UPDATE 3/9/2018: I am rewriting my introduction to Oil Cleansing ... Stay tuned. Expect this to be complete by 3/12/2018.
Way back in history, before soap, we used oils to cleanse our skin! Because oil easily penetrates your pores and dissolves the oils there. Then, when you rinse with warm water and wipe away the cleansing oil you applied, you are also lifting away all the dirt and grime that has accumulated there as well! Eventually, it was discovered by a clever someone, that if you add a lye solution to the oils, stir, VOILA .... SOAP!
The ancient method of Oil Cleansing is gaining in popularity again today as more and more people seek simple solutions to everyday needs.
Oil cleansing resonates with me personally and fits snuggly into my love of rediscovering traditional practical approaches to achieving improved health and well-being.
Oil cleansing is beneficial for all skin types and is especially beneficial for those with mature skin, dry skin, those living in dry climates, and those who experience occasional outbreaks or clogged pores. People with these skin types report a reduction in these occurrences, smaller less painful, inflamed pimples when they do erupt and quicker to heal. They also report that their skin is more supple and better able to retain moisture and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.
If you have severe acne you need to proceed with caution. If your condition worsens when starting oil cleansing this is a sign that you need to evaluate the oils used and the method of cleansing. Don't give up! It's worth the effort.
Here are some of my blog posts were I discuss various aspects of MY Oil Cleansing Method.
Add the acid mantle to the long list of bodily functions which doesn't receive much attention but which can easily be at the root of skin issues, or be making them worse. If we knew better how the acid mantle functions we would take better care of it! It's surprisingly easy to damage it; unknowingly, we don't properly nurture this microscopic film. In the past 100 years our habits and expectations have been entirely altered by the explosive growth of the cosmetic, beauty, fashion, hair and skin care industries. And this is spelling bad news for the skin of people of all ages. If we knew a bit more about the acid mantle and the history of cleansing we would be adopting more nourishing approaches to skin care, and making a habit of employing a few simple tricks to help along the way.