There are facial cleansers – foamy, gel, soapy, dry. There are exfoliants and scrubs. Toners and splashes.
And then there’s oil.
The superhero of facial cleaning.
You heard me right. Oil.
Regardless of your particular skin situation (dry, oily, normal, reptilian), there’s an oil-cleansing method that will work with your type.
“Oil cleansing method,” is one of the most popular in-site search term on Crunchy Betty. You want to know more about this oddly effective way to wash your face. I don’t blame you. It’s disco awesome.
My one post on it, however, was written at nearly the absolute beginning of my blogging career. I had no idea how to craft a readable, coherent post. (Translation: It’s confusing and not very helpful.)
We’re going to try this again. The right way.
Everything you want to know about the oil cleansing method. Why it works. How to do it. The pros and cons.
Your mind = blown. Your face = gorgeous. Your undying love + candy = mine.
How Does the Oil Cleansing Method Work?
Turn off the faucet for a minute. Put your facial cleanser away. Instead, today, grab some oils and slather them on your face. Massage them around. Let them lounge luxuriously. Now, turn the faucet back on – very warm water. Dunk a washcloth in it and then slowly wipe the oil off your face.
Guess what? Your face is now as clean as it needs to be. It’s radiant. Gorgeous, dahling. You’ve just used the oil cleansing method.
But how does it work?
You know how your skin – all of it – secretes oil? Even if your face feels dry, it still has oil on it.
Well, according to chemistry know-how, like dissolves like. So, effectively what you’re doing is dissolving and wiping away all the icky dirty oil from your face and replenishing it with clean, nourishing oil.
There’s no harsh chemicals involved. No suds. Nothing to actually strip your skin of its oil.
And this is good, because when you strip your skin of its sebum, it goes into overdrive, trying to create more. Which leads to clogged pores. Blackheads. Whiteheads. Just plain old irritation.
(We learned this well with the no ‘poo experiment, right? How shampoos make your scalp flip out and produce more oil?)
And that, in a very brief and succinct nutshell, is how the oil cleansing method works.
What Oils Are Best for Oil Cleansing?
Regardless of your skin type, there’s one oil you’ll probably want, and that is:
Castor oil.
Castor oil is gives you the most cleansing, dissolving bang for your buck. It’s also highly antibacterial in nature.
It can also be drying. So depending on your skin type, you’ll either use more or less castor oil proportionally to the other oils.
Good Oil Cleansing Varieties
- Jojoba (all skin types, but very desirable for acne-prone skin)
- Sweet almond (all skin types, especially oily)
- Grapeseed (all skin types, especially oily)
- Avocado (dry and aging skin)
- Sunflower Seed (all skin types)
- Olive (all skin types)*
- Apricot Kernel (dry, aging, and normal skin)
- Argan (all skin types, especially aging skin … very pricey)
- Tamanu (all skin types … very pricey)
*You’ll probably want to stay away from coconut oil for oil cleansing, as it is a known comedogenic and may possibly clog your pores and exacerbate blackheads.
The Oil-Cleansing Ratio
When you first start out with OCM, It’s best to think in ratios of thirds. You can measure these thirds out ahead of time and prepare a whole bottle full of oil. Or, you can do what I do and just eyeball it each time you use the method.
It might be better to use this on a “wash-by-wash” basis before you go mixing a whole bottle of oil together, just in case you want to change up the ratios if you notice your face is becoming too dry or too oily.
Here’s the rule of oil-cleansing thirds (remember, castor oil is important here):
- Oily skin: Use 2/3 castor oil to 1/3 carrier oil. (Or measure out 2 tsp castor oil and 1 tsp carrier oil.)
- Normal skin: Use equal parts castor oil and carrier oil. (Measuring out 1-1/2 tsp castor oil and 1-1/2 tsp carrier oil.)
- Dry skin: Use 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 carrier oil. (Again, 2 tsp carrier oil and 1 tsp castor oil.)
These ratios are NOT set in stone, but they’re a great jumping off point. Again, when I do this, I just eyeball it in the palm of my hand and go from there.
My favorite mix thus far: 1 tsp castor oil, 1 tsp avocado oil, and 1 tsp jojoba oil.
Oil Cleansing in 3 Easy Steps
- Prepare. Either mix your oils together ahead of time, or have the bottles ready. Set a clean washcloth beside the sink. Turn the hot water on to warm up.
- Cleanse. Starting with a dirty face (no need to pre-clean here, even if you’re wearing makeup), rinse your face lightly with the warm, running water. Pour the oil in the palm of your hand and then apply gently all over your face. Massage firmly, but gently, always moving upwards. Massage for 2 minutes, and then let the oil sit on your face for 30 more seconds or more.
- Rinse. By now, you should have very hot water coming out of your faucet. Adjust the heat until it’s cool enough to apply to your skin, but warm enough to soften the oil (it’s probably going to be hotter than the water you usually rinse your face with). Dunk the washcloth under the hot/warm water until it’s completely soaked. Apply the washcloth to your face and hold it there for 10-15 seconds. Slowly begin to wipe off. Rinse your washcloth and repeat until you’ve wiped all the oil off your skin.
That’s it!
Your skin is now cleansed.
Pros and Cons of Oil Cleansing
For as easy as it sounds – and as beneficial as it is – there are some pros and cons to oil cleansing, though.
Pros:
- It’s fantastic for your skin, and works for many people to clear up acne, combat dryness, and maintain a radiant glow.
- It’s super natural (be sure to buy cold-pressed or expeller-pressed organic oils, as well as castor oil that’s consciously extracted).
- It whisks away makeup in a flash. (It’s the only way I clean my face when I wear makeup now.)
- It doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils.
- If you use this nightly, you may not need to spring for pricey moisturizers anymore.
Cons:
- It may take a week or two for your skin to adjust to this new regimen.
- It’s more time-consuming than just washing your face with a cleanser.
- It’s a little more costly than using a cleanser, depending on the oils you choose.
- It may mean more laundry, due to the numerous washcloths you’ll go through if you do this every night.
Notes on the Oil Cleansing Method
Now that you know why you should do it, how to do it, and whether or not you’re up to the challenge, you may have a couple of questions. If I don’t cover them here, feel free to ask down below.
The frequency at which you use the OCM is up to you. Some people do it every night. I don’t have that kind of hardcore dedication (nor do I feel like my face gets dirty enough most of the time to warrant it). The one thing I would probably steer clear of – completely – is switching up the OCM with a store-bought facial cleanser that contains sulfates or sulfides. You’ll just confuse the heck out of your skin and it won’t know what to do with its own oil.
You might not need to moisturize after you use the oil cleansing method. This is where I heartily encourage you to get to know your own skin, so you can tell if it’s feeling dry enough to use a moisturizer. Every time I’ve OCM’ed before bedtime, I’ve never felt the need to moisturize (save a little vitamin E oil around my eyes).
You CAN jazz it up with things like tea tree oil or lavender essential oil (if your face is oily or acne-prone) or carrot seed oil or rose hip oil for normal/dry skin or even some rose essential oil or myrrh essential oil if your skin is aging. In all cases, just use 2-3 drops of each oil in your mixture.
Don’t sweat it if you don’t enjoy the oil cleansing method. It does take some time, and it does take some time to get used to. Eventually, you may feel like you’re pampering your face in a whole new and incredible way. Or you may feel like you never want to go to bed, because. Only do it if you enjoy it – if you see and feel a difference you’re happy with.
Last but not least, here are some of the websites that turned me on to the oil-cleansing method last year. Thanks, ladies!
–Sorta Crunchy
–Keeper of the Home
–Wellness Mama
*See THIS Crunchy Betty post for updated tips and recommendations for starting the oil cleansing method, in addition to why you shouldn’t use olive oil and other good stuffs to know.
Don’t want to make it yourself? I’ve created two splendific OCM oils that you can purchase through my shop! My Tamanu Thyme oil is for normal, oily, and acne skin types, and my Exquisite Stuff oil is for dry or aging skins. Check it out and let me know how you like it!
Have you tried the oil cleansing method? Speak up in the comments! Let everyone know what you thought and what your favorite part about it was!
I’ve cleaned my face with oils for years, and didn’t even know it was a thing 🙂 I have exceptionally dry skin and I found that my breakouts got much worse when I used facial cleaners and followed a daily cleaning routine. In general, I’ve found my skin and hair is healthier when I bathe once to twice a week. I use Dr. Bromer’s soap on my hair and skin, and follow with sesame oil mixed with geranium and tea tree essential oils. When the weather is dryer I may need to add some extra oil during the week, but not very often! And, I never have breakouts 🙂
LOVED this post. Really enjoyed reading it, went on the Mountain rose herbs site right away and ordered my first try. I got the castor oil, jojoba oil and tea tree oil. Ever since I got off the pill 3 years ago I have very oily skin with breakouts all the time (I’m 20 years old). I recently found out I’m pregnant and the breakouts are getting worse so I started reading about pregnancy safe face-cleaning methods and that’s how I found the OCM! I cant wait for the oils to arrive so I can start.
One question- Can I still use a cleanser in the morning? I have the YES to Tomamtos. And also, what oils are good for moisture for my oily acne prone pregnant skin? 🙁
(to apply after the yes to tomamto wash in the morning)
Thanks!!!
I have sensitive and reactive skin. I don’t get pimples but lots of little clogged pores/ bumps. I cleanse my face with grapeseed oil once a week and wash it off by splashing hot water on my face (no rubbing with a towel) until I like how it feels (moisturised with the oil but not saturated. I don’t take all the oil off). I let it rest for a few hours and before bed, moisturize with a dab of avocado oil. I don’t wash my face for the rest of the week.
I think it’s important to let the skin on your face rest and some people doing the OCM are having bad effects because they are doing it WAY too often. In the beginning, I was mucking around with the grapeseed oil a bit too much and I realised it was the frequency of which I did it that was causing the problems. If you used the OCM once or twice and your face is better, let it rest for a week or so and if it gets worse again, try it once more. If you don’t wash your face directly (I let water splash on my face and air dry when I shower after the gym), the oil and its effects really last for days. Let it be and slowly it will get better. Be patient.
Once I watched a documentary with women who lived in the Namib desert. They cleaned themselves with oil once in a blue moon and have a smoke bath (basically bathing in their own sweat) daily. I thought they had impeccable skin! So that’s what I’m trying to do. It’s difficult as we live in a world where we’re taught that we always need to DO SOMETHING to make ourselves better. Sometimes letting things be is a the best way.
Hello,
I have been using the oil cleansing method for a few months now and it has been working quite well, however, I am starting to get concerned with the way the oil comes off. I am starting to wonder if using the washcloth to take off the oil is actually bad for your face because I have read numerous times that exfoliating your face (even if it is gentle exfoliating) everyday is very bad. Is this true? Any advice would be much appreciated.
I am just starting to use organic hemp seed oil on my face. Are you familiar with any benefits using this oil?
Hi,
I started doing the OCM 3 days ago. I have acne rosacea (I’m 33, problematic skin since I was 13), my skin is very sensitive. I have very clogged pores especially on the nose and cheeks. I decided to use hempseed oil only, I’m a bit afraid to use the castor oil because of the hypersensitivity of my skin. I’m not sure if I should do the OCM everyday, if the steaming and rubbing my rosacea skind everyday is wise. After using the oil I feel slight burning. I read that this may happen when you switch from the chemical cleaners. Today I just washed my face with water and moisturized it with hempseed oil. Tomorrow I’m planning to steam my face and put a mask (hempseed oil, multani mati and neem powder). I tried using ACV after the oil but seems that it worsens the redness so I decided to just wash my face with cold water to close the pores and moisturize with hempseed oil at the end. Anybody here with rosacea? Any useful tips? Can I really clean my pores without using the castor oil or should I give it a try? I know that it’s not a question of days but more of months as I’ve done a lot of damage to my skin in those 20 years of fighting my acne.
I’ve just started doing the OCM with castor oil and sunflower seed oil (1:3 ratio) and I have combination skin. So far I’ve been doing it every night, should I use witch hazel at all at night and also a moisturizer or night oil? I just don’t feel like just doing the OCM at night is enough. My face just sucks up anything I put on it but I don’t want to cause a bad break out. Maybe I will continue to do my normal skin routine with Aveda products and just do OCM once a week?
Hey!
Ive been using the OCM for about two three weeks now and although my cheeks are literally GLOWING my forehead nose and chin is covered in under the skin spots that won’t go away! I have sensitive skin and have always suffered with eczema. I also have a nut allergy so nut oils are a no go. At the moment I use OCM every night with:
1 drop castor
4 drops avocado
5 drops sunflower
I almost always have to moisturise after. Is it that I’m using this method too often? Or the wrong ratios? I love love love what this is doing but only to certain parts of my face! Prior to this I suffered with ezcema above my lip and around my eyes and very very rarely had one spot in sight!
Do you need extractions? Or it could be that the oils a processed in a plant the processes nuts , since you are allergic
Also.. this is mentioned in the article, but Castor oil is really drying.. Sounds weird I know but it is true.. So I would not use a OTC moisturizer afterwards. I would either use less castor oil or …after cleansing use a lighter oil on the dry areas, maybe rosehip, orange, peppermint, hemp..etc… Actually just hemp oil by itself is great for OCM Cleansing… and is what I use.
Question..
When washing face…do you apply the given amount of oil mixture to face each time you wash? Example
1 tsp caster oil..1tsp avacado oil 1 tsp Jabba oil
All at once…
Put in bottle use little …shake it up?
Thanks
Great info! You have not mentioned sesame oil and I wondering if you what skin the it might be good for? I have very dry mature skin.
Thanks,
Ingrid
Is the oil cleansing method safe to use during pregnancy? Specifically castor, avocado, and jojoba oil? I also add a little argan oil, but not sure if these are safe?
I just wanted to throw in my 2c. I have sensitive skin and jojoba isn’t good for me at all, makes my skin feel achy. I tend to use avocado/castor at 1:4 ratio.
Hi. Just want to know if OCM will affect hair growth on my upper lips. I am a girl and I have very thin hair on my upper lip. I read that castor oil is good for hair growth so I’m scared of that I might have unwanted hair on my face.
Uumm… I feel like oil cleansing has caused facial hair to grow on my face..!plzzz help me out wd ds!
Hi, I haven’t tried ocm yet. I’m in the research portion of it. Can I use just jojoba oil?
Hi, I am currently using argan oil for my base oil & rosehip seed oil for my bonus oil & a few drops of each tea tree, frankincense & lemon. Am I doing this right.I do the honey wash in the morning.Before I shower I do the ocm.Then I usually just put a small amount of argan or jojoba oil on my face & neck at night when going to bed. My skin is normal & I would to start using the castor oil but don’t know how to start. Any advice would be a help. Thanks
Oil cleansing is the absolute best thing I have ever done for my face. When done right (using the proper oils for your skin type) you can completely balance your skin. I used to have to load on moisturizers. No more!
Cn I use baking soda and lemon juice paste before ocm ??? Cs I have bad acne scar
I don’t remember who and when, but someone somewhere said OCM to me about two weeks ago. Being ‘blessed’ with troubled skin, I have been to numerous dermatologists, tried every chemical, fruit, veg and other method to de-stress my skin and get rid of spots, infections, eczema, irritations, and a variety of colours in my face & neck. I googled, found your post, ran to the kitchen cabinet to put my sunflower oil and castor oil in a bottle, used it, and OH MY… From moment one my skin has drastically changed. Dry patches no more (maybe a few around the eyes, but I fix it with Argan) my entire face has the same colour skin, blackheads and infections have disappeared, and I no longer spend my day picking and scratching. This is heaven. I’ve been at it for over a week and half, ditched the moisturiser and haven’t touched a single chemical since.. I highly recommend OCM, even to the most sceptical. In spite of being told I would never have perfect skin due to an intestine disease (it comes from within, the dermatologist said after the chemical peel didn’t help!) I tried & the result is prettier darn close to perfect! Thanks for making me feel comfortable again, keep up the good work!
Hello. I m still doing some research before I start this OCM for my skincare routine. Right now I am using the honey cleansing method every day for my skin. I just apply raw honey on my skin..leave it for about 5 to 10 mins and then rinse off. So far this method works wonderful on my skin. I still have breakout though . But my acne scars seems to reduce but I hve clogged pore.and lots of whiteheads. So I think I m gonna try this ocm but still trying to find the suitable oil for my skin. My question is do this method needs castor oil. Is it a must or else I could not get the good result?.
What is ur opinion about using the hemp seed oil alone. Bcoz hemp seed oil does not clog pores. Thank you
Hi,
I love this post!
I may sound completely stupid, but what is the difference of the oils when you say for example “2 tsp castor oil and 1 tsp carrier oil”
Is Castor oil- Jojoba, Sweet Almond etc?
Whats Carrier oils?
Or have I just misunderstood it all!
Thanks,
Bobbie
Hi Bobbie!
Castor oil is a particular oil, made from the castor bean. Carrier oils are a category of oils; they are the ones listed under “Good Oil Cleansing Varieties.” You choose those based on your skin type and any particular skin issues or concerns you may have.
For instance, my carrier oils are primarily sunflower and jojoba; both are usually good for all skin types. I have sensitive skin and suffer from rosacea, so bonus points to the jojoba there. I also add a bit of organ and rosehip seed oils. Both are good for sensitive and older skin. (I’m forty-two, and still look pretty youthful; I would like to keep it that way!)
Hi, my wife and I have started oil cleansing, and she has been having BAD breakouts! Any recommendations? Should she stop?
Where do you get carrier oil?
Thank you, I just might try this.
Do not leave your water running for 2 minutes while you massage your face. If everyone in the world wasted that much water every time they washed their face we’d be out of water before we knew it.
wow wow wow. so cool. thank you for this. i have been trying to use oil but did not know how . you have made it so simple and easy . thank you for this. plus did not know that cocnut oil was not good. i was using this too.
Hi there,
Thanks for the great post 🙂 I just tried this today and it feels great! I was a little skeptical about the OCM and it’d be great if you’d help me with these:
– Do you use the OCM before or after a shower? Is it okay for me to use the oil on my face and then instead of the cloth, hop into the shower and just wash it off with warm water?
– If you don’t oil cleanse every day, is it alright to use a natural pro-biotic face wash on other days?
I used to have acne as a teenager but haven’t had a breakout for about a decade, and I want to do this right so I don’t break out!
I do have big pores though and some facial redness; I’m hoping the OCM (and the Tamanu oil i’m using!) makes a big difference. Any specific tips for this?
Thanks so much 🙂 And don’t stop doing what you do!
I tried washing it of in the shower once and it messed up my hair. I also use the no-poo method to clean my hair and washing the oil of my face in the shower must have caused the oil to splatter into my scalp because my hair was so greasy afterward. I actually had to use conventional shampoo to get it out again. If you use regular shampoo, it probably won’t matter, but rinse the oil of before shampooing.
My dear,
Excellent rundown, but may I make 2 suggestions for extra info for inclusion?
The Romans were great users of (olive) oil for cleansing of the whole body.
Macadamia oil is an excellent oil both for its viscosity and fatty acid balance. You should definitely try it.
As a cosmetic chemist I have tried more oils those most and Maca is my fave (but then I am a male).
Tx for good info.
Warren
I have been using this method for over 2 years. I use the castor/olive oil mix. Let’s just say I started out with very bad acne. I have oily skin that was prone to breakouts. I would get cystic acne as well as scarring. I haven’t had a breakout since. I still get the occasional pimple. I use this nightly with a gentle morning face wash. I still moisturize. The face wash i use helps control oil, without the harsh chemicals. It’s great for makeup removal. It’s carried me thru pregnancy too.
I am just starting the OCM, and I also very bad acne and oily skin. What face wash do you use in the morning? (I have tried every cleanser under the sun with no results and I’m getting really sick of using harsh cleansers.) Thanks!
Hi amy,
I’ve suffered from acne my whole life (35yo) and what I’ve found is that any harsh cleansers or cleansers made for acne actually made everything worse. I noticed my face would break out when my skin was dry and the Acne cleaners made it more dry which compounded the issue (I used to think I had oily skin, but that was from my body overproducing oil to compensate what had been stripped away from the acne cleanser). I use spectro gel in the morning with neutrogenia spf 15 for daytime and cleanse with oil at night. I find that that has worked the best as it is not stripping away my natural oils.. And therefore reducing my acne significantly. Good luck!
Hi. I’ve been cleaning my face with coconut oil only for the last 2 straight years. I recently had a facial, and the woman told me I had some of the best skin she’s seen in awhile. My face is very clear (but in fairness, it always was). It works for me. With that said, it’s been awhile, so I’m thinking of switching to avocado oil.
My face has responded well to the oil cleansing method. I am 68 and was having alot of problems with my skin, now my skin is cleared up and feels great. I am using sunflower seed and castor oil in the ratio you suggested for dry skin. I use the dollar store microfiber face cloths as they are so gentle but can get into the pores better. Brushes can scratch the skin. I wipe, don’t scrub.
I use castor oil 1/3 to hazelnut oil 2/3. Wet my face, apply with facial brush, then shower it off. My 11 year old started this regimen and has cleared his face of blackheads. My husband is so impressed he has begun to do it as well. Castor oil is the bomb! Got a toenail fungus after a pedi. Apply castor oil after showering. Fungus is disappearing
Hello, I have been doing oil cleaning with jojoba oil every evening since 2 months now . I guess I was not having warm water+ washcloth every night so on some occasions could not remove the oil out or did not clean face properly. I do not wear make up. But what I noticed was that my acne prone skin is not pretty “granular” , and feels rugh and many many more acne under the skin. I guess I must have done something wrong… : / (32yr old).
I have been using 1/2 olive oil and 1/2 castor oil for at least 6 months now and my skin’s natural oils have returned. The only thing I apply to my face anymore is Zinc Oxide. I did try coconut oil in the beginning and it did clog my pores, but why did you cross out olive oil?
A couple questions…
If you don’t do this every night, what do you do on the nights you don’t use this method. Do you just remove make up or do you wash your face with your own mild face wash recipe?
Also, do you remove eye makeup, such as mascara or eyeliner before using this method, or does this method remove that as well. I usually use olive oil to remove eye makeup, so would I still do that, wipe it off, then apply this oil mixture? Or just start with this….
Finally, my skin is kind of combinations (sometimes really oily, sometimes really dry) but I am super prone to acne. I am planning on using castor oil and jojoba oil (since jojoba is great for acne), but I was wondering what ratio would be good…
Thank you so much! I am excited to start using this method!
On days I wear makeup, I always use oil cleanse. On days I don’t, I use water. No soap of anykind should ever be on your face. Your ratios are personal to you, start with 1/2 and 1/2 and see how that works. I had a couple of painful pimples for the first two weeks, but that went away and now I have soft, subtle, healthy skin.
So, reading through the comments, I noticed a lot of the same type of questions that I had when I started OCM a few months ago & figure I’ll share some personal tips/ advice. First off, I LOVE OCM. I’ve got the cursed combo skin (shakes fist at dna) & have tried probably every product that “works” with no or even worse results. When I tried OCM the 1st time, I was enthralled & amazed. My skin felt indescribably clean & it was so soft, I was near-obsessively touching my face because I just wanted to indulge in the softness! Yep, THAT good. After a few days, my skin actually started to break out & oil seemed to go into overdrive. At first, I was disappointed because I thought this was the holy grail I’d been crusading after my whole life. BUT, my brain didn’t let me give up & common sense kicked in. The oil was breaking all that gunk my pores had been hoarding forever & pulling it out. So, what I was experiencing with the new pimples & blech was my skin being deep cleansed from the inside out. It took about a week, but I stuck with OCM at least once a day (sometimes twice) & throughout the day, would just use a very warm washcloth to get rid of surface oils… I am so super glad I kept to it because there TRULY was a light at the end of the tunnel. So the advice there: unless you’re having a major OMG-what-is-this-rash type of thing, don’t give up. Also, if it works for you, great, but my personal suggestion is to stay away from coconut oil, olive oil & grapeseed. I tried all 3 & the results were a wee bit less than spectacular & seemed to clog my pores, setting me back to almost square 1. What has been working wonders is a blend of sweet almond (very light oil & me-likey that), tea tree for extra cleansing, a touch of vitamin e, lavander for healing/ soothing & rosemary for acne scars & fine lines. Rosemary is imo absolutely glorious for fine lines. There have been some small ones rearing their little aging heads on my forehead up until recently… aaaaaand they’re GONE after 2 months of using rosemary. Yaaaay! Ok, one last thing: if you’re skeptical about how well OCM really works, try putting the oils on a cotton pad & rubbing your face with that instead of your fingers. Be prepared to see that pad turn from white to some icky color that shall remain nameless. It’s been a great gauge for me to see just how much “ugh” my face hides in such teensy lil holes & how much actually gets removed with oils. Ok, there’s my bit, I’m done now 🙂
Hi there,
You mentioned that you don’t use the ocm every night. Then what do you use on nights you don’t use it. How you cleanse your face in the morning? I haven’t tried it and am actually a little afraid it might exasperate my acne. My main issue is that I have very flaky skin that just won’t go away. I exfoliate with a facecloth every day to no avail. Very frustrating. I feel like I need to exfoliate in order to apply makeup otherwise it just looks horrible. Can the castor oil help with the flakiness? I use an oil already for cleansing but only sweet almond oil and nothing else. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi! I was wondering what the best oil combination is to use with teen skin? Thank you!
I personally use coconut oil as a full body moisturizer, including my face. Since removing the chemical-laden products and foods from my life my skin has never looked as good. My pores are cleaner, I have minimal acne breakouts and my rosacea rarely rears it’s ugly head.
I came here to learn about the oil cleansing method because I finally accepted that my face cannot handle my “baby mild” pure castile soap anymore. I use the big brand name soap that the nearly genius but crazy guy invented many decades ago.
I am allergic to jojoba oil unless my body finally will allow me to use it but I wont try it yet.
So, the key is to rinse your face with warm water. Massage the oil mixture on your face gently for 2 minutes. Let sit for 30 seconds. Wet your washrag in hot but usable water, place the washrag on your face and hold it there for 10 to 15 seconds to liquify the oils more, then gently rinse off the oils with the rag and hot water. Reapply your oil of choice on your face if you feel it’s needed.
If some one needs to be updated with most recent technologies then he must be pay
a visit this site and be up to date everyday.
Good day! I wanted to try the oil cleansing method for a while now. This morning I decided that I’m going to give it a try. I used 1tbs caster oil, few drops tea tree oil and a few drops lavender oil…just to test how my skin will react to the ingredients. I have a very sensitive/oily and acne prone skin. I must say it feels really nice. Okay so I will try this for a few days. I used Dermalogica ultra sensitive tint spf 30 for my moisturiser. I will come back after a week or so to let you know how my skin is doing on this mixture. Have a nice day!
This is one of the very best articles I have read about the method. Thank you for being thorough! I do have one question though, does it help with scaring and pigmentation? And if yes then how so? I’ve heard that baking soda is the way to go for those red/purple pigmentation issues left behind. Thanks for the help!
ive used OCM but im finding my skin is drying out around the cheeks and forehead, and ive had a breakout of pimples towards that time of the month…. i was using olive oil and castor oil mixture and i have combination skin type, so how can i adjust this to make my face not feel so tight?
I have been doing oil cleansing for about two weeks now. I use castor and grapeseed oil. It was a rough start, but I kept with it since you say it can take a couple weeks to acclimate. After about four days things evened out and now I feel like oil cleansing is the best thing I have ever done for my skin! Thank you, thank you! I also bought your ebook and love it 🙂
I just started the OCM and am super excited about it. I have always washed my face twice a day though. If I use the OCM at night, what do I do in the morning? It feels weird to not wash my face in the morning. Do I do nothing at all or use an all natural face wash (recommendations please) or just moisturize?
Has anyone used the Angel Baby Oil for OCM? Ingredients are grape seed oil, jojoba oil, chamomile and calendula extract.
Hi, I’ve been using a combination of sunflower oil and tea tree oil. It feels absolutely marvelous on my skin but unfortunately, my skin does not seem to agree. Is it ok to limit the face steaming to once or twice? I find that steaming any more dries out my face and the oil is light enough that comes off with ease. I’ve tried reapply a little sunflower oil afterwards to moisturize but it doesn’t seem to hydrate and soak into my skin unless I apply another glob of it on. I’m also wondering if maybe I might be allergic, as I’ve been using this mix for three weeks and my face is still breaking out in comedones and cysts. Should I just move on to another combination?
Hi, do I need to use a cleansing oil if I don’t put on make up? Right now I’m using Kose cleansing oil day and night with/without make up and after I cleanse my face, I use Kose facial essence soap to wash my face. Am I doing the correct steps?
Have tried everything for my perioral dermatitis (bumpy red patches around my nose and mouth, flares up with stress,hormones..you name it)
I was using African Black Soap for awhile which seemed to work in the short term, but not in the long term. It came back just as bad.
I started oil cleansing with a mixture of 1/3 castor oil, 1/3 avocado oil, and 1/3 sunflower seed oil. It has been a little over a week and I am THRILLED. I have been doing it at night, with no added moisturizer at the end. In the morning I simply wash my face with warm water and apply light makeup. This is the ONLY thing that has worked for me in my past 2 year battle with perioral dermatitis. I have incredibly sensitive skin, and so far, so good!
I highly recommend it and if you have sensitive skin as well, go ahead and give the mixture a try, it was a lifesaver.
For acne skin, do I still apply acne spot cream?
What oil mix would you recommend the most for someone who’s had acne for 6 years (also has scaring) and has drier skin?
hello I have been using the oil cleanse for a couple of months, I only use it in the evenings as I wear foundation during the day, still I am having breakouts why? I use castor oil and jojoba oil and tamuna oil, I have tried changing oils like lavender and others. advise so needed as getting dispondent. it was great at the start.
I’ve been using OCM for about 18 days now. Im using a mixture of castor and olive oil. I can see changes unto my face but since my 1st week up until now Im still experiencing Cystic acnes on my face. I feeling troubled by this and wondering if you can give me some advice. Thanks!
Hi! I read in this post http://crunchybetty.com/trying-and-troubleshooting-the-oil-cleansing-method-tips-for-flawless-oil-cleansed-skin that olive oil could cause you more acne. I’ve been using grape seed and almond oil, and it has worked just fine. Maybe you should mix castor oil with another oil instead of olive oil, change things a bit. Hope this helps!:)
I live in Canada. We have Wal-Mart, Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart. Where can I buy castor oil?
I am new to OCM and have been using around 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 grapeseed oil. My skin is quite sensitive and has a bit of shininess / oiliness on my T-Zone, but dry at the same time (gets a bit flaky when I put foundation on). Any idea if I can add another oil, e.g. avocado oil to help with the dryness aspect?
Thanks!
Yes, you can use more than 2 oils. I have a blend of avocado, hemp, apricot and sunflower oils. I started with 1:1 ratio of each and adjusted it for what I needed. I also use frankincense essential oil, which is good for dry and agin skin. Lavender is good too.
If you use castor oil,coconut oil, and almond oil as your ocm, which are known to increase hair growth, will the castor oil and coconut oil increase the growth and length of unwanted hairs on face?
I was skeptical of the oil cleansing method because my skin is prone to breakouts but IT WORKED!! I have dry skin and started with castor oil and jojoba. I sort of eyeball a 1:4 ratio. I’ve noticed that my pores are way less clogged and I get fewer breakouts…My skin also hasn’t been dry since! This is a miracle for me. I’ve tried every expensive cleanser/moisturizer/acne solution on the market but this is the best! I’m even delaying my facial appointments because my skin has been so nice. It totally makes sense that I’ve been stripping my skin with all the pricey/chemical-y products and they killed my skin!! (For reference, I’m in my early 30’s with fair, sensitive skin with pink undertones, dry skin, acne prone).
I’m nervous to wander from my current oil regimen but I’m wondering if I can get even better results- any recommendations? Also, has anyone tried natural moisturizers that they can recommend?
I have been using the OCM for a bit now , most of my acne comes from within though. for the past six months I have been dealing with cystic acne on my jawline and cheeks. I am 23 and have never had acne before so I tried everything ! the ocm makes my skin so nice but I am still dealing with breakouts! I have dry sensitive skin but also oily in certain places I have been using 1tsp hazelnut 1tsp tamanu 1 tsp. avocado , 2 tsp. jojoba and 5 drops lavender. I am curious if this is too much oils or if you can use as many as you want ?
Thanks so much for any feedback or experiences people can share !!!
I have used Cetaphil for oily skin in the past but wanted something to help mattify my skin better. I now use Citrus Clear’s Control Moisturizer – its thicker than what I had in mind for a facial lotion, but I don’t care because the product delivers what I need. It absorbs quickly and is a good primer before I apply my concealer and foundation. I stay shine free all day
Hi,I’ve been using the ocm for 2 weeks now. Started off using sweet almond oil with es oils to wash every morning and night ( while waiting for my unrefined coldpressed tamanu,macadamia nut and castor oil to come in) I just received my order and washed with 30% castor oil and 70% macadamia oil twice a day and rub in tamanu oil with my es oils on my hyperpigmintation. I noticed a couple of days ago my pores are all clogged up, all over, It’s bad! I then looked up “ocm clogging pores” and read countless horror stories one after the other of the same problem but so much worse. I usually have extreme oily skin but since starting ocm I have normal which I love!!! No more oil slick face, but all these clogged pores (hundreds) can not be good. I was reading how all these women were getting cistic acne from their clogged pores and had to see dermatologist and be put on antibiotics, topical while taking up to 6 months to heal their usually occasional acne. Plese,do you have any advice for me and my clogged pores? I love not having a greasy face, but isn’t worth a face full of pimples that I can’t control. Btw, i love all your articles
Hi, I’ve been doing OCM for about 2 week now and I love it though I am breaking out a little. I want to try hemp seed oil in my mix however this has to be kept in a cool place aka fridge. If I blend it with other oils for OCM does this mean I have to keep it cooled in the fridge? Or if its mixed it should be fine in room temp?
Is it okay to pair OCM with a natural sulfur based face wash for nights your don’t have time/want to do the OCM?
No, you ding-dong
Why dont you just follow the instructions and do the OCM exclusively for 7 to 14 days.
Why do you insist on making modifications when you havent even tried it according to the author’s instructions?
Is it okay to pair OCM with a natural sulfur based face wash for the nights you don’t have time/want to do the OCM?
Thank you!
Is it okay to pair the OCM with a natural sulfur based face wash?
What is the best way to wash the washcloths used for the OCM?
I use microfibre cloths for the best removal of the oil and they don’t seem to get gunky just throwing them in the wash with regular laundry. After a few months, I throw them in hot water with dish soap to remove build up and they feel good as new. Hope it helps!
Good post. I started researching about this oil cleansing method about a month ago, and started doing it. I’m doing it now with the castor oil and olive oil. I haven’t had problems with the olive oil, but thinking about switching that for the sweet almond oil instead! Also I was doing the whole towel under the hot water and then leaving it on your face at first, but then I read that steaming your face is very bad for it just like taking a hot shower isn’t good for your skin neither. So now I just use the towel under warm water and gently wipe the oil off and its been working better. 🙂
I am a 20 year old south Asian female with visible facial hair all over my face. Will castor oil make it thicker and darker and encourage further growth, while using the OCM?
Girls as much as I love to promote oil cleansing or our anything for that matter it is as with anything “not for everyone”
It is true that certain oils and oil combinations will feel beneficial on.some people’s skin and not others and short of sounding like a nag I would recommend getting a qualified aromatherapist to mix up your skincare if adding EOs
A wee note: Olive oil works perfectly fine on the skin and not just in the kitchen… In face almost all carrier oils used with the right amounts all have therapeutic benefits.
And “jojoba oil” is the closest to the skin own natural sebum.
(exercise caution when applying essential oils especially to the face)
Theholisticwitch
Scotland
So if you don’t use this method every night or day, how do you cleanse your face between times?
Hello! I was wondering why you crossed out olive oil from the oils you listed? Is it not good for ocm?
You dont want to use kitchen oils due to them actually clogging your pores.
