm confused, some people say they wash their faces with other stuff as well, some don't, what's better?

[info]goforthbyday

January 16 2005, 18:02:06 UTC 7 years ago

it probably just depends on your skin, but if you're using anything to clean your face that dries out your skin or gets rid of oil, it's going to be counterproductive, since your skin needs to adjust to the OCM. I'm using the OCM totally by itself for a while to see how my skin reacts.

[info]skirril

7 years ago

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[info]goforthbyday

7 years ago

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[info]typeotori

January 18 2005, 21:27:27 UTC 7 years ago

Refrigeration for oils neccessary?

[info]starmama

January 18 2005, 21:39:07 UTC 7 years ago

I always refrigerate oils to prevent rancidity. But I keep a small (2 ounce, maybe?) bottle in the bathroom and refrigerate the rest.

[info]thisongwillend

January 20 2005, 02:31:03 UTC 7 years ago

Im not going to use castor oil, because its not vegan, but it does sound like it is the most important thing in the mixture. Anyone have any other oils that work well for cleansing?

[info]starmama

January 20 2005, 02:36:48 UTC 7 years ago

The castor bean is a plant. How is its oil not vegan?

[info]ameliekinski

6 years ago

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[info]lilirishgirl

February 14 2005, 03:49:09 UTC 7 years ago

Sorry if this is a stupid question... but, where would castor oil be usually in the store? Vitamin aisle?

[info]trillian42

February 16 2005, 18:10:01 UTC 7 years ago

Laxative aisle, actually :)

[info]pergyleneism

March 20 2005, 07:00:04 UTC 7 years ago

how often should i do this?

Deleted comment

[info]copywriterbean

March 13 2007, 18:28:11 UTC 5 years ago

I've had better luck with vitamin E oil than I have with Mederma. I don't know why it is, or whether it's just my natural chemistry, but E works better for me.

[info]perfectcherry

4 years ago

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[info]cleobatya

July 21 2005, 22:16:45 UTC 6 years ago

i started using this but i didnt have evoo so i used castor oil with grapeseed oil (ive been using grapeseed oil alone for a while now) with a couple drops of peppermint and lavendar EO. is the grapeseed oil as eefffective as EVOO?

[info]starmama

July 21 2005, 22:40:39 UTC 6 years ago

I find it to be. EVOO is too heavy for my skin in the summer, so I've switched to a jojoba/grapeseed blend.

[info]cleobatya

6 years ago

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[info]kristen_nicole

March 31 2006, 17:52:37 UTC 6 years ago

I used Paula's Choice and I love it!

[info]ravrhi

May 31 2006, 22:48:54 UTC 6 years ago

Is there a difference in COs that you get from the pharmacy and that you get from a health food store? I got mine from the pharmacy, and my skin was miserable. Someone mentioned that I should try a health store next, but I'm not really clear on if that would actually help.

[info]goacidic

October 29 2006, 22:03:29 UTC 5 years ago

How often do you usually do this?
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