For the past couple weeks I have been attempting washing my face with oil.  It may seem counter-intuitive but there is actual science behind this method. Some oils are cleansing and anti-microbial. This works because oils attract oils so by using the right oil it can essentially pull out the dirty oil from your skin while leaving good oil to keep your skin moisturized.  Some oil-free cleansers strip too much oil which causes oil glands to go into overdrive and then make your face even more oily.

The mixture I use is 50% Castor Oil & 50% Olive Oil.  If your skin needs more moisture, add more olive oil; if it needs more cleansing then up the castor oil percentage. For my next batch I’m going to add a couple drops of either tea-tree or lavender oil in order to add a nice scent.

To apply, place a quarter size amount in the palm of your hand.  Massage into your dry skin for 1-2 minutes.  Soak a washcloth in hot water and place over your face.  Leave the washcloth on your face until it cools.  This steaming allows the pores to open which therefore allows the castor oil to remove the impurities. 

Since starting this I’ve noticed my skin seems like it needs less lotion. I still get some blemishes on my face, but I’m thinking part of that is because I don’t spend enough time steaming my face afterwards and end up scrubbing more than I should. Currently, I’m using this product in the morning but I’m thinking of moving it to a night routine so that I can use it’s makeup removal powers as well.

Part of the reason I tried this out is because I saw it on Pinterest (so therefore I had to try it).  Another reason that I wanted to try it is because I’ve found that face wash is expensive and doesn’t have a lot of coupons. These are similar reasons why I started making my own makeup remover earlier this year.  If this method continues to work, I will be sticking with it.