(I first heard of it Monday, so don't feel bad if you don't know what I'm talking about.)
The Oil Cleansing Method is washing your face with castor oil, olive oil, and a hot washcloth. According to rave reviews on the web, it's like rubbing your face with manna from heaven.
I wasn't convinced. In fact, I was picturing something gross like this:
But really? It's nothing like it.
*whispers* I tried it.
What can I say? I was intrigued. The articles raving about it (and slamming the cosmetics industry) talked about all the chemicals in our beauty products and how bad they are for our skin--and the enviornment. (Did you know that mineral oil is a byproduct from making gasoline? Sick! It's also top ingredient in Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.)
So, here's how it works:
1. Mix together 1 part castor oil and 3 parts extra virgin olive oil. (Ratio adjusts based on skin type - add more castor oil for oily skin, less for dry skin.)
2. Massage oil onto dry face (don't wash face or remove make up first). Take your time and really work it in--and work dirt out.
3. Rinse a washcloth in hot water, and then lay it over your oily face. Relax and steam your face until the washcloth is cold, then use the washcloth to wipe the oil away.
4. Repeat step 3 until oil is gone. DO NOT RINSE OR WASH WITH SOAP.
Apparently, the castor oil is the cleanser and it's very drying. (Weird, huh?) The olive oil works as a buffer against the castor oil and a moisturizer full of antioxidants. People play around with the oils and make up their own potions: sunflower, sweet almond, jojoba, etc. You can get all into it and create woop-de-doo products with essential oils like lavendar or tea tree.
I stuck to the basic recipe because I'm cheap. I found the castor oil in the laxative section of Walgreens for $4, and mixed it up with the EVOO in my kitchen. I used 1/4 cup of castor oil and 1/2 cup of EVOO.
Eh, what the hell? I pulled my hair back, poured a bit into my hand, and slathered it on my face.
It did not roll off my chin. It didn't run into my hair line. It wasn't messy at all! It's like using normal face soap, only there's no foam.
I massaged and rubbed...spread some oil across my eyelids to get rid of the mascara...ran a washcloth under hot water...and steamed my face. I thought the steaming part would take forever, but it only took about a minute before the washcloth was cold.
When I wiped my face, I was stunned. My makeup was off (even the mascara), the oil was gone, and my skin looked--well, it looked like Elizabeth's! It looked clear and plump and healthy, not red and irritated.
My face felt clean--actually, it felt a little dry and tight! I may have to add more olive oil to my mixture.
The next morning, my skin was soft (and still not greasy). I didn't even splash water on my face or put on moisturizer--I just put on my makeup and ran out the door.
I've been using the OCM all week, and I think I like it. I haven't noticed any bad side effects (hello zits!) and my skin is softer.
Has anyone else tried this? Or am I the only Mommy blogger rubbing castor oil all over her face and being laughed at by her husband?
15 comments:
I know what I'll be trying tonight! Thanks for sharing.
OOh thanks for the tips. I think I might give this a try. Never heard of it but it sounds good.
Fancy! Sounds like a good project once my kiddles are sleeping. Thanks for the info.
Never heard of it - definitely intrigued. Thanks for sharing!
Love your blog. First time I've seen it. As the author of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil nothing surprises me anymore regarding home cures with oils...And yep, they can and do work more times than not.
I use coconut oil as a moisturizer and sometimes Kiss My Face. I will definitely be trying this!
I've never heard of this, but it sounds like it works! Maybe i'll have to try it out!
This sounds very intriguing. My skin has been a mess lately and I am in need something different. I think that I will try this.
I'm having a very hard time finding Castor Oil....I guess it's time for a trip to the (dreaded) WalMart. Is it still working for you? Think it would work for the teenage son who is experiencing breakouts??
Wow...I never heard of it but I definitely want to try. I have a problem with having super dry cheeks in the winter. This sounds awesome!
I am going to try it too!!!!!
I am going to be 50 (gasp!) in a month and still get zits. I thought those were supposed to go away~ I think I'll try this. The thought of putting oil on your face sounds like it would be clogging, but apparently not. Thanks for sharing~
It makes perfect sense. I stopped using store bought beauty products awhile ago and make my own soap, toner and moisturizer. It's really helped my teenagers with their acne problems as well.
Castor oil can also be found at healthfood stores.
I am getting ready to try this tonight! Can't wait!
Also wanted to share this....I haven't shampooed my hair in 9 days! I am just using baking soda and vinegar. I love it! My hair has been soft and thick! I am blogging about my 'poo-less experience if you want to check it out!
Lately, I have feeling a bit like a tree-hugging hippie. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
What a great resource!
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