You should not use olive oil because it is comedogenic, that means it may clog your pores and exacerbate blackheads. (Like she wrote above)
That is exactly what my skin-doctor in Germany told me year ago, better don’t use any products with olive oil for your skin.
Emily, you’re right, this is confusing. Nadine, she crossed out olive oil but actually didn’t specify why. All she wrote was that coconut oil should be avoided because it’s a comedogenic and will clog pores. Still not sure if crossing out olive oil was a mistake…
She stated lower on the page to check out the othter info regarding the olive oil being nixed from the list.
I usually wash my face with a store bought cleanser or facial cleansing wipes every second day when I don’t have a shower and when I do have a shower, I’ll use wipes to remove my makeup before going in and I’ll use a cleanser in the shower. I want to start using the ocm, so what should I do on shower days? Could I just use a regular cleanser then, because you said that your skin wouldn’t know how to deal with that? Also, if I use it for a while, could I still switch back to a traditional cleanser if I’m not happy with the results?
I think you should just try OCM only for 7 straight days and if you dont like the results than go back to the store bought cleansers
Hi – I started the OCM in October and love it. I can tell such a difference, just wish I would have started 10 years ago!! I was told to use castor oil and organic olive oil. I noticed you have olive oil crossed off the list of recommended oils. I am curious as to why? Wondering if I will have better results if I try something different! Please let me know.
I’ve read about starting with mineral oil. Have you heard of anyone using that, and if so, what do you think?
I would not use mineral oil as it is made from petroleum.
I have only been using the Citrus Clear Face Wash product for 10 days, but have had remarkable results. I actually noticed a difference after the first 3 days. My skin is smoother and clearer. I am so happy. Something that works and doesn’t cost a fortune.
HELP. I have been doing the oil cleansing for about 2-3 weeks now. I use 20% castor to 80% sunflower oil for my combination skin. I would now class myself to have oily skin! I have been honey cleansing in the mornings, using toner and then sweet almond oil with vitamin e as my moisturizer, then OCM at night. Why has my skin gone crazy with oil production? Do I add more castor and just keep pushing through? I’m getting forehead bumps and on my chin.. feeling very oily during the day as of 2 weeks in…….
I’m no expert at all, but maybe switch your ratios around. do more castor and less sunflower?
why do you use honeay cleansing and extra moisturiser? have you tried another oil than sunflower?
I cannot wait to try this! Question though….do you use a homemade moisturizer for the daytime? I currently use Philosophy skin care products during the day but I don’t want to confuse my skin!
It is suggested to not wet your face before applying oil. Since oil and water do not mix, it will not be as effective. Also my favorite oil to use is Hemp oil/Hemp seed oil. It is the closest related to your body’s natural oil. Works great! Good article – thanks!
I am a bit confused? One step says to wet a washcloth and apply to face for a few seconds, but your saying its recommended not to wet your face? Your face will get wet with the washcloth.
It means don’t wet your face before applying the oil but use the wet washcloth to wipe off the oil after it’s applied
DOnt wet the face? THt doesnt sound correct to me.
Plus, you would need a boatload of oil if you are applying it to a dry face and rinsing it off will take a tremendously long time.
That sounds like overkill to me
If you try this, you’ll be suprised how little oil it actually takes when you start massaging it onto your face. You don’t rinse it off with water (yes, that would take a long time). You use the very warm, wet wash cloth to wipe off the oil and debris.
I have been using the ocm for almost three weeks now. The weather here has been very cold and dry and I have noticed my skin has become dryer and I am still dealing with breakouts (per my skin adjusting) it seems like my skin is getting worse with the dryness which I am sure is partly from the cold dry winter air. Is there something I could add to my oil blend to help with my break outs and dry patches? I haven’t tried switching up my oil blends just yet but I am currently using castor oil and avacado oil. I feel like giving up but I know I shouldn’t. Any suggestions are helpful!
You can try jojoba oil or hemp, or both. i started making cleansing oils with a mix of avocado, hemp, apricot and sunflower oils. Sunflower oil is great for breakouts. Avocado and hemp are good for dry skin. I also add essential oils. Frankincense or lavender are good for dry skin and acne prone skin. I don’t use castor oil. You could also try jojoba, that’s good for dry skin as well.
I have just started the OCM regimen 3 nights ago and i am telling you.. ITS MAGICAL. i have combination skin. i used castor oil and sweet almond. i wake up in the morning and my skin feels and look supple, well hydrated and less oily! and yes it gave me that radiance i don’t knw how to explain. i don’t have to wash my face with facial cleanser in the morning. just warm water. i wear makeup everyday to work. and the OCM has definitely wash off all my makeup without a trace. i am still continuing the OCM method. and i hope to see more positive results on my skin.- Hana from Sunny Singapore
Hana, I too have combination oil so I will be trying the oil combination you’re doing. I have a question for you though. Do you use any kind of moisturizer in the morning before applying your makeup? Thank you! -Julia
Should I use this instead of a face wash, or both? I was going to try your natural face washes but if isn’t necessary to use a face wash with the oil treatment then I don’t want to.
Basically, is this a subsitute for a proper face wash, or do I need to wash my face aswell?
If you do it every night (or as frequently as you would ordinarily wash your face), there shouldn’t be any need to wash your face other than the OCM.
I want to try the oil method, but I’m allergic to castor oil, is there any other oil I could substitute that can be just as helpful?
Hazel-nut oil
100% jojoba oil can be used with this method as well!
Can you use a natural sulfur based face wash on the nights you don’t have time/want to do OCM?
I use a witch hazel/aloe vera/rose water in the mornings and on nights when I don’t have time to use the ocm
I have been using the OCT for a little over two weeks now. My chin has been breaking out like crazy more than with prescription medicine. Now I am getting one on my cheek, the big cystic ones. Should I be patient or is it not working for me. I am frustrated. I also use witch hazel and tea tree oil.
What oil are you using? Are you only using witch hazel and tea tree oil. Try pure honey, cinnamon, and a little nutmeg and make a paste, works wonders! The best oil cleansing would be jojoba, a little castor oil, lavender and maybe a little tea tea tree oil in the mix and apply a hot cloth over it a few times for the steam effect. Play around with the ratio of the castor oil because it is drying.
I love using just plain olive oil on my face. I’ve read places like this one that people should steer away from it, but surprisingly my skin loves the stuff. I’ve had combination acne prone skin my whole life and olive oil really cleared it up. I tried mixing it with castor oil but it just dried my skin out. I really suggest people that want to try using olive oil on their face do their own research though, because it is a risky oil for most people.
My skin is acne-prone and sensitive, and tends to get dry, flaky, itchy and irritated. Is this how your skin is? I am currently using argan oil, but it isn’t doing much for me. Maybe I should try olive oil…
Hello, I want to try this method but I’ve heard that Castor Oil can increase or worsen facial hair on women. Is this true?
I just started using this method and it works!. One caveat- use a microfiber cloth to wipe your face with. I saw immediate results the first night. I have had acne and blackheads my entire life. I’m 45 and thought I would be finished with that kind of thing. Apparently NOT! I was surfing the net and found this method along with people gushing about using the microfiber cloths-you know the kind you clean your car with. I first used the cloth using no cleanser just water to clean my face-even with makeup on and then found the oil cleansing method as well. Now I cleanse nightly with grapeseed oil because it is high in lineolic acid which apparently us acne people are deficient in on our skin and then I wipe my face off with the microfiber cloth. So far Fantastic results!. of course it will take time and the blackhead marks will need time to fade as well, but no new blemishes have cropped up.
Hi.I Just recently found out about this OCM process and i’m intrigued. I have very dry skin that is slightly acne prone so I was thinking of using a very small amount of castor oil then avocado oil and jojoba oil. What I don’t get are the mixing ratios. I was wondering if you get help me out on how much of each oil to mix together. I don’t want to be mixing every night so at least enough to get me through the week.
Thank you very much
Bria
If castor oil is the most cleansing, how can this be since it is not the least comedogenic of oils. I’m confused, so please explain. Thanks!
Hi,
I just started this routine. I have a couple of questions.
A) What cleanser do you recommend when I need to wash my face the next morning after OCM?
B) Are we supposed to use all the oil ( 3 tspn of Castor +jojoba oil mixture) at once, I mean is that the amount of oil I need to use to do the OCM? I actually used only half the quantity and it was sufficient, so I wanted to crosscheck if I need to use the full quantity at once.
Hello,
I just started the OCM a few nights ago. So far so good. but my face feels tight and dry afterwards, and upon waking I’ve noticed that my face has produced much more oil than usual over the night. I’ve been applying my usual moisturizer (Neutrogena’s daily moisturizer for sensitive skin) about 15 minutes after cleansing to help alleviate the dryness.
Any recommendations?
My current oil ratio is 2 jojoba : 1 Castor
I’ve been using about 1 teaspoon of oil all together for each session. Is more necessary?
Thanks for the help!
-Garrett
I’m not sure about the ratios, but I can say that you should ditch the Neutrogena moisturizer. You could use the jojoba oil as a moisturizer, or try another moisturizing oil, but don’t use bad stuff like Neutrogena anymore!
Hi there! I have perioral dermatitis any advice on if this is a good cleansing option and what oil might be good to use?
With the OCM I’m wondering if you can just use one of the carrier oils without adding the castor oil?
Hi!
So I thought I’d leave my comment here just in case I could possibly help anyone!
I have acne prone skin that breaks out very, very easily and scarring from using many different doctor prescribed products (including ProActiv which made my face 100% worse than it ever was).
I was turned onto the oil cleansing method by researching a bit about natural cleansers after getting tired of the crap my doctors had given me.
So I started the oil cleansing method! I started about a month ago and I am so in love. I use castor oil & jojoba oil to cleanse, an apple cider vinegar and water mixture as a toner, and then a homemade moisturizer consisting of jojoba oil, aloe, witch hazel, tea tree oil, lavender oil, ylang ylang oil, and possibly one other ingredient (I can’t remember – I was like a mad scientist in the kitchen making it).
Since starting the OCM my face has reduced in redness, oiliness, and more severe breakouts. I was VERY hesitant to try this because my face does get oily fast and oil on oil scared me. But alas, my face is noticeably less oily during the day (all day!).
I have since started to use the moisturizer (and I know I have started using way too many products in one but I am so impatient to finally have clear skin) and although my skin is clearing very slowly, this is the most it’s cleared in years.
I’m still very, very new to this whole natural beauty product routine but it is 100$ worth the time, dedication, and money I’ve had to spend and I plan to continue with it!
After reading all of these comments, I was sooooo happy to come across yours Shelby (as your story resembled mine)!
I have had acne break outs most of my life (since the age of 13) and it only calmed down after taking Roacutane (which was prescribed by a dermatologist) at the age of 35. The Roacuutane helped tremendously (after having nearly ALL of the side effects, but left me with disgusting blemishes/scars! I still break out occasionally (big pus spots) and everytime I do it leaves another god awful blemish. The reason I was so interested in your comment was because you said that you use Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner (which I have just started doing for the last 2 weeks and have seen a difference in my skin (clearer/brighter) and marks fading. I use this alongside Aloe Vera Gel.
After reading your comment I feel I should try this cleansing method (instead of using babywipes) to remove my THICK makeup that I need to apply to disguise my awful skin!
Have you noticed a difference with any blemish reduction Shelby?
I’m thinking to try Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil as my cleanser, then do the ACV toner afterwards/ smoothering face with Aloe Vera until it dries and then moisturising.
I noticed this post was done in October (1 month ago),so would you still recommend it Shelby.
Kind Regards
I wanted to comment on the ACV method you were using , I have read that putting water with ACV was not a good idea. I have used 2/3 alcohol free witch hazel and 1/3 ACV, it’s been better than water and ACV.
I also use pure honey, cinnamon and nutmeg on my spots and also once a week I will apply Redmond clay or bentonite clay. Also I oil cleanse every night with jojoba, castor oil(little bit in the mix) and lavender, if I find I am getting dry I will apply a little and I mean a little borage oil, love this oil! Some people have taken it internally, haven’t tried that yet. My skin is the best it has ever been in a very long time! My big bumps are flatter and going away from finally after them staying around for months. I have only been doing all of this for 2 weeks. Wanted to reply as your problem sounds a little like mine, I find you have to play around with the oil mix to suit your skin but I found that jojoba and castor was the best, didn’t break out like I did with the other oils.
What you eat really does make a difference in skin health. For a month, I was very good at keeping my carb intake low (sugars, and completely removing grains – wheat, corn, rice). My skin cleared up EVERYWHERE (face, neck, chest, back) and I only used a wet microfiber washcloth once a day. I have mild to moderate acne. I don’t take any prescription meds for acne. Iodine is an essential nutrient and many people are deficient. I’d suggest reading about it, look up Dr. Brownstein and possibly get his book on iodine. It helps with cysts wherever they are located (skin, ovaries, breasts, thyroid). Be careful with supplementation, some people have reactions, very few people are truly allergic to it though.
Topical application of iodine can reduce appearance of scars, also. I’ve read that application of vitamin E oil will do the same. I hope this helps!
I love the method but I’m lazy when it comes to making the mixture. I found a product called Castor Vera Butter made by Heritage Store. The first 4 ingredients are Olive oil, Castor Oil , Cacao Butter, and Vitamin E. I must say it worked just as well as the home made mixture. So if your lazy like me give it a try. I got mine from the health food store. 2oz jar was 12 bucks but I recently found it on amazon for 7 bucks. A little goes a long way. A jar lasts me about 8 months, and I use it every night. I also wanted to ask why was Olive Oil stricken from the list of recommended oils?
I have been using the OCM for about two weeks and LOVED it. My skin never looked better. At week three, it got extremely dry and tight feeling so I started using a 1:9 ratio of castor and jojoba. I have been using this for two days now and it’s still dried out around my nose, forehead and chin. What do you suggest doing to help this? If I don’t use the OCM every night to wash my face, how do I remove makeup? I have acne prone skin and started breaking out a little but I assumed it was because of the time of month and my skin going through the purge. Now the dryness is driving me nuts!! Help!!!
Didn’t see this addressed in the comments, so sorry if I missed it. But, will the OCM work on one’s back too? I assume it will, just wondered if anyone had tried it. Thanks for the excellent article!
I’ve been doing this for a couple of weeks and haven’t noticed a difference yet. I have combination skin and here’s my ratios: 1 Tbsp of castor oil, 3 Tbsp of sunflower seed oil, 1 tsp of vitamin E, 5 drops of lavender oil. I use it twice each time, once for cleansing and once for moisturizing. Both times I use a hot washcloth to clean it off, I’ll leave the washcloth on my face until it cools then clean off the excess. I don’t wear makeup and didn’t have a cleansing routine before so I didn’t really have a transition to get through. I also do this after my shower each night so my pores are nice and open.
I’m not actually breaking out but my blackheads haven’t changed at all. I’d love for them to go away since I’ve had them for nearly 20 years (I’m 30 next spring). Each time I clean it looks like a lot of them have vanished but when I check the next morning they’re still there and just as bad as before.
Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to adjust my ratios or change how I’m cleaning? Have I just not given it long enough? Thanks for the help!
I have been doing the OCM for a couple of weeks. It seems like most people use the OCM every other day or 2-3 times a week? How or what should I clean my face with on the days I don’t do OCM. Betty says not to go back and use your old cleansers but I wear mineral makeup every day and can’t imagine just using water. I can’t seem to find any answer to this question. Can anyone help?
You say that one shouldn’t interchange this with shop bought cleansers but also that the oil method shouldn’t be done every night; so what should I use in between taking make up off with the oil?! Thanks x
TO YOU GUYS OUT THERE:
This blog, and site in general, seems to be geared toward women…
But, I must say, this method has provided more improvement in ONE week than any over-the-coutner OR prescription face wash I’ve tried. I’ve done Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Acnedote, Own, ProActiv, Retin-A, salt scrubs, Cetaphil, Men’s-branded skin care products, etc, et cetra, etc…
In fact, I saw improvements after ONE DAY!
Granted, I was very broken out on my forehead, but after two washes (in 24 hours) I noticed marked improvement with my complexion. Not necessarily where I was broken out, but the rest of my face that had minor blemishes and blackheads cleaned up VERY well. The broken out skin took the better part of a week to solve, though improvements there were noticeable in a few days. But I could deal with that. Because of the fact that I’m a 24-year old straight male self-conscious about my skin around women (and men, for that matter) and nothing has really worked for an extended period of time. I’m notorious for getting the big, deep-rooted pain-in-the-butt zits that crop up at the worst possible time, and the occasional normal whiteheads; and have always had blackheads around and on my nose.
I know it may be premature to give such credibility to a method I’ve been using for a couple weeks… but it feels like nothing I’ve ever tried before! The fact that I don’t need lotion on my face after cleansing*. . . My face doesn’t end up greasy as hell a couple hours after washing (..because it’s not trying to make up for a lack of oil). I will definitely follow up in these comments if this method fails me; but as of now, I really doubt it. It’s been such a dramatic improvement.
Just make sure you read through all this site’s related articles. Don’t use olive oil or coconut oil. In some other comments I found that using too hot of water can cause extra drying; I have a high pain tolerance and usually use very warm/hot water.. Back off a bit, it helps. Research comedogenic ratings of oils before making your mixture, and use those ratings to adjust what may be wrong. Here’s a great site for that: https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
Now on to what’s been working for me:
One comment mentioned that the blog’s suggestion of 2/3 castor oil for oily skin may be a bit much. First of all, realize that you may consider your skin “oily” because it’s overproducing oil to make up for harsh and drying chemicals that you’ve been using on it. Second, the comment suggested that instead of a 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 ratio of castor to carrier oil (for dry, normal, oily skin respectively), a 10%, 20%, and 30% mixture could be more ideal… I considered my skin oily because of the first point I made, and started off with the 2/3 mixture. I could feel how drying the castor oil was within a couple hours. I eventually tailored the mix to 25% castor oil, and that’s what I’m still on. I may even reduce that to 20 or 15% once my skin has really gotten use to the OCM.
The ratio I’ve been using is 1 part castor oil, 1 part jojoba oil (technically a wax), 1 part hemp oil, and 1 part almond oil. According to the comedogenic ratings in the site listed above, almond and jojoba are rated 2, castor 1, and hemp 0. (0 being the least comedogenic and 5 being the most). If you’re acne prone, read more about jojoba!… unfortunately also about it’s ‘purging’ period…
*When I notice my skin is a little dry after cleansing, I use a few drops of avocado oil on a cotton pad to treat the dried areas and use the un-oiled bit of cotton left to wipe away excess oil.
This whole process is quite the pain and not as convenient as some soap in your hand. But totally WORTH IT! After all, soap in your your hand hasn’t been working, huh? Here are some tips that have helped me so far:
The oils can be expensive, but they do last a long time if used wisely. You probably don’t need as much as you think… And when you’re first starting out, make the mixture fresh each time, attenuating it to your skin’s needs; use this blog’s suggestions of what’s good for dry/normal/oily/acne skin. Two teaspoons (total) mixture is all you need for one wash; probably even more than enough.
Once, you’ve dialed your blend in, get an old soap bottle pump dispenser (or buy a new one if you want). If you’re reusing, rinse the hell out of the used bottle to make sure you get the ‘soapiness’ out. I used a bottle with a locking dispenser so when I travel I can easily lock the bottle’s pump to prevent spills. Add your customized mixture in; at first only add a few days’ worth, as you may need to tweak the mixture while your skin gets used to it. Now, one pump should do, and it’s easier to handle in the shower or by the sink.
Lastly, I saw a couple iterations of an identical unanswered question: “Can I do this more than once a day?”
Sure! I’ve been doing it morning and night, keep in mind I’m a dude, ladies. I probably sweat more and have less-than-ideal skin to begin with when compared to my female counterparts. But either way, listen to your skin… Or feel it.. Not with your hands but with your skin……. err… Let your face skin feel you what to do…?
Give the OCM a try! Especially if you’re not satisfied with your complexion and you’ve tried 19 other unsuccessful ways to fix it!
Thanks Crunchy Betty!
I didn’t see an answe to the question- are you supposed to do the oil method morning & night? If I wash with the oil method every night, or even every other night, how do clean in the am or the other nights? I have oily skin so I’m thinking I won’t need an additional moisturizer, but if my skin doe end up feeling dry, what oil do you apply after? Tea tree oil? Thanks for your help!
I use this method for my oily skin- have done since the start of the year. I do this every second night, and on alternate nights just use a warm facewasher (and also just a facewasher/splash with water in the mornings). Took about 3 weeks for my skin to get used to this and not overproduce natural oils (as chemical washes cause). My skin no longer gets that oil shine and if it is on the dry side in patches I just use an oil to moisturise- eg sweet almond/ apricot kernel (or any you prefer for your skin).Can also lessen the ratio of castor to other oils in your mix (I currently make up a batch of 15ml castor, 10ml sweet almond, 5ml Jajoba- but am going to change it to a bit less castor as I am starting to dry out with the dry wind here this time of year… Hope that helps 🙂
Do you really leave the tap running from the time you start until the time you need the hot water? A running tap uses about 6 litres a minute which equates to 15 litres of water for your cleansing regimen.
Why not try boiling a small amount and adding cold?
Hey guys these are some great articles for helping you choose an oil: http://www.minimalistbeauty.com/oils-specifically-for-acne-prone-skin/
http://www.minimalistbeauty.com/high-linoleic-oils-microfiber-cloths-my-daily-skin-care/
also some great premixed oils I found are on this site: http://www.seedoilcompany.com/oil-cleansing-method.html
and if you end up buying a micro fiber cloth for this here’s a great place to shop for one: I like these ones: http://www.microfibertech.com/Extra-Fluffy-Korean-Microfiber-Detailing-Towel-Silk-Edge-16×16.html
Can I use Avocado oil that has been centrifuge extracted?
Thank you for outing coconut oil! I’ve read so much about how moisturizing it is and yet whenever I’ve used it I find that my skin doesn’t react so well. I thought I was doing something wrong but now I’m just going to stick to using it in the kitchen 🙂
Hi I have dreads and am currently using Dr. Bronners lavender soap to help keep my natural oils in check. I have had my dreads for about a year and was told that essential oil’s would help them form better and be good for my hair. Any way you can help me or point me in the right direction?
hey! I’ve been trying this and it worked GREAT…at first :/
I used just almond oil first (didnt do much research just did what my sister did, as she gave me the idea)
I was in a very hot and dehydrated area at that time.
so when I came to india i felt the need to change the oils soo I USED COCONUT OIL WITH ALMOND OIL, I know big mistake.
But now I’m using almond oil and castor oil.
I kinda broke out alot since i came to india ( monsoon season)
and then i felt the need to go backi to facewash which was a a big mistake and then I came back to OMC but im still breaking out 🙁
my point is…do I need to change the ratio or something? Does the weather has any affect on OMC?
last question. what should I do in the morning, if I’m doing OMC nightly?
I first learned of this through your original post on the topic (and it was a perfectly FINE post! :)) and I can’t tell you how much I ADORE this method. Not only does it keep my skin clear and balanced, but there’s something soulfully lovely spreading oil on my face. Spa-like, sorta-kinda! Thanks for the great site!!
What about coconut Oil? I was really surprises it didn’t make the list!
coconut oil is comodegenic, meaning it wil absolutely 100% clog your pores, so stay away from it entirely! try castor oil & sweet almond oil instead, it works a lot better!
I use coconut oil and it works amazingly well for me. I’ve been using it for years and I’m 42 yrs old and don’t have even one wrinkle and my skin looks amazing.
I agree. I’ve been using coconut oil for 2 years now since I started OCM & I have the same results. No wrinkles & clear pores.
Apparently people can have different results with coconut oil. It may work for you, you’d just have to try it and see what happens.
Hi, quick question!
I’ve been using a toner that includes witch hazel for about as long as I can remember… and whenever I discontinue use, I get pimples. Will using a product like this interfere with the oil cleansing method, or will I be able to use both?
Thanks!
I have my own version of OCM that is working for me. Right now the weather is extremely hot and humid here and my skin is producing so much oil! However, I have Rosacea and extremely sensitive skin, so being too harsh with a washcloth and hot water just makes things worse. I tried it for a few days and had much clearer pores, but I was also very red and my face was burning.
So, I just get the water warm but not hot, get a washcloth wet and then press it gently on my face. I then massage a generous amount of nothing but pure emu oil on my face for at least 5 minutes, concentrating on my t-zone and chin. I then use the washcloth and warm water to very gently remove most of the oil and dirt from my face. After that, I wash the rest of the oil from my face with a gentle foaming cleanser with just my hands.
My skin looks amazing! Not a single visible blocked pore and so smooth.
I choose to not wear any makeup on my skin whatsoever and only use sunscreen (mineral only) if I know I’m going to spend more than 10 minutes in the sun. I absolutely hate the sun, so most days this isn’t an issue.
I recommend this method for those with Rosacea.
is pure emu oil good for acne/blackheads too? i do have sensitive skin but after my recent facial, my bumps worsen, similar to symptoms of rosacea .. so i need OCM to address my acne/blackheads and possibly rosacea..
How long does it take to remove the clogging and blackheads, I thought it was supposed to be immediate but my oils didn’t take anything out yet is been two washes. The clogging is hard sebum that comes out with a hard deep sqeeze, but I was trying to avoid that by starting the oil method. I use castor and hemp seed .
I’ve been using OCM for awhile now and it does help the oiliness. Just recently found out i’m diagnosed with Rosacea though. What is the best suggestions for the oil mix??? I’ve been doing research online, some say replace castor oil with grapeseed oil, and some say jojoba and olive oil are both good for Rosacea. Any suggestions pleaseeeee???
Do you wash your face every morning and night either with the oil cleanser or another way, or do you leave it as is when you wake up? I guess putting makeup on top of an untouched face after sleep and oil production all night is strange to me…
hi, i really want to try this method. if i do this method every night, what should i do in the morning? should i wash my face with soap or just splash it with water? thanks!!!!
I’m trying to switch to all natural products for skincare because I feel like my skin needs the change. I started a month ago with daily honey face masks (as a cleansing method)and my skin has cleared up so much, I used to have really angry hormonal chin acne and now it’s down to just scars and a couple blackheads. I still used cetaphil moisturizer afterwards but I noticed how much my skin improved from the honey that I want to go natural with everything. My actual question is what do you mean by “it takes a couple of weeks for your skin to get used to OCM”? Does skin react to it or it gets worse before it gets better?
I’m having trouble finding the oils: castor, sweet almond or grapeseed. Where do you get yours? At a regular grocery store?
The Vitamin Store has all of the oils that you would need
I ordered most of mine on Amazon.
You are supposed to leave your face dry. You don’t even have to take your makeup off first! 🙂
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Hello
I am vegan and don´t want to use any animal product so what could I use instead of castor oil?
Thanks for answering me
Regards
Ingrid
Use coconut oil, that’s what I use! I can honestly say this is the best my skin has ever been (without Roaccutane) and refraining from using any foundation at all – nature’s always the best.
Hello
I am vegan and don´t want to use any animal produce as castor oil. What can I use instead?
Thanks for answering me!
Regards
Ingrid
Castor oil comes from a plant, so not to worry!
I have tried the Oil cleansing method for the past 3 weeks now. I have never had a problem with acne but have always had quite sensitive and dry skin. Since changing over my skin has become clearer and smoother, but it is excessively dry.
I really need some help with suggestions!
I inititally cut out Castor oil and using Avocado oil and Jojoba oil, after cleansing I have also been putting on extra moisturizer which is a combination of : Vit E oil, Beeswax, Avocado oil and natural unfragranced shea butter.
It seems that the longer I am using this method the dryer and dryer my skin is becoming, now at the point where it is starting to hurt.
I really do not want to go back to normal face wash and moisturizers. Please help!
Hi, I stumbled on this article, and use the oil cleansing method, and saw your comment, and I just thought I would mention two things that can help with keeping your skin from drying out. First, try using water that isn’t quite as hot as what you are using, and second, if you are using a microfiber cloth it’s absorbing too much oil, switch to a regular wash cloth. Hope this helps.
I read in another article online (at theoilcleansingmethod.com) that too much Castor oil can dry the skin. The formula they recommend (for dry skin) is 10% Castor oil + 90% carrier oil (they recommend Sunflower Seed oil for the carrier oil). For balanced skin, 20% Castor oil, and for oily skin, 30% Castor oil.
As already suggested, try having the washcloths hot but not scalding hot. Also, if needed, you can pat a few drops of oil onto your damp skin after using the wash cloth. Last, you don’t have to use this method every day; experiment with doing it less frequently and see if that’s better for your particular skin. Be well!
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I like to use coconut oil as a moisturizer at the beginning of the day because it has small amounts of spf, so therefore I’m protecting my skin from the sun. Is this bad? I also use it as an eye-makeup remover at night. I trust that this cleansing method will get rid of makeup, but does that include eye makeup? Thanks!
Olive oil and Castor oil will get rid of eye makeup 🙂 but im not sure about like waterproof eye makeup…
Loved this post. However, I would like to know if there are any difference between male and female skin since our hormones are different? And how would you account for that?
I am new to making my own product so I want to ask if by “carrier oil” you mean the oils listed above? So….castor oil + one of the other oils listed in the proportions listed?
Thanks!!
Thank you I have been using your suggestions for less than a week and my skin is clearing up so well. I was afraid I was going to have to start using toxic stuff again to get rid of my zits. I am thrilled with the results and my skin feels amazing! Thanks for the breakdown you made it really easy to start.
Hi! I did OCM two summers ago. I used a castor/olive/argan oil mixture. I have a always had super shiny skin in the summer. It worked amazing to eliminate the shine! It cleared up the acne that had been on my chin for the last 10yrs. It also got rid of these annoying red bumps I always get on my forehead from using natural cleansers (not sure why that happens. No red bumps when I use the chemical stuff)…Only downside was the increase in black heads :$ So much so that I stopped doing it. Interesting that you mention not to use olive oil or coconut oil because they are comedogenic. I think I’ll give it another try and replace the olive with another oil you mentioned. Thanks so much for blogging about this.
I started the oil cleansing method this week!! Thanks for informing me of the benefits!!! I do have a question for you, though- do you dampen your face and hands a bit before rubbing in the oil? Or is everything dry when you put it on?
You are supposed to leave your face dry 🙂
You dont even have to take your makeup off first 😀
Can you wash you’re face with OCM morning and night?
Yes, some people wash their faces twice a day. Try it and see if it works for you!
I’ve been using this method for over a year now. I’m almost 19 and my acne during high school was terrible. All the cleansers that I tried would either make it worse or work for about a month and then stop. When I found this method, I was totally skeptical but I was desperate and I’ve stuck to it and it’s worked this entire time. Sometimes I don’t even use it as a cleanser, but more like a moisturizer on the days that I exfoliate. The oil method has been the perfect solution!
Great Post! I am really considering trying this method. I have tried everything to help with my skin, however I feel it is just getting splotchier and splotchier as I get older. I also have hormonal acne which is a huge bummer. I feel that nothing works so why not give this a shot. I was wondering if you could give any insight to the oil brands that you prefer? As a newbie to the OCM I want to make sure I am purchasing a reliable brand and I am getting what they say I am getting. I have to order offline, because I am really not close to any natural organic store…Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Nat
So I am wanting to try this, but im confused. Is it going to dry my oily skin out? Because I dont want to dry it necessarily, but cure my adult acne issues. I know my oily skin will help me from prematurely aging…dont wanna stop that!
I had adult acne for a couple of years and had tried so many things. This is the only thing that actually made a difference. My skin isn’t perfect but it’s soooo much better and I can go out in just concealer now, I needed full war paint before! It will replenish your skin with clean oil and will not dry it out. Before bed I use a cotton pad after doing my OCM, with cool water to close my pores, then I add a tiny drop of oil and dab it on my skin to keep it moisturised. That’s it. All done. Def try it, and give it a week or two. I see it as my skin was bad anyway, if the adjustment gives me a couple more spots then I have them anyway. My patience paid off. Good luck, hope it works for you too
This will not dry out the skin! i have adult acne and have just started to use this. Wow i have had great results. i have done everything Proactive, accutane, teas, everything!! Tanda zap
7000$ blue light laser therapy, skin peels….The crap they say will work birth control pills, rentin a.
I get so mad when i think of all the money i have spent at some of the top dermatologists!!!
No one has ever say to try something natural like oil. i have never liked oils and was told oils clog .
This is the best thing that i have found to work and i discovered it on my own. Surfing the internet.
Thx for this wonderful article.
Ps i love jojoba oil but i read it is actually a wax.
i use in my mix caster oil / jojoba oil / tea tree my skin is super oily and this combo has worked for me. does not over dry. I also put a drop of tea tree and rosehip after !!!
I’ve been wanting to try this method… Do you use any toner after? I suffered from adult acne for like 2yrs already. I switched to natural products and it helped a lot but I still break out when it’s that time of month.
The experience I’ve had with acne at that time of the month is helped by keeping your hormones balanced. Do some research and find what will help your estrogen, etc stay balanced by using foods and supplements. I used vitex (an herb) many years ago and it seemed to help. Read about iodine, be careful when deciding to use it, maybe find someone who can help you supplement with it. Also, when I reduced carbs, my skin became very clear because I was eating foods to support building strong skin. Sugars and carbs from grains (wheat, corn, rice, etc) produce a spike in insulin and your body has to use nutrients to process.
Hi, I just started with the OCM at nigth but I am confused about what to do next day when I shower… Do I just massage my face with water and then nothing?? No moisturizer? What can I use after showering if my face feels dry?
I was faithfuly using Clinique’s bar soap and moisturizer and it was perfect. Finally my nose shine was gone, but I just jumped into the natural homemade wagon, so goodbye Clinique.
Thank you!!
I just had to stop in and let everyone know my thoughts on OCM. I’m 22 with the same story as a lot of others, very oily in some spots and very, very dry in others, never being able to find a happy medium to cure both my acne and dry, peeling skin (mostly around my eyes and mouth).. That is, until I came across Crunchybetty.com and all of the information I found online about oil cleansing. I can’t explain how ecstatic I am about this method after trying for almost 10 years pretty much every thing on the market (over the counter, homemade masks, dermatologist scripted medications) not to mention all the wasted money and time! I use 50/50 castor and extra virgin organic olive oil with a couple drops of tea tree and tamanu and every morning I wake up with clearer skin than the previous day. I didn’t experience any of the “detoxing” thankfully and have only seen improvements within the past couple weeks. I do it every night and wash with raw honey and sometimes a little cinnamon in the morning to freshen up my skin. No need for moisturizers or toners anymore!! Thank you so much for posting, it’s really changed my life!
In your list of oils, olive oil is crossed out and has a (*)… at the bottom of the list the (*) says that coconut oil is undesirable for oil cleansing as it may cause clogged pores. I’m confused. Is it olive oil or coconut oil that we want to avoid?
I have been doing this OCM regulalrly with castor oil and olive oil…
but since you said not to use cleansers…i do use a medicated soap to wash my face in the morning and all….and i slao use topical creams like Clindamycin and benzac for my pimples. Shouls i be worried? or stop using any of them? You’re reply will be of great help…THANKS!! 🙂
And if you already have oily skin, just use the oil that’s accumulated at the end of the day! 😉
Love the OCM, need to start doing it again, used it nightly (with coconut oil) for a few months and it really helped dislodge the shit stuck into every. single. one. of my pores. But in the future I anticipate not doing it nightly and trying out jojoba oil or castor oil (or a blend) then again….I also have the coconut oil on hand and it didn’t seem to bother my sensitive, out of whack, oily/combo, acnegenic skin the first time but we’ll see…I do think I could find an even better blend.
Hello!
I started oil cleansing three days ago. Would I be ruining the process if I still use my Cetaphil moisturizer with SPF after? What else can I use to moisturize?
I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now and I’ve never felt the need to go back to commercial cleansers. I’m not even that traditionally crunchy about my face – or my beauty regimen in general – but this is what worked better than anything else. Granted, I did not have serious acne or anything when I started it, but all my occasional stray pimples disappeared. I love that the texture of my face stays consistent, no matter the season, no matter the time of day. I do the oil at night, and then in the morning I use rosewater and glycerin on a cotton pad before doing my makeup. If you’re going to try it out – I recommend patience. And if you’re suffering from acne (I have so been there…) one of the best things about this method is that if feels like you’re being kind to your skin instead of beating up on it. That in itself is big.
