Why Use Oils on Your Face

For anyone who has had struggles with their skin, the thought of forgoing their usual store bought face washes for oils seems pretty out-there. Considering the common recommendations from doctors and dermatologists are harsh face washes with various acids and to only use “oil-free” products, I can understand why. I, too, was a skeptic, but as my skin got worse and worse despite using products that were so intense they bleached my pillowcase, I finally decided I had nothing left to lose.

I was given this advice: If you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, don’t use it on your face.

After reading about washing your face with oils, I gave it a try, and I have never gone back. This is why.

Why should everyone wash their face with oils?

There are so many reasons why you should throw out your current face cleansing products and start using oils.

You’re working with your skin, not against it.

Your skin produces oils. These oils help to moisturize and protect the skin and are part of the detoxing system that helps to keep you healthy and glowing. When you strip your skin of these oils, the texture becomes dry and brittle and its appearance dull.

No more chemicals.

Your skin is the protective barrier for everything inside your body, and is also your body’s largest detox organ. When you sweat, you release waste and toxins out of your pores. Everytime you use a conventional face wash, toner, “moisturizer”, or other product, all of the ingredients, good and bad, are absorbed through your skin into your body and circulated through your blood. Using natural oils takes chemical additives out of the equation.

You’ll save money.

Face washes and full skin-care routines can be expensive! Even the cheapest brands and products will still cost you a decent amount over time. For the most part, you can use the same oils you use in your kitchen, which come in much larger bottles for a lot less cash.

You’ll save time.

Washing your face with oils is wonderful because you clean and moisturize at the same time. No need for extra steps.

Your skin will glow.

After spending years stripping your skin of its natural oils, even just a few days of discontinuing this practice will have your skin dewy, soft, and glowing. Your skin has a microbiota similar to that of the gastrointestinal tract. Washing your face every day with acids and moisture stripping ingredients disturbs this and can lead to acne, wrinkles, and other skin conditions.

One of the differences with replacing your skin care routine with oils that takes a bit to get used to is not having that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling that you get with regular face washes, and at the beginning you may find your skin feels extra oily. This is because your skin is used to being completely stripped of its natural oils and has been over-producing oil (causing acne!) as a result. The glowing, gorgeous, even-toned skin you get in return, however, is well worth the short adjustment period.

How to replace your skin care routine with oils you can find in your kitchen

The first thing we need to address is which oils you should be using. For regular, every day washing and moisturizing, regular kitchen oils are your best and most economical options:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Extra virgin coconut oil
• Organic avocado oil

While you don’t need to shell out for the most expensive oils at the store, don’t go for the cheapest options either. Stick to organic, cold-pressed oils. Coconut oil is fantastic for scar healing and has some antibacterial properties to fight acne, avocado oil is great especially for aging skin and when applied at night time will have you wake up with a warm glow, and olive oil is also deeply moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. You can choose to stick with one, or you can use a combination.

How to use them

In the morning, it’s best to keep your routine as quick and simple as possible.

1. Splash your face with some warm water
2. Gently massage a small amount of oil onto your face and neck. Remember, a little goes a long way! If you accidentally use too much, just dab the excess off with a warm damp cloth.
3. Before bed is your chance to pamper yourself a little bit extra.
4. Remove your makeup (you can also do this with just some oil and your hands!)
5. Grab a clean washcloth and soak in hot water, wringing out the excess
6. Lay it over your face for thirty seconds to a minute to “steam” open your pores.
7. Massage a small amount of oil into your skin and allow it to sit for a few minutes, say while you brush your teeth.

Make sure your cloth is hot again, lay it back onto your face and gently remove the excess oil. The oil will bind to any unwanted dirt or other substances that may clog your pores and pull them out. If you feel as though you need extra moisture after, massage a little bit more into your face.

Other oils to consider

There are plenty of essential oils out there you may also want to add into your routine, depending on the needs of your skin. These will range in price depending on the oil. When applying essential oils to your face, always remember to dilute them with a carrier oil (coconut, olive, or avocado), or else you risk ‘burning’ your skin.

Essential Oils for Acne:

• Tea tree oil
• Oregano oil
• Lavender oil

Essential Oils for Oily Skin:

• Citrus oils (orange, lemon, lime)
• Cypress
• Geranium

Essential Oils for Aging Skin:

• Lavender
• Rose Oil
• Ylang-ylang
• Sandalwood

Essential Oils for Dry Skin:

• Sandalwood
• Geranium
• Palmarosa

You can use these oils for spot-treatments or mix into your carrier oil to use on your whole face.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are dealing with chronic acne or doing your best to delay and get rid of wrinkles, replacing your current skin care routine with oils is the way to go. Give it a try for two weeks and you’ll love your fresh, glowing skin so much you won’t even go back to your old routine.