OCM is an abbreviation for Oil Cleansing Method, which is a popular facial cleansing treatment using oil. OCM is a safe, non-invasive, and beneficial skincare ritual suitable for all skin types. In this article, you can read about which oils are suitable and how to perform the method.
Benefits of OCM
It is an economical way to cleanse your face.
It is gentle and non-drying.
It deeply cleanses and provides mild exfoliation.
It dissolves dirt and stubborn makeup.
It reduces pore size.
It decreases sebum secretion and restores lipid balance.
It resolves many skin problems and gives the skin a healthy glow.
Can You Really Cleanse Your Face with Oil?
Cleansing with oil originated in dry regions of the ancient world where skin required special care. Oil cleansing was later introduced to Central and Southern Europe by nomadic Roma women who emigrated. It's really not strange at all—oil dissolves oil and therefore dirt. It's a rewarding method for cleansing and gently exfoliating the skin. You don't need to use large amounts of oil; a little goes a long way. Unlike drying conventional cleansing products that foam and can cause various skin problems over time, oil cleanses without irritating or drying out the skin. If you feel that it's not clean without foam, it's just a matter of habit that you'll quickly overcome. An oil application followed by a warm towel is very cleansing and pleasant.
Which Oils are Suitable for OCM?
There are oils with a single ingredient; so-called "all around" oils or pre-blended cleansing oils, ranging from simple to advanced oil blends. You can of course also mix your own blend.
Cleansing with a Single Oil Type The best choice is to select a more nourishing type of oil such as:
Almond oil – Suitable for dry, sensitive skin.
Avocado oil – Suitable for dry, lifeless skin.
Coconut oil – Suitable for normal, dry skin.
Melon seed oil – Suitable for all skin types, especially oily and problematic skin.
Less rich oils can also work well, such as:
Evening primrose oil – Suitable for normal to oily skin and problem skin.
Jojoba oil – Suitable for all skin types, especially oily and problematic skin.
Castor oil – A super rich and sticky oil that cannot be used alone, but can be mixed with other oils. Castor oil is good at drawing out impurities and many people with oily and problematic skin like it.
How to do it?
Simple cleansing
Massage in either an oil or an oil blend (see further down). Always choose cold-pressed organic oils or an organic oil blend.
Wash away the oil and dirt with a dampened face towel or an organic washcloth or home-cut, soft cotton cloths. As mentioned, you can easily remove the oil with a dampened terry cloth face towel or with our fine organic washcloths. The advantage is that you simultaneously exfoliate the skin and you can wash these and use them over and over again. The disadvantage is that you need quite a few of them and they need to be washed frequently. If you don't wear makeup, you can wipe off the oil with cotton. If you want to avoid the washing work, you can alternate by removing the oil with loose rhassoul clay (or other clay). Sprinkle a little clay in your hand, add a few drops of water and wash away the oil with the clay. Rhassoul clay doesn't scrub, so to get that element, you can use a konjac sponge. This is not a "proper" OCM cleanse but can be tried.
Soak the sponge in water and squeeze out excess water.
Gently massage over the face with circular movements either with the natural sponge or add a small amount of any natural cleansing product to the sponge.
Rinse out the sponge after use and gently squeeze out the water with both hands.
Allow to air dry.
More complex cleansing
Moisten your face with either lukewarm water or an herbal distillate. Drop the oil onto clean hands and warm it up.
Distribute and gently massage the oil onto your face. Continue to massage the most problematic skin areas, e.g., dry skin.
Take a clean washcloth or soft towel and dampen it in warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, especially if your capillaries are weak.
Apply the washcloth to your face, let it sit for a moment, and then gently begin to wipe away the oil.
Repeat the procedure 2 times. Continue removing oil until you notice the towel is completely clean, which means it no longer collects impurities and cosmetics from your face. Remember to dampen the washcloth with water each time.
Finally, dampen the washcloth in cooler water and place it on your face to help your skin pores contract.
If your skin feels extra thirsty, use a cream. You can also add a drop or two of a serum.
Cleanse with Best Skin Ever
We have fine, pre-blended oils from our beloved brand Living Libations who created Best Skin Ever. With this oil, water, and a soft cloth, you'll go far.
Dampen a small section of a soft cloth with moderately warm water.
Apply one or two splashes of any Best Skin Ever to the dampened part of the face cloth.
Gently massage face, neck, and nape with the dampened cloth. Wash gently or pull slightly more firmly for a deeper exfoliating effect.Rinsing your face is optional. If you rinse with cooler water, it helps your skin pores to close.
If your skin feels extra thirsty, use a cream. You can also add a drop or two of a serum.
Remember
The washcloth you use for OCM must always be thoroughly cleaned after each use.
Make sure the water you use for OCM is neither too hot nor too cold.
Don't rub the towel too forcefully against your face, as it can cause irritation.