Hi I’ve been using olive oil and castor oil but I was wondering if I can do a mixture of castor oil and tea tree oil? Is that a thing, like do people do that? Any info would be great thanks 🙂
I have dry sensitive skin with moderate/severe hormonal acne. After trying multiple over the counter and Rx regiments with horrible results, I’m ready for something else! My sensitive skin responds best to natural products so I’ve decided to start the OCM method! Honestly, I’m rather nervous about starting. Part of me says, it probably couldn’t be worse but the experienced part of me says things can always get worse. Anyway, I’m thinking of starting with a 1/3 Castor, 1/3 Camellia, 1/3 Grapeseed or Jojoba once a week. Can anyone suggest or comment on what might be best for my skin? Also, I was thinking of adding a touch of Pomegranate Oil or maybe Frankincense? Thanks!
I have very oily acne prone skin and started the oil cleansing method about 2 weeks ago & I LOVE IT! I have been using proactive for the last several years as I could just not find anything that would combat my acne. I always wanted to get away but every time I tried my acne just came back worse – finally I’ve found something that’s given me the confidence to completely get rid of my nasty proactive stuff!
I use this method every night and use a natural cleanser in the morning as I’m not prepared to use just water in the mornings yet – is this a good idea? I use a cleanser by the brand Elemental Herbology which I love & I use tea tree oil from the body shop as a spot treatment if needed. The oiliness of my skin though continues to be a issue as I still get extremely oily a few hours into the day. Any recommendations or advise would be highly appreciated 🙂
I’ve also made my own natural apple cider vinegar toner which seems to be working great too (except the smell!) which I use at night and I use a with hazel toner in the mornings. Cheers to nature!
I’ve been using the OCM for a few months and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done to my face! I still don’t have the radiance that some report (most likely due to my less than balanced diet) but my acne and redness have almost completely dissipated.
The problem I’m having is creating a convenient face wipe that doesn’t make my skin freak out: I go to the gym in the evenings after work. In order to remove my make up I tried tons of brands of face wipes: all of which dried out my skin and caused breakouts that the OCM did such a great job of abolishing.
I thought a DIY solution would be a fast find, so I tried the recipes all over Pinterest which typically included coconut oil some type of soap. The coconut oil clogged up my pores while the soap dried out the skin worse than before.
I tried using my daily oil blend on a wipe (castor, almond, and tea tree) but quickly realized leaving oil on your face and then sweating up a storm does not happy skin make.
So now I’m a bit stumped: Does there exist a fast, convenient, travel friendly way to remove my makeup in a gym locker room with out freaking out my pores? Has anyone tried to create one with any success? Assistance is greatly appreciated on this one. Thanks!
I use a mixture of oil, baby shampoo and water in a small plastic squirt bottle (about 1:1:3 ratio, but you can play with it) I keep in in my gym bag and before I work out I shake it and put a little on a paper towel, that I’ve wetted with hot water and I clean my face. I used to use coconut oil, but switched to almond oil since the coconut oil would clog my pores. I hope this helps.
How do you wash the washcloth? I just put it in my washing machine with other towels Mine gets really hard afterwards and it feels like the oil is still in it… 🙁
Hello : ). Do you know if just plain old hemp oil would work as a cleanser? Every oil I tried… and I tried a lot…. seemed to make me breakout/dry out, even after weeks of use. I also get sebhorreic dermatitis on my scalp which started getting worse. When I looked it up, I read that every oil except for hemp oil can cause a worsening of seborrheic dermatitis. So I switched to hemp oil about 6 weeks ago and that issue did get better, however I still find myself getting zits here and there. I have some tea tree oil laying around that I was thinking of adding. Do you think hemp oil isn’t a good cleanser or that I just need to add more oils to the mix? I have such sensitive skin, I’m scared to add much else. I also read that hemp oil is a 0 on the comedogenic scale, which is great for me. I’m also noticing it’s not moisturizing my skin enough unless I put it on my body 2-3 times a day. Could this be an adjustment period? Or do you think it’s just not strong enough! Thanks in advance for answering my 500 questions!
Can someone please help me with which oil I can use in the place of hempseed oil as any form of hemp is illegal in my country?
I know this sitfe offers quality dependet content and other stuff, is
there any other website which progides these stuff in quality?
Do i really use 3 tsp of combined oil for every cleansing? I could only fit 2 tsp in the palm of my hand. Yikes! It seemed more than enough for my face. Any tips? I used 1 tsp of Castor oil and 1 tsp Jojoaba oil. My face feels amazing and i want to continue this but jojoaba is not cheap 🙂 Thanks all for your help!
Recipe for women over 50 with acne prone skin? Would be much appreciated. =)
You have inspired me to finally try out the OCM… *Fingers crossed*
If i use the OCM at night time, what should i use in the morning? Only water? or should I use the OCM in the morning and not at night time? or both?
If I use the OCM at night time, what should I use in the morning? Only water? or should I use the OCM in the morning?
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding
more. Thanks for great information I was looking for this info
for my mission.
Hi there! After reading articles and testimonials about OCM, i gave it a try last night. I used oil cleansing method for the first time and i used 1/2 part castor and 1/2 part olive oil and i can feel that my blackheads were removed upon massaging my face.I tried Virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer. This morning when i woke up i found my face with little red bumps and with zits on some on it all over my face particulary the T zone. I think it was where the blackheads were removed. Is it normal to have that since it was a first time? Or shouldnt use the coconut oil?or lessen the amount of castor?.waiting for any suggetions..thanks for the help!
Both olive oil and coconut oil can be comedogenic, so if you have acne-prone skin it could be a good idea to try using other oils. You could for example try jojoba, grapeseed or almond oil for both cleansing and mosturizing.
I only have wheat germ oil. Used it as ocm every night. Rinse with warm water and that’s it. I feel great. But I need your comment about wheat germ oil. Thanks.
Wheat germ oil is very comedogenic, so I’d be wary about using it. If it works for you though, that’s great!
Hi there ! Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful method. I had been expierencing a lot of break outs and over active sebum glands that led to a lot of bumps on my T zone and on my chine area. I had tried numerous methods to remove them even got an RX from my doctor. that worked for one week and the following week they were right back where I had last seen them. To make a long story short I started searching for methods to stop my over active sebum glands and I found this website. I am on my 4th day of the cleaning and I have to say ITS A TOTAL LIFE CHANGING EXPIERENCE ! Haha yes that serious for me, because I’ve been dealing with this problem for such a long time and stress didn’t help as well. From the first night I tried it I saw results, I woke up the next morning and I felt and saw my skin with such a glow, reduced bumps on my face and I haven’t seen a break out yet! I’m using 1:1:1 ratio of castor, jojoba, and tea tree oils, I did do Betty’s method of 1 1/2 castor 1 1/2 jojoba and so on but I felt it was too much oil so I’m just using a tsp of the oils and a drop of the tea tree. Still trying to find the right ratios for me but still the oils, it’s doing it’s thang! So far my skin feels and looks moistarized but at times can feel a little tight, not sure if it’s the tea tree oil. Overall I am enjoying this method very much I feel like I’m getting my early twenty glowy (I am only 26) haha skin back and I couldn’t be happier! I highly recommend this method to anybody! It’s pricey but instead of spending money on highly expensive facial products that will irritate your skin more, and let’s not for get age it by stripping it, (beauty industry have to continue making money some how right they say “let’s put more stripping agents”) save that money and give this method a try !
I tried that same ratio tonight for my first OCM. It seems i have the same skin you do. So glad it’s working for you, gives me hope! I bought Argan oil to use a moisturizer later once i work out the ratios for my skin. Hope it continues to go great!
Hi there ! Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful method. I had been expierencing a lot of break outs and over active sebum glands that let to a lot of bumps on my T zone and on my chine area. I had tried numerous methods to remove them even got an RX from my doctor. that worked for one week and the following week they were right back where I had last seen them. To make a long story short I started searching for methods to stop my over active sebum glands and I found this website. I am on my 4th day of the oil cleansing and I have to say ITS A TOTAL LIFE CHANGING EXPIERENCE ! Haha yes that serious for me, because I’ve been dealing with this problem for such a long time. From the first night I tried it I did say this is crazy but it must be worth it. I woke up the next morning and I felt and saw my skin with such a glow and reduced bumps on my face, and I haven’t seen a break out yet! I’m using 1:1:1 ratio of castor, jojoba, and tea tree oils. So far my skin feels and looks moistarized but at times can feel a little tight, not sure if it’s the tea tree oil.
I am 49 and have been doing the OCM for 8 weeks now. Before I started, I still had to fight zits. Not since I started OCM have I had a single one! I usually use a much quicker method than most, about one minute total time, and my skin has never felt better! OCM and the use of Tamanu Oil and a few drops of castor oil for moisturizing has changed my life. Thank you, CB.
I’m sorry to be SUCH a detail person . . . I try to use it as a tool and not a weapon . . . LOL . . . but what is a carrier oil? And what makes it a carrier oil? And is there a specific ‘grade’ of oil that should be used . . . like some oils are food grade while others are craft grade (soap, candles) . . . can I really use what I find at the grocery store? I’m very interested in trying this but don’t want to spend money on unhelpful products. Thanks so much! J.
I’m fairly new to this “crunchy” thing. I’m doing the no poo shampoo method AND the oil cleansing. I’ve gone through every facial cleanser known to help with my combination, aging skin to no avail, including doing at home chemical peels. I’m sick of spending the money on over-priced ineffective products. Anyway, my questions (to anyone really) are:
1) is it normal to have dry, flaky skin near my hairline that typically was always oily?
2) is it normal for my sporadic acne spots to “scab”? Gross!
3) I’d really like to help the wrinkles around my deep set eyes any suggestions on either oil cleansing combos or essential oils I could add? My oils now 4 days in are castor, avocado, and evening primrose.
4) is it overkill to cleanse in the morning? I’ve been only cleansing at night since I haven’t been wearing make up and using only water in the mornings.
I appreciate any help thanks!
I have been using the oil cleanse method for over a year now. I am 39 yrs old but most people think i’m in my late 20’s. Ive always had dry/combo skin that would be oily by the end of the day- especially my forehead and chin. My makeup would never last or look fresh for long. I had sporadic break-outs on my chin, mostly hormonal acne. I was a bit apprehensive to try this method, but went for it due to this article. Since I have dryer skin, I used a ratio of 1 part castor oil to one part jojoba and one part avocado oils. I have never been happier with my skin! It feels so soft! I don’t get the random dry , peeling patches anymore and I have virtually no wrinkles. My skin stays nice and plump throughout the day and my make up stays on all day now! I don’t get home with my eyeliner having slid down to my cheeks anymore and my foundation stays put. I don’t even need to use a setting powder anymore or blotting papers. It has not aggravated my acne on my chin, if anything it’s better. I pre-mix my oil beforehand in a plastic container I bought at the drug store and keep it by the sink. I cleanse every night with this method and still follow up with a night cream/moisturizer. I definitely save money too as the oils cost far less than my pricey washes I was buying. I highly recommend this method!!
How do you clean your face in the mornings, or after exercising?
I would try just rubbing your face with a wet washcloth, it works for me
At this moment I am going away to do my breakfast, later than having my breakfast coming over again to read other
news.
When you put the washcloth under hot water, do you strain it before putting it on your face?
I started using the OCM almost a year ago, and I have to say it is the best thing I have ever done! I have struggled with acne since I was 12 years old, I’m not 29. I have tried everything under the sun in the past and nothing worked. I used to be so embarrassed from my skin and nothing I did ever helped. I used Biore ice cleanser for a few years and it was the closest thing to “working” that I have found, until I tried OCM! It literally changed my skin, and my life! I feel great, I have had maybe 5 pimples over the last year…if that! People comment on how great my skin looks and when I tell them I use oil they seriously think I am lying! It sounds scary but it is so worth it! I will never go back to normal “cleansers” again!
I’m now noticing my face is becoming really dry and flaky. Is it the amount of castor I’m using (2/3 castor 1/3 jojoba) or do I need a different carrier oil? I have combo skin so I’m not really sure what to use. I was planning on trying sunflower but I really want to use up the jojoba first. Should I do a 2/3 jojoba and 1/3 castor instead? Please help ! I am not loving how my skin looks so far !
Laurie, Your ratios are off. try using 1/3 castor and 2/3 jojoba. But you can always continue to decrease the castor (that’s the drying agent).
Thanks !! Can I ask what you do in the morning in terms of cleansing your face? I wake up slightly dry so I rinse with warm water in the shower then I’ve been rubbing a drop or 2 of jojoba between my palms and rubbing it on my face.. maybe I won’t need to do this once I adjust my ratios?
Laurie, I don’t do anything in the mornings. When i first wake up is when my face looks/feels the best, so i only do OCM every night. The couple of drops of jojoba thing is what i did for the first month, though, while my face was adjusting. Try 1/4 castor oil in your mix first. Then, in a few weeks, if your face is oily, use more castor. If your face is dry, use even less. You might also look into hempseed oil as it is really great for dry skin. The key to OCM is to allow yourself a couple months to adjust BUT also keep playing with your ratios until you are happy. I hope that helps!
That’s all really helpful ! Normally my skin is combo but winter doesn’t help with the dryness. I also started exfoliating with baking soda cause of the flakiness I’m experiencing. So hopefully that helps. Thanks so much I appreciate it 🙂
I’ve been using OCM for about 3 weeks, almost 4. My skin has definitely cleared up! No more uncontrollable breakouts, no more deep cysts, not even really many white-heads. However I still have acne, like small bumps, ALOT of them, and a lot of blackheads. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for these things, as well as some good acne-scar remedies? Thanks so much! (:
Hi Elisabeth
I(32 years old) also did the oil cleansing for three months now. Oil mixture that suits my skin best is 1:1 grapeseed and apricot kernel. I use two to three drops of jojoba oil as moisturiser. Still had breakouts, although the OCM made my skin look and feel better. I eliminated wheat(gluten) from my diet and skin got a little better, but still had bad hormonal acne around my jawline. The past three days I started to eliminate all diary from my diet. Wow! In just three days my skin is almost cleared up! Just old scars and sores, but no new blackheads or cysts! It is now my opinion that diet plays a huge role in adult acne, no matter what doctors and dermatologists suggest…
Hi everyone ! I’m new to the OCM (about a week in) I have combination skin and the odd breakout (sometimes around my mouth) I’m using 2/3 Castor and 1/3 jojoba. I haven’t experienced any breakouts from the oil so far but I’m noticing I’m a tad dry still so I plan on lessening the castor. But my question how well should I be rinsing the oil off of my face at night? I have been leaving it fairly oily only because I feel dry in the morning (all I do is rinse with water in the morning) should I switch carrier oils or begin an oil moisturizing regimen? Will cutting down on the castor fix this problem? Sorry for all the questions 🙂 but thanks !
I feel like I have to share my story. I first saw this post about two years ago and I laughed. I’ve suffered from moderate to severe cystic acne since I was 12 years old. I have had acne so bad that I was almost hospitalized for it once. It took me awhile to figure it out, but my acne was hormonal. I would have these vicious breakouts while on my period and it took me a month to get rid of them and then the cycle continued.
Almost immediately after starting YAZ birth control I was almost acne free (with the daily use of topical acne meds). But sadly, I had to stop taking yaz because it caused me heart problems and rapid hair loss. So here I was a desperate 27 year old, face full of acne with very thin hair and heart problems. On top of that, my topical acne meds were aging my face and my acne scars were worse than ever. It caused me so much sadness. Then I read this article and decided I had nothing to lose.
I’m going to be completely honest. The oil cleansing method is a pain in the butt at first. I almost gave up like 10 times, but I’m glad I didn’t. If you have acne like mine, what you just read is not going to work for you. The reason: Everyone’s skin is different. You have to go through trial and error like a boss to find out what works, but when you find it, you will glow like never before.
I started out using olive oil and castor oil because they were the only oils I had on hand. DERRP. Don’t do that. And don’t even think about coconut oil, no matter how much it is touted as a holy grail. After a few days of using castor oil and olive oil, I went to the store and got grapeseed oil. I can’t remember my exact measurements, but I mixed it with a little bit of tea tree oil and I would spot treat with tea tree if I had breakouts. It really didn’t work, but somehow it was still manageable. My skin hurt for the first month. And then about at the second month, it just stopped working. So I caved and decided to use my topical acne meds. It actually worked for awhile, but I still wasn’t happy. After a few months of that regimen, my skin was really dry. So I eliminated tea tree oil. I changed my mixture of grapeseed and castor oil like 20 times. But I just wasn’t happy. I was still breaking about and my pores were huge. It was at this time that I found out my insurance would no longer cover my topical acne meds. I had a complete and utter breakdown. I was thinking about buying proactive, yeah I just went there. Then one day, I took a deep breath and decided I would do some research about oils and alternative acne treatments.
First thing I found, castor oil is most effective when it’s brand spanking new. I had a massively huge bottle of castor oil that I had for a year or two when I started OCM. I went out and bought a small bottle of castor oil. Something about this really worked. I also bought some jojoba oil. I stopped doing a mixture in a bottle, because sometimes my skin would be oily and sometimes my skin would be super dry. Instead I would squirt a small bit of castor oil and jojoba oil in my hand, depending on how my skin was doing that day. Without my acne meds, I still had acne, but it didn’t sting like it normally did. I think that’s because of the jojoba. Then I decided it just felt weird to wake up and not clean my skin. So I did OCM 2x a day, which is normally not recommended. It really worked for me for some reason. Then I read about brewers yeast. This stuff is amazing for acne, both internally and externally. I mixed some brewers yeast in grapefruit juice and drank it about once a day for a month. WOW. It really seemed to clear up a lot, but I still had some small breakouts around my mouth. It was then that I found a topical over the counter acne gel called acnevir that has sulfur and some other natural acne killing ingredients. It is very mild.
So a year later, this is my method. Castor oil as a carrier oil with jojoba, that I mix in my hand depending on how my skin is doing that day, but it’s normally half and half. I use REALLY hot water, as hot as I can make it (be careful here kids). Afterwards I use a witch hazel toner and acnevir. I do this twice a day. And I’ve gotten to the point where I use brewers yeast once a week, because it gives me a little stomach ache sometimes and also because it’s gross 🙂 It also works as a exfoliant and if you leave in on with the oil for a few minutes it makes your skin glow.
The last time I had a whitehead was like six months ago. My acne scars? Almost gone. My pores are super small. I used to have a nose full of blackheads and they are almost all gone now. I have lost about 5 years off my face. Wrinkles have diminished. I have some natural acne sometimes, during my period, but very very minor.
So overall, I would give OCM 9 out of 10 stars. For those that truly suffer from acne, it’s not for the faint of heart. It requires months of trial and error, but once you find your groove you will be very happy with the results.
A few things here, I’d like to add. YES, You can use acne meds with this method. I don’t recommend quitting cold turkey if you have cystic acne or even moderate acne. Be careful. Also, a lot of people have asked how they can not waste water as much. I use a tea kettle and fill er up. Just be careful not to make it too hot. I wait until it starts making that crackling noise and then let it sit for a little bit.
I hope this wasn’t too TL;DR. I just had to share my success story.
Crunchy Betty, thank you so much for this article. You are the only person who has ever truly helped my with my acne.
<3 Katrina
Thank you for sharing your journey Katrina C. I too have had severe acne with scarring and have went through a similar journey of medications and wanting to breakdown due to the appearance of my face. Reading your experience gives me hope regarding OCM. I have been reading feedback and articles the last few days trying to learn as much information as possible and your steps really help. I tried the OCM abut one month ago with coconut oil for about a week. Saw no results so I stopped the following week, a week later until present I am experiencing the worse acne breakout in my life. If only I would have found this article (thanks Crunchy Betty) and your notes I would have possibly prevent the breakout and now scarring all over my face. I’m now encouraged to try it again and will use the tips you & Crunchy Betty gave to try it again the right way, with the right oils for my skin. Thank you!
Thanks Katrina C, i am now motivated to give OCM another try. However, can you please explain more on how you take your brewers yeast 🙂
I bought a can of the powdered brewers yeast made by blue bonnet. It was the only kind I could get because it was the only one that is gluten free. But there are capsules and tablets if you can’t stomach it. I just followed the instructions on the label. With the powder you can mix it into water or juice. I think it tastes okay in grapefruit juice. Also you can bake it into bread or put it in smoothies. It kind of tastes like cheese so don’t put it in baked goods. Also I use it sometimes as an exfoliant and leave it on like a mask when I have inflamed acne or red skin. When it is ingested it can cause a tummy ache and its normal. I buy it at a health food store where I live and I’ve seen it at Whole Foods as well
I’ve been using the ocm for about a week now, and I love how soft my face is, but i’m still breaking out. My face is combination (very oily, yet pretty dry in certain areas) and has always been prone to mild acne. I’ve been using about 75% tamanu oil and about 25% castor oil. I really want to keep using the ocm because I believe in it, but I really want this acne to go away! Should I adjust my oil percentages? And about how long does it normally take for acne to clear up? Thank you!
Should the OCM be done everyday? If not, how would you recommend I cleanse my face on “off” days?
I’ve been using OCM for about 2 or 3 weeks now…lost count and I LOVE IT!! My face has never looked this good. Even my boyfriend comments on how clear my skin looks. My question though is can you use a serum or retinol cream with the OCM. I’m still trying to work out my routine. Right now I use the oily skin recipe with olive and castor oil with a few drop of tea tree oil for acne. I have been wanting to try a hyloronic acid serum though with a thick anti wrinkle cream at night though. I am only 22 but it’s never too early to worry about wrinkles. Would it be ok if I added the serum and cream? Would it actually do anything for my skin since I usually have a small layer of moisturizing oil on my skin afterwards. Thanks for any help with this.
Hi Liz,
If you’re concerned about wrinkles you may try to add Wild musk Rose oil to your daily routine. It also helps with acne scars.
I have oily skin so I was planning on trying the castor oil and grapeseed oil, but could I add tamanu oil to my oil mixture? If so, what would be your recommended ratios for the three oils and what size bottle? Thanks so much!
Hi there, I’m very interested to start the oil cleansing method but have heard that it shouldn’t be used daily, what would you use to cleanse your face on the days that you are not using the OCM? Also, What is the reason that you shouldn’t use coconut oil?
Thanks in Advance
Coconut oil is pretty high on the comedogenic scale meaning it can clog your pores. Which is why it may not be an ideal oil to use for OCM. I use it to take off my eye makeup and never had a problem. Check out this site for a list of oils and the comedogenic scale: https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
I have heard that fractionated coconut oil is less likely to clog pores and is used in soaps and cosmetics etc. It actually remains in a liquid state, even in the refrigerator. I actually just purchased some so I could try it out in my OCM.
Hope this helps!
Hi! Sorry if I missed something in this blog and posts BUT why is olive oil crossed out? Is it TOO thick? 🙂 Thanks! I am in Colorado where skin cracks off and am going to try this.
it just isn’t helpful to your skin. i used olive for several months with no improvement in my blemishes.
Good Morning
I’m thrilled to have discovered your website…..SMILE. Now, at the risk of embarrassing myself with this question; can I use just one of the suggested oils to cleanse my face? Or do you recommend the mixing of three oils? I’m a little confused…..
But, I’m so anxious to try
Thank you
~CSG~
I think it is best to use at least two oils. Most sites/articles will always have castor oil listed as an option because of its astringent qualities – but this alone can dry out your skin, so some people recommend mixing it with another oil like jojoba, olive or grapeseed, which are more nourishing. If your skin can handle just one oil alone, then go for it. Everyone’s skin is different so you just have to find what works best for you.
I’ve been doing the OCM going on 2 years. I have combination skin and on top of that I have sensitive skin and have always had constant mild acne. The castor oil is too drying for my skin to be used in combination with a carrier oil but great for spot treatment for wrinkles and age spots. I like to use organic coconut oil (tropical traditions) on a cotton pad to remove my makeup and repeat until the cotton pad no longer shows makeup residue. I then rub cold pressed organic olive oil on my face and lay a hot wash cloth on my face for 1 minute, rerun wash cloth under hot water and lay cloth on my face for another 60 seconds, and lightly wipe my face clean. I have to stress the lightly wiping because if you’re too vigorous when wiping the oil off it can damage your skin as well as leave it with a very dry striping effect or leave your skin inflamed. Both coconut and olive oil are great moisturizers. I’ll be honest it took 3 weeks for my skin to be completely clear, and another several months to stop mindlessly touching my face or resting my face in my hands without washing my hands prior. You just don’t realize how much stuff you touch in a day. I do switch my oils as needed, winter is olive oil because it is so dry out here and in the summer I just use coconut oil.
I summoned up enough courage to give the OCM a go, and so far it hasn’t agreed with my skin. I did notice the first two nights it made my skin soft & supple, but it came with an unwanted army of tiny pimples that are peppered all over my face :/ it looks awful! I’ve been using a ratio of 2/3 grapeseed oil & 1/3 castor oil w/ a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. I’ve only used this method for about 4 days, but I’m pretty terrified to continue the regimen. Tips or feedback, anyone?
You might have a sensitivity to either of the oils or the mixture of oils. Maybe trying just one oil for a few weeks and monitoring your skin and gradually adding 1 oil at a time might help pinpoint which is the offending oil causing the reaction. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, mixing tea tree and castor oil might be causing your pores to dry out and causing the breakout. And some people have reported the skin getting worse for as long as 30 days before the skin got better, that’s typically for people that have acne prone skin.
I had the tiny red bumps after trying a blend with grapeseed oil, try another blend.
Also could be your skin was detoxing. A good tea tree oil breaks me out, it is detoxing my skin. Use less tea tree for now. Try it for 2weeks. Also try some lavender oil. Make sure it is a good grade. After you cleanse, use 1-2 drops on your face or mix it in the oil. Lavender is good for almost anything and should calm down your skin.
I would really like to begin doing the Oil Cleansing Method, but is it really necessary to use a washcloth each time? As of now, when I was my face, I either let it air dry or use a paper towel as I don’t have a washing machine. It will honestly be too difficult for me to use a new washcloth each night. Can I just use warm water to rinse my face and open my pores?
Kelly,
I haven’t tried OCM yet, just reading about it, but regarding washcloths, I suggest buying a couple dozen to have for daily use if you can’t do laundry every week (I have loads of them myself, as I use one at night to wash my face and another in the shower). Sounds like the cloth is the best way to steam and remove the oils. Good luck!
perhaps cotton disposable face cloths. there is a 500pk for $22 on amazon.
I have only started looking at the OCM but it is because I wanted to start using a strigil method as well. The Strigil was a blunt tool made of anything from metal (common) to bone and even at times things like Jade. ancient Greeks and romans would bath with oils as well and what they did seems just like the oil cleansing method except instead of using a washcloth they used the strigil squeegeed off the oils and dirt and dead skin. There are a couple of modern day products that are meant to act like a strigil but in all honesty there was one website (can’t find it right now) where someone tried many different options and found that a pan scrapper worked very well some people even use metal heart shaped cookie cutters.
Hi there,
Doing a little research after learning about oil cleansing on another blog. I noticed the list of your Good Oil Cleansing Varieties that Olive Oil is crossed out and the is a note at the bottom of the list with regards to not using coconut oil as a cleansing oil. Are both oils unfit to use as cleansing oils? I ask because I am considering this method but with all of the info on the internet it gets quite confusing as to the best oils to use for this method.
Thanks very much for your help!
Christina Sequeira
I use both oils. Coconut oil in the summer and olive oil in the winter. But I do use coconut oil to remove my makeup. Just depends on your personal preferences and how your skin reacts to it. Just keep in mind that diet can affect hormones which can affect how your skin reacts to the ingredients you use.
Christina, I used oilve for quite a while, but my skin was still broken out. The olive is just not gentle enough or cleansing enough for my skin, and i think a lot of people feel the same.
I just started using OCM a few days ago, and so far so good! The only thing I’m a little worried about is frequency, I guess. I’m an athlete and a student, and several times a week I go right from practice to shower to class, so I’ll sometimes wash my face more than once a day. Is it ok to use OCM twice in a day?
Sir ung Olive Oil po ba na ginagamit na pang tanggal scars ay ung pang Cooking oil??eto ba ung Olive Oil
eto po # ko 09167337640 at 09498088656
Many tnx po sa reply..Hirap po kc ng my scars tnx po
I don’t see why not. You might need to adjust the castor oil down a bit so your face doesn’t dry out from over-cleansing. (On the other hand, if you have super-oily skin, you might need more castor oil to combat the oiliness)
Go to this site and read up on a strigil and its uses. I will quote the part I think would be good for you to read. Also today these things aren’t really used because people bath with soaps now but I have heard a lot of people will use a pan scrapper (used for scrapping oils off of pans)as a modern day strigil.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-strigil.htm
“Athletes used strigils to clean themselves after competition or vigorous exercise. In Ancient Greece, athletes applied olive oil to their bodies before competition to condition their skin and provide some protection from minor impacts; after exercising, the oil could essentially be squeegeed off with the strigil, taking dirt and sweat off as well. Many depictions of athletes on vases include the use of a strigil, implying that this practice was quite common.”
Upfront: I haven’t read posting or comments yet. Just saw so many references to site I’m jumping in with question first because I must go to bed! Which is my problem. The recommendations I have seen all say to use OCM at night time. Here are my issues: The pores on my nose are large and oily, but only occasionally have a whitehead. I also have red bumps on my lower cheek/jawline and my chin which would probably become whiteheads if I left them alone. I am 49 and through menopause. I’m also a picker (blush-hardest thing to admit). Problem is if I feel any kind of bump on my skin I have to pick. This is a problem from last 2 years, and I have horrible scars now. Currently I have several open sores on my chin area that I’m desperate to heal. Then going forward I would like to take better care of my skin, going natural. Now, other horrible problem, which relates to the using of OCM at night time. I sleep with a C-Pap mask on. I’m not sure what if any affect putting the mask on after washing (OCM) will do to my skin. Has anyone else had this issue? Does anyone have any suggestions to help me make the best decisions? Thanks so much for your help!
It’s probably not the best idea to get oils on open wounds, as they tend to cover air flow to the raw area (even the widely-touted Vitamin E). You should probably do OCM on the rest of your face, but just flush with lukewarm water on open wounds, and just let them be.
After the wounds have closed/scabbed, the oil should be fine.
Ok, today is day 1 of the OCM. I am 42 and I still get mild acne but have been using salicylic acid based products (proactive, neutrogena, etc), diuretic for keeping hormonal cystic jaw line break outs under control and buying all the “spa” cleansers. I have had it. Last night I prepped with the blackhead baking soda wash, this morning honey wash (much to my surprise my skin felt great all day ) Now I mixed 1/3 of castor oil, jojoba oil & tea tree oil. I feel like I just stepped out of a spa! I have to admit I am a bit hesitant and hope this doesn’t horribly backfire. Based on majority of the comments, I might have success. I told my local holistic store owner and she can’t wait to see how it goes. Soooo I can’t wait to see what happens. I live on O’ahu on the beach but we have a lot of salt & moist air. Wish me luck!
you always find people with acne use proactive and neutrogena, and/or salicylic products. there’s a reason they’ve still got acne. if you are not willing to find what it is in your diet that causes the acne then the only solution is topical drugs (precription). all the oil and natural remedies will not help, only give temporary radiance to the skin
Sir ung Olive Oil po ba na ginagamit na pang tanggal scars ay ung pang Cooking oil??eto ba ung Olive Oil
eto po # ko 09167337640 at 09498088656
Many tnx po sa reply..Hirap po kc ng my scars tnx po
Hi Kim,
It sounds like we have similar skin. Sensitive, easily breaks out, aging (just turned 37!), very dry in the winter, oily in the summer. How has your skin been doing? What are your thoughts on the Tamanu oil? (not sure how much to add here either – suggestions anyone?)
Thanks and take care,
Tiffany
Hi Kim!! It’s been a couple weeks, how has OCM worked for you?
What are your thoughts on Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cleansing? I read that using EVOO will help with breakouts, blackheads and dry skin/oily skin. I have a lot of acne, and I wanted to try something natural that’s easy to use and not very expensive. How often should I use EVOO on my face? Every morning? Every evening? Every night? I tried doing white sugar and milk masks.. but that hurt when trying to take it off of my skin. Help, please.
Hi, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge and really trying to help people. My skin has improved immensely just a week after using the OCM. I’ve tried so many chemical filled acne clearing products, and all of them seem to work for a couple days, then guess what? My face breaks out AND its extremely dry. I truly believe that “acne clearing” products are a scam. Why would they honestly want your face to clear up for good? Then you won’t have to buy their product anymore, and they lose a customer which = less money for them to make.
I’ve been using a mixture of 1/3 olive oil and 2/3 castor oil, and it’s been working awesomely (is that even a word?)
THANK YOUUUU!!!!!
Hi CB ~
Just wondering if I can effectively use the oil cleaning method for my whole body, sans pits and crotch of course.
Best,Tracy
Ps. Excited to try this method on my face.
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Hello!
I am BRAND new to this type of concept for cleaning my face with oils so I am looking for a little clarification. What does “carrier oil” mean? I am not familiar with that term!
My skin is in the best shape its ever been in as far as my 26 years go, and I am worried this system might upset the balance I’ve currently got going on. I wouldn’t consider switching my routine except for the fact that I am trying to live a more ‘natural’ life. Any tips or ideas for a beginner?
Thank you!
Jessica
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone follow up with a toner and moisturiser after? I’m trying to change my daily face cleaning routine to a more natural way of doing it.
How about if you’re intending to use a mask? Do you just apply the mask right after cleansing with the oils?
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the great info! I have been using this for about a week and a half and I think I’ve found a concoction that works well on my face, so I’m ready to move on from mixing individual sized batches. (My roommates and I have way too many shot glasses that we rarely use, so I’ve been mixing them in those, ha!)
I’m still planning on making a small amount at a time (the weather right now is brutal, I probably won’t need such a moisturizing mix in a month *fingers crossed*) but I was wondering if you have any tips on an amount to make at a time and how to store them to best preserve the oil
Do you store your mixed oils in the refrigerator? How about the extra oil (your bottle of grape seed oil, avocado oil, etc.)? Have you ever noticed them going bad? I’ve heard that can be a problem with vegetable based oils that are cold-pressed, as opposed to typical olive and canola oil.
If I had bought food grade oil it probably wouldn’t be an issue, since using it as a cooking oil would burn through it pretty fast, but I was silly and got cosmetic grade. I will definitely get food grade in the future, but I’d like this to last me as long as possible.
Has anybody tried Wheat Germ Oil for the OCM? Just curious. I know it has a very high vitamin E content, so I was wondering if anyone else had tried it. I plan on experimenting with it soon.
I vary my OCM. I keep 4 tiny containers with mixtures of castor oil with on each of: Avocado oil, aragon oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. I like to do everything moderately so I do a different mixture every day. They each have their own special benefits. You don’t eat the same food everyday do you? I do smaller mixtures than suggested in the blog-using 1/4 teaspoon measurements since a little goes a long way. I think making smaller batches more often and thoroughly washing the containers you store it in is the way to go. Keeps the oil fresh.
Apparently I am one of the very few people that respond positively to olive oil and coconut oil. This SHOCKED me as I have large pores usually break out VERY easily. I tried those before the olive oil was crossed off CB’s list and since it works for me I still do it. I am very curious to figure out why it works so well for some people and not for others! Anyway, those are my preferences and what works for me. I shared in case others would like those ideas. I really do believe that my skin looks even better when I vary the oils withing the OCM. Seriously, I have had girlfriends accuse me of getting a skin peel! Ego boosted!
Oh yes, and for introducing me to the OCM Crunchy Betty-I will adore you forever!!! 🙂
I’ve been cleansing with oil for a month or two. My skin is really dry now so I’m changing the ratio. What can I moisturize with and what exfoliant can I use to scrub off this dry dead skin? Thank you.
