As
soon as I started realizing that I should be little more serious about my skin
care and physical fitness, I delved into all possible online sources to find
all GOOD ways of finding methods for skin care, makeup and fitness regime for
me. Apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle its essential that skin should
be kept clean and with some topical treatments as well.
OMG!
All what I came across was little difficult to believe yet an amazing way to
SKIN CARE. Can you believe it was Oil Cleansing Method, popularly
known as OCM. Although it’s hard
to believe that how OIL can be a good cleaning agent…..when it is one of the
biggest culprits!!!! Cleaning your face
with oil....have I gone crazy, No Way! When whole world is looking for oil free
skin care products why would I do this folly? But but but the answer lies
here-----
A
little research-The fact is its sebum …body’s natural secretion-natural oil
which when accumulates beneath the skin creates problems. Wiping off frequently
aggravates more sebum production extra sebum when accumulated is WHITE HEADS
and when gets in contact with external environment gets infected and hence we
have those tiny bumps and dents called as BLACK HEADS and even PUSTULES. And all we do is using harsh chemicals as
cleansers, ointments etc to cure, but of no use rather stripping natural
moisturizer-oil.
Let
me tell you my skin gets really unmanageable in summers, my oil factory runs
with complementary whiteheads…thank god not much of them turning into black
ones….aaahhhhh. but its still few of them turns unruly and my face is spoiled.
I hate looking into mirror. AND believe me,
this formula of drinking LOADS of water just don’t work with me as my
body immediately flushes it out and I get sick of visiting Loo repeatedly. Body
just craves the required and we automatically quench the thirst but not beyond
that.
How
it works- OK lets come to my OCM talk….we all know
Like Dissolves Like and so do this.
Oil
on your faces cleanses our extra facial factory production without leaving it
dry. Phenomenon says it needs a primary oil- preferably CASTOR OIL and a
Secondary or Carrier oil- according to skin type.
Why
Castor oil? – Best known for its traditional use as
laxative is widely available in all drugstores, the same has been considered as
a good moisturizer and tightening agent for skin. It has antifungal,
antibacterial and antiviral properties to treat variety of skin disorders plus
free from harmful chemicals like parabens etc. It
can be massaged into your scalp and may help increase circulation, stimulate
hair growth and prevent hair loss. So in brief, good topical remedy for skin
and scalp.
Here
Castor oil is essential but may give allergies so a patch test is required. In
case if it does not work, replace it with other lighter oils like Jojoba oil or
sweet almond oil. Important to mention it is quite drying for skin so a right
proportion is needed as per skin type.
For
secondary or Carrier oil- many options are available, just need to experiment.
1.
Extra Virgin Olive oil – good for all skin
types (but for me, its heavy)
2.
Sunflower seed oil – good for all skin types
and little light in consistency
3.
Avocado
oil- for dry, itchy, aging or sensitive skin.
4.
Jojoba
oil – good for all skin types and resembles our body sebum or natural oil.
5.
Apricot
Kernel oil – for dry skin
6.
Grape
Seed Oil – good for acne prone & oily skin.
7.
Sweet
almond oil – for oily skin.
Whatever
we choose, essential is to opt for cold pressed oils, free of chemicals.
Composition
Ratio normally can be – for Castor oil :
Carrier oil
Normal
Skin – 1:1
Dry
Skin – 1:3
Oily
Skin – 3:1
You
may try this as sample and get the right proportion for your skin type and then
even a large volume can be prepared to keep it handy.
Procedure
– it is very simple, just take the mixture and apply generously
on your face with circular massage motion. Give it a little time to reach your
pores and dissolve the dirt & oil. Wait for say, 5 min and meanwhile boil
water. Take a clean, soft cloth or tissue napkin and immerse in hot water ( not
boiling one to burn your hands & face). Cover your face till it gets to
normal temperature and then with a gentle pressure rub the face to remove oil. Steaming
would help open up your pores and remove dissolved dirt & grime off your
face. Repeat the step of covering the face with wet napkin and cleaning face
till oil is completely removed. (make sure not leave oil residue on your face).
That’s done. But yes if your face gets dry and feel stretchy, take some drops
of same mixture and apply as moisturizer. Here is new YOU with clean and
glowing face. It feels smooth, soft and so nourishing, believe me.
What
I observed- Initially when I started this, was little
doubtful but then more curious to try.
1.
Initially
when tried can lead to eruptions but not to worry as it is initial cleaning
process and would disappear as your skin adjusts. But if problems persist, discontinue
immediately. I also had certain eruptions which faded later on.
2.
Castor oil is surely drying but not to
larger extent.
3.
Proportions can be customized and should
be.
4.
This is not a universally applicable
method; suitable for all. May have contradictions.
5.
Weather conditions matters; should change
proportions accordingly.
6.
I have experienced good results for my
skin- naturally glowing and healthy skin with little tightening too. Dark
Circles – not sure as I have not experienced noticeable change.
7.
Works for all age groups.
What
I recommend –
1.
Patch Test for every oil & combination
is required.
2.
I had included essential oil in this
mixture- my ratio was Castor-almond-EVOO-essential oil (1:1:1:4). Can choose
any essential oil according to skin type like Lavender, Neroli, citrus, ylang
ylang, chamomile etc. I used FAIRY oil from AROMA MAGIC.
3.
You can also use and mud pack following the
cleansing, it will ensure oil removal completely from your face and also close
those open pores. Mint mud pack in summers is awesome.
4.
If your face feels dry and you are acne
prone then apply aloe gel as mosituriser.
5.
Applying mud pack and following with aloe
gel with ensure dead skin removal, treating pigmentation too.
6.
Always prefer organic or cold pressed oils;
preferably local made as they are free from chemicals.
7.
Prepare it fresh but with fixed
proportions, maybe in drops.
Do tell me how this article was and of any help?
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Google.
Very helpful post :) loved reading it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rashi :-)
ReplyDelete