The Oil Cleansing Method

When I mention the Oil Cleansing Method or OCM as it's known, most people screw up their faces and say "What? Wash my face with oil?"  Most in disbelief, some in terror.  The OCM is one of the best ways to cleanse your face, save money and, in the end, save time, that I've ever found.

The way this works is this:  The dirt on your face is stuck there because of the oil in your skin.  It comes in contact with your face, sticks to the oil and accumulates (or we put it there on purpose in the form of make-up).  We don't want to strip the oil, we simply want to remove the excess that's trapped the dirt.  Oil, can do this.  Add clean oil, to old dirty oil and you dissolve the old oil washing away the dirt. 

I can see you still don't believe me.

I'm not here to convince you. You'll just have to trust me on this one.  But there are a few points to remember.  Your skin needs oil.  It is part of what makes it glow!  Pimples and blemishes are not by-products of oil in and of itself.  There are many factors that contribute to them.  Secondly, not all oils are created equal. 

Why it Works

The magic ingredient in the OCM is castor oil.

Castor oil is quite thick and sticky.  It has been used for ages to draw out impurities and it can be drying.  Don't believe me?  Try this method using only castor oil and you'll be amazed how tight and dry your face feels!  You can usually find castor oil at health food stores or at the pharmacy in the section with epson salts, glycerine, mineral oil and the like.

The second ingredient in the OCM is usually EVO  (Extra Virgin Olive oil).

This provides moisture and lubrication to dissolve the dirty oil.  You can use almost any oil you have on hand though in a pinch.

You can vary the amounts of the two oils to customize your blend.  Start with the recommended tsp of each.  If you find it leaves your face a little too oily, add more castor oil.  If it's a little too drying add a little more of the other oil you've chosen.  Just be sure as with all DIY formulas you create, to write it down so you can reproduce it!  Once you've found your magic match, you can make up a larger batch.

The final magic ingredient is hot water.  Not so hot you burn yourself.  Don't use the kettle or the microwave.  Just use hot/very warm tap water.  The heat from the water will help to open up the pores and dislodge the dirt as well.  I love the feeling of the warmth on my face.  It's like a mini facial, a mini getaway I can do every day.  Don't underestimate the power of these mini moments!

The Recipe

What you need:

Castor Oil

Other Oil - Extra Virgin Olive oil is recommended

Face cloth

Hot tap water

 What you do:

1-Mix together 1 tsp castor oil and 1 tsp Olive oil

2-Get the tap water hot.  Not boiling but as hot as is comfortable.Hotter is not necessarily better.

3-Put the face cloth in the water

4-Apply a generous amount of the oil mixture to your face and massage in well.  Massaging also helps increase circulation.  Increased circulation brings oxygen to the cells and helps your skin look (and function) better.

5-Wring out the water from the face cloth lay your head back and drape it over your face.

6-Relax for a few seconds until the cloth is cool.  For me this is anywhere from 5-15 seconds.

7-Repeat steps 5-6 as many times as you like (at least twice)

8-Use the face cloth to wipe away the oil (and dirt).

9-Glow!

Have you tried this?  Let us know what you think!

Don't forget to also stop by the website.  Let us know why you like mains de mariposa product, how they worked for you and why and you will be entered into our monthly draw for great mdm gifts! www.mainsdemariposa.com