If you use the OCM at night, do you still cleanse in the morning? If so, what do you recommend using to keep from confusing your skin?
My skin is really dry and flaky right now. I’ve been using the method for a month or two. What can I do about the dryness on my face and what kind of exfoliants should I use and how often?
I am excited to try this. I have suffered from disgustingly oily skin my entire teen/adult life. I have tried every over the counter product out there and nothing has been all that great in controLling my oil problem…
I also suffer from dark circles, mine is hereditary. It doesn’t matter how much sleep I get, I still have dark circles. Is there a specific oil you recommend for this problem?
Very interesting article about the oil method. I guess I have somewhat been doing this for a long time, however I’d apply the oil, then wipe away w/soft tissue, or face pads, then rinse. I have used olive oil,
and I noticed that on the list this was crossed out. Does this mean, that olive oil is not recommended for the “Oil Method?” I’m very curious, and once again, thank you so much.
Myra
Hi Myra–
I think the reason it is not recommended is because it can cause some people to break out, and tends to be a culprit of a failing OCM more often then not. However, that is not to say it doesn’t work for some people. Some people swear by it. I chose not to try it just based on this article and what others had commented about, but if you’ve been using it and it works for you, it is not bad for your skin, you are just a lucky person! However, if you start to notice problems using it, don’t be alarmed, it is probably because of the olive oil, and I would recommend trying something that will not be as clogging to your pores.
So disappointed with my results on this method :/ it seems to have worked miracles for so many people, but it may not be for me.
I began with a mixture of coconut and castor oil, which didn’t seem to do much but certainly wasn’t making me break out. I did this for about a month or so, though I can’t remember the frequency I was using it. I think every now and then if too tired I was sometimes washing my face with a simple natural cleanser as well (like some earth science brand). I got some bad breakouts in November, some cystic acne the likes of which I hadn’t seen for a while, but I thought it was all the sugar and processes carbs I ate while visiting my family in San Francisco.
Now I’m not so sure! (even though I’ve noticed sugary foods DEFINITELY make me break out in general).
Thinking coconut oil might be the culprit after reading some such experiences, I decided to try sunflower oil. I did not have my castor oil with me at this time so I was only using the sunflower. After about a week my face stated breaking out horribly and right now, about 2 weeks after beginning castor oil, I have the most inflamed face I’ve had in years. Several red painful bumps and much more prominent whiteheads than usual.
I was going to give it another couple weeks but when a new one popped up overnight on each side and of my jawline/below the mouth, I decided to call it quits. I can’t hack it- I only had a lot of whiteheads before that we’re not so pretty in unflattering light but weren’t otherwise too noticeable. I was hoping oil cleansing would rid me of those and do well for the rest of my skin… But there’s no way I can suffer through this horrendous state any longer when my skin was so much better than this to begin with! Lately I’ve been doing oil cleansing every other day. I don’t know if I’ve been doing it too often, or I really needed the castor oil, or if I have a problem with the sunflower, or if I wasn’t getting a washcloth hot enough to steam properly: whatever the case, I may try again one day once my skin is clear again, at a once weekly ratio or something. Just hope this mess will heal soon 🙁 haven’t had to deal with noticeable red bumps like this in forever, am NOT enjoying the reprise….
Would definitely like to hear from anyone who had a similar experience, especially anyone who experienced the “purging” stage but actually came out clear on the other end!
I meant after 2 weeks of beginning sunflower, woops!
Hi, i have been having acne problem but not yet find the solution or the best acne product can u pliz advise on the best acne product to use?
Hi Crunchy Betty, thank you so much for your in-depth review! I just have a quick question, what do you do in between the times that you are not oil cleansing? How do you keep your skin clean during those times? Thanks!
-Ashley
hi..i m using ocm for a few nights now wid 2 part castor oil n 1 part jojoba oil…n i m njoying d siky skin…i wanted to know about addition of essential oils to the above mix..since i have massive acne scars..i m thinking about using tea tree oil..neem oil..citrus oil.. turmeric oil and lavender (jst for a gudnights sleep)..cn u pls tell me..which of these will work best to control my acne and clearing up scars..and what amount or hw many drops are to be added per cleansing because i prepare the mix right there instead of storing all of it in a container…pls help…
Do you oil cleanse like you regularly cleans ? Once in the morning and once at night?( twice a day ) what if you oil cleanse in the morning and go to the gym and oil cleanse again and then go out again and oil cleanse before bed? Is that okay or is tat too much ?
Just started OCM before christmas. Tried a basic 1:1 of castor oil and avocado oil – I have combination skin with a very oily t-zone prone to blackheads and relatively clear cheeks with only the very occasional spot. 1:1 completely dried my face out to the degree where my cheeks were sore after a week. Switched to 3:1 avocado to castor and now its lovely, my cheeks are softer and smoother than they’ve been in ages and I haven’t had any breakouts! Loving it so far!
Hi! I am back to trying the OCM method after a brief hiatus and was wondering if anyone has used oils with a spin brush for cleansing their face, or if this is recommended? I recently received a vitagoods facial spin brush and want to try it with the Oil Cleanser (TamanuThyme) I got from the Crunchy Betty Etsy Shop! Wondering if this will help get a deeper clean and exfoliate at the same time, or if this will defeat the purpose?
Love the idea of OCM and after a few days with the oils and the spin brush my skin already feels softer! Excited to stick to it this time and see results!
Hi! Wow, I just learned about OCM today and am so fascinated by it. Can’t wait to try it out! Question: what cleansing products do you use on days when you’re not doing the oil cleansing method? For example, makeup remover, moisturizer, and face wash. Thanks!
I have combination skin (oily t-zone, comfortable to dry cheeks). My biggest problem is my chin. I think I get hormonal oiliness, as my skin is pretty good for 2 weeks, and then I get lots of whiteheads, blackheads, a few pimples for a week, a week of healing to follow, then repeat.
What oils would you recommend? And where can I pick some up? Anything available online? Please help! Thanks.
anyone know if OCM is compatible with a clarisonic?
I’ve been using the oil cleansing method for a few months now and my skin has never looked and felt better! THANK YOU, Crunchy Betty!!! One question, though… I’ve noticed that the wash cloths that I use are smelling like rancid oil. How do I properly clean my wash cloths to get all the oil out?! Thank you, again, Sue
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I’ve been using half olive oil, half castor oil for about a week. My face looks great, but I’m breaking out around my hairline. This isn’t normal for me! Any suggestions?
“store bought facial cleansers that contains sulfates or sulfides”..would that include all drug store type brands? also is there another name those ingredients could be hidden under? Im assuming the reason to stay clear of them is because of they are drying. if someone could elaborate on this that would be great 🙂 thanks in advance!
I really want to try with the castor oil but I’m SUPER nervous. I tried OCM with coconut oil and it gave me HORRIBLE acne (I’ve had very clear skin my whole life) that took me MONTHS to get rid of. This was not a “purging.” I kept at the coconut oil for about two months before I gave up. Still I have huge pores and blackheads on my nose and cheeks. I have always had some blackheads on my nose, but never on my cheeks before, and never this bad. I’ve always had freakishly nice skin, even as a teenager, and I feel like I’ve ruined it. 🙁
So yes, coconut oil will clog the shit out of your pores.
Right now I’m just washing with baking soda and using a normal moisturizer. Since I had such a horrible reaction to coconut oil, should I just stay away?
Coconut oil actually can cause a lot of problems for people and will clog your pores…I would recommend trying a combination of castor oil and another oil such as sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil. But be sure to do a patch test on your skin to make sure you don’t have a negative reaction to the oils. Hope that helps!
It’s been mere days and I’m already breaking out using castor oil and argan oil. Abort mission???
Hi Alexa – I’ve been using this blog to jumpstart my own OCM regime. I don’t know if this will help you, but I find that if I OCM too frequently my skin is definitely worse and not better. I also can’t do a lot of massaging in (also seems to cause flare-ups). Shortly after I started with OCM, I noticed more frequent and smaller pimples, but when I started doing it every few days (instead of every night) AND drinking way more water it seems to be clearing up. I’m currently using a 1/2 castor oil and 1/2 jojoba oil blend with a few drops of tea tree, and I’m hoping to try grapeseed oil after this blend is used up. The rest of the time I just use a face cloth and warm water (no soap), which works well for me because I don’t wear makeup 🙂 Once a week or so I also use an almond scrub (just because I’m trying to use it up, after which I’m hoping to use baking soda).
So now I just slather on my blend, wait a minute or so, and then put a warm wet cloth on my face and let it sit until it cools. Then I gradually wipe the oil off. No moisturizer or additional oils needed. Sometimes the next morning (especially after a shower) I put a small amount of my oil blend on as a moisturizer, and that seems to work ok. (Thought it might make me shiny, but so far it doesn’t!)
No idea if that will help you, but I thought some more feedback might be welcome. Best of luck! Don’t abort yet–I’m so happy to get rid of all those miscellaneous bottles in my cupboard, it’s worth it once you can find the right balance for your own skin!
Update: I’m now obsessed!! I used a little more castor oil and it made all the difference I also started wiping a little less so that my son isn’t dry when I’m done.
I oil cleanse at night to remove eye makeup and because I’m way too lazy to get up extra early in the morning. In the morning I do a honey cleanse, or just water and a wash rag when I’m really lazy or in a rush. My skin is really, really improving!
Really?? Just posted at the bottom about the sudden horrible breakouts from using sunflower oil… Maybe putting the castor oil in there would really help? And I was doing it every other night… Maybe that’s too much!
I was noticing pimples pop up out of nowhere, nearly read to pop. (sorry for the visual lol but I’m sure here people feel my pain). In addition the whiteheads I normally have seemed much closer to the surface and therefore more noticeable (sounds good but there were also more of them than usual…) and then of course angry deep red bumps one right after the other for the last week or so, which I don’t usually ever get anymore!
Hi, I love oil cleansing but as my skin feels a bit dry afterwards I do feel as though I need to moisturizer after wipin off the oils. What type of moisturizer do you reccomend for nightly/daily use?
Hi.. I just started using castor oil on my eyebrows to try and grow back the hair that i pulled out the last few years that won’t grow back. I put a little on each night and sleep with it. I also just started using a mixture of castor oil and grapeseed oil to wash my face every night using the OCM. I am getting electrolysis on my upper lip, chin and other areas of my face… is it a bad idea to use castor oil as part of my nightly cleaning? Will it stimulate hair growth on my face even if i wipe it off with a washcloth?
Hi! I’m a noob. I can’t wait to try this out but can I use 1tbs castor oil, 4tbs sweet almond oil & 4tbs of grapeseed oil instead of coconut oil / olive oil. My face is dry, oily t-zone and have lots of white bumps (milia?) on my forehead.
I don’t want to clog my pores.
TIA!
Love this article! I have sunflower oil, tamanu oil, castor oil and grapeseed oil. I have very acne prone skin with fine lines around my eyes. How much of each should I mix together? Thanks so much for any advice you can give!
I was wondering if Vitamin E oil would be a good oil to dilute the castor oil, or should it be one that I only add a few drops to? I was also wondering what oil you would recommend for really sensitive skin and what ratio i should use? I have dry skin too.
You said ” *You’ll probably want to stay away from coconut oil for oil cleansing, as it is a known comedogenic ..” did you mean to say Olive oil? Your asterict is next to the crossed out olive oil. I keep hearing how Coconut oil doesn’t clog pores, so I’m wondering if that was a typo?
Just something to add to this article. Coconut oil is NOT comedogenic. Along with Jojoba, coconut oil is the closest oil to sebum. It will not give you blackheads, or acne, and can be used alone for oil cleansing for any skin type.
Coconut gets a lot of undeserved slating, it is an amazing oil and one of the best oils for oily skin, as well as having so many other health benefits
As an Aromatherapist and Massage Therapist I would urge you to do a little more homework on something before you advise against using it.
So I should stop using this as a reference then? https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
…its rating of shea butter seems to be accurate at least–I slather that stuff on my face at night and I don’t break out.
Thanks for the helpful intro to OCM. Can it be done without hot water on the face? My skin tends to be much calmer with more even tone when I use only luke warm water.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts!
Hello –
I’m new to the OCM, about a week now, and despite experiencing a little “purging,” so far so good. I’m using a castor and safflower blend, but due to the sensitive AND oily nature of my skin, I’m going to swap out the safflower for grapeseed. I’ve noticed an evening out of my skintone and a shrinking of my pores. Some very small blackheads and white heads are pushing to the surface, but I think it’ll pass soon enough.
MY QUESTION IS THIS: if I’m doing the oik cleanse once a day (a night) what should I be doing in the morning? I’m trying to rid all store bought cleansers. Is a rinse with water sufficient? Maybe a water-lemon rinse?
Thank you!
You should try honey cleansing! It cleanses well yet leaves the skin mosturized. It’s worked great on my skin.
Hi and thanks! I’ve always had very oily skin and have tried to strip off my face at various points in my life (with fingernails, exfoliating scrubbers, harsh soaps etc). After a particularly crazy break out in the middle of the month, (no hormonal excuse), I decided something was wrong with how I was cleansing. How could I be cleansing so hard and breaking out MORE?!
I’ve been doing OCM for 2 days now, and my skin actually looks clearer. While the acne I had before I started is healing, (so still there), nothing new has appeared, and the rest of my skin looks clear, glowing, and beautiful. Thank you!
ps. I use straight castor oil right now. I’m waiting for my sweet almond and apricot kernel oils to come. I want to add some tea tree at some point because I enjoy its smell.
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I have been trying the oil cleansing method for 3 weeks now and I’m torn! I love how soft and smooth my skin feels after but I’ve also been having a constant breakout. It’s only very small acne, little tiny bumps. But it’s all over my face and especially on my upper lip, which looks terrible.
I use 1/3 grape seed, 1/3 castor, and 1/3 sunflower with teatree and eucalyptus essence oils.
I can’t afford the nicer oils so I have to stick to the cheaper ones. what should I do?
Is there an adjustment anyone would recommend or taking out one of the oils?
Let me know what you guys think would be a good adjustment to get rid of the acne so I can keep the soft skin!
You have a lot of things that could be exacerbating your acne – I would try just using the grapeseed and castor oil. Maybe half and half. And you could also decrease how often you do this – should only be done once a day at most, but you can also do every other day as well. Make sure you rinse well!
Anyone else want to chime in?
I would stick with just the oils for now, adding essential oils later. Some people are very sensitive to EO’s. Also, have you done some patch testing with the oils on the inner part of your arm or thigh to be sure you aren’t allergic to one of the oils? Just some thoughts. Nichole
Maybe this will help: https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
…so maybe just leave out the grape seed and see if that’s any better?
what do you think would help with redness? my face is always pink and red. I’m assuming it’s due to constant irritation. it’s also extremely oily… I was thinking castor oil and jojoba. would grapeseed or sweet almond be beneficial as well?
The OCM hasn’t done one iota for my skin. I’ve tried different oils and different ratios; have been experimenting with it for over a month now. I have more pimples than before and my skin is terribly dried out. I’m glad it works for most people, but just wanted to let it be known that it doesn’t work for everyone.
Hello,
I want to try this method of cleansing but am a little nervous. What can I expect while my skin is transitioning will I break out? Also I know myself I won’t do it every night so on tue nights I don’t what can I use if not the store bought cleansers?
I started ocm after reading a different blog post actually on it. I bean a few days after trying to drink the recommended amount of water that an adult female is supposed to drink (2.5 L or 5 water bottles). I was worried about oil clogging my pores, too, because before a couple months ago I never heard of ocm. I decided to start on a Friday so that if I had a bad reaction I would look my worst when few if any people would see me. :p Almost immediately, though, my skin looked and felt better.
I used a combination of jojoba and castor oil. I didn’t do it daily but 3x/week (still do). For the first month I only did this. More recently, I began mixing the castor oil with Burt’s bees cleanser (since it has jojoba oil and royal jelly in it). The plain oil cleanse keeps my face moisturized enough even in this arid December air that I don’t need lotions on my face. I’m seriously considering weening myself off of BB skin products and finding other holistic methods to care for my skin because the ocm (as well as being better hydrated) has done a better job at clearing up my skin and keeping it moisturized.
I’ve been encouraging my friends to try it out, if only the drinking more water part. But I find doing both has helped my acne noticeably and I made my sister a believer, lol!
I have combination skin (oily t-zone, comfortable to dry cheeks). My biggest problem is my chin. I think I get hormonal oiliness, as my skin is pretty good for 2 weeks, and then I get lots of whiteheads, blackheads, a few pimples for a week, a week of healing to follow, then repeat.
What oils would you recommend? And where can I pick some up? Anything available online? Please help! Thanks.
Hey. So Ive always suffered from acne, combination skin, redness/scarring. After years of trial and error I finally went on accutane as my last resort. However, I’m VERY curious about starting to wash my face with oil as all other name brand washes have left me with irratated red skin. I ideally would want to use a mixture of castor oil & rose hip seed oil for I’ve been reading tons about it and its suppodley great for your skin. Do you think this would be a good combo? & what kind of ratio should I use for castor to rose hip seed? Lastly, I’ve been using coco butter on my skin (my skin has been super dry since accutane) could I continue the usage of this while using these new oils? I love coco butter but I find that it does leave some residue on my face when I go to wash it in the morning..thanks for the help!
Marianne,
The problem with cocoa butter is it can clog the pores which isn’t very good for acne-prone skin. Rosehip Seed Oil is great for redness, Rosacea, and antiaging. You also might want to try Lavender essential oil, which is anti-inflammatory as well as good for acne. Tea Tree oil, Petitgrain oil, and Cypress oil are all supposed to be good for acne issues. I would only use about a drop or two of your essential oils to your carrier mix. Never use essential oils undiluted on your skin. Good luck!
I have combination skin (oily t-zone, comfortable to dry cheeks). My biggest problem is my chin. I think I get hormonal oiliness, as my skin is pretty good for 2 weeks, and then I get lots of whiteheads, blackheads, a few pimples for a week, a week of healing to follow, then repeat.
What oils would you recommend? And where can I pick some up? Anything available online? Please help! Thanks.
Hi, Jenny!
I would go to naturesgift.com …they actually have a very good reputation, and they do their research on the oils they get. Check out some of their synergy blends…it sounds like you have inflammation issues (I do, too!) so I really recommend their Rosacea Synergy. Even if you don’t have rosacea, all of the oils in that synergy are great for inflammation. I would use a Jojoba oil carrier base, which is good for any skin and is the closest to our own natural skin oils and will not clog your skin. I have hormonal skin/combo T-zone, inflammation issues as well, and I use the rosacea synergy, tea tree, and petitgrain, mixed in jojoba and my skin looks and feels better than it has in years! I only wish I knew about all of the benefits of essential oils sooner! I’m a Cosmetologist and makeup artist, and I’ve always been into skin care and helping out my clients. Recently I’ve been incorporating my knowledge of skin care with my learning of essential oils, and I’m so pleased and amazed with the results. Good luck with your skin care regime!
Hi, sorry I’m still confused. Are you recommending this http://www.naturesgift.com/aromatherapyskincare.htm#Rosacea (Rosacea Synergy 5 ml $35.00) and also this http://www.naturesgift.com/carrier_oils/jojoba.htm. Under the description, it says to add the synergy to a cleanser. Can I add to any cleanser? Do I do that and then add jojoba oil in as well? Where do you get tea tree and petitgrain? I don’t see anything about castor oil under Rosacea Synergy. Aren’t you supposed to mix in castor oil??
I’m very confused! 🙁
I mentioned Rosehip Seed oil, but because of its short shelf life, I would actually use Rosehip Pulp CO2, which is also great for rosacea and inflammation (you don’t have to have rosacea to use it) but it has a much longer shelf life. Naturesgift.com sells that as well. And no, I do not get any sort of commission from that site–it’s just one of my go-to sites for oils. 😉
You answered, “Never use essential oils undiluted on your skin.” That really only applies to adulterated essential oils and “hot” oils. Hot oils feel hot on contact, but don’t hurt you. The “burn” will go away quickly. Of course, when adding it to an oil blend for cleansing, it is already diluted. I use (and sell – full disclosure) Young Living Essential Oils. They are pure, therapeutic grade oils. Check out the link for my website that has a product link for more information.
Many oil companies claim their oils are “pure”, but they are not 100% pure. That is why they tell you to not use them straight or to ingest them. Please see my site for the links for the information. Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils can change your life!
Hello! You article is so much helpful. :)But I been using baby oil on my face. I tried it. It’s a bit cool. What do you think about it? Does it have some bad effects on my face? For baby oil are not really intended to use on our faces? Please reply. Thanks. 🙂
Jenny Rose,
Baby oil is nothing but mineral oil, and it clogs the skin’s pores. I would steer clear of baby oil–I never used it on my baby, either! It’s rather nasty stuff. Jojoba is a great oil to use–it’s the oil that is closest to our own natural oils.
I’ve been using the OCM for quite some time now, with great success. yay! That being said, I have never used the castor oil, because I just can’t figure out what its purpose is. Can you shed any light on why castor oil is used? What are the properties of castor oil that make it a necessary part of the OCM for so many? the best info I can find is that it is anti-inflammatory, but I can’t find any scientific proof that this is the case. Thanks for any insight you can provide!
The olive oil is great as a make-up remover and moisturizer; however, I mix castor oil with it because I heard that it’s an anti-bacterial and the main “cleanser” – like soap, but in oil form. That’s why if you don’t ratio out the contents right, it can dry out your skin.
I have combination skin (oily t-zone, comfortable to dry cheeks). My biggest problem is my chin. I think I get hormonal oiliness, as my skin is pretty good for 2 weeks, and then I get lots of whiteheads, blackheads, a few pimples for a week, a week of healing to follow, then repeat.
What oils would you recommend? And where can I pick some up? Anything available online? Please help! Thanks.
Castor oil goes deep into skin…and it pulls out impurities..it definitely works as antiinflamatory too. On top of that it will make your skin young and smooth wrinkles. Its been revered for centuries for its miraculous effects on not only the skin, but in healing. You are missing the best part of Bettys recipe by leaving this out. (Many people avoid castor oil because they confuse it with cod liver oil..which stinks like fish. Castor oil is plant based and odorless) Try it Nicole, you will love it!
I have suffered from acne since the 5th grade. I’m now 26. I’ve tried everything I can get my hands on and nothing has worked as well as the oil cleanse. I have been using it for about 3 weeks now. My skin is more even, less oily, and my scaring has faded. But I’m still experiencing breakouts here and there. I’m wondering if it has to do with the amount of time I’m massaging the oils into my skin. The process I choose is a extremely time consuming and I’m wondering if it’s necessary. I boil water and steam my face for 5 minutes, masssage the oils in my skin for 10 minutes. Steam my face with the oils (still on my face) for 2 minutes then wash the oils off. I then repeat the steam process 3 times using a hot washcloth to wipe the oils off inbetween each steam. I love the results so far but and concerned about the continued breakouts. Would love any advice you have. Thank you
Makayla,
You are definitely massaging your skin too long, which is activating your skin’s sebaceous glands (oil glands). I would try applying the oil gently all over your face, allow the oils to penetrate on their own, then apply your warm washcloth. I would also try some essential oils in your cleansing mix, such as a couple of drops of Tea Tree and/or Petitgrain Oil. Petitgrain Essential Oil is the only citrus oil I know that not become phototoxic in the sun. I recommend steering clear of lemon, orange, or evwn bergamot for any part of your skin that will be exposed to the sun within 24 hours. Cypress essential Oil is another good oil for acne-prone skin. Good luck!
Makayla,
I feel for you! I started breaking out at the age of 8! If you are still having breakouts, it is very possible they are hormone related. My skin cleared up dramatically with the OCM (I do it every day!), but it wasn’t perfect. When my doctor put me on a medication that ‘fixed’ my hormone issue, my periodic face breakouts went away. Perhaps that could be your issue? I’d discuss with your doctor.
A couple more tips that make a difference to me:
I love fresh squeezed lemon water. When I drink it regularly (after about a week) my skin improves dramatically. It gets even better into the second week. There are reasons for this, but I’m sure you can Google them.
Extra fiber in your diet does help. Try beans, apples, pears, cinnamon…all for the fiber and their known ability to balance blood sugars.
I wonder if too much heat could be part of the issue for you. When I went on Crunchy Betty’s “No ‘poo” experiment I also decided to try a soap free experiment (exfoliating only)that I read on a different blog. (I still used soap to wash my hands.) My chest and back breakouts cleared up substantially during this experiment. More so than they ever did with the salicylic acid body washes or even the prescriptions that had helped some. I took my experiment once step further…and tried to shower in only cool water-noting that most water in nature is cool. It was hard to go without hot showers-BUT-the breakouts on my body completely disappeared. Gone. It had been over 20 years! I went back to hot showering from a comfort standpoint and the chest acne came back. Anyway, just my experiences, but I totally sympathize with you. I shared just in case they might help. Seriously though, when I keep up with my prescription, the OCM, soap free, cool water, and healthy foods…my skin looks flawless. First time in my life!
Hey!
Great article! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I found it to be very informative, so thank you. I am slightly confused on one thing and was wondering if you could shed some light.
My skin is neither oily, nor dry, but more on the combination side. I have a slightly oily nose, but the rest of my face feels fairly normal, and ocassionally dry.
What oil mix would you recommend? I’ve been trying out the OCM for almost two weeks using 25% Castor Oil and 75% Sunflower Seed Oil, but I’m not sure if this the right mix for me. I have only made a 100ml’s worth which i have not yet finished and would soon like to try a different mix. What do you propose?
Thank you!
Fatima
I’m combination as well, and I’ve found that opposite proportions (I use 75% castor and 25% argan) is working a lot better for me, after experimenting. I was getting rid of blackheads but gaining little spots, so I started using hotter water and wiping more which dried my face out. Just adjusting has worked wonders for me, and now, wiping less and not scalding my face means it’s not drying out either. Hope this helps!
I have been using ProActiv for the last couple of years, and I’m in my late teens, 17 yrs old. It has helped my acne immensely (I hardly ever get pimples now). However, I have very bad blackheads that cover my nose, and large pores on my cheeks. I read on your website that this is caused from harsh cleansers, and I have noticed that when I do the odd natural remedy cleanse, like using baking soda, my skin clears up almost STRAIGHT AWAY. Yet, once I go back to the ProActiv, the clogged and large pores come back again in no time. I struggle with very oily skin, but I have a feeling this is caused from using ProActiv.
I am wondering about starting to use the oil cleansing method. But I have a few queries.
Would castor oil, sweet almond oil and pink grapefruit essential oil be a good mix?
Should I only do this once a day at night time? I’m so used to cleaning my face twice a day… So what would I do in the morning?
How could I/should I incorporate baking soda into my routine? It works wonders on my pores, but I’m scared it could be to harsh on my skin?
Thanks heaps, I hope someone can help me out!?!?
I’ve read that you only will need to clean once a day so I’d start there and maybe wipe it off with warm water in the morning if you feel like you want to.
I sometimes add a little baking soda to my oil mixture to get an exfoliating scrub… not sure if this is “okay” or not, but it seems to work for me. Perhaps just once a week for the baking soda?
And I bet the grapefruit would be nice! I am so afraid to add any EOs to anything since I’m not familiar with doing it. Maybe it’s time to take the leap! (Be careful with the citrus and sun exposure…)
Good luck!
I have combination skin (oily t-zone, comfortable to dry cheeks). My biggest problem is my chin. I think I get hormonal oiliness, as my skin is pretty good for 2 weeks, and then I get lots of whiteheads, blackheads, a few pimples for a week, a week of healing to follow, then repeat.
What oils would you recommend? And where can I pick some up? Anything available online? Please help! Thanks.
You are doing right using baking soda…this is a secret face scrub Holllywood has known about for years. I use baking soda twice a day and have clear soft skin. I keep a plastic shaker container (you can buy it for about $1in plastic shaker container) in the shower..its great for washing underarms too…turns out that SOAP residue actually causs body odor when mixed with deodorant…..baking soda underarm wash with natural deodorant lasts longer with no odor.
Try the castor oil recipe for face cleansing like Betty suggests…it pulls impurities from the skin from deep down. Castor oil is amazing..do some research on it…its good for so many things. I use mine to erase frown marks, soften chapped lips and for rough feet. It can stain clothing and bedding though so wear socks before bed.
I use baking soda once a week as a facial scrub. I think it is too harsh to use more often than that. I make a paste with some water and then rub it in circular motions all over my face for about a minute. I honestly don’t use the oil method, but I know there are a lot of natural soaps out there that you could clean your face with in the morning before using oil at night.
Hi, i am not sure what my skin type is. In Indonesia which has tropic climate all year, i identified my skin as oily since i have problem with acne too. Recently i move to France to study and here my skin is getting really dried. I am very frustated seeing dermatologist and using this and that products until finally i found this ocm method and have been doing this for 3 days. I used nattessance huile carrote and ricin (castor) and la roche posay effaclar after for my acne. Not sure if the oil that i bought is right thus could anyone help on where to find a good essencial oil in Paris? I read some of the suggestion on oil in the comments like aromatic international but the shipping is very expensive and i could not afford that. Thank you so much.
hi,i’m Aishwarya. i’m from India.I have darker skin at nose edges and whiteheads. I’ve
been using OCM for 2 weeks.whiteheads managed to get clear but skin at edges gets darker as i’ve been massaging at nose part. I’ve been using castor oil and jojoba oil.is OCM recommendable? can you suggest me about this? thank you.hoping to hear reply from you soon!!
Hi, I am starting my very first OCM cleanse tonight and wanted to know what everyone does to wash there face in the morning? I’m the type of girl who washes her face at least 2 times per day. I feel super gross in the morning and feel like I have to wash my face. What does everyone else do??? Thanks!!
I’m on day 9 of doing 2/3 castor oil and 1/3 grapeseed. I have oily, acne prone skin. So far, my skin is FAR and away more clear than it has been in months. I’m loving this. It’s also softer and the fine lines around my eyes seem a little less. When I do get a zit or two, they seem to come and go almost within 24 hours instead of turning into cystic, rooted acne. I still use a spot treatment for zits and once a week I do a scrub before my oil treatment. Working great!
I have had great success with Olive oil. My skin is VERY dry and olive oil has been the only thing to save me. I use it as a cleaner and a daily moisturizer and have had NO problems with breakouts. I think you rushed into crossing it off your list. Perhaps others didn’t use an extra virgin organic oil and this could cause serious breakouts if the oil was ridden with other chemicals.
Just a thought. But to anyone reading this who has has serious dry skin on your face, don’t be afraid to experiment with olive oil!
I LOVE the oil cleansing method!!! I first saw it on a blog called One Good Thing by Jillee… then I did a TON of research because I was not about to go putting OIL on my face lol. I was a little scared the first time, but after I was finished the first night, my skin felt AMAZING. I try to do it every night. Some nights I use a tea tree oil foam cleanser, but I use oil most nights. I have the clearest skin I’ve ever had. I tell everyone about this and they look at me like I’m crazy haha. I just tell them to do the research like I did. I would recommend this to anyone! 🙂
I posted this on the honey makeup removing method for makeup but I thought I’d give posting here a shot as well! I’m an OCM n00b and I was wondering if oil cleansing is effective in removing waterproof makeup. I wear extremely waterproof mascara [I think its the type mermaids typically wear] and it’s an absolute horror to remove even with my strongest standard eye makeup remover. I wanted to know if the oil cleansing method proves effective in removing it, because I’m keen on making oil an end all be all cleanser if it can banish all my makeup in one fell swoop [pesky mascara included]! If not, I shall resign myself to using it exclusively as a facial makeup cleanser.
I use waterproof mascara and I usually use makeup remover before I wash my face, but I always notice black on the washcloth afterwards, so the oil is removing what the makeup remover didn’t. I’m sure it would take it all off, but I’m just OCD about it haha
I’ve been using the OCM for over a week. I used 1/3 castor oil to 2/3 sunflower oil, plus some added tea tree oil. Then I follow with the 3 ingredient serum: argan, rosehip seed, and tea tree oil. My skin is glowing, however, my pores have become HUGE and my skin is starting to feel dry. My skin looks like it has rough texture from the enlarged pores. Any ideas?!!
I was wondering if I should incorporate a face scrub or mask with the oil cleansing method and would I just use the oil as a moisturiser afterwards?
Hello Betty,
I am here as a coincidence but this is an excellent site, happy to find you!
I have a quick question about oil cleansing. Why did you not recommend sesame and avocado? I find them very good.
I am 42 and have very dry and sensitive skin. I use sesame oil (on a piece of cotton morning and night), and avocado oil (same), once or twice a week. They do me good. So, I was surprised not to find them on this page. I am just curious really. Best regards, Serazer
Avocado is listed for dry and aging skin, though I didn’t see sesame oil.
Hi,
I really appreciate all your tips on the oil cleansing method. It was a miracle product for me up until three months in when I had the worst breakout of my life, and that’s no mean feat for someone who has suffered with moderate acne for years! However, I have realised Jojoba is perfect as a moisturiser for me and I have crunchy Betty for helping me find that. I love all your natural tips, so thank you for all the advice!
I am loving the milk/nutmeg scrub for my face!! Absolutely amazing results!! I am going to try the OCM and I saw that tanamu oil helps with oily skin and old acne scars. Any thoughts/feedback on this?
Hi! I just found your article through Rookie, and while it’s great overall, I had to leap in and say that the disclaimer about coconut oil made me sad! Coconut oil is seriously the ONLY thing that’s ever cleared up my skin, besides yucky oral contraceptives that also gave me a blood clot.
Like the other commenters are suggesting, try to find a good organic, unrefined, cold-pressed variety (like $7 at most grocery stores).
I’d hate to think that someone could be driven away from trying coconut oil… jojoba oil made ME break out, so it’s probably pretty personal.
FYI, I’m 29, and had moderate cystic & hormonal acne from age 11 until just last year. I use my normal face wash to wash and moisturize day & night with coconut oil. Might try doing the oil cleansing and forgoing the face wash altogether. 🙂
I’ve been using the ocm for a few months now and have just recently started breaking out but only right near my eyebrows (both above and underneath my eyebrows) does anyone have any solutions to this problem? I have tried avoiding cleansing that area with the oil but I feel like it still reaches my eyebrows when I rinse with the washcloth.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the OCM!!! I am 25 and have been suffering from acne since I was like 14. I have tried everything under the sun for acne from Acutane to Retin-a. I started using the OCM a month ago and my skin has never been so wonderful. I adore it. My mixture is equal parts castor and jojaba oil with a few drops of tea tree. Thanks for your blog!! <3
I have been using this oil cleansing method now for couple months. I noticed ance and minor small pimples all over too. In addition, I also see dry skin everyone other than the T-zone. What would be the best way to deal with this?
Any suggestions will help.
While you say not to use coconut oil I have to say I disagree! Ive been using virgin coconut oil on my face for about a year and a half now and I absolutely love it. I had very dry, irritated, and sensitive skin with pretty bad acne, so every product out there only made my face hurt even more. I use coconut oil in a similar method as you mentioned above and I also slather it on my face before I go to bed. I find that it not only moisturizes but also helps my acne in an extreme away. Probably just a situation of “Works for a few but not everyone” but it never hurts to try. I LOVE coconut oil
Why is olive oil crossed off the list?
I’m hoping that someone can answer this question for me. I helped my 13yo daughter switch to the OCM about a week ago. She has already shown marked improvement in her puberty-ravaged skin. I’m ready to take the plunge for myself, as well, however I’m concerned as to how to do this as a contact lens wearer. My normal routine is to wash my face just prior to removing my contacts each night so that my makeup is removed and my hands are thoroughly cleansed. I’m concerned that the oil residue on my lashes, hands, eyelids, etc will interfere my both the removal and cleaning of my contacts. Does anyone have experience with this?
@ Candace: I am a contact lens wearer myself and I’ve been using the OCM for 4 nights now (tonight, right after I finish typing this, is going to be my 5th night :-)). I usually wash and dry my hands first, remove my contact lens and store them in their case, and then last but not least use the OCM for my face.
Dunno why, but personally I always found it easier to remove my contacts before washing my face… Probably because I was worried that my contact lenses might come into contact [no pun intended] with water which I know from my eye doc is not good for them. Hope this helps answer your question!
I’m considering trying out the OCM and have read all the comments just for reviews sake. I notice it is mostly used at night. Is it ok to use it twice a day?? Such as morning and night??
I was really excited to see this while searching for more natural products to use (love your site) so I was about to run right out and buy castor oil but googled first so I knew what to look for at the store, where I learned that castor oil is also quite successfully used for hair growth and if that isn’t enough it’s also used to darken hair. Although I’m not ready for the circus I have a small bit of hair above the lip so now I’m concerned that I will be ready for the circus or will have to go to start waxing or something. Has anyone experienced this?? I think I’ll start with a different oil first while I wait to hear.
Hi Crunchy Betty,
I would like to share my awesome experience on OCM, a method which I truly didn’t think I would be practicing now. To start with, I have an oily and sensitive skin that reacts to almost everything that I use. Powder, cosmetics, oils, name it, branded or inexpensive, they would do the same thing to my face-give me a rash or cystic pimple. When I first read about OCM on the net, I thought I would give it a try because I would love to go organic and I really want to achieve that clear, flawless complexion without spending so much. At first, I tried the Castor oil sunflower combination. I broke out really bad. Gave me a cystic pimple or two. And I feel so uncomfortable. So I let it heal first before trying again. This time, I only used sunflower oil. It is so light and I love massaging it on my face. After continuously massaging in circular motions, I suddenly felt some bead-like substances(I don’t know what to call it, dead skin cells or whatever). Then I wipe everything off with a facial tissue gently. I do this at least twice every night and in time, no more pimples come out and I feel like my skin has that smooth and radiant glow every morning. I’ve been doing this for over a year now and I will keep doing this cleansing method. For all of you who have the same skin type as mine, you might want to give this a try.
Do you just use grapeseed oil that you find with the cooking oils? Or can you give me a link to the right kinds.
And how not to confuse the heck out of your skin?
If I need a proper cleansing every evening, what other cleansing method go well with OCM? I found lotions without any sulfates or sulfide but they contain citric acid, is it ok?
And also I wanted to say thank you very very much Crunchy Betty. Few years ago I moved to the city center and also I am not so young as I used to be. These are two reasons why my skin has become so awful and whatever I tried it’s not better. So I think the OCM is my salvation.
Your blog is really popular,, I am from Russia and when I tried to find something about OCM just to send it to my friend I found many many translations of this article, but without any references, unfortunately.
I can’t believe I’ve only just stumbled onto the OCM at this point in life (I’m 32)… I wish I’d been doing this for… Well my whole life! I can’t get over just how much of a difference it has made!
I don’t have acne, or particularly bad skin, but I was having more breakouts now then when I was 17, and combating dry skin, needing to exfoliate daily, and then never being able to moisturise enough! It was making me crazy! NOW… I don’t even have to moisturise OR exfoliate! My makeup glides on beautifully, whereas before, by the end of the day it was all cakey or flakey!
I really cannot get over how incredibly this works! I do it every night! I actually enjoy doing it!
I’m using a 1/3 each blend of organic castor oil, organic avocado oil & organic sunflower seed oil…
Thank you Betty for this blog! I had started off using coconut oil… So I’m glad I read your suggestions for other oils to use!
Hi!
I have a question, my skin is acne prone but very dry! Should I do castor oil with jojoba oil or avocado oil?
Thank you 🙂
Why not use both? (jojoba & avocado with the castor)
When I first heard about the OCM, I was extremely skeptical! I’m SO thankful I finally gave it a shot! I have combination skin, with my nose and chin being problem areas for blackheads. So I went with castor oil/jojoba oil mix. It took my skin a week or so to adjust, but now it’s in heaven! My skin has never felt so clean! It’s more even toned, my nose/chin are free of grime! If I do get a pimple, it’s gone quicker! I also don’t need moisturizer (if I do, I just use a dab of 100% aloe vera). It’s gotten to the point where I cannot stand to have makeup on my face! If for some reason I do wear eye makeup, it comes right off with a drop of jojoba oil on a cotton ball (without the burning effect of chemical remover)! Thank you so much, Crunchy Betty!
I am 27 and have suffered from clogged and enlarged pores for the past seven years. I work out in the morning and shower and usually was my face when I get home with just water to remove make up and was with a chemical exfoliator before be and apply renta night cream. I have been looking for better alternative. I would say I have oily skin. Does anyone have experience wih how OCM is will millia prone skin? And which oils would be the best to try first? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
So.. Are you saying NOT to use olive oil?? Because other articles I’ve read on OCM say to use olive oil… Anyway, I mixed up -last night, a batch of 2.5 Tbs Castor Oil, 1.5 Tbs Olive Oil (Cold Pressed), and about 20 drops Tea Tree oil… It felt absolutely wonderful when I followed these steps you provided. Except today, I have a GINORMOUS one coming in…. Feeling very discouraged. Does it get worse before it gets better, or should I just be using a different oil?
I personally understood it to not use olive oil, or coconut oil… Which I have read on other sites to be a “good choice”.
I use avocado and sunflower oil as carrier oils and that is working really well for me.
Maybe have a look at this list… http://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
olive oil is rich in oleic acid which in some people, aggravates acne. also coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which is very comedogenic so stay away from those two.
Ok, so ever since I went back on OCM in the evening, honey in the morning this summer, my nails have been peeling, specifically the nails on my index fingers. You’d think being exposed to all of these oils would make them stronger, not weaker. The oils I’ve been using are a varying mix of castor, jojoba, sweet almond, tamanu, rosehip (recent addition in the last week or so), and lavender or tea tree essential oils. I’m assuming the problem is the hot water I’m using to soak the facecloth to steam my face, but I don’t know for sure. I tried using “strengthening” nail polishes, but they don’t help. So soaked my nails in olive oil the other day, and now I’m just trying to keep them as moisturized as possible.
Oh, and if anyone is curious about my diet – I think it’s ok, I’m eating meat (including red meat), veggies, bread, etc. – I can’t imagine I’m short on B vitamins, but I might be.
What oil cleansing ratio is best if you have combination skin?
Hello!
I used the OCM for about a month or so. I started with Castor Oil and Coconut Oil, until I read here that Coconut Oil might not be the best one to use. I switched to Castor and Jojoba. After about 3 weeks or so, my face got a lot worse. The breakouts were ridiculous. Itchy and painful. I’m not entirely sure what to do, but I had such high hopes for this. I started out using a kind of 60% Castor-40% Jojoba ratio. My skin is very oily, and I sweat at the drop of a hat. I sweat watching someone ELSE workout! Well, that didn’t feel like it was doing any better, so I switched it and started using more Jojoba. Is there something you can tell me that will help me? I ended up having to go back to using Cetaphil, because my face was looking so bad. Should I have stuck with it? Maybe used a different ratio? I just want clear healthy skin. I’m 38 and with my breakouts, people think I’m in my 20s..which would be awesome, if it weren’t for the breakouts!
Thanks so much!!
Sunflower oil has a much lower (it is the lowest) comedogenic rating… Maybe that would be better for your skin.
http://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
Does anyone have suggestions about how best to moisturize after the oil cleansing method? I usually use Ceave but don’t want to use any product that could “undo” the goodness of the oils -? After the washing, though, my skin feels thirsty. Would love thoughts. Thanks!
Easy! 🙂 Just use three drops, in the same ratio, of the oils you use to cleanse… rub between clean hands to warm up the oils, and then firmly rub onto and all over your face. I know 3 drops doesn’t sound like enough, but it is… remember you don’t want to have oily skin nor dry skin; you want to have balanced skin. Also, when rinsing the oils with the wet wash cloth after cleansing, you do not need to remove ALL of the oil from your skin. Leave a little on next time and you wont need to moisturize at all… but if you do that’s okay too (I know it is hard to judge how much rinsing is necessary v.s. unnecessary… the good thing is you can always reapply a few drop of oil and all is well :).
Hope this answers your question :).
“according to chemistry know-how” seriously? It is true, yes. But that’s just such a broad statement with no background knowledge to it. You’ve stated a “rule” that has to do with the intermolecular forces of a compound but with no depth to it. Might as well not have that stated it. Also, for some reason I cannot comment on the “no poo” article but another statement just erks me: “our bodies natural way of doing..” I feel like yes these are less chemically enhanced versions of tools we can use for our hair but according to chemistry know-how, baking soda is a mixture of chemical compounds that is rarely just naturally found on this earth. IF you give your body enough time it can literally adjust to about anything. That’s why facial cleansers like proactive are such a big deal. They dry out your skin, and your skin gets used to that. When you stop your skin is not used to it so it goes crazy. Then when you leave it for a while it goes back to normal. The “natural” way of just cleansing your skin would be like good old water. It’s just annoying thinking that people using all of these oats/oils/spices whatever on their skin, which might I add- sometimes cost a lot more than soap or even some cleansers, think it’s oh so natural and BLINDY agreeing and following someone because they stated a physical fact slabbing the word chemistry into the middle, and being like bam this is why it works. and FYI, most if not all oils are chemically processed to some degress. Adding high pressure that is required to secrete it all out of the seeds/whatever is UNNATURAL. Jesus damnit people need to wake up and do some research. all in all, do what works for you sometimes going “natural”( whatever this degree of naturalism is called) isn’t what your skin needs. Do what is least expensive for your skin buying 50 dollar worth of oils isn’t worth it either and in addition buying “treats” to spice up your oil cleanser.
yes the author says they’re no herbalist/physician etc. But seriously, then don’t state things with no depth to them showing no research or whatever to what you’re preaching.
DONT YOU HAVE SOMETHING BETTER TO DO THAN INTERFEERING WHERE YOU ARE MOT EVEN RELEVENT? GO TO MORON.COM AND CRUNCH ON THAT. GOOD RIDDENS!!
Well, Little Miss Judgmental, how about cleaning up your own act before pouncing on someone else.
Turn off the caps!!!!!! Typing in all caps is considered to be screaming, and many people are highly offended by it.
I’ve ditched soap/wash gels for Olive Oil and the results are fantastic.
I no longer need to moisturise, my cheeks are no longer dry, my blackheads are clearing, pores shrinking and overall my face looks more even and healthy.
Soap/wash gels were drying up my skin and leaving me needing to moisturise, not to mention that my skin was sensitive to irritation and not so healthy in appearance.
Beside the improvements, it means im no longer absorbing sebum stripping surfactants, chemical preservatives, etc into my skin.
I can get 5 litres of Cold-pressed Extra Virgin Oil for £10, this could honestly last me for up to 2 years. Im also switching to Sunflower Oil which is even cheaper.
Im finding it difficult to understand your concern. Please explain in a little more detail.
Does this planet not press its own oil deep beneath our feet ? Why is pressing so un-natural ?
Thanks.
Anon,
Why are you so angry?!?!?! Did you try this and it didn’t work or something? LOLZ There is not a single thing that works on EVERYONE! There are even people who cannot drink, or shower in pure water; read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquagenic_urticaria).
Anyways, it looks like you haven’t done YOUR research or else you would have found that Proactive and other acne “curing” washes and cleansers are a whole bunch of BULL; that their are millions of people who have tried it and ended up trashing it (plus… dermatologists DO NOT RECOMMEND IT, BUT WILL RECOMMEND NATURAL METHODS LIKE OILS IF YOU ARE NOT ALLERGIC AND IT SEEMS TO WORK). I personally have used, tetracycline, Aveno, Proactive, and other store-bought cleansers and prescribed medicines and my skin NEVER got used to them… none of them ever did anything in clearing up my acne; all they did was irritate/redden my skin and make the acne worse. On the flip side certain oils do not work for me as well; tea-tree, olive and a few other oils do nothing, however they do not make matters worse (which is better than I can say for the store bought acne products). Also if you did YOUR research, you would have found that there are millions of people who use the OCM in some matter or form and SWEAR by it because IT EITHER WORKS OR DOES NOT MAKE MATTERS WORSE; you just got to play around with the oil combinations and find what works for you own skin.
My regiment is:
Morning: 1. I do a honey-pat-down… leave the honey on while I eat my breakfast… then rinse off first thing when I get in the shower. 2. I use a 50:50 solution of applecider vinegar and water with a cotton ball for a further cleanse/exfoliation. 3. Last I use a rosewater/witch-hazel/aloe-vera toner, I got from my natural foods store by my home, as an astringent/moisturizer (my skin loves to produce it’s own oil–and will do so whether or not I try to replenish moisture with a moisturizer– so the aloe in my astringent is enough for my skin.
Afternoon: I repeat 2. and 3. from above if I feel the need. OR I do a honey/cinnamon/nutmeg spot treatment paste that I leave on for 1-2 hours (if you apply to the entire face then only leave it on for 15-20 minutes). Rinse with warm water and VERY GENTLY massage into skin as you rinse… The do 3. from above.
Night: I use a OCM mixture of 2 parts Caster oil, 1/2 part Jojoba oil, and 1/2 part Grape seed or Sweet almond oil (whichever I have on hand).
This particular order works for me… might or might not work for you or for others who read this, but the point is… Regardless of making broad statements that are used out of context in a “Scientific” matter of speaking… proof of something working is NOT ALWAYS THAT A SCIENTIST SAID IT DOES OR THAT A MOVIE STAR ENDORSES IT… PROOF IS IN THE MILLIONS OF CASES, OF EVERYDAY PEOPLE LIKE ME, WHERE IT WORKED… Though I was jaded from all my bad experiences, that is all the proof I needed to try this.
Put simply… don’t be hate’n. If it isn’t for you then don’t do it, but don’t put-down others who love it, or who are willing to try it.
Hello! I have been reading your blog for a few months now and have completely switched to all natural beauty routines… no more store bought shampoos, conditioners, face or body wash! It’s amazing how much better I look and feel. I have been wondering what your thoughts are on maracuja oil though, or if you know anything about it. I actually got it as a present a couple years ago and had switched to using that as my daily moisturizer. I wonder if it would work in the oil cleansing method? Will I need to mix it with castor oil or can I use it on its own as a cleanser? I would love to know what you think. The oil has done wonders for my skin as a moisturizer. Thanks!
Is Sesame oil okay to use as a carrier oil?
Hi there,
Thx for all the info. I’d like to add tea tree oil to my 4-oz mx of jojoba and castor oils. How much tea tree oil should I add?
Thank you,
Carol
i oils recommend adding 2-3 drops to your oil you pour into your hand
Hi, this is my third week trying ocm…i started with grapeseed and castor oil…my face has never had more breakouts..my cheeksvare filled with them…red,painful zits that eventually get filled with pus..I HATE IT…. I have a combination skin..and have been using 1/3 castor and 2/3 grapeseed oil. I am just posting it here, if someone does not have a better suggestion, i am giving up on this..cant see my painful splotched face…i just hope the red scars fade away…i have never had a lot of acne…this is the most i have had in my life.
Should you still use a toner after using the oil cleansing method?
I don’t use toner after doing the oil method. I use it after I workout to get the sweat off my face and in the morning as I only do the oil method at night.
I have been using the oil cleaning method and absolutely looooove it so far. But I do have a question about one of your carrier oil notes – the olive/coconut quandary. In your carrier oil list, you have olive oil listed as crossed out with an asterisk. But the asterisk note below says that coconut oil can cause blackheads, not olive. So which can cause blackheads, coconut or olive? Thanks!
Annika, I too would love to know that, it’s a little confusing. Here’s hoping for an answer 🙂
Was also wondering and found this on her website:http://crunchybetty.com/when-your-extra-virgin-olive-oil-isnt-so-wholesome
I AM CONFUSED AS WELL. I THOUGHT OLIVE AND COCONUT OILS WERE AMONGE THE BEST FO R YOU SKIN. DOES ANYONE HAVE THE ANSWER? I WAS GONNA USE COCONUT UNTIL I READ THIS. HELP!!
I use coconut oil and olive oil all the time on my skin, you just have to make sure they are organic, unrefined and cold pressed. I like California olive ranch olive oil and natures way efagold coconut oil.
I use olive oil and coconut oil on my skin just about everyday. You just need to make sure they are organic, unrefined and cold pressed
I have recently (2 weeks ago) started the oil cleansing method, and so far I am not a fan. After hearing so many good things about it, especially from oily skinned people like myself, I am very disappointed with how things are going. I am currently in the throes of puberty, so I am very very oily and acne prone.
I have been doing a mix of one part castor oil and one part jojoba. I didn’t add any tea tree oil or anything else because I also use this to remove eye makeup and I dontcwant to complicate things too much.
Right now, my skin is looking pretty bad, and my acne is spreading to places it hasn’t been before. I have a pimple on my jawline, which had previously been spared and untouched by the curse (acne). I also see little bumps under e skin where I didn’t notice me before. The blackheads on my nose are turning into tiny red pimples.
I really want this to work for me, so I’m asking if there’s anything I can do. I can’t really afford to buy anything else and I have tried experimenting with ratios, massaging less, massaging more. I have been making sure to get the oil off, and have been using a toner afterwards, along with aloe Vera and lemon juice on pimples. I even tried leaving honey on them overnight.
Does this sounds like purging?? Or is this just not going to work for my skin??
I have noticed my skin is a bit less oily during the day, and I can go longer without blotting and retouching my makeup. I really dont want to damage my skin, and I have a feeling this method might be doing just that.
Thanks to anyone that answers.
Hi Hannah!
I think if you are going to give the oil method a fair shot, you have to forget about lemon juice, toner and honey. The point of the oil is that it dissolves your facial oil itself, with nothing but oil and steam from the facecloth. Once your face isn’t overcompensating anymore (i.e. becoming overly oily because you have stripped your face of all oils, including the natural, beneficial ones)it can heal. Using toner and lemon juice or other drying agents afterwards are kind of defeating the purpose. If you can stand to let your skin detox and stay yucky for awhile longer without using anything else, hopefully you will find this method really does work as well for you as it heals over time!
Good luck!!
Hannah,
Try bumping up your castor oil a little bit. I found that combining the oils in my hand works better for me than mixing them in a bottle. You can add tea tree oil for extra cleansing just make sure that you remove your eye make up first with a little oil on a cotton ball . It does take a few weeks for your skin to adjust
When you do the OCM you unblock the pores and the sebum glands stars to work properly, this means that you might get oily for some time in the begining while your skin auto adjust to the proper mechanics. As the other reviewer mentioned, stop the toner, lemon juice combo. This will only delay the results.
Good luck!
I tried the honey challenge and it seemed great for awhile but its been 2 weeks and now every morning I wake up with a new zit and now it seems like im just getting more acne but my skins also really dry and peeling. I used the oatmeal and almond scrub in mornings and ive been using honey too… Any other suggestions? Id try the ocm but I only have olive oil and im not sure I can get the other oils for cheap where I live. And im not sure I want more oil on my face when it seems constantly oily. I just moved to the Philippines and the humidity is messing up my skin. Suggestions?
APPLYING OIL TO YOUR OILY SKIN WITH CLEANSING WILL REMOVE THE DIRT,OIL,DEAD SKIN AND OTHER DEBRIS AND FREE0RADICALS THAT ARE ON YOUR SKIN. NOT ADDING A GOO QUALITY OIL IS YOUR MISTAKE. YOUR SKIN LACKS MOISTURE SO IT OVER COMPENSATES FOR THIS LACK BY PRODUCING MORE OIL AND EVENTUALLY TRAP ALL OF THE PORE CLOGGERS IN YOR SKIN CAUSING THE ACNE. CLEAN WITH OIL HELP IT PENETRATE BY MASSAGING YOUR FACE,RINSE OFF THE OLD OIL AND GRIME WITH WARM WATER. HOT IF U CAN TAKE IT. GOOD LUCK. AVOID CHEMICALS ON YOUR SKIN AND ALWAYS ALWAYS WEAR SUN=SCREEN. HOPE THIS HELPS, NO WORRIES
Hi Jaylynn, I think your Honey challenge just killed all the good bacteria in your skin (skin also has bacteria in it, just like the digestive track). Honey is naturally anti bacterial and also attracts moisture, this is why I would suggest you use it once a week, this will help moisturize your skin but will also let your friendly bacteria stay in place. You could add a yogurt mask if you distroyed all the bacteria, this also helps with moisture and is exfoliating.
I would stop with all the exfoliation and cleaning, give your skin a rest and try to let it heal. If you only have olive oil, go with it, just limit the OCM to once a week. I read some time ago that the Philliines has macadamia oil, if you can find this try it, it’s very similar to the sebum produced by the skin so this is very calming and helps with acne.
Hope this helps!
I remember reading somewhere (I thought it was a Cracked column, but I couldn’t find it again) that ancient Romans bathed their entire bodies using oil in a fashion similar to that described here. They would rub oil all over and then use a wooden bow of sorts to rub the oil off, taking with it dirt etc.
The reason this was in a Cracked.com article was that apparently well-known gladiators would actually have their used bathing oil sold to women for, uh, something to do with all those raging masculine pheromones I think? Gladiators back then were basically celebrities. I think the article was about human body leavings that were marketed for various reasons (I love Cracked).
It’s true! The Greek started it – they would apply oil and scrape it off with a strigil: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strigil
Any tips for a mixture for skin prone to breakouts but also starting to develop fine lines? I’d like something to help with my acne but also help prevent aging. Any advice would be great! Thanks!!
Rosehip seed oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Tamanu, pricey for oils but worth it.
Thanks Lucia! So, just mix those three? Do I need a carrier oil?
You don’t need a carrier oil, depending on your skin you may want to add more or less of each oil:
Rosehip seed oil: exfoliant, lots of Vitamin C, anti wrinkle, anti dark spots, great for cell turnover (almost like glycolic acid or retin a)
Sea Buckthorn Oil: great for inflamation, redness, sensitive skin. Nurishes while protecting.
Tamanu Oil: this is like antibiotic, prevents infection, heals open wounds, helps with scarring.
I’ll go with this 3 and see the miracles they do on your face.
Good luck and merry Christmas!!!
Can anybody please suggest what carrier oils should I use? I have a very dry and aging skin bcoz of dryness. On normal days my skin is soft and all when I moisturize. But during my periods I get huge breakouts and they leave scars while healing. So all the effort I put to exfoliate, moisturize etc, all month goes into trash during my periods leaving my skin with pigmentation spots. I want to try this oil cleansing method, but I am not sure If I have to buy carrier oils for dry and aging skin or oils like jojoba for acne prone skin, or can I use both the carrier oils, if so, what would be the ratio. Can anyone please suggest me? Thanks a ton in advance, I am starting to bcome a huge fan of this blog (I am saying starting bcoz I haven’t started following any of the tips, I am panning to start with oil cleansing)
Swapna.
Email: [email protected]
hey swapna,
it sounds like you need to regulate your hormones. there are a few different natural ways to do that. people on the facebook crunchy betty group were just talking about raspberry leaf tea, which people seem to really love, evening primrose oil, and clary sage oil. you should totally check out the facebook community! there’s a link in the community forum.
sources:
raspberry leaf tea: http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2012/04/27/balancing-your-hormones-and-eliminating-anxiety-with-red-raspberry-leaf/#.UhjSTmTwIvo
evening primrose oil: http://www.lifetimehealth.com/health-news/131/evening-primrose-oil-for-womens-health.html
clary sage oil: http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/clary-sage.htm
GOOGLE CARROT SEED OIL.VITAMIN E OIL AND AVACADO OIL AS WELL, TEA TREE WILL HELP WITH YOUR ACNE. IM SURE BETTY WILL HELP YOU. SHE ALWAYS REPLIES. O.. LOOKINTO ALOE VERA TOO! NO WORRIES!!
My skin is also very dry and sensitive, I personally find that any amount of castor oil is too drying for me. I typically just use grapeseed oil to cleanse unless I am feeling very dry then I mix avocado oil or olive oil with it. Make sure all of your oils are organic
During my period when I get a few breakouts I also add a few drops of tea tree oil for a little extra cleansing. I do ty
I do typically have to moisturize after the ocm I use coconut oil to moisturize, I’d you do decide to use coconut oil in your skin it must be organic, cold pressed, unrefined, non bleached and pure extra virgin in order to not clog your pores. I find it at sprouts and in the organic section of my local grocery store. I like the “natures way efagold” personally
I really want to start oil cleansing. I want to do it with 2/3 hemp oil and 1/3 castor oil and add some dried thyme. Would I be better off going into a store to buy these ingredients or buy it online somewhere? Not to mention I’m only 17 and only have a part time job, so I can’t spend a bunch of money on this.
You may have luck finding your oils at a store like sprouts or whole foods
Hey Crunchy Betty!
It seems this post is almost word-for-word replicated here: http://vanityrich.com/2013/03/25/my-hair-skincare-routine-oil-cleansing-method-castor-coconut-grapeseed-oils/
Might be worth asking blogger Melissa Monday to link back to her obvious source.
considering this post is dated 2011 and the one you reference is dated 2013, you might have your comment backwards…
How are my dates backwards? Melissa Monday posted her “article” two full years AFTER our awesome Betty posted this one. I just thought Betty might be interested in contacting the other blogger to have this here original post properly credited. I think you might have interpreted my comment backwards…
Sorry, Jesikah! I took it the wrong way… thanks for straightening me out! Yes, Betty is definitely awesome!
I am paging through the site and am stuck on one question: what is a carrier oil? Do you have suggestions on quality brands of said carrier oil? Thanks!
Carrier oils are oils like sunflower, olive, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernal, hemp seed, tamanu, argan, baobab, etc. If you’re buying a carrier oil to use for the oil cleansing method, I’d go for something organic. http://www.aromaticsinternational.com is an aromatherapy website run by some friends of mine who have traveled to meet the distillers of many of the essential oils and carrier oils provided on their site. Really great, natural products, and carrier oils that I would trust putting on my face!
A carrier oil is an oil used to dilute an oil that can be irritating to the skin if applied directly. In this case, the sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, etc. are the carrier oils for the castor oil. Castor oil is too strong to be applied directly to the skin and is very drying if you do.
As for your second question,I would just make sure that the oil is organic and cold-pressed. Don’t use cheap drugstore oils for your skin. 🙂
The “carrier oils” are listed here under “Good Oil Cleansing Varieties” (right below the photo of glass jars of oil).
If you’re looking to order supplies, check out Mountain Rose Herbs. They’re great, and the site is very informative (look for the “Contemporary Info” link, below the name of the item). It’s a great choice if you have several items you need, especially. There are other good brands, too, of course.
Mountain Rose Herbs has USDA Certified Organic carrier oils that aren’t too expensive… I wish I had discovered their site before I went to amazon
Hi,
I have been wanting to try oil cleansing for a while now. But I have so many questions.
I exercise fanatic and usually right after I work out I use a face wipe to clean it (Ponds) and then when I get home from the gym or exercise class I take another shower and wash my face with a aveeno cleanser. So if I try oil cleansing what do i do about my sweaty skin. (and I sweat a lot) Do I just wait until bedtime when I would do the oil cleanse? Sometimes I exercise in the morning and I cant imagine putting make-up on after the gym without really washing my face. I am one of those people who washes there face 2-3 times a day.
I am seeing a dermatologist for acne. The ointment I was given is Retin-a (.025%) and clindamycin phoshate (1.2%). I put it on at night after washing my face. Should I stop using it while trying oil cleansing?
In addition to this I use grease lightening by Lush as a spot treatment and vanishing cream by Lush (morning and night). Will any these interfere with oil cleansing?
Those specific medications are in my cabinet as we speak and while I won’t encourage you to discard them (they are costly) I will say put them on standby and give the OCM method an honest try. When I first started the process, I would OCM in the morning and then add the Clindamycin as a moisturizer( I would only use the retin-a at night, then on an as needed basis and now I don’t use it anymore). Gradually though you’ll find merely using the OCM cleaning process and then a light mist (consisting of the same oils in the cleansing process plus 80%-90% water) as a moisturizer is enough as your skin will improve. I personally like to add a couple drops of essential oils like tea tree, rosehip – which has Retin-A in it, lavender or whatever in my mist as well. Good luck.
hey shirley,
thanks for saying this because i was also prescribed these two medications and wasn’t sure whether it was okay to use them intermittently to maintain a clear face. as far as your light mist moisturizer, is that the standard or something you found effective? i’ve never heard of 80-90% water for the oil moisturizer and i just want to be sure that i’m not doing it completely wrong! i find that when i leave too much water on my face it starts to feel really tight.
Hi,
I have been wanting to try oil cleansing for a while now. But I have so many questions.
I exercise fanatic and usually right after I work out I use a face wipe to clean it (Ponds) and then when I get home from the gym or exercise class I take another shower and wash my face with a aveeno cleanser. So if I try oil cleansing what do i do about my sweaty skin. (and I sweat a lot) Do I just wait until bedtime when I would do the oil cleanse? Sometimes I exercise in the morning and I cant imagine putting make-up on after the gym without really washing my face. I am one of those people who washes there face 2-3 times a day.
I am seeing a dermatologist for acne. The ointment I was given is Retin-a (.025%) and clindamycin phoshate (1.2%). I put it on at night after washing my face. Should I stop using it while trying oil cleansing?
In addition to this I use grease lightening by Lush as a spot treatment and vanishing cream by Lush (morning and night). Will any these interfere with oil cleansing?
I am willing to give up my store bought cleansers and even my prescriptions (who I have seen for over a year trying every ointment under the sun with little results). I want to give oil cleansing the best chance of working. Thanks 🙂
Kylie, I work out in the am and I sweat a ton. When I get home to shower I wash my face with organic honey using Crunchy Betty’s honey wash challenge. It works well for me. If you feel you need to get the sweat off immediately after your workout just splash with water. I can’t address your other questions about the prescriptions and other products, but would guess that simplifying to OCM amd honey wash might help your skin balance out. Be patient with the process. I had two good weeks followed by three bad weeks before everything evened out. Now I’ve had six good months of OCM.
I can tell you that when I work out, I just use a toner on a cotton pad to get the sweat off. Something that won’t strip your face. Then I do the oil thing when I get back home.
I would say do NOT to this and the acne cleansers at the same time. I think they will confuse each other. I still use a spot treatment and light moisturizer and haven’t had problems.
Heya! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!
Quick comment; the massage part really aggravates acne-prone skin.
This could be a reason for so many bad results. I found this out today on my own skin.
I’ve applied jojoba oil previously and it never caused additional bumps until I did the massage part.
I’m so confused right now. I’ve read a lot of good reviews bout OCM and I decided that I would give it a go. I’m 19 and I’ve been suffering from cystic acne since 11 along with blackheads. Cystic acne left me with horrible scarring, some going really deep. It doesn’t help that I live in Asia and it’s so humid here and the pollution is bad, making my skin really oily and dirty which leads to more clogged pores.
After going through this blog, I’m getting mixed signals whether or not I should go into this. I’m scared to try this now. I don’t think I can live with having my face in a worst state than it is now as some people posted how their face got really bad. I’ve been living a life of insecurity because of acne and I just dont think I can go through anymore… Should I still try this out?
I was skeptical at first, what I did was I used jojoba oil first (no castor oil) to remove makeup and such off my face, and I followed it up with a gentle cleanser to make sure my face felt clean. After about three weeks, I had completely phased out using cleanser at all and I was using only oil. That might be good for you to prevent shocking your skin or it “purging” as drastically as some people have said.
Also, I don’t know if I really recommend everyone use castor oil, since I started to use it about two weeks ago, my skin has gotten a lot worse than when I was using only jojoba oil.
I’ve been doing the OCM for a week and my skin is THE worst it’s EVER been!!! Honestly, I’ve just turned 30 (today!) and now have small red pimples and rough textured skin. I didn’t have skin this bad as a teenager.
I really want this to work for me and need to know if I should quit and try to help my skin or keep going in case it’s doing this ‘purging’ I’ve read about on other sites. PLEASE HELP!!
You may be having a reaction to the castor oil, or whatever else you’re using. It sounds to me like an allergic reaction, more than a break out. I would say stop using the OCM and go back to your old routine, then maybe try again with different oils when it clears up.
You can get allergic reactions on your skin to things that you can eat, I can eat bananas and avocado just fine, but put them on my face, and I’ll have something similar to what you described for weeks.
After doing the oil cleansing do I not need to use a skin toner to close the pores ?
Hello:
I just have a quick question before I begin this….do you have to use a cloth to be successfull or can I just use my hands to take the oil off like a normal cleanser (so long as they are clean)?
Thanks!!
-Brittney
No, you have to use a cloth because you need to soak it in the hot water so you can retain the heat/steam on your face. You also want the abrasion that your hands won’t give you. You can use a facial steamer instead of a hot washcloth, but you still want a damp cloth to actually remove the oil.
Have always loved the OCM. I throw a handful of sugar in mine for a little sloughing, scrubbing action – even I can’t stop touching my skin afterward, let alone anyone else 😀
Why did you take olive oil off of the list of Carrier oils?
Thanks
I’m really curious as to why you crossed out olive oil. I’ve been using a 3:1 mixture of extra virgin olive oil to castor oil for over a year and a half now and my skin is fantastic. Out of all the oils you have on that list, it is the easiest for people to find. Why did you cross it out?
Sorry, just found the link to your thing about EVOO. Very interesting! I had no idea that so many were not the real thing. I buy mine at a natural foods market (where I do most of my shopping) so maybe I just lucked into the right stuff. Now when I recommend the method I’ll have to pass that info along, THANKS!
I have been doing the OCM for about a month now. In the last six weeks I have tried multiple things all at once to try to clear my acne:
1. Everyday I was drinking diluted apple cider vinegar after my breakfast
2. I started the OCM with straight castor oil
3. I started washing my face with honey in the morning
4. I started using a thyme/greentea toner morning and night
5. I started taking halibut and omega oils everyday
It’s hard to tell which is most effective, or if one thing is worse than the other. I have stopped drinking ACV which I think may REALLY help clear acne.
But, back to OCM. I found that at first there was improvement. In the last week my skin has gotten worse, but still not as bad as it was before I started everything au naturel. Like the previous poster I think this is because Castor oil, while it really is good for getting junk out of pores, is slightly comedogenic (See http://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html).
I’m switching to sunflower oil now, and if it doesn’t work I’m ditching oil altogether.
When I started theOCM, I used only jojoba oil, and I had amazing success for the last three months. I just purchased castor oil for the purpose of removing makeup, (castor oil is the best for taking off makeup out of any oil) but I follow it by cleansing with jojoba, as opposed to mixing the two. I hope you have success with sunflower oil, but if you’re willing to shell out a bit more for jojoba oil, I found that it alone did wonders for my skin.
Also, you may want to take that list of comedogenic oils with a grain of salt, I used to have awful black heads and clogged pores, but since I started the OCM I’ve been using virgin (not extra virgin) coconut oil as my moisturizer and I’ve noticed a significant reduction in clogged pores and blackheads.
Hmmm well I guess every person is different.
A year ago for about four months I was using coconut oil (Virgin, cold pressed, organic) as a moisturizer. It was great at first, but then it just made my skin HORRIBLE.
I think the biggest tip for OCM (and any new regime for your body really) is to pay attention to what it’s doing! It took me a while to figure out how long it takes for my skin to react or respond to something, but now that I have I know not to wait too long while some new experiment progressively makes my skin worse.
Although that said: everyone! Keep experimenting and be patient enough to see a difference! Just know that the difference might not always be an improvement.
I suffer from blackheads I was using OCM for about a couple months and made the mix for oily skin. I was rubbing it in for way too long (sometimes about 30 mins) and at first, it made my skin so nice and soft and seemed to clear it up so nicely. A few weeks in however, it started to take a nasty turn. I started getting pimples where I had never gotten them before and a few weeks later, my face is covered in blackheads and tiny bumps.
I’ve been off it for about 2.5 weeks and it my skin seems to go up and down in recovery. Is this something that will eventually regulate itself or is it something I need to see a dermatologist about??
Crunchy Betty has posted that EVOO and Coconut Oils are both comodogenic. Try using sunflower oil and leaving out the castor oil altogether until your skin clears up. The castor oil is slightly comodogenic as well. There are ingredient lists on the web that share the non-comodognic ratings. That can be very helpful when using the OCM and making other facial care purchases or even shampoo for that matter.
I have a few questions.
1. Do you only do the OCM at night or can you do it in the morning as well?
2. If you should only do it at night what should I wash my face with in the morning or afternoons after I have worked out or been at the pool?
3. What is a good moisturizer to use while doing the OCM. I have to put lotion on before I put makeup on.
A little history about my skin: I have very dry but also very acne prone skin. I am changing my diet to help because my skin has never been like this. For the past 2 years my skin started breaking out severely and even worse during that time of month. But my skin has also been so dry that it peels off my face and bleeds. There is a wonderful woman that has been doing my facials for over a year, and they do help but I can’t afford them as much as I need them. She thinks my skin has a lot to do with hormones so that is why I am changing my diet and taking more vitamins. But she also feels the oil in my skin is going crazy, so I thought trying the OCM would be a great idea. If anyone has any suggestions on oils that would work best, as well as lotions I can use at night and before I put on makeup and what I can wash my face with in the mornings PLEASE let me know. I am praying this works because I am about to give up hope. My face is so bad right now I don’t want to leave my house. Thanks
1) I recommend using a castor oil/carrier mix at night to get rid of dirt and oil, etc, then only your carrier in the morning if you feel that you need a cleanser in the morning, if you clean your face well enough at night, you should be fine with just wiping your face with a warm washcloth in the morning.
2) If you’re sweating or swimming, I’d use the castor oil/carrier oil mix, because sweat and pool water are things you need to remove from your skin, so you want a good clean.
3) I use jojoba oil as my cleanser (I don’t use castor oil at all), and for moisturizer I use equal parts extra virgin coconut oil and Aloe gel. I find that mix works really really well under makeup for my dry skin, some people are wary of using coconut oil, but it works great for my skin, as long as I use extra virgin. Also, I’m very particular about using the Jason Organic 98% aloe gel, because its the best one I’ve used, it’s fairly moisturizing and will help with the acne, but because its a gel, it thins the coconut oil a bit. If your skin is as dry as you say it is though, I would try mixing jojoba and coconut oil for a moisturizer, and allowing it several minutes to absorb before putting on makeup, also always using a good foundation primer will help to keep the oil separate from your makeup.
How come olive oil is crossed off? Is evoo ok?
I personally cannot recommend the oil cleansing method. I researched it for days before going for it 3 months ago, and when my blackheads and pimples became progressively worse, I kept at it since everyone says it’s just “your skin reacting to the change”. Well, 3 months later I can barely stand to look at my face and have to put gobs of makeup on to look presentable, and I am so embarrassed about it’s condition. I used a combination of castor, olive and coconut oils infused with lavender and tea tree, and I steamed my face as instructed. Maybe this method works for some people, but definitely not for everyone and I think a warning is in order. This may NOT work for you, but try it out if you wanna. The last couple of days I’ve been cleansing with baking soda/vodka/essential oils (I think I found the recipe on this site!) and moisturize with my handcrafted whipped coconut mylk/essential oil lotion, and things are starting to clear up, thank the Universe. I just really have a problem with people touting things like this as a cure-all for everyone, without aknowledging that there might be risks~ of scarring, in this case.
Hi,
I have had acne and blackheads since I was 11 y.o. and am now 42 y.o. I was on Accutane in my 20’s for cystic acne, that is how bad it has been all my life. I also developed Rosacea when I turned 40. (Boy am I lucky!). Anyway, I have extremely oily and sensitive skin. I get rashes or itching from almost anything I have used on my face. I am currently using all natural soaps on my face like Kiss My Face Pure Olive Oil Soap and have experimented with some other natural soaps, but I still have a large amount of blackheads and am still extremely oily. Additionally, my dermatologist put me on Retin A and Finacea for my ance & rosacea. So, I use those in addition to the natural soap. My “pimple” breakouts have mostly improved except for about a week or so before I have my menstrual cycle. I came across your Blog and became excited. I am sooooo sick of my skin and can’t afford laser surgery or anything like that. The Finacea stings and itches for a few hours after putting it on.
So, anyway, my question is: What oils do you think would be best to use on a very oily, blackhead prone, and very sensitive face (also, with the occassional regular pimple breakout)? I do occasionally use Jojoba oil with no problems with sensitivity or itching. I’m kind of afraid to use the castor oil after reading some of the statement from readers of your blog but then am also curious to know if it will help with my oilslick of a face. Please help ! Thanks so much. Sorry so long.
If I use OCM how do I clean my face after intense workout where I sweat a lot?
I started oil cleansing accidentally 6 months ago. I had just finished cleaning my face with an expensive snail skin cleanser from Korea that I had been told was excellent for my skin. Then somehow i decided to try cleansing my face with coconut oil drenched in cotton wool that I had been using for my hairline.
I was amazed. The cottons wool came off black from the face i had just thoroughly washed . I cleaned it about 5 times to get a clean face. I quickly did a google searched “using coconut oil to cleans skin” and wonder of wonders…oil cleansing actually existed.
I have….or rather “I had”… acne prone skin and had used hundreds of dollars to buy cleansers for problem skin. I havent spent a dime on cleansers or moisturizers for the last six months. My skin is so clear that everyone at work keeps asking me what the secret is. I initially had the worst skin at work.
And I dont know if im alone in this but MY EYE LASHES ARE MUCH LONGER since I started using jojoba oil. My combination is six drops jojoba + 1 drop tea tree and 1 drop lavender. Oil pulling has made me beautiful!!!!
Have any rosacea suffers attempted the OCM? I have inflammatory rosacea which seems to be aggravated by almost every cleanser I use. Considering having a try at the OCM.
i am new to this ocm method and i decide to try. i am 18 and i have been suffering from acne since i was 11 but the now the pimples sort of receded but it left me awful dark and red spots on my skin, and i have very noticeable blackheads and big pores and i have very oily skin. my question is, what do you use to wash your face? like, i use this method every night but in the morning, what do you guys use or when you shower, do you still use soap? I live in the Philippines and it’s really hot here so oil on my face in the morning its not really ideal. So, do you still use soap? or cleansers?
And thank you very much on this post. I hope it will help me too. 😀
How does this work on very sensitive/rosacea skin? I have combination skin….very oily in places and very dry at other spots…anything that could combat redness? I do also have few breakouts from time to time
I thought the crunchy ladies were absolutely crazy for trying this. But I’ve been doing it for a couple of months after, no matter what I did, I kept breaking out pretty regularly (at the age of 36!). It took me awhile to get the ratio correct, but I love the mini facial everytime I wash my face (usually every other day – inbetween, I rinse with water). I’m a believer – it works! It’s the only thing I use now 🙂
That is so awesome!! I am encouraged to see people with GOOD experiences, because everyone has been posting how horrible it is, and it’s freaking me out. :S cuz I am a OCM newbie. Have you tried cleansing with honey on your off days?? I also am only OCMing every other day, and am wondering of that would help me.
I NEED ADVICE. I’ve been OCMing for about a month now with 3/10 castor oil and 7/10 sunflower oil once daily in the evening. I have moderate acne with mostly papules and a few pustules and cysts. I feel like my acne is worse than before. For the first 2 weeks, I used a cinnamon, nutmeg, honey mask in the morning but my face started to feel tight and dry so I stopped. Nothing really seemed that different except my skin was less pink. I’ve been using the sunflower castor oil combo for the past 2 weeks and I still have acne all over my face. After showering, my face feels dry and itchy.
I’m going to try jojoba oil and castor oil tonight with a few drops of tea tree oil. Should I keep going with this? SHould I just go to the dermatologist and put chemicals all over my face and in my body? I’m worried that it’s just going to get worse and worse and I’m going to have horrible scarring all over my face.
The switch to the jojoba oil was a really good idea. Like me, you should try adding a little teeny bit of tamanu oil. Its expensive, but if you are worried about scarring its a good route to take. If you are adding essential oils, you should pre-mix your oils with the essential oils (in a separate container) so you don’t get too much, because essential oils can irritate your skin more. Less is more sometimes. I am also cleansing in the morning with cleansing grains that I made at home. If you are dry, it will give you that light exfoliation that you want!! Less itchy.
Your ratio seems consistent with your skin condition, and cutting the honey cinnamon nutmeg mask was a good idea- that mask should be used sparingly. I used as my sole cleaner for a while (about a month), and it was a bad idea. It’s not meant to be used every day on your face. Made my skin more dehydrated. Cleansing with honey ever day IS a good idea though!! You should try to work that in. Maybe cleaning with herbal infused honey?
Has anyone done the oil cleansing method with an herbal infused carrier oil? I just started the oil cleansing, and am also making a jojoba infusion with fennel, rosemary and candelule petals. I am wondering if this is good, or if its redundant?? My ratio is 25-30% castor and 70-75% jojoba. I have dehydrated skin prone to cystic acne and lotsa blackheads. Thinking about adding tamanu oil and lavender essential oil, but I really don’t want to overdo it. I am OCMing in the evening, and using cleansing grains in the morning. Also really scared about OCMing too much, that seems to be everyone’s problem, but i really wanna get rid of the dryness, because it is contributing majorly to the blackheads. Anyone have similar face issues, or experiences??
i have been using this method for 3 and a half weeks now and my face is more broken out than it ever was when i was using harsh cleansers. i keep thinking that it will get better but i am starting to get discouraged. i have been reading up on several different sites and have found some conflicting advice – some sites say for oily skin to use 30% castor oil and 70% carrier oil, however yours and a couple of others say to use the opposite ratio. huh? which is it?
I have dry dehdrated skin, and am using the 30% castor, 70% carrier ratio. I am also using jojoba oil because it is better for acneic skin, so make sure you research your oils first!! I recommend checking out Crunchy Betty’s 3 ingredient moisturizer page.
thanks, but like i said, several sites said one thing and several others said the opposite. i have hesitated to use jojoba because many people have said that it is too drying. from what i understand, there is a great degree of experimenting with different oil combinations until you find the “right” combination which i’m sure is different for everyone and probably hard to determine as i am not sure if my skin is still purging? or if i am making it worse with the combination of oils i am using. i have since changed the ratio and it seems to be getting better? but not really.
I came across your site accidentally and am so pleased i did. I have used this method for a week now, and my skin feels awesome. However, i did find that my skin got extremely dry to begin with so i reduced the amount of castor oil, increased the olive oil and included avocado oil and vit E oil. Thank you very much for sharing this information. Any advice on ‘natural’ alternative to moisturizer?
I’ve read a LOT about OCM, but there doesn’t seem to be a consensus about applying and massaging the oil onto a dry face or onto a moist face. Is there any difference between the two? If so, which one is better?
If you decide to only do this 2-3 times a week, what should you do inbetween? It says that mixing it and washing your face on other nights with store-bought facial cleansers will send mixed signals and your skin won’t know what to do with your own oils…
My skin is combination/acne-prone and ProActiv was really drying my skin out so I started OCM back in February. I was using about 1/3 Castor Oil to 2/3 Jojoba Oil with some lavender, tamanu and evening primrose which Crunchy Betty recommends for acne-prone skin. The first 2 weeks my skin was great. All the plugs were coming out and no more tightness from my dry skin. I was excited! THEN ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE. After 2 weeks, I began seeing large cystic acne on my chin, jawline and hairline. New clusters of blemishes would pop up every day and they were deep and severely painful. I increased my OCM to twice a day thinking this would help, but it actually made it worse. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I was OCMing in conjunction with No ‘Poo (for the first time). March roles around and I had THE WORST skin I’ve ever had in my entire life. It was at the point that I didn’t even want to be seen in public and no amount of make-up could solve my problems. I did some research and it looks like castor oil was the culprit of my skin problems. After a trip to the doctor, OCM gave me a bacterial skin infection (which is WAY worse than acne) and I had to go on antibiotics for 2 weeks, which didn’t even help. The stress of my horrible skin wasn’t helping. Finally, my husband suggested swabbing Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) over the affected areas and that’s cured me. 2 months later, I’m now left with dark acne scarring while my skin still heals. Just thought I’d share my experience with OCM. Great at first, but horrible afterwards. Monitor your face and as soon as you have a reaction STOP.
Pardon me, I am very confused! LOL I see you say to never use coconut oil, but everyone and their sister raves about using it for the oil cleansing method(this is actually the first site I have been to that actively warns AGAINST using it). I don’t know what to try or start with.
Coconut oil with used coffee grounds makes a great scrub! also, the use of a scrubbing agent leaves your skin with less excess oil 🙂
What’s a carrier oil?
Oh. My. Word. I just tried this for the first time and my skin is soooo soft…I have super dry skin and my face has not been this soft since I was 10. Wow. I really hope this keeps working because it rocks my world…also, it does take a little bit longer, but doing OCM feels like I’m giving myself a spa treatment instead of just washing the gunk off, so it’s worth it! I did still moisturize because my skin is so dry, but I think I could have gotten away with not doing it. And yeah, my makeup just melted off…I find it funny that OCM is way more effective than store bought stuff. Thanks for this post!
Has anyone noticed if the OCM has enlarged their acne scars? I have never had an issue with acne scars before, but my last few pimples that went away when I first started using this method left small scars and they have only gotten larger since. Everything else about this method is wonderful. I haven’t broken out at anymore at all!! I didn’t even go through the ” purge”. It may not be the OCM that is making my scars appear larger. It may be just a coincidence. Any thoughts?
Are you using castor oil in your oil mixture? Castor oil typically breaks down scars and has even been shown to prevent their formation. So it has an effect on scars, maybe because your skin normally heals acne scars differently, it is affecting that process. You left this message a while ago, I’d be curious to know if you were using castor oil and if you stuck with it what the results were with your scars. Personally my old acne scars have actually faded with this method.
I just started this but had a question about when to use toner?? Do you have to with this method?
I have a question about the rest of the routine…I wash my face twice a day, night and morning. Do I use my normal face wash followed by my normal moisturizer in the morning and the OCM method just at night?
Quit washing in the morning, you don’t need to and you’re just harming your skin. Just splash it with some cold water, add a few drops of your oil (or moisturizer if you feel you need to) and voila! Plus, as I mentioned so someone else – change your pillowcase every few days so that you’re not rubbing old oils and skin flakes into your clean skin every night, then when you wake up you won’t feel like your skin is dirty.
Laura,
I work out a lot and I was wondering what I should do after a hard sweaty workout? I cant see just splashing water on my face and then putting makeup on being good for it. Thanks for any help you can give!
Thanks for the great advice! Just a quick question though, is it ok to use olive oil or coconut oil instead of the castor oil?
How do you know when you’ve rinsed the oil properly? I’ve been doing OCM for about three weeks now. I noticed dramatic improvement within the first few days. This past week. I’ve developed a lot of small whiteheads. They mostly go away quickly, but they’re replaced by others. After reading some comments, I think I’m not rinsing thoroughly enough – but I have been avoiding scrubbing, and onlynvery gently wipe. i still feel the oil on my skin, but having never done anything like this, I thought it was normal. I’ve suffered with terrible acne for many years. Now, at 30, I’m fed up with dermatologists and esthetician a who evidently don’t know squat.
Make sure you are changing your washcloth super often. I have to change mine every 2-3 days but if your skin is more sensitive you may need to do it more frequently. The washcloth is being covered in dirty oil with all the bacteria from your skin, warm water and then is likely being hung up somewhere to dry out slowly (maybe not even completely by the next time you use it); it is going to grow bacteria like crazy!
One of the hardest things to get used to is the slightly oily feeling of your skin right afterwards, it’s normal. I gently wipe off the oil I used to cleanse (you’re right to be gentle) and then I actually add a few more drops of clean oil and leave that on my face at bedtime so my face feels really oily when I go to bed. This means that I don’t have to use a moisturizer and in the morning my skin is super soft.
However, back to the washcloth thing – because you have those natural oils on the surface of your skin when you go to bed they are rubbing off on your pillow. So you should be changing your pillowcase just as often as you change that washcloth. I have about 20 pillowcases so I always have a clean one. Plus a nice fresh pillowcase feels so good.
I’m 26 and I’ve been using this method for 1 year and a half now. I get compliments on my skin now and people ask me what products I use. After 10 years of embarrassing breakouts and painful pimples it feels really good. Stick with it!
How long did it take for your skin to adjust to regime? I have been getting small pimples and white heads i guess everywhere! its been a month and I really don’t want to quit.
Hi I had a question, as someone who likes to wash my face in both the morning and evening, is it advisable to use the OCM in the morning as well, or just once at night? And if it is better once at night, then what should I wash my face with in the morning? I have combination skin with usually just monthly breakouts.
Where do I get the right castor oil? What brand should i get? I bought some today at the store, but its just the store brand. I used that tonight, but I’m guessing I shouldn’t.
Hi I was just wondering about using a small amount of wheatgerm oil in the mix? I am going to start ocm on my troubled, red and generally unhappy skin that’s on the oily side. I have got some almond oil and castor oil but after a load of research it seemed that wheatgerm oil helps rejuvenate the skin and help with scars (I’m a terrible picker) but barely anyone has used it for ocm. What are your thoughts on the matter? Any help please!!
CB recommends tamanu oil for acne scars in her most recent OCM post. 🙂
I’m using wheatgerm oil. It has been working wonderfully. It has a lot of vitamins that will help with scarring.
I know I am a little late jumping on the OCM bandwagon, but I am on it, so, better late than never. I am 49 years old and have been fighting oily skin and breakouts since I was a teen. I have used expensive products and not expensive products. I have also tried products claiming to be “natural” Most would work for a while then stop. One product that had worked long term for me is Proactive. I had been using it for years. All 3 steps, plus a moisturizer, anti-aging product and a weekly mask. Proactive kept my skin clear, but by the end of the day, I would still have an oil slick on my face. I liked my clear skin, but did not like the chemicals, the stripping everything out, then trying to add back and compensate with more chemicals. Plus, I was spending a small fortune on skin care. I started reading about the OCM a few months ago and decided to try it. After playing around with oils, and learning that my EVOO wasn’t as virgin as I thought it was, I learned it was adulterated, therefore found a purer EVOO; and playing with the caster oil/EVOO ratio, my face is marvelous! I use 1/3 caster oil, 2/3 EVOO, a few drops of tea tree oil and a few drops of lavender oil. I can mix up a bottle that will hold a little more than an ounce and that bottle will last about a month It took 6 weeks to get my oils right and my ratios right for my face to clear and adjust to the regiment. I love it! My complexion looks great. I cleanse every night. I moisturize with a tiny bit of Jojoba oil after cleansing and occasionally in the AM. Initially, I spent about $50 on oils to get started, this will be much more economical that what I was using. My previous routine averaged out to about $25-$30 per month and I know this will be much less.
I have recently started the OCM have been using it now for just over a month. I have been battling very bad hormonal cystic acne on my neck, and a week after using this method noticed a huge difference, It was like every night i looked forward to how good my face was going to feel!! my face is much less oily and reducing in reddness.
I had to experiment for a while on the right mixture and right now using the “normal skin” cause i actually found the “oily skin” combo was drying out m face too much!
However just now i noticed im back to getting deep acne!! I am looking to switch up my oils i think. Would you suggest the jojoba oil instead of olive oil?
If you don’t use the OCM daily, then what do you cleanse your face with on alternate days?? I wear mineral makeup daily due to my work.
If you don’t use the OCM daily, then what do you cleanse your face with on alternate days?? I wear mineral makeup daily due to my work.
Hey Guys, just wondering – if any of you OCM users still see this post- what facewash do you usually use? As Crunchy Betty says, it is bad to switch between store-bought cleanser and oil, but I will only have time to use the oil at night. What do you suggest I use to wash my face with in the mornings?
i see- honey- gotcha! very excited to try an all organic facial regime 🙂
Do the honey face wash in the morning! it takes like five seconds and my face always feels nice and soft using honey instead of face washes
If you clean your face well enough at night, there is no need to wash again in the morning. A quick splash of water is all you really need, sometimes I use a little witch hazel on a cotton ball afterwards. Good Luck!
I used the oil cleaning method, and loved it! I have a couple questions. #1 What do you recomend for a lift, tightning solution? #2 When using the oil cleansing routine, should I use a alpha hydroxy face cream?
Going around leaving comments on all the blogs I used as references when starting the OCM- Thank you!!
This has worked beautifully, even my mom can’t stop commenting on how great my skin looks. I’ve dealt with horrible, face completely covered in acne since I was 16. I even went on Accutane, which helped a lot, but I was still dealing with consistently recurring pimples. OCM has given me so much confidence!
My concoction that I’ve found works best is a combination of:
2 parts Castor Oil
1 part EVOO
1 part Jojoba oil
2-3 drops Tea Tree Oil
1-2 drops Rosemary Oil
Which all helped with my combination skin, and keeping those pimples down, with rarely any making their way to the surface of my skin. I still wear makeup, because I always have and that’s not something I can just stop. But I do feel leaps and bounds better about my face.
Hope this helps someone out there. Thanks again!
So i only need to cleanse at night??
i need to know if i can substitute castor oil for apricot kernel and the carrier oil is argon with rose hips
Where did you buy your jojoba oil?
Where did you buy your jojoba oil?
Where did you buy your jojoba oil?
I’ve just recently started oil cleansing and within two days my skin started to peel like crazy! I still use an organic moisturizer but the peeling is still happening! Did anyone else have this issue ? Insight would be awesome! Thanks!
Hi, I have done the ocm a couple of times now and haven’t really noticed a difference. It isnt acne I have a problem with (thankfully) it is more blackheads/open pores etc with a few red lumps and bumps that pop up and hang around for ages. Since my skin is combination I tried the ratio of half castor oil and half EVOO with a few drops of tea tree oil. Is the lack of difference possibly just a time thing or would you recommend changing the ratio’s? Thanks for your post, it has been really helpful so far 🙂
After two months of the OCM, my skin is the clearest it has been since hitting puberty. I use a combo of 1/3+ castor oil, and remaining grapeseed oil with some lavender essential oil on top. When I first started doing the method, I didn’t notice much of a change after the second or third time I did it. So I kept at it anyways figuring that I should give it a decent shot with more time, and it certainly wasn’t hurting anything. (I was somewhat nervous to keep going since I had read several reviews on this site that brought up bumps and breakouts after two weeks of use, but thankfully I never had any issues like that.) And now looking back on the last two months, I can definitely notice a marked difference that took a while to manifest. My breakouts have come under control, my skin is brighting and tightening, and scarring that I have had for a long time is fading. All in exactly two months. It is pretty remarkable that I’ve tried so many other products that have just irritated my skin. Give this method a try for yourself!
I tried this method for a month and broke out even worse. I tried adding more castor oil and it just dried out the area between my nose and mouth. Any suggestions?
If you do this at night, what do you do in the shower in the morning? Just water? What about when I workout? Should I use this in the shower after a workout and then do nothing before bed?
I don’t want to sound stupid but how would I know if the oil I want is sunflower seed not sunflower oil?
I can see a lot of posts have been mainly written by acne sufferers… Id just like to recieve some comments from people with similar to skin to mine: I been MEAN MEAN MEAN to my poor skin – not blaming my lovely mum but i didnt really have a mum who taught me basic rules about beauty when i was younger (something i intend to do with kids one day – im 20) so when i was a teenager I would scratch at healing forehead blemishes/ wash my face with hand soap/ not pop spots that were ready to come out/ not change my pillow case regularly and not bother to take off make up at night because i just had no clue/ guidance.
On top of this one terrible terrible day I exfoliated these funny bumps Ive hand on my nose since a trip to sri lanka where it was hot and sweaty and i didnt cleanse properly or remove suncream. By exfoliate I mean I scrub scrub scrubbed the top layer of skin off because i thought that was what the bumps were – ive been left with worse bumps and it resulted in weeks of a red rash like wound thaty writing this now seems also self-harming (it wasnt in the intended sense!)
bringing no suncream (idiot!) on a mid-day walk back from a lake. At the hostel in the evening when burns usually come up i looked like unbelievably similar to tomato colour. Also I was terrible in not applying suncream in the desert in Peru as I was surrounded by guys (ahem) and felt that made me look shiny and ugly. The worst time was when i was under the *10 minute burn rate** ozone hole that resides over New zealand/ Australia and I didnt apply water proof sunscreen while surfing and it washed off and OH.MY.GOD you would not believe my poor face. It was like the surface of a cracked desert – red raw, physical cracks down my forhead and cheeks, the feeling of being on fire. I would survive by holding my breath in a whole bowl of aloe vera every hour for weeks. It eventually began the predicatable peel phase bang-on when my little cousins arrived whom id never met before and clearly thought i was diseased/ a somesort of monster.
ANYHOOO my skins is recoveing due to: no more teenage hormones, St Ives (miracle) exfoliator and a billion apples – they are wonderful for my skin. Ive been eating loads of almonds but havent seen an improvement in my skin – my hair on the other hand is now incredible soft and shiny.
My skins profile is : blackheads all over my forhead (in almost every pore and very small). Huuuge blackheads that are too deep to draw out on my nose and chin. Dry around my mouth. My poor cheeks are lightly scarred though not in the ‘gorden ramsey’ way you’d expect – just not smooth – vaguely bumpy with big open pores and a wierd sort of ‘dusting’ of red blemishes – these are strange: they almost look like very well recovered acne that is almost gone/ insect bites (they arent bumpy).
So im sorry for writing an essay!!! People seem lovely on this website and I would just like someone who can relate to my sort of blackheady/ combination skin (not acne) to give feedback and their ratios on the oil method. Thanks again for reading 🙂
Black people have been using oil for years as part of our culture as we were laughed at and called dirty even though Europeans were the ones who had to be taught to bathe by the Moors and Egyptians who bathed in precious oils and milk(another excellent way to clean, rejuvenates, smooths the face as it exfoliates). Coconut oil is an excellent conditioning oil for the hair and skin as it is absorbed into the cuticle and skin cell, strengthening the protein and making it stronger. Raw shea butter is also an excellent nourishing and moisturizing oil that actually builds the collagen and elastin layers ppreventing wrinkles and aging. It is acts as a sunscreen. you can put it on the ends of your hair to address split ends.The trend now is not to wash your hair every day either. again something women of color intuitively knew. In addition to the gift of melanin, which is responsible for skin color, our use of oils or grease as we called it, keeps us looking younger much later in years and less wrinkled and sagging in our advanced years which is easily noticeable.
Ok, so I have been using the OCM and tinkering it for a few months now. I found that olive oil is an aid but overall ineffectual. Despite your recommendations against Coconut oil, I decided to give it a whirl anyway… I found that I had such profound successes with it than olive as a carrier for tea tree and such. It leaves me moisturized and clears out rather than clogs my pores– I don’t even need to use pore strips anymore! That said, I decided to take the risk… some may not be so lucky!
where can i buy all these different kind of oils? Im very interested in trying this…im 26 and sick of looking like im 13 because of my acne!!
I have been using been us the OCM for about 2 months now and I can not figure out what I am doing wrong. I started out using 1/3 castor oil and 1/3 jojoba and 1/3 argan oil (All high quality). After about 3 or 4 days my skin became very dry and I broke out in small bumps all over my forehead and my temples and on my chin and by my nose. So I switched 10% castor oil and equal parts of sweet almond apricot kernel oil. I have to moisturize with a little almond oil afterwards because the skin still feels a little tight and have mixed in a drop or two of tea tree oil to help clear the acne. My skin is no longer super dry and flaky but I still have like a gazillion small bumps in the same places and I am so ready to give up. Does anybody have any suggestions.
sounds like you need to exfoliate. use the cleansing grains in the morning, and maybe only OCM every other night. check out some other ways to cleanse on the site, like herbal infused honey!!
Hey there, Betty! Love your blog! I’ve been doing OCM for a few years now and love it. I use it every few days. On other days, I just steam my face with a hot washcloth, wipe it off, and apply coconut oil. Coconut oil is the only thing I’ve put on my face every single day for the past 3-4 years and I can say for certain…it doesn’t clog pores. Our whole family uses it, including the greasy teenagers. 🙂
the oil cleansing method has completely transformed my skin! I have oily skin that breaks out every few days and I’ve tried different face stuff, but it wasn’t until I tried the OCM that my face actually started to balance itself out as far as oil goes. I used to have to put baby powder on my face to soak up the oil every 30 mins or so. But now, I barely use it! I also washed my face with honey and have seen tremendous results on my face. I am never going back to soaps again!
I just started OCM 10 days ago and my skin has done a total 180. Winter and my hormones were doing a number on my skin (extremely dry patches, severe acne every month) and everything I put on my skin irritated it even more. After OCM, my skin is now ‘glowing’ (according to my hubby) and it’s honestly changed my life. Not to mention the money I’m saving not having to buy make-up remover, cleanser, toner, day/night cream, eye cream. Thanks for sharing! Time to convert everyone I know.
i have a question about the oils? is fish oil good for the face. a friend told me she would drink a spoonful every morning for her skin and her skin has cleared tremendously??? would using this on my face for the OCM work as well???
Unless I’m in a real rush to get to bed, i.e. I’m super tired or it’s late, I use the oil cleansing method and it is amazing! It cleared up my minimal amount of acne, diminished the redness in my skin, and is super moisturizing. I can’t remember the exact recipe I used but I did 2/3 of a bottle (yes, I premixed it all together) of castor oil, and filled the rest of the bottle with equal parts of Sweet Almond and Grapeseed Oil. I did add some Olive Oil after using a little bit to thin out the mixture. I cleanse and then put on some argan oil and my skin is super soft when I wake up. I’m naturally very oily and I haven’t found it to help with reducing oil but nothing seems to do that. Overall, I love using this method. My only downside is that I no longer use my pricey Clarisonic cleansing tool.
I’m so excited to try this… The condition of my skin seems to vacillate wildly between super dry and flaky to oily and acne-prone. I generally use pretty harsh alcohol cleansers, but this method makes so much more sense (from a scientific, chemistry-based standpoint, which I appreciate!). In the long run I’m pretty sure it will save me money, too… the ingredients for this will last me FOREVER, as opposed to the cleansing pads that only last a month and are $7 per container!!! Unfortunately, the no-poo doesn’t work for me (super straight hair with no volume to cover up a little oil), but I’m wondering if there’s any homemade WEN copycats to try. I’d love a way to make my hair clean without stripping the moisture and spending $$$$ (plus, who doesn’t love the smell of freshly shampooed hair??). If you’ve any ideas, I’d LURVE to hear them!!!
doesn’t castor oil make hair grow? I really want to do the oil cleansing method, but is there something else i can mix my second oil with, that is not castor oil? I have fine facial hair, and don’t want anymore:)
thanks.
I have very very dry skin that throughout the course of the day ends up flaky! I’m planning on using this method but am more curious on the the mositurizing needs? Especially in the mornings pre-make up application?
Okay, so I admit that, after nearly 20 years of living with acne in some form or another and trying almost every option available to me, I was still petrified about trying this method. My skin seemed to be doing well lately, but then I had to go back on birth control and I’m getting those huge, incredibly painful, ugly, impossible-to-conceal zits – I think that’s cystic acne? Anyway, I had bought castor and grapeseed oil a few weeks ago and finally decided that I was going through with it, especially since the benzoyl peroxide spot treatment I have been using has been causing me some really serious dry skin – on top of my zits, of course. Awful.
After mixing the oils at about a 50/50 ratio, I followed the steps. I don’t think I let my face steam quite long enough, and I think I am going to try more grapeseed oil. My skin feels okay, but still a little dry. Interestingly enough, the pimples already do feel smaller – and less painful. I wonder if that is my imagination! I have used the thyme-witch hazel astringent for the blackheads on my nose and will continue to do so!
So I will be proceeding with cautious optimism. I desperately want this to work! I’ll check back in a few weeks.
I’ve been using this for three days. My husband loves what is is doing for my skin. I had to make him some. For him (with oily skin) I use Castor, Olive, Avocado, Grapeseed and some YounhLiving Tea Tree Essential Oil. For mine (aging skin) Castor, Olive, Avocado, Apricot and some YounhLiving Rose Essential Oil. for me its so much easier than removing make up, cleansing and then moisterizing. Now it’s done in one step. I will never by cleanser for my face again. I love it. I also made my own toner with Lemon juice, Witch Hazel with Aloe already in it. Add water and to my husbands I added some rubbing alcohol. Thank you much for sharing! Thank you, thank you, thank you,
~ Brenda and Jonathan
I just started using OCM and so far it’s going pretty well, though my skin is still adjusting. The problem is this: I am a biologist and I frequently travel to areas (i.e., the jungle) where hot water is simply not available. Can you think of any ways I could adapt OCM for use with cold water and limited towels? If not, do you have any suggestions of an alternate method for washing my face? I really don’t want to go back to cleanser and have to start all over again with OCM when I get back!
I don’t use hot water with my ocm. Try it at home with room temp water and see if it works.
Do you HAVE to mix the different oils? What about make-up after – what would I have to apply?
Do you HAVE to mix the different oils? What about make-up after – what would I have to apply?
Another great use for castor oil (and make sure you buy a pure variety–not one produced to be ingested, as some are combined with other carriers to help one get it down–it’s a thick oil on its own) is for growing skimpy eyebrows! Overplucked yours, or do the ends of yours look scant (often owing to thyroid conditions–have a blood test to know with certainty)? Try this!
This is best done at night, after one has cleansed their face. Dribble a drop or two on a cotton swab and work the oil back and forth, coating your eyebrows and a little beyond them. Do this faithfully for a couple of weeks, and you’ll find eyebrows growing in where the oil is applied; then dye, shape, and continue to use the oil for consistent results.
My eyebrows were always a bit wimpy, and disappeared at the ends. This has helped me grow lovely, shapeable brows!
hi I just came across this method and was wondering when you don’t use the oils what other product do you use?
What kind of ex folia t should I use with castor/jojoba?
Am I the only one who’s having trouble with the OCM? Maybe I’m doing it wrong, but I don’t even know I can mess up something so simple. Basically, I’ve been at it for about 3 weeks now and initially my skin felt softer but now, it’s just really bumpy, and I’ve broken out SOOO much (more than I have in years), literally a new pimple pops up at least once a day. So I stopped doing it, and started with a lancome cleanser and I think that made it worse. The blotchyness is still there, so are the blackheads and my skin does not feel cleaner at all. I’ve never had an acne problem, but I’m breaking out now more than ever. Basically I’m using 1 part EVOO and one part castor oil and I keep the face towel on my face for about 30 seconds. Can someone please help me, I don’t know what to do! Thank you!!
1 – Search the sites for info about olive oil. You might need to buy a better brand.
2 – You might need to change the ratio of oils you use. It takes a LOT of trial and error to find what works for you.
3 – You might need to try a different oil. Olive, coconut, and sweet almond all made my chin break out immediately. Avocado has been working great for me (though I still have small bumps on my chin, and they get worse at that time of the month. I’m still working that situation out).
4 – You might need to change how long you hold the towel on and how much you steam versus wipe. I get the best results if I steam twice (hold a warm towel over my face until it gets cold) and then on the third time I finish by wiping off the oil. But again, it’s ALL about trial and error!
Hi! I just want to say that I tried this after a couple weeks of just doing research. This blog and the comments were a great resource btw. 🙂 I don’t have acne but I found (with my normal cleansing regimen) that my skin would be lovely in the morning but become very oily by the afternoon. Also my nose pores were huge and never clean no matter what I did. I just thought I’d be gross forever.
Now I’m about 3 weeks in to the oil cleansing method and OH MY GOD. It works. It has solved all my problems. Seriously. ALL. I use only a quarter castor oil to the other carrier oils because even though my skin felt oily in the afternoon I know it was because my cleanser was stripping my face of natural oils and my face was overcompensating in spite of my moisturizer. I’m still working on my mixture because I’m starting to get pretty dry but I no longer get so oily in the afternoon.
I never had a weird phase with breakouts. The very first night my skin felt like velvet. The following day my skin still felt amazing and was considerably less oily in the afternoon. By the second week the ickyness in my pores was way down AND those pores shrank very noticeably. Now some of them are no longer visible at all. I wish I’d taken before pics.
I do use witch hazel after cleansing at night and dab my face with argan oil where it’s dryest. In the morning I just splash water on my face, witch hazel again, and use a moisturizer with sunscreen. I might want to work on that regimen to address the dryness. It’s worth the experimenting though.
Oh! and this method is the BEST for removing makeup.
One commenter recommended using the microwave to heat the towel for steaming your face and that was a great suggestion. Especially if you have a really small hot water heater like I do.
I will NEVER wash my face again! …..with soap I mean lol.
I started OCM about a month ago. I’d have to say it’s the worst thing to ever happen to my skin. By the third night I knew something was wrong, but I had heard it could get worse before it got better. Now my face is more red blotchy and dry than ever. Before I just had minor acne on my cycle and I thought that OCM would help or make my skin more consistent( it was oilier in the t-zone and dry around my cheeks and temples) Now My face, and I am not sure why is really dry, even in places it used to be oily. I feel awful. This site is great and everything, but I think that you should know this doesn’t work for everyone, I wouldn’t say not to try it, but there is a bit of risk.
Soooo…I am not exactly a “crunchy” girl. There is still a little part of me that doesn’t WANT to believe that government-approved chemicals, soaps, cleansers, and even foods are unhealthy for me. Maybe you can call it denial? Okay, I concede. But I say that it’s also the overwhelming community at large of ultra-crunchy, anti-EVERYTHING ladies that make me feel about two inches tall after I enjoyed my morning bowl of Froot Loops…
But…
BUT…
I immediately fell in love with this site! Strangely enough, it was my husband who led me here looking for a solution for our clogged drain (the baking soda-hot water-vinegar trick worked BEAUTIFULLY). I’m really impressed with the lively, no-nonsense, open-minded and delightfully quirky posts on the site. Yes, they are funny, and yes, they expose a number of the purported ills of the beauty and food industries…but I don’t feel BAD when I read them. Instead, I feel inspired to try something new. Like the above oil cleansing method. In fact, last night I read about the thyme-and-witch-hazel idea and quite literally hurried out to Wal*Mart to purchase the ingredients, and this morning my face DID seem smoother and less red. We will see if it works.
But now I have to go out again to buy oil. At 31, I do NOT want my teenage skin anymore. (My teenage figure, well…I’ll take that back, thank you.)
Any way, from a pre-crunchy girl, I’d just like to thank EVERYONE who contributes to this site. Thanks for making “being crunchy” seem very practical and a whole lot less strange! (And I mean that in the best possible way!)
Love from Pittsburgh. 🙂
I have been using OCM now for about 2 months. I’m not sure if I just don’t have the right blend of oils or I’m not steaming my face long enough or well enough to release the impurities…but I am getting almost worse breakouts than I was before. Normally I have pretty clear skin, except for small blackheads on my nose, and then I’ll get the occasional cluster of pimples on my forehead or chin/jawline area every few weeks. Now I feel like I have more pimples and I’ve gotten several really big ones that are very painful. They aren’t going away any faster either. I still continue to oil cleanse, but would love feedback from anyone who might have experienced this and what you did to solve this problem? Thanks!
I found your recipe on Pinterest, and I think it’s great. I am a licensed Esthetician and have been using Oil Cleansers as part of professional facials for years. Mainly from European skin care lines. The OCM is big there. I was trained to use it the same way you have recommended, but could I make one suggestion? I was told to apply the Cleansing oil to DRY skin, when first applied. This allows the Oil Cleanser to “attract” to the oil in the pores, and pulls it from the pores.
This adjustment may be more helpful for those with clogged pores and acne.
I am releasing a skin care book in February 2013 if you (Crunchy Betty) would like to contact me, I would love to use some of your recipes in the DIY section of my book, and give you credit of course!
My Twitter handle @NicciRLeigh, and email [email protected]
The oil cleansing method rocks!! I’ve always had skin problems and tried so many products until now. I spend way less money on my skin now because I know what works and it continues to work. I’ve been using olive oil from my kitchen cupboard for a year now and it works great for my combination skin; although my skin has improved so much I would call it normal now.
When I started, my face was really dry for almost 2 months! I brought moisturizer everywhere and reapplied twice a day. I kept at it because it just seemed like a healthy way to cleanse my face. Then, my skin transformed into glorious perfection and its been that way since!
When I go camping, I use the same process with a disposable face wipe instead of a washcloth. It’s not the same as using steam, but its the best option when you don’t have access to hot running water. It gets your face much cleaner than a face wipe alone and it’s less drying. Just make sure you get the purest face wipes possible. Most importantly, they should be paraben/petroleum-free. If you can’t find natural wipes, use a damp washcloth with a little lavender and/or tea-tree oil.
A friend of mine told me about this method of cleaning your face this morning- said to go to your web site. I am 68 and have very dry skin from aging and illness- so I just went in and used straight organic olive oil as you indicated. What a lovely feeling! And my hands feel soft as well! Now I need to get some cheap wash cloths and I am all set to see how this goes! Thanks so very much!!!
Crunchy Betty, i have a question, i always hear that castor oil make hair grows faster and intensively, so the oil cleansing method could possible lead to this on face, eyebrows and other areas?
What is a carrier oil? That term was never explained.
The carrier oil is the oil you choose to mix with the castor oil (jojoba, sweet almond, argan, etc.) From reading the comments, it seems olive oil of any type is a bad idea.
I too stumbled onto this site by looking up using nutmeg to get rid of blackheads by way of Pinterst. Anyways after reading all the comments on the OCM I too decided to give it a try since like many commented I too have dealt with acne since I was 14 and now I’m 31. I was using PCA and having good results, but I have been trying to go more natural.
I have been using the OCM for over 2 months. I have not noticed a improvement beyond texture feeling better nor my skin getting majorly worse. I still have break outs usually before and after my period, and I have to take time to squeeze out the junk in my skin. I have used castor, jojoba, grape seed and EVO with tea tree. Then I adjusted it to castor, jojoba, grape seed and tea tree. Then castor, jojoba, argan and tea tree. I have not be able to tell a noticeable difference in the combinations I am trying and I’m not sure how to know what works for me, since I still break out.
I also do the honey wash with and without baking soda and the ACV toner steeped with thyme. Is there anything else I should be trying or adjusting to help with my break outs? Different toner? The oatmeal scrub? I’m starting to think this system isn’t working for me which is bumming me out, because I was hoping finally I found something that could work and be good for me. Any advice?
I’m a guy and it took almost the last 10 years of zits to figure out what caused them and how to quickly rid my face of them. My zits are unusual in that the material within are always hardened nodes. Squeezing them gets them out of my skin but, of course, leaves that wonderful red dot. I’ve tried numerous products to reduce the number but they did squat and contained basically the same chemicals in varying quantities and stripped my face of moisture, which resulted in further breakouts.
What I eventually figured out is that something in my diet was the primary cause of my breakouts. It took some time to narrow it down, but it turns out that I’m allergic to what is in corn – specifically, the genetic modifications that are in corn today. I can no longer eat or consume corn in any form thanks to GMOs. Whenever I eat corn containing GMOs, my face breaks out with zits all over and I get a migraine headache and nausea. Corn oil is the worst – I have zits on my face within an hour of eating anything fried in corn oil followed up with nausea a few hours later and a whopping migraine the following day. I switched to olive oil when I fry food and that worked wonders for my complexion and I don’t get nausea or migraines. Getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep at night contributes some toward my good complexion too, but dropping corn from my diet was much more significantly noticeable. Without doing much of anything (just the occasional splash of water on the face), I now rarely break out but, when I do, I only have to look back over the last 24 hours of food consumed and find that corn (or a corn byproduct) snuck its way into one of my meals.
What I’ve read is that a person’s skin provides the first indicators of something inside going wrong. Skin is an organ that reacts to internal changes as much as any other organ in the body. Applying oils, creams, and moisturizers to the skin may only cover up internal problems, which over the long-term will likely make those problems worse if they aren’t dealt with. Identifying serious problems should be done first before applying topical solutions. Mine is a specific food allergy and I suspect that there are many people who have food allergies but don’t know about it and their skin forming pimples is their body’s natural reaction to let them know something is wrong. The chemicals, cleansers, and even OCM won’t work for those people until the underlying problem is fixed.
I didn’t know that coconut oil clogs the pores- I just started using this method two weeks ago with coconut oil and have not seen any problems yet. Maybe I will switch to almond oil just to be sure since I have it on hand. Also, every few days I have been adding a little baking soda to the oil which works great for exfoliating 🙂
I used to use Olive Oil as a facial moisturizer during the day one summer. That summer I also noticed that my vision was going all wonky, things were blurry at random times at random distances but I had no trouble seeing if you know what I mean. I finally realized that the Olive Oil was getting into my eyes and messing with my vision. I stopped and my vision went back to normal…
Has anyone else noticed the oil from the cleanings and using it around the eyes to remove makeup making their vision weird? It not like I pour it on my eyes or anything, I try to wipe most of it off anyway but it still gets in there.
Hi everybody, I’m a 17 year old girl, who has a mild acne problem – It has been bad, but not wearing foundation or any sort of powder has really cleared it up- and very oily skin. My biggest problem is not my spots, since they are usually small, and I rarely get big ones, my problem is blackheads… I have like a million on my nose, cheeks and chin, and it’s killing me! I have tried a lot of different things, but nothing seems to work. I’ve just recently tried to get rid of them using a lemon and baking soda exfoliation recipe because the comments to it were amazing, but I didn’t see any difference. The thing is, I was wondering if OCM works wonders with blackheads, or if it’s just acne? And if I only do this in the evening before going to bed, what should I do in the morning? I would really appreciate if anyone could help me, because I would love to finally find something that works on my skin!
well, many people refer that OCM helped with their blackhead problem… I can say from my experience, that I can see some improvement.. it is slow, but steady and my skin is getting better every day
I always feel the need to tone after cleansing. if I use ACV as a toner after oil cleansing, am I defeating the purpose of using OCM in the first place?? I have oily/acne prone skin so I use a mixture of 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 jojoba oil. Its winter so I’m a little dry as well so I may add additional oil or moisturizer after I wipe with the towel.
Havinv had AWFUL for the past 12 years, I finally decided to do something about it when I got engaged. I used this method in the run up to my wedding and it honestly made a huge difference to my really oily spotty skin. Since the wedding I have been really lazy in doing it and my skin is back to its horrible oily self…so I can honestly say this is the one and only method I would use from now on. I came across this page to research other oils apart from castor and EVO oil and am going to give sweet almond and jojoba a try!! Good article….believe me this method WORKS!!!
I’m 21 years old, and it is safe to say that my skin can be hard to handle at times. In the past couple of years, I have tired numerous cleansers and facial treatments to combat my moderate acne, but honestly, nothing really satisfied me . I heard about OCM from a friend of mine who swore by it, so I decided to do some research and gave it a try. I used castor oil along with safflower oil. I accidentally bought it thinking that it was sunflower oil, but as it turns out, safflower can actually be pretty good for your skin as well as your scalp/hair. You can even use it in cooking, apparently it helps to digest fats faster (weight loss!) and helps to lower blood sugar levels.I read somewhere that safflower oil has vitamin E and can help with problematic skin, acne being one of those problems in addition to scars and wrinkles. I added a few drops of tea tree oil which gave the oil cleanser a nice, subtle scent. For the first week or so, my skin was a bit crazy, I broke out more than usual, but I was adamant about seeing through with the process (since most people said that your skin will be crazy for about two weeks). During the second week, however, I noticed that my skin was clearing up, not to mention how awesome it felt. It has probably been two months since I started the OCM, and I couldn’t be happier. I cleanse every night, otherwise i feel that my skin is gross. Sometimes I skip a night if I’m too tired once I get home, but this doesn’t have a negative effect on my skin. If I skip more than two nights, i’ll start to break out again…basically you need to find what works for you. Start out cleansing 3/4 times a week and decide whether you need more. I personally love the feeling of a really warm towelette on my skin; feels like my skin comes back to life each time. My skin is always soft, I don’t need to moisturize even in the cold winter months, and my skin is clear. Whatever scarring (discoloration) I have had from pimples has nearly completely disappeared; I almost never feel the need to wear makeup (a total self esteem booster!). If i do wear makeup, it comes right off once the oils have been rubbed into my skin. It even takes off waterproof mascara! My blackheads haven’t completely disappeared, but they aren’t as noticeable. They’re much smaller and definitely not as oil/dirt packed. I do however have the occasional pimple which I take care of with Neutrogena’s Clean and Clear spot treatment (it usually disappears by the next morning). I absolutely love my skin now, and I don’t plan to stop the OCM any time soon. Its such a money saver; I don’t need to spend as much on makeup, moisturizers, cleansers, etc.; GREAT for college students. I encourage everyone to try this, you really can’t go wrong!
I am really intrigued by this method! I am curious, I have a clarisonic facial cleanser; could I use this to massage the oils into my face?
Maybe I missed it but I didn’t see what the ‘Carrier oil” is? Is that the castor oil? thank you!
I’ve been using this method for 2-3 months now using 2 parts castor oil to 1 part jojoba oil. My skin has definitely gotten a little better, but not a whole lot. I still break out all the time and have small acne bumps covering my face that have been there pretty much since puberty. I’ve read so much about this and have been really hoping this would work for me and i’m really upset it hasn’t done a whole lot. do you have any suggestions of what I could try doing differently? Different oils or different ratios? I have really oily acne-prone skin and would seriously do anything to clear it up!
Is it okay to use organic skin care Jojoba Oil and cold pressed, cold processed Castor Oil?
I’m wondering because I bought the oils but the Castor Oil isn’t consciously extracted neither is the Carrier Oil cold pressed.
Hey guys! I’m a 14 year old teen who had pretty bad acne once I entered middle school. On top of that I had Keratosis Pilaris (KP) ever since elementary all over my arms, thighs, and cheeks. It really hurt my self- confidence to show my skin out in the open, especially when some kids at my school started poking “fun” at me telling everyone that I had a tropical disease. People actually stayed away from me for some time; I felt like dropping out of school because I was so isolated and lonely.
But that is all behind me now, now in high school I’ve managed to accept my KP. My acne, however, I couldn’t look past. Still ugly with huge blackheads every time I looked into that dreaded mirror. I decided to do something about it and got out my laptop. I surfed the web for hours since my friends who actually did have acne (nevermind those baby smooth friends who never experienced such things) have all turned to a dermatologist. I do not have any money for one or money for any miracle cleanser they like to dish out, so the web was my only hope. Finally, I found a website. I clicked it first from all the other ones because it was called an interesting and cute name “Crunchy Betty”. From looking all around the site, I decided that I like it. Now that it’s winter break I feel it’s time to try this OCM. I’ve read a good enough portion of the comments to make my eyes hurt. There were many successes and a few failures which I am concerned about a little. I’m hoping that the failures were a lack of time for the OCM to fully work. I am going to start my first day tomorrow, wish me luck!
P.S. I’m not sure what to do in the morning. Many of the commentators use honey but aren’t very clear about it. There is also a no- nonsense scrub on this site. Should I use that?
There’s information on the site about honey and the facial scrub, and some people just use water in the morning too. There’s not a set routine to follow, you just have to use trial and error to figure out what works best for you!
I’ve been using OCM now for about 3 1/2 weeks, and I’m really starting to see alot of clearing. I was very lucky when I was young that I never had acne, but I started getting it in my mid-20s (currently 32). It’s amazing how much it affects your confidence! I’ve noticed not wearing makeup too frequently helps as well. Anywho, it’s helped a ton with cystic acne and pimples, but I am noticing that I’m getting a few blackheads here and there. Immediately after I use the OCM at night, my pores on my nose & chin are almost completely clear; these are usually my problem areas.
Here’s my question; I’m only doing it at night, because I feel like doing it twice a day is too much for my skin. I tried using a rhassoul clay scrub in the AM, but this is too much exfoliating for my super sensitive skin. With that said, I feel like just rinsing with water in the morning makes my skin feel gross later in the day.
Any recommendations for a non-exfoliating method to use in the AM? If I over-exfoliate my skin becomes very red, patchy, scaly, and starts to really breakout. Any guidance much appreciated!
Holy crap. I wanted to love this cleansing method. But my skin started looking like I was about 20 years older because the castor oil was so drying. I even tried changing the formula to putting a very small amount of the stuff in my concoction–to no avail. I thought about changing carrier oils, but in the mean time, I’m back to using my oatmeal/almond flour combo in the morning, and honey/baking soda/apple cider/jojoba oil cleaning in the evening.
I am loving this OCM I use olive oil and grapeseed oil and a few drops of pepperment oil it works wonders for my blackheads and oily skin
Did the smell of the EVOO make anyone else nauseous? Or suggestions on a brand that’s not so “robust.” I just started this tonight and I am already thinking of completely nixing the EVOO. I used 2 tablespoons castor oil, 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil and 1 tablespoon of the EVOO. I have acne prone oily skin with blackheads all over my nose and chin. I was an avid proactive user forever but recently give up and learned of a sulfate allergy and have only been able to use Nutregena naturals. So far one night in and my face feels less oily than it usually is shortly after washing.
I’m curious about this so I wonder, does anyone have issues with jojoba oil? I figured out it was causing me bumpy deep red spots. Even tested it on just my chin and spots only appeared there. I have sensitive skin and now only use grapseed, apricot kernel or avocado as I find these to be milder
Love your article! I’ve seen lots about OCM on Pinterest lately and have been slowly transitioning to natural skin care, so this seems to fit perfectly. I especially like your advice on different carrier oils and essential oils to use (I’m more on the anti-aging side of things). One question I have-can I use it more than once a day? I totally see using it at night, but when I workout (working on getting better at that) in the morning, can I use it to clean my face post workout and again at night? If not, what’s the best way to to this? Any ideas?
Sorry to be a downer, but this method didn’t work for me. I am 28 and have battled acne since I was a teenager. It got worse in my 20s. Besides acne, I have normal skin–not oily, not dry, just terribly marred by acne sores or scars. When my good friend told me OCM had been working for her (she has acne and oily skin), I went out and got everything I needed to get started right away. I washed with oil at night and raw honey in the morning religiously for four months. I tried different ratios and different oils when the ones I started with didn’t work. I used the aspirin mask, the ACV toner, the whole nine yards. In that four months, my acne got worse than it ever has been. The sores were bigger, the scars darker. I have read many reviews on this site and others about how great OCM is or about how terrible it is. I’ve come to this conclusion: it’s definitely worth a try! But remember, if it doesn’t work, don’t feel like you have to keep carrying that burden of washing your face with oil just because so many people you admire do the same. If you have cystic acne, it’s very hard to cure it with just washing your face with a gentle, natural oil. As much as I hate it using the chemicals, the scarring and straight up pain got to be too much for me. The only thing that seems to work for me is salicylic acid wash, glycolic acid treatment, and benzoyl peroxide cream on my face with ice packs on top. If you have acne and are looking for a cure and aren’t too worried about using some chemicals for a while just to clear it up, read the book The Acne Cure. It is life changing. I hope to not have to use chemicals forever, but I’ve tried natural remedies (really believing they would work- I wasn’t a skeptic!) and they just haven’t worked. So here’s hoping this review helps someone out there!
I just started using this method abou 4 days ago and I still have not seen any results other than not needing moisturizer. How long does it take for it to take effect? Help!
I’m 22 and my skin is DRY, DRY, DRY. It flakes, becomes itchy, red, tight, irritated, rough and dull. I was using a very gentle, neutral pH, organic baby cleanser with a cream that was touted as “extremely moisturizing” and my skin still would become tight, itchy and flaky. I was so desperate that one day I decided to slather olive oil all over my skin. The next morning, I had the most amazing glow and soft, supple skin! I was shocked! I had been considering going to a dermatologist and getting prescription moisturizers because it was so bad – thank god I didn’t have to spend all that money! I found out about the oil cleansing method and it is awesome for my skin. I still do need to put more olive oil on after cleansing because my skin is so dry but no more flaky, itchy skin for me 🙂 I also use olive oil on my hair, and it works great!
Hey everyone! I’ve just ordered the Exquisite Stuff cleansing oil and cannot wait for it to arrive! I have a noob question though – do I need to refrigerate the oil?
I’m a licensed aesthetician and I just read this blog. You wrote it very well. And I think this method is amazing!! I’m currently developing my own skin care line. My cleansers are OCM cleansers. I highly recommend this for anyone and any skin type. The skin goes through cycles just like hair. So it could take up to a month for some people’s skin to adjust. But it is very worth it.
I’m wanting to start this cleansing method- but the question I have is if you don’t do it everynight, what do you use on off nights?
I have only used this for the past two nights, but my skin feels incredible, and looks pretty good too. It gives my 65 year old skin a youthful glow that it had lost.
Can I just use olive oil, or do I really need to mix in some caster oil?
Oh, and is this gentle enough to use under your eyes and on your eyelids?
Could I switch off on using this oi cleansing method and the honey wash with baking soda at night? Like on some days I do the oil one on other days i use the honey.
So, after reading you post about the OCM, and reading a few others, and reading all of the comments to decide on which oils I should go with for my skin type, I finally tried it. I only recently discovered all of the amazing benefits of natural healing, especially essential oils that can, literally, be used for anything, and actually… like… work. I stumbled over here while researching essential oils, and while at the store, I grabbed castor and jojoba (along with a few other carrier and essential oils). I’ve generally got a T-zone oil pit (with rather enlarged pores on and around my nose, and skin that bares some marks of a tough battle with acne in childhood– not necessarily craters, just rough, tired skin). After plenty of research, I decided on half castor oil and half jojoba, and I added 3 drops each of Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils. Typically, I only wash my face with the Cetaphil cleanser for all skin types– it’s gentle and rich, and does the job, and doesn’t freak my skin out. But it hasn’t exactly been nourishing my skin, and I have never been able to get into regular moisturizing because every single product I’ve tried becomes far too greasy, clogs my pores, and leaves me uncomfortable and hot for hours afterwards. I used the oil I blended as most of the OCM instructions generally prescribe– spent a good two minutes rubbing it in, and everywhere. My skins sucked it right up. Instead of simply wiping it off, though, I laid the hot towel over my face and left it there until it grew cool. I went to go rub the oil around some more (with the pores now open), but it looked as if all of the oil was already gone. Literally, my skin sucked it RIGHT up. I laid a freshly rinsed warm towel over my face a second time, left it until it cooled, and went to rinse any remaining oil off. But there was none, and my skin was literally full and glowing in a way that puts the post-professional facial glow to shame. I noticed, though, that the baggies under my eyes were untouched, as I had avoided the area entirely because I had put Tea Tree in the oil. The skin that I hadn’t oiled was pale and tired looking, so I did a quick mini-OCM just under my eyes, and I literally watched the bags under my eyes begin to disappear as it absorbed the oil. Absolutely amazing– my face looks toned, fresh, and warm after only one treatment. It’s absolutely smooth, and the bags under my eyes literally retracted and filled themselves in (about 60% of a difference– they didn’t disappear entirely… yet). I thought that perhaps my skin was super dehydrated, so I ended with a bit of jojoba oil as a moisturizer, especially under my eyes, and I literally cannot wait to do this again tomorrow night.
Tonight was only the 2nd time I’ve tried this and only with EVOO. (I plan to buy castor oil tomorrow.) I honestly think the condition of my acne-prone skin is already improving. (Truly acne prone– formerly antibiotics, accutane, etc.) Furthermore, I like this method SOOO much better than splashing water all over me AND the bathroom. It does feel luxurious.
Incidentally, I’m in my early 40’s.
I am going to start using OCM tonight, with Castor and EVOO. However, I recently bought Kiehls Rare Earth Clay Cleanser that I like/want to use up because it was kind of expensive. Would it ruin the OCM process if I used the clay cleanser in the morning and OCM in the evenings?
As far as I can tell, it does not have any sulfates or sulfides.
I am very excited to try OCM because my skin can be oily and dry and flaky on my nose and my t-zone pores have become increasingly clogged lately.
Hi, I’m trying this out! Bad luck with anti-aging products out there. Ironically- they made me look older and dryer. So if I need to moisturize after cleansing- what should I use?
When you do the OCM is that all you do for your face? Like just oil cleanse and night and splash with water in the morning?
I tried this for a little more than a month with coconut oil (before reading your post) and it seemed to just be causing me more breakouts, I told myself my skin was purging and adjusting to a new wash regimin. I gave up though when after a month I was still getting huge breakouts all over my face. I now use Lush brand face wash and moisturizer, and use diluted ACV as a toner at night with a light layer or coconut oil (coconut oil as helped my breakouts a lot, especially on my chest and back, I use it as a body moisturizer too) as a night time moisturizer, which works alright but I still get lots of tiny bumps (which sometimes turn into some not so tiny pimples) all over my chin and bigger breakouts of my forehead.
I was thinking of trying this again with grapeseed or jojoba oil (I’ve used both on my skin before and they seem to work pretty well) but I just want to make sure I do it right, so I know if its working for my skin or not. Is it okay to make a bigger batch and keep that in a jar instead of mixing before every wash?
What does your usual skin care routine look like?
Thank you for all your great recipes and tips by the way, I can’t tell you how much I love your blog!
Thank you very much for providing such a wonderful site! With your guidance I have made a beautiful honey, nutmeg, and cinnamon facial scrub which is terrific, and I have been oil cleansing with super results. I like a castor oil, macadamia oil, jojoba, and neem mix so far, but my castor, macadamia, and grape seed mix is really soothing. Thanks for the clear and concise posts which inspired me to try new beauty things! 🙂
Hey, I have been using the OCM for about 2 months. I have sensitive combination skin, it gets dry on top and i am covered in blocked pores underneath, i have no other acne just the blocked pores and i hate them, they really knock my confidence! I use 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 olive oil. I really like that this method moisturizes my skin and doesn’t irritate it and is natural however, it doesn’t seem to do anything. I had high hopes but my blocked pores have stayed the same, they didn’t break out but neither have they gotten better, they seem exactly the same! I tried incorporating brown sugar to sort of exfoliate but that didn’t do anything either. Does anybody have any tips or anything at all that would help? much appreciated x
I’ve been doing ocm for about a month now and I’m still having skin issues. I tend to have dry skin and that has disappeared because of ocm but I’m still struggling with breakouts under my skin (on my cheeks mostly). I use 1/3 castor oil and 2/3 jojoba oil. If anyone has any insight to what might help out it would be much appreciated!
A friend told me about this method when I asked for skin care advice on what to do to clean my face. I googled it and your site came up with the most clear explanation. I started the next day (tonight). I am doing a photo-journal on my journey with the oil cleansing method on fb and sending more to your site to maybe try it as well! Day one feels good… I can’t wait to feel great! Thanks!
I am reluctant to use castor oil as this is recommended for increasing hair growth… I have read to use it on thin eyebrows… Definitely do not want to contribute to the facial hair!! Any thoughts??
I don’t know if anyone else has asked this question (500 comments is a LOT to wade through) but what do you do after a workout? I’ve been using OCM nightly for about a week, so far, so good, but when I work out, it is mid-morning, and I get VERY sweaty. Should I wash just with water? Or use the OCM after my workout, before my shower? And if I do that, do I use it again before bed or just limit myself to once per day?
I just started hearing about this method and I’m planning on trying it. I have very acne prone skin and no matter what it always gets worse due to hormones. However, I do have a question about what to do in the mornings. If do the OCM at night what should I do in the morning? I’m afraid that if I just rinse my face with water, it will get dried out. Should I apply a drop or two of oil as a moisturizer? But will that just make my face look oily?
A lot of people use honey or one of Crunchy Betty’s facial scrubs in the morning. I also use a little bit of oil as a moisturizer, and as long as I let it sink in for a bit before putting on any makeup, I haven’t had any problems with my face looking oily. But you just need to try it and see what happens in order to figure out what will work best for your skin!
I just was wondering, im considering starting it, i use acv after i wash my face and its been helping and i was wondering if using it after the ocm would it just be overkill and reverse the effects of the oil or can you use a toner afterward?
Hi, I stumbled onto your site while researching this method. I’ve tried it for a four days so far, but noticed that castor oil really dries out my face even when I cut it down to a 1:1:1 ratio. Can I replace it with grapeseed or jojoba?
I use all EVO, so one would assume the only ‘rule’ is ‘what works for you’.
I was oil cleansing a while back, but fell out of the habit when uni stresses and the like forced me to grab a bottle of supermarket cleanser. Over the last few months, my chin skin has been AWFUL. Some of the zits so painful it felt like I had toothache.
Yesterday, after discovering this site, I went out and spent my entire weeks play money on the makings for a basic oil cleanser, the oat facial scrub, and honey. I just oil cleansed last night, and ALREADY, after ONE night, my chin is better! The swelling is down and it only hurts if I poke at it.
So glad I didn’t do what I was considering, and buy one of those high-acid acne washes… and with the drop of (cultivated, rainforest friendly) Rosewood I added, my partner was sniffing my face, it smelt so good 🙂
(By the way, if anyone reading this is from Auckland, NZ, a good place to get reasonably priced oils from is the little bin-inn store behind Wendys on Dominion Rd.)
I’m very excited to try this! My only question is since I suffer from breakouts am I still able to apply blemish treatment to my existing blemishes? Or will that just mess the whole thing up?
I really want to like this! I have been doing this for over a month and my acne has gotten worse and just stayed. I use coconut oil with maybe 1/4 to 1/3 castor oil every night and after sometimes my face feels kinda dry so i put a little jojoba oil on. Could my skin still be in the getting worse before it gets better stage? Also the water where I live is not that great so could that be the problem? I know wearing makeup every day doesn’t help but since my acne is worse I feel like I need to cover it up to go to work.
Some people are able to use coconut oil without a problem, but for most people it’s quite comedogenic (i.e., makes your skin break out!) It can take quite a bit of trial and error to find an oil that agrees with your skin, so try something else, and see if it helps!
*GULP* Well, here we go! After researching the heck out of the Oil Cleansing Method I will be trying it tonight! I am 18 years old and have spent the last 4 years cycling from near-perfect skin where I LOVED going without makeup to having huge breakouts!
I feel as if the never-ending cycle just made everything worse since once I would finally be happy with my skin I would end up always wanting to wear a hat and hide my forehead. I am starting to realize that these breakouts usually correspond with running out of my Proactiv cleanser.
Finally being on my own means paying for everything, so Proactiv is starting to get too expensive for so little product. I am really hoping that this method will work! I have been trying so many different natural remedies, but this one is so different that I feel like it has to work! My acne feels so nasty right now that I’m willing to put up with a few days where my acne is extra bad if I can just get rid of it! This blog and all the posts are so inspiring and are really helping me take this (what seems like at least) huge risk!
Praying with all my might that this works! I am so ready to be proud of my face once again! Currently every time I look in the mirror I think, “If only my face were perfectly clear! Then I wouldn’t be able to find anything else wrong with me!” Well I could probably still find something wrong with myself, but I just want this nasty acne out of my life! Wish me luck everyone! Once I get some results I promise to post them for you! Anyone else considering this method, just do it! I am! Thanks again for the support!
So? how has it been? do you like it?
There’s some great info. here. I linked to you today…thanks for this post! http://www.straightfromthepages.com
~R.
I want to start doing this method of cleansing. Right now, I have oily and acne prone skin and by the end of the day, my face looks and feels gross. I read that you said you should not use regular face washes with the oil cleansing method, as your face will get all confused and freak out on you. That makes sense. But can you get away with using the OCM only? If you don’t use the OCM everyday to remove makeup at night and cleanse in the morning before makeup (I wear makeup everyday) what do you use? I’ve read on some other blogs that people only use it at night. What about the morning? Will it hurt your face to do it twice a day, or at the least, every night?
You could try it twice a day if you want, and see what happens (almost all of the process is “try it and see!”) or else you could use just water, honey, or the No Nonsense Facial Scrub (that’s what I use in the morning, and then OCM every night. I’m pregnant so my skin has been wacky, but between those two things I’m able to use less makeup than ever before!)
Do you think this would work for sun spots? I do not have skin issues other than sun spots that have popped up this year and I’d love nothing more than to be rid of them.
Hi Crunchy Betty!
I am such a huge fan of your site! I started the OCM about a week and a half ago. My skin tends to be dry but does experience breakouts as well despite its dryness and can be sensitive. I made a mixture of 25% castor oil and 75% EVOO. After reading another post of yours on EVOO, I made sure to buy a brand that was 100% organic, cold-pressed, and imported from Greece. However I had the worst reaction. My skin became bumpy, incredibly itchy, flaky, and dry. I stopped using the OCM and went back to my normal skin care routine after this. But after stopping the OCM, I proceeded to have the worst breakout I’ve had in years! I don’t know what to do. I want to try OCM again though and am wondering if I should switch to a new blend of oils. Would reducing the proportion of castor oil to EVOO help avoid this reaction or should I avoid castor oil altogether? And have any other crunchy people had a similar experience?
Hi Cruncy Betty!
I was super excited to begin using the oil cleansing method! I have dry skin that is prone to sub-surface bumps and blackheads, and because it is dry I already have lines around my eyes and mouth even though I’m in my early 20s! I started the OCM using about 20% castor and 80% evoo. I was very careful in selecting my evoo after reading another post of yours and made sure to buy cold pressed and organic. OCM was working wonderfully for the first two days until my skin began to react poorly. It dried out, became flaky, itchy, and irritated, and then formed thousands of tiny little bumps all over! I stopped using the OCM and switched back to my normal routine. However, I am still a believer in the OCM and want to try it again with a different blend of oils. Is it possible I used too much castor oil for my skin to handle? Are there better types of oils for someone with my skin type? Has anyone else experienced the same reaction my skin had to the OCM? Thanks!
I had to try three or four oils before I found one my skin liked (my chin would instantly break out with a few that I tried, and one was OKAY, but my skin still looked dry …) So it is possible your skin had trouble with the castor oil, but it might just mean you should try a different carrier oil. There’s really no magic formula, it’s almost entirely trial and error to find out both the type of oil and the ratio that works best for you. So just make your mixture in small batches and buy small things of oils at a time until you find what works for you! 😉 (And FYI, after a lot of trial and error, I’ve found that using rose hip seed oil, and during the day a little avocado oil as well, around my eyes helped with the fine lines I was seeing! I highly recommend that!)
I was like, what the heck is castor oil really made of, so I googled it and read the wikipedia page. Pretty interesting stuff (the whole beaver thing), but how does everyone feel about the ricin toxin that causes harm to the workers who harvest the castor seeds? I’m hoping that a natural foods store may have some that in some way was harvested in a safer way…
BTW I use olive oil with the castor oil. Olive oil has always worked very well for my very dry skin (on my body) and my hair, so I just naturally went that way even though my facial skin is oily. I always have a big jug of it on hand. But I may try other oils in the future. Also I do not add any essential oils because I sometimes use the OCM to remove my eye makeup and I don’t want any irritation. I love the idea though so I may start a 2nd bottle of my blend and add some tea tree oil or lavender, that way I have a choice. Lastly, although I only do this twice a week, I massage for a loooong time. I massage for at least 10 minutes then let it sit for another 5. I also use 2 washcloths because I have doubts how much oil and grime can be rinsed out after the 2nd “pass”, you know? I use each cloth twice for a total of 4 passes. When I’m done, I rub 1, just 1 drop of the oil blend between my palms and pat over my face. Perfectly moisturized! I find that when I do this before bed, my skin looks great immediately of course but looks even better in the morning!
I love the OCM. I’m 39, life-long mild to moderate acne sufferer, my #1 issue is oily skin and clogged pores. Horribly, disgustingly, chronically clogged. The plugs never went away no matter what I did. My skin always looked congested, bumpy and ugly. I figured, why not try one more thing? The science made sense to me. WELL, IT WORKS!!! My skin looks and feels so good! It seems too easy but I’ve been doing it for 2 months now (1-2 times a week is all I do) and I have seen no downside. I still break out occasionally but to have the overall texture of my skin be soooo smooth and radiant is a miracle to me. I look younger too, as the fine lines have lessened from my skin being so nourished. The OCM may not work for everyone but it is definitely worth a try!
What combination of mixture are you using?
I just started today! We’ll see how it goes!
Really worried, I don’t know if i should try this or not. While I was extremely excited at first, seeing how it worked for many people, I started to become a skeptic after I stumbled across people whose acne has been made worse by the OCM! I’m embarrased by my acne very much now, I hardly want to hold my head up at school to let people see my face, if it got any worse I would seriously die. Any tips for making this work? What to NOT do? Should I try it? HELP!
I say try it, but wait to do it until you can really give it a good shot (maybe wait until summer vacation or something, when you don’t have school?) It can take a while for your skin to balance out, and you really have to be committed to doing a lot of trial and error (I tried combinations of four different oils before I found the one my skin liked the best and in what percentage to the castor oil. Some of the stuff I tried caused instant breakouts, and some didn’t, but you won’t know until you try it). What has been most interesting for me is to see that, while I always thought I had oily skin, it’s turned out to actually be quite dry! For more specific help with your questions, though, try the Crunchy Betty forums (you’ll get a lot more responses there than you will here!)
I just started this this week and im noticing im getting soo many blackheads! Im wondering am i doing something wrong or is this my brekout phase? I use 1-1/2 tsp casyor oil and equal part jojob oil.
So far, I’ve been using OCM for over a month now. I started with just olive oil, then about a month ago I moved to a mixture of castor oil and olive oil. The problem was, I wasn’t doing it consistently. I was using a foaming cleanser in the morning, then OCM at night and following up with a Vitamin C toner and spot correcting with Tea Tree oil. Honestly, so far, I haven’t seen any improvement in my acne, but I also only recently stopped the mixture of foaming and oil, and am now using just OCM morning and night. I’m wondering if I’m doing it too much, or something’s wrong? I’ve heard only good reviews but so far I’m just not seeing it…
I am about to start the ocm – for most evenings and the honey face wash in the morning.
I wanted to ask, do I have to tone after the honey face wash?
Also, after doing ocm – should I moisturise with aloe vera or will that not be helpful?
Also, I do aspirin, honey + green tea mask, turmeric mask and clay mask – all once a week. Is this all necessary?
Hi!
Just wanted to say I’ve been using OCM for about 2 weeks now and it seems to be making a difference. I’ve had to change the ratio to suit my skin (2 parts castor 1 part jojoba with some tea tree and lavender oil) as I have very oily skin and I have to say my skin has never felt cleaner or softer. Not too sure if it’s down to OCM or the fact that I’ve been using jojoba oil as a moisturiser (2/3 drops jojoba, 1 drop TTO/lavender and a few drops of water) but my skin is looking a lot better. I’ve not had as many spots/pimples and my blackheads on my nose are clearing up.
I’ve been using a home made toner (witch hazel, water, lemon juice, TTO and lavender oil) to make sure my skin is completely clear of oil before applying the moisturiser.
So just wanted to say thank you for this post and give it a try if you don’t want to keep spending all your money on face washes and cleansers that don’t work!
I’ve also been using jojoba oil with my normal body moisturiser and my skin is soft, smooth and strokable!
Thanks for the detailed post! I’d been doing just EVOO for a few months now with great results, then all of the sudden the sides of my chin broke out. I’ve added some Castor oil and that seems to be helping, although its not completely remedied the problem yet.
I wax my face. The area where I usually break out looks fantastic, but that area where I waxed (first time since starting the OCM) its like every pore developed a pimple. 🙁 Any thoughts on combating this? It obviously makes sense that it would happen but there has got to be a way to counter act this. When I wax again in about 6 weeks I’m going to try just using water for a few days and see if that helps, unless people have any other ideas?
Hello, I just found your page as I was looking info about OCM. I have already ordered castor oil and can`t wait to try this method! As lot of people commented before me, I have oily skin with acne.. I am suffering from my early teenage days till now(I`m 25 now) and have tried lots of different treatments, cleansers, etc.. and nothing worked.. Now I been using my own recipe for face cleanser: I take some grounded oats, put some hot water, add a little linseed oil and evoo and make a mix. Then I put a tea spoon of that paste on the cloth, take it upside down and twist it around few times(then it looks like balloon) and with circular motions rub into my face, leave for 10 to 15 seconds and use other warm cloth to clean the mixture. I repeat that rubing 3 times(or till I use all my mix) every two days. When I will start to use OCM I will use it every two days and on the other days I will use just oats with water and see, how my skin will look.
I believe, that one day my face skin will look perfectly :))
I didn’t plan to leave a comment, nor did I think I’d do it so soon after I started… but I’m a believer. Official convert.
I started yesterday, and so far I’ve done this twice. I had bumps on my forehead, sort of like whiteheads, and I’ve literally tried everything to get them to go away. I bought a very expensive clarisonic brush, bought all the high end facial cleansers, exfoliated every day… Geez. The only thing that seemed to work in the past was a completely grease-free diet. So, imagine my frustration when the bumps reappeared, despite my healthy diet. They’re not huge, nor are they super noticeable, but I can see them and I can feel them and I wanted them gone.
After doing this method twice, TWICE, they’re gone. After the first time, I noticed a drastic reduction. I honestly cannot freaking believe this. My skin looks great, I haven’t experienced any oiliness through the day, it takes all my makeup off from the day (except a bit of mascara I take off with makeup remover), and even my pores are looking cleaned out and smaller. And I’ve only done this twice! I have one pimple on my cheek, but that’s it. I’ve never suffered from serious cystic acne, but one pimple is about normal.
Now I know it doesn’t work the same for everyone, but I just wanted to add my two cents that it totally worked for me. Try it! Even if it doesn’t work for you like it did for me, it’s worth a shot.
My only complaint is… what am I going to do with my $200 clarisonic?
I still use my Clarisonic with OCM. I just rub the oil on my face with my fingers then use the Clarisonic (dry) through it’s normal cycle (I wash the head with soap afterwards). Then, use the washcloth and very warm water to wipe the excess off. Excellent exfoliation and it’s worked great for me!
Where can u buy jojoba oil and avocado oil?
I’ve seen them both at the natural food stores by my home, and I’m sure there are specialty online boutiques that sell it, but if nothing else, Amazon has them both! 🙂
So I’ve started the OCM – day two here. Using 50/50 castor oil and jojoba oil. Breaking out like I am freaking 15 (UGH). Also going no ‘poo at the same time. I am a walking oil slick. I am doing the OCM in the morning while I shower. What about doing it again at night? Or just gently wash my face with a hot washcloth? If my face feels oily during the day, should I wash it or wait?
Coconut oil? Where does that fit into the mix?
It’s not recommended because it can be comedogenic (some people use it fine without any problems, though, so if you love coconut oil, I’m sure you could try it as a carrier, though getting it to mix with castor oil might be tough unless your house is warm enough for it to always be a liquid . . . ) 🙂
Where do you buy these oils? I live in a small town, and I’m not sure where I would find oils like sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, etc… Please help! I am very interested in trying this oil cleansing method out. I’m a 15 year old girl with combination skin and clogged pores with some hormonal acne occasionally.
I got sunflower oil in the oil section at our local, standard grocery store (I think it was Ralphs, but it was right with the canola oil and such!) I think grapeseed oil might be in the same section in a lot of stores, but perhaps not all of them. I found castor oil in the laxative section of our local Walmart, but none of the grocery stores around here carried it. For the others, you can find them on Amazon or other online stores, so if your town is really tiny, that might be your best bet 🙂
I have been acne prone since puberty and am still breaking out like a teenager at 33. I came across this post because I heard elsewhere about washing my face with honey. I am extremely surprised that not only are you promoting washing your face with oil, but that (according to previous posts) it actually WORKS. I saw that you said don’t switch OCM up with a facial cleanser that contains sulfates or sulfides. Am I to assume that if those are not in the ingredients of a cleanser, then they are completely okay to use? I am definitely hitting up the store today to get started!
I think she recommends elsewhere to really avoid all store bought cleansers – instead to do OCM if you’re wearing makeup, or just honey or one of her facial scrub recipes. (I do OCM every night, and haven’t had any issues! So I’m not sure why some people would only do it a few times a week or something, other than that it’s not as quick as the other options!) 🙂 Hope that helps!
I tried OCM and it gave me the worst breakouts I’ve ever had in my life! Not just after the first week, but after several weeks of religiously following the regimen every night. I’ve never had this number or such painful breakouts before. I really wanted this to work, but I’m monumentally disappointed with what this has done to my skin :^(
I keep a pump bottle of safflower oil on my bathroom counter. It has no odor, it works great and it’s very inexpensive ($5 for a big bottle at the grocery store). I wash my face with it just the way you describe … All my make up, including mascara, melts off easily. I massage it in gently, then wipe it off with a warm washcloth. Then I follow it up with a little Argan oil and I’m ready. At night I dab more safflower oil around my eyes. It works great on your lips too. And I use safflower oil on my skin after a bath. Ifmyounwant to scent the safflower oil you can do so easily … I like lavender or sandalwood. Sweet orange is nice in the summer.
I had recently been looking for new ways to clean my sensitive, acne-prone, easily dried-out in the cheeks-but oily sometimes in the T-zone, exzema-typical skin. I have changed make-up and moisturizers, switched cleansers, spent tons of money trying new masks with all-natural ingredients. I could not seem to find my “thing”. Finally one day I said to myself “Oh Forget It!”; I splashed water on my face, wiped it with a wet cloth, patted it dry and grabbed my avocado oil. I put one or two drops in my hand and massaged it in. I kept doing this for several weeks, mostly because I was tired of trying, and something amazing happened- my skin cleared up! I thought I was just imagining things until my doctor said, “Your skin looks amazing; it’s all even and clear!” I was so excited I tried it for my body also. I take warm baths with avocado oil and use exfoliating gloves. My skin stopped drying out and flaking up. I will never go back!
I have been using the OCM for the past week. While I have really enjoyed the results of OCM thus far, I do have one question. Is it okay for me to use a sulfur acne mask treatment occasionally? Or will it interfere with the efficacy and the results of OCM? Thanks for the help.
I would love to start ocm it’s just that I’m nervous. I was researching it and a lot of people said that they went through a purging period and I’ll just be starting school soon so I don’t know if I want to try. Does any one have any purging experience here, like how long and bad it was. I just want to know before I start a lot of people say its really good though
What about doing this cleansing method in a sauna? Will it work for better or worse? I’m new on the method, but eager to try it ASAP!
Query: Could I also use this method on other parts of my body where the pores tend to
clog up? (Would it work with vigorous rinsing, or does it need to be
wiped off that kind of gently? I can’t probably reach to exactly
duplicate the face treatment between my shoulderblades, f’rex.)
if i want to apply for my wholebody do i need to add castor oil?
I couldn’t find castor oil at my local Target and because I’m impatient, I grabbed some mineral oil instead. It’s been three nights and there’s no negative signs thus far. Is that alright to use or should I go get myself some castor oil?
It sounds great but my only worry is that my skin is rosacia prone. Worming it up every night can trigger the irritation and bring more thead veins. Do you know how OCM work for rosacia?
Hi I wanna try OCM for my acne prone skin, but how do I know when to stop cleaning my face with washcloth? When will the oil get completely cleaned off?
I need some help and advice! I’ve been using the OCM for 9 months now (jojoba or almond/castor oil). I’m happy with it but I am still getting zits… granted, they are not painful and don’t surface and become awful like they used to, and they go away faster… which is why I am sticking to it. I use it every night but I am debating on what I should switch up with? I tried using Dickinson’s witch hazel on my face after the OCM and woke up with better feeling skin… is this alright to switch up with? Can I use the OCM and witch hazel after? Or should I just rinse my face and use witch hazel after, using the OCM every second/third night? Thanks for all your help….
I have no advice to give, except that if you think it’s helping your skin, then give it a try and see what happens 😉 You could do OCM at night, and then water/witch hazel in the morning (just to give your skin a chance to absorb the leftover oil on it). But I think it’s one of those things where you just have to try it and see what works best for you (as frustrating as that is!)
I finally finished reading ALL the comments (I think I deserve a medal!) and noticed that almost everyone talks about using a few of the carrier oil options (usually jojoba or grapeseed) but have many people used sunflower? Also, I’ve been doing this for probably about a month and I really love the results, but there’s still some tweaking that needs to be done. My forehead is looking great, but I noticed I look far more wrinkly around my eyes and mouth than I ever have before (I’m about to turn 30, and while my skin does break out on occasion, it’s NEVER been wrinkly before!) I’d been experimenting with various ratios of castor oil and sunflower oil (everything from 1/3 to 3/4 castor oil), adding a drop or two of tea trea oil, and then last night decided to try EVOO (one of the approved ones, from the other article!) since it’s thicker. I still end up using a few drops of almond oil to moisturize around my eyes and mouth in the AM and PM, where it looks most wrinkly. My current hypothesis is that, while I’d been treating my skin as though it’s acne prone, perhaps it’s drier than I realized, and the wrinkles are really just my skin looking parched. Has anybody had a similar situation? And would I be better off using a different carrier oil, or simply less castor oil?
What do you use to treat a breakout or an individual zit?
I’ve seen a lot of people say that they use tea tree oil and/or witch hazel to dry up individual pimples.
I have tried this for two weeks now and it is making my acne worse. I don’t do the OCM daily though, should I? I want someone’s advice that was in the same boat as me.
My breakouts are random (aka stress induced) and are just bad enough that I am self conscious (I am 25, and don’t want to have acne!).
What are you doing when you aren’t doing OCM?
I just started using the OCM two weeks ago. I started out every other day because at first I was breaking out a little and noticed more cystic acne. I decided to keep going and use it every day, and the breakouts/cysts are almost gone and I don’t have to use moisturizer anymore. I actually do this in the shower and fan the steam towards my face and wipe the oil off w/ my hands-saves a little time b/c I just do it while my conditioner is in. Thanks for the article-I’ll try to remember to review again after I’ve been doing it longer.
Does it matter which oils you mix? And I just ordered a tea tree oil/clay cold press soap from Etsy. Will that affect the OCM?
I just started using the OCM about 4 days ago and I love it so far. I use it at night. What should I use during the mornings? My skin feels oily when I wake up. I have Burts Bee’s Natural cleanser with 1% of salicylic acid in it. Is this too drying for every day use? Will it confuse my skin? What type of cleanser do you recommend?
A lot of people use honey or one of the facial scrub recipes on this site in the morning. I didn’t have much luck with that 😉 Instead, I just rinse my face with water and use a little diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner. Then I use a little almond oil on my cheeks and around my eyes where I’m dry, and apply my makeup per usual! If your skin is really feeling super duper oily in the AM, though, maybe you’re not washing the oil off well enough before bed? Or maybe your face is just adjusting 😉 Good luck!
I love this article and i think the entire method is great and well explained, however i do have a question. I thought castor oil increases hair growth (btw, great for longer eyelashes) and i happen to have dark hair(strong,grows back fast) and very light skin, facial shows on me. Lucky, not all over my face just eyebrows(obviously) and mustache( the super annoying one). If i begin to use this treatment/method of cleansing with castor oil as the main ingredient will more hair grow :/ ?
I read somewhere in the forums here that since you’re washing the castor oil off (as opposed to leaving it on, as some kind of growth serum) it probably won’t do anything to affect hair growth. But you could try it and see! 🙂
Thanks so much for this and the honey method, along with the no ‘poo idea, and basically everything on your website! Before learning about the honey face wash idea, I had a ton of acne that kept on coming back. I kept on using drugstore products that promised to be even more powerful against fighting acne than any of the others. I wasted so much time and money on those! Once I found your honey face wash page, my skin immediately began to clear up FAST. I also had a new glow to my face, and any redness I had previously had was gone. Most of the acne was going away, but then I looked at your OCM page. Although the idea seemed strange initially, I decided I had nothing to lose. After only two days, my face looks the best it has since before puberty!!! My acne is basically gone, and it improves drastically every day! I now have gotten all four members of my family to start using this idea, and they all love it too. I have been using honey in the morning, and OCM in the evening. I have gotten SOOO many complements on my skin lately its amazing! So thank you so so so so so so much for writing this article. You’re the best!
For the skin drying out after OCM have you tried using a facial oil to moisturize, I use camelina or thistle oil as they are both dry oils and leave no residue on the skin. If I need a little more moisturizing I add a drop or 2 of apricot kernel oil to 1 of the other oils to add a little more moisture at night . Hope this helps.
i usually use Rodan & Fields (makers of proactiv) before i switched to the OCM. i mix 3 parts EVOO, jojoba oil, and grape seed oil. i had really clear skin thanks to the R&F, but wanted to try the OCM. i did it for 3.5 weeks and my skin looked BEAUTIFUL…but then started breaking out like crazy. i looked like a 14 yr old boy going through pizza face puberty. so incredibly embarrassing!!! i tried to stick with it, but nothing was healing, so i switched back to the R&F for the past week. it’s now been 4.5 weeks and i’m slowly healing but still getting little whitehead zits everywhere but i’m trying to get back on the OCM. just don’t think i can handle a break out like this again! i love that it made my skin “glow” and i wasn’t as shiny and greasy looking all the time but don’t know what to do about the breakouts – it was little whiteheads and a few big zits. :/
I’m from India and here historically folks really didn’t use soap for skin care or personal hygiene –
– my grandmum never used soap on her skin her entire life (she made a paste of chickpea flour, turmeric, coconut oil and milk to use in the bath). In fact in the past few decades we’ve had massive public service campaigns urging people to use of soap to safeguard against bacterial infections. But even so, as a child I was taught to never use soap on my face – although at some point I made the mistake of switching over to cleansers – though I haven’t for a few years now and have just started OCM. I have a question though for those who have been following the method for a while – I have literally no breakouts on my face but I get terrible hormonal cystic acne on my back and I find it really hard to clean the oil off properly. I don’t use washcloths (too much laundry for someone who does her washing without a washing machine) – I just heat up some water and get in the bath right after – so my question is, how necessary is it to get all the oil off your skin after cleansing? – if there are minuscule traces of oil left behind in hard to reach spots am I just asking for a breakout? .
I’m interested in giving this a try – where would I purchase all these lovely sounding oils?? I’m fairly certain my local grocery wouldn’t carry them – are they best found online? Help!
If you live in a medium to large-ish city look for the nearest food co-op. They can be on the expensive side but I chalk it up to supporting a good cause; and essential oils go a looooong way. I haven’t done the math, but this method is probably way cheaper than buying commercial products (that don’t work anyway).
I’ve been using this method for about a month now and I get so many compliments on my skin! People say I have a glow and that it looks just plain good. No need for any moisterizers and my make up feels great on my face now. Highly recommend it!
I really, really wanted this to work. I read tons of pages on the method, and went and bought a few oils. I started mixing in very small amounts, then a few weeks in I felt I had found the right mix and purchased a little 3oz bottle and filled it up according to my formula. For the first 5 weeks, my face felt soft and smooth and was clear. Except the blackheads on my nose and chin. I massaged and massaged, they weren’t coming out!! The black heads were getting larger, and I kept telling myself it’s because they were coming closer to the surface. I REALLY wanted to be like the reviewer below who ended up with giant open, but empty, pores on her nose! I ended up adding more castor oil to my bottle to help cleanse the pores. I think this is where I screwed up. I started to get really dry even though I was using the solution to moisturize after, and about 5 weeks in, I started getting pimples in places where I have NEVER broken out before (on my cheeks), as well as huge, painful deep pimples (cystic, I think?) all over my chin. I read that maybe this is normal, so I kept it up for another week, but it was just getting worse. So I stopped. My new method is I went back to using my Mary Kay bar soap. I still use my bottle full of mix, but now it’s just to remove the make up (eye liner & mascara only for me). Then I use my MK bar soap, use apple cider vinegar solution as a toner, and finish up with grapeseed oil for my moisturizer. In just a week of changing my method to the above, all pimples are gone and blackheads are shrinking daily. So far, I’m happy with this routine. Yep, I still use the soap, but at least my toner and moisturizer and make up remover are natural, and my skin feels NICE. Hopefully this change will work for the long term. Thank you for your article!
Okay, I *tried* very *hard* to read through *ALL* the posts before asking a question, because I don’t want to be that guy. “Oh. We’ve already answered your question. Like, eight times. You didn’t have five minutes to scroll down and finish reading? Jerk.” …but there are SO MANY! Lots of success stories, which is good.
I really want to try the OCM. It sounds perfect for me; I have really persnickety skin, so something that I can customize might actually be the answer to my problem spots, which are all different problems. …But, I’m looking for a cleansing method that I can use *without water.* See, I’ll be on the road starting here in a few weeks, and I won’t have access to running water nearly as reliably as I’ll need to wash my face as religiously as I do. I would dearly love a crunchy solution to my potentially greasy problem. Anyone with any suggestions? Please?
Good question. I don’t know about starting OCM while you’re on the road. When I don’t use oil I do the honey wash. I love it. The honey comes off pretty easily with water. Maybe you could bring a jug of water, pour some on a paper towel or a cloth, and use that to wipe off the honey. OCM really works best with hot water. Hope this helps.
i have used the ocm for 2years now and my skin is so much better.i would never use soap again
Just started trying this method today…I’m 20 years old, and have some pretty severe acne problems. Currently the acne is under control, but I have quite a few blackheads. Doing this method only once so far loosened up a few of the blackheads and made my skin pretty soft and clean. I am worried that it will make my acne breakout badly, but we’ll see.
I am super excited to try this. I usually use LUSH cleansers and moisturizers, but they are so expensive. I steam my face every other day when shaving anyway, so I already have a good supply of hot shave towels by the sink.
BTW, ladies, take it from a guy with sensitive skin who is a recent convert to traditional shaving methods-the steaming is great. Do yourselves a favor and get a supply of towels just for steaming. Most bathroom-sized hand towels are either too big or too small, in my opinion, and the specialty facial towels can be a bit pricey, but I picked up some dish towels from Ikea, The are a bit thin, but I apply one and then just slap another right on top of it. That’s nice because the 2nd towel can be a bit hotter and give you a bit more ‘steam time’.They are the perfect size, they’re cheap, and using two stacked up really holds the heat in well.
After reading this post I decided to try the Oil Cleansing Method myself. I followed up with more research on the types of oils and ratios to try to find a good balance for my skin, which has been difficult ever since middle school. The problem with my skin is that I have combination skin, with the oily sections very oily and the dry sections almost flaking off. Over the years I’ve tried proactive, neutrogena, mary kay, and a whole expensive list of other cleansers that either made things worse or did nothing at all. So I figured “whats the worst that could happen” and decided to try OCM. It’s not like my skin could get any worse. It already has acne and rough patches as if I were still in high school, which is not the look you hope for as a young professional (doesn’t really inspire much confidence from your older coworkers if you look like their kid).
I settled on a ration of 1 part caster oil, and 1 part grapeseed oil in an 8oz bottle with a few drops of tea tree oil to help with the acne problem. I only started 3 days ago and already my skin no longer has such extremes. My skin is soft and uniform, and is neither dry nor oily with a significant reduction in blackheads and redness. Now, it should be noted that in the last two or three weeks before starting I did not use any strong soaps or cleansers because my skin was very irritated from the heat, so I was only using sensitive skin soaps about every other day. It is possible that I have not experienced a prolonged adjustment period the others have experienced because my skin was not already accustomed to a strong cleanser, so my experience should be taken with that in mind. However, this is one new convert to the OCM that will never look back.
I’ve seen various people recommend only using this method once or twice a week (I’m about to try it for the first time tonight, so we’ll see how often I end up doing it!) but what do people use the other nights of the week that they aren’t using OCM?
My skin is so sensitive normally that every (EVERY!) cleanser, even the sensitive skin stuff I’ve tried has caused major flare ups for my skin. That was until I read about the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM). I love it! If dryness is a problem after cleansing, I like to use Frownie’s Immune Shield (vitamin A oil) or Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion in dry spots. I especially recommend the Frownies; it is the best kept secret of the movie stars. The only warning I have is about the first week or two using the OCM while the skin adjusts and expels the black heads and deep acne; my skin got worse before it got better.
I started this method with my 15 year old daughter last week… we are enjoying it… I have a few questions that I can’t seem to find the answers for. I wish there was a FAQ about OCM. Well here are my questions…
1. What do you use for sunblock on your face when using OCM?
2. I got sunburned on my forehead and it is dry and flaky… what can I use to moisturize it and help the flakes come off? I have a sugar scrub that I use on my legs… will that work?
3. If I feel like my face is dry (We live in the desert) is there a moisturizer that I can buy or make that won’t counter the OCM method?
Thanks!
I think I’ve seen her recommend using a little of your oil mixture after you’re done cleansing if your skin feels dry, and in the mornings I use a little almond oil on my dry patches (mostly around my eyes and cheeks) because it is thinner and absorbs quicker than the castor oil blend does.
http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/01/thicker-than-water-is-the-oil-cleansing-method-beneficial/
Article theft…?
Ho. Lee. Crap. A few things are rewritten, but most is straight from this post. That’s REALLY, REALLY sad. I don’t mind if people share anything – anything at all – from my site, even in my exact words, if there’s a credit back. I’m pretty bummed by this. Nice catch.
I’m about a month and half into OCM and had little success in the first month but was determined. I found the solution to my problems from the reader feedback in these comments. I was wondering if Crunchy Betty has considered creating a survey for those that have tried OCM. I imagine having the information collected in that manner might encourage more people to try OCM and give them more points of reference to start from. Just a thought. I appreciate this site immensely!
Should you still use anti aging products? I use an eye cream and light night cream every night with my current routine, but if I switch to the OCM I imagine I won’t need the night cream anymore. However, what about the eye cream to help prevent lines? I also use the night cream on my neck, should I just rub a little oil on it instead?
I’m still newish to OCM and can’t answer that question but I did come across this the other day: http://crunchybetty.com/slip-it-in-for-beautiful-skin-facial-massage-and-acupressure
It recommends incorporating specific movements into your face washing that encourages the skin upwards. I’m going to give it a shot.
I’m also on the hunt for something to use around my eyes (I think she mentions using Vitamin E oil above, and I’m not sure what that would do for wrinkles, per se, but it is good for your skin in general!)
I am new here…so Hi everyone! Just ordered everything i need for the OCM, and daily facial scrub. Super excited to get started! Wish me luck all (:
I have been using this method for 3 weeks now. I use one part olive oil, one part castor oil, one part jojoba oil and a splash of tea tree oil. my face looks amazing! I have had moderate BUT extremly painful cystic and regular acne. And have had these problems for about 9 years now. the change in my face was almost immediate. I have no pain at all. and while I still do get a few blemishes they are not as large, as red or as painful. They also clear up much quicker than ever before!(1-2 days from start to finish). No cystic acne at all over the last 3 weeks. Even healed up the one that I had been fighting with for over a month. I am so happy to have found this information! I am using the method at night only, but I am doing it everynight. and only use very light moisturizer and a tiny amount. My skin is glowing and Im happy as a clam!
Cannot believe I have just read that coconut oil is known as comedogenic, I have had blackheads on my chin forever and noticed how bad they looked when I wore mineral makeup. well, I checked my all natural cleanser, no preservatives, kept in fridge and the second ingredient is coconut oil. I hope to keep using it on the rest of my face but will try a few methods on this page for my chin and see what happens. I also cleanse with apricot kernel oil of a night, take off with cotten pad, so this might be worth mixing with caster oil. I didnt see an oil which would be best for sensitive skin, I was thinking of trying grapeseed. I’m extremely sensitive to anything astrigent, especially cheeks, but wondered if this would be ok on my chin. using a moisturiser from akin at mo at night and ultraceuticals during day.
Hi. I’m about 3 weeks into ocm (jojoba/castor/almond + few drops tea tree oil) and my face is going HAYWIRE. major major breakout and I am really freaked out. I’m ready to quit & go back to prescriptions. I would really like some reassurance from Betty, the group, anybody(!) that this WILL GET BETTER. I’m to the point tgat I would prefer not to leave the house if possible… Please help
Do the honey wash in the morning & apple cider vinegar astringent as needed. You might try gently blotting with a paper towel after using oil.
Ok, I just ran across this today on Jillee’s website and on this one (by the way loving both!) I am 32 and have always had problems with acne, especially on my back and chest. Sometimes I am luck enough to clear up on my face for a short period of time but never on my back and chest. I have tried everything, but most often nothing changes or it will get worse. I am going to get my oils and try this method out. Does anyone know whether I can use this on my chest and back? Thanks
I don’t see why you COULDN’T, but it might be hard to do on your own! 🙂
I’ll have to try this! Thanks so much for writing about it! 🙂
One question: I have Macadamia nut oil here, would that be ok to use as well? I have normal facial skin, leaning towards the dry side…
I’m very interested in trying this method after everything I’ve read. My only issue is that the moisturizer I use has a sunscreen in it. If this method takes away the need to moisturize, how are you all protecting your skin from the sun? Would using a regular sunscreen mess up the process?
Clinique has a facial sunscreen that is not mixed with a moisturizer. It
was a number of years ago that I purchased the product, but they may
still have it. I believe it was called something like Super-City Block
and it was 40 SPF. I have super sensitive skin and I have had luck with
it. In addition, they have a policy that if you don’t like it you can
have your money back no questions asked, even if the bottle is half
empty. Ultimately the best sunscreen is a cute brimmed hat or baseball cap. Hope this helps.
Try looking into Astaxanthin
The method doesn’t take away the need to moisturize… some people still need a little (like me!)
I just started OCM last night and I am so excited/hopeful! Just one question- what do you use in the mornings or on nights you don’t use OCM? Just hot water? Thanks!
Eeep! I started this a few days ago, then discovered this site.. that would explain why I’ve broken out so badly!! My prom is in 2 weeks, should I stop using the OCM until after? I really really don’t want bad skin for prom!
Ok – I stumbled onto OCM from an item I found on pinterest today. I had to go to 3 different stores to find all the oils I wanted. I made my mix of 1/3 castor + 1/3 jojoba + 1/3 sweet almond + 3 drops tea tree oil. I used it tonite insteade of the prescription benzoyl peroxide (I KNOW!) face wash I have to use during the summer to keep my breakouts at bay.
I would LOVE for this to work. As one poster wrote, I’ve spent so much money in the last 10 years on dr visits, expensive prescriptions, over the counter washes, treatments… It makes me ill. I know the thought of rubbing oil onto my face seemed ludicrous when I first read this (oil is the problem, right???) – but then again if you told me a year ago that I would rub oil (OIL!?!?!) onto my hair every time I washed it, I would have said THAT’S crazy!!!
And Yes, I will be washing with honey in the morning. : )
If I have the results some of the other readers have had, I will be a devoted crunchy Betty 4 life!
I was so excited to try this. I did 1 tsp castor oil, 1 tsp avocado oil, and 1 tsp jojoba oil with some drops of tea tree oil and my face FELT wonderful!…..But LOOKS horrible! I did it for 3 months and my acne has never been worse. 🙁
I have been using the DHC brand of deep cleansing oil for a few years and I love it. However, it is pretty pricey! I can’t wait to mix up some cleansing oil of my own to try. Thanks!
Is breaking out part of my skin getting used to the OCM?
i just started the ocm a couple days ago and my face feels soooo good after wards, but now i’m breaking out really bad. any suggestions? i use honey as my face wash in the shower for my mornings and the ocm at night because i wear foundation.
Hi Chandelle,
I had the same issue – major break outs after a few days although my skin felt great. I used the 1/3 castor to 2/3 jojoba with some tea tree oil – dabbed on spots afterwards and later just added some in the mix. It took about a month for my skin to cleanse out totally but now it’s glowing and spot free. If you can manage to stick through it, I think it’s worth it. Oh, I also started doing OCM in the shower in the mornings cause it felt so good. 😉
Hope this helps!
I make a blend of coconut oil, water and veggie glycerin. Wonderful. Add a couple drops of whatever fragrance you love. I live in the desert and it works wel. Sometimes I een use it on dry heels.
Hi , do you you this to cleanse? how do you get the oil to mix with the water? If you use water in a preparation, it is best to make it fresh every day or every few days, so bacteria doesn’t grow in the mixture. Coconut oil is a comedogenic, it’s great for hair and body, but could block the pores on your face. Maybe if you swapped the coconut oil to another oil, you would get even better results. I have been using a mix of grape seed, and jojoba with lavender and rosewood essential oil, for ocm, I have oily nose, normal forehead and dry cheeks, and find this blend is suitable for all those skin types. I also use this blend to moisturise, but add argan oil to the mix.
I love the OCM! I used just EVOO last night before reading up on castor oil. Today I mixed the two as suggested for oily skin. WORKED LIKE A CHARM!! I am so happy with this natural alternative. I will never use store bought acne treatments again!
i started using this method years ago and then got away from it but now ive been back on for a few months, first just in the morning and then switched to night… i love it! i have combination skin, mostly oily and this makes it clean and glowing. no breakouts at all, actually less than with an acne cleanser. i use just olive oil and pop my wet washcloth in the microwave for 25 seconds and steam my face. works great!
Hi,
I am 39 years old with on/off mild acne break outs. I was using bioderma’s micellar solution to remove my make-up and clean my skin (it is brilliant, gentle and super efficient) but had a bit of a major break-out due to some emotional times and after reading about the OCM I decided to give it a go. I have been using the OCM for just over a month now and it is only now that my skin is beginning to look clear and soft – before it got better it got MUCH worse , even worse than when I started it. So much so that I almost quit several times but my honey told me to persevere for at least a month. I did get rid of the EVOO and now I am using 1/3 Jojoba + 2/3 castor oil and a few drops of Tee tree oil. I also put some tee tree oil on any spots and grape seed oil if my skin feels dry after cleaning. Also I have started using OCM in the mornings too which has helped I think. So… I guess the take away here is even if it gets worse, keep it up for at least a month before throwing in the towl 😉
add a little raw sugar to the oil to make an exfoliating scrub!
Hi! I’ve been using the OCM for more than a year now and I can’t go back to soaps…I break out! I have VERY oily skin and used to be very acne prone – not anymore! It’s a dream come true. My skin looks good – clear and smooth – every day! I’ve just turned 30 this year and everyone tells me that I don’t look my age…perhaps just being nice ;P My mixture is 1 part castor oil, 1 part EVOO and 1 part jojoba oil. REreading this article (I read your original blog way back when!) I think I may increase the castor oil percentage, as I get oily skin in the afternoons and my eye makeup starts to melt off. I also find that I need to exfoliate periodically, since the washcloth can’t scrub quite deep enough. Another OCM site had people recommending to use their used coffee grounds as a scrub…so I put about a tablespoon of USED coffee grounds into my quarter-sized puddle of oil, made it a paste and scrubbed away! I used the warm washcloth as normal and my skin was glowing….I’m praying the caffeine in the coffee will have a tightening effect! ;P Good luck to all of you, STICK WITH IT!! I broke out like crazy when I made the switch to OCM, even developing cystic acne, but instead of taking weeks for the cysts to surface and heal, they never surfaced and were GONE in a few days, just using the OCM and warm washcloth compresses. It really is perfect. 1 year and counting!
I started the OCM about a week ago. I’m now going through a Breaking out period. It’s sort of frustrating. I’ve never had clear skin so I’m really counting on the OCM. My mixture consists of jojoba and castor oils. I want so bad for this to wok. I’m 37 and would finally like to see an end to acne.
I’ve been doing it for almost a week (after 7 years of strict Proactiv use) and I’m very broken out as well. I’m hoping it’s just all the gunk coming to the surface and will go away soon! I’m 33 and have always had breakouts.
Hope you’re sticking with it, proactiv is known to cause mad breakouts when you stop it.. even switching to a higher end cleanser. I was told proactiv helps acne to remain “dormant” but doesnt really remove that gunk that causes the acne, so many breakout when they stop using it. not sure how true that is but i used proactiv for a few years before switching to lancome products. i’m going to start the ocm soon and look forward to the results.
Did it ever start to work for you guys?? Please update
Did this ever sort out for you? I am also a long time proactive user, and had finally gotten down to once a day or every other day when I first started OCM. The first week I went entirely to OCM every night and no proactive and my skin was GREAT. But the second week I started breaking out a little. Nothing horrible, but a few spots including some deep cystic ones. They were easily treated with benzoyl peroxide, but I got nervous and have gone back to proactiv for mornings and OCM evenings. Just curious what happened for you. Thanks!