The more I learn about skin care, the more I come to the conclusion that all this crap we put on our face is so unnecessary. Actually, it makes me a bit annoyed at how the media makes us believe that it is essential for us to use all of these products otherwise we’ll age really quickly or we’ll look terrible.
After a recent stint (and a bad experience) with benzoyl peroxide, I was SO sick of putting chemicals on my face that I wanted to take everything back to basics, use products that are as natural as possible. I had been using a natural cleanser for a while, but this wasn’t enough for me, I wanted to go even more basic than that. I have a couple of friends that wash their face with water only, and I noticed how good their skin looked. It made me wonder if all the products I was putting on my face was doing it more harm than good. If they can have such clear beautiful skin using water only, then maybe they’ve found the answer.
The Water Only (WO) Cleansing Method
The water only (WO) cleansing method is just that, you cleanse with tepid water only. You can apply a moisturiser after the cleanse if your skin is tight or dry.
I’ve got to say, I still haven’t tired this one because I’m too scared. Once my skin is 100% clear then I’m going to try it, because it just seems so good and easy. Some people swear by this method, particularly if you have very dry skin. Check this article out:
Six weeks without a wash: The soapless experiment
The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM)
I’ve been doing the OCM for about two weeks now and my skin has been a lot healthier and softer. My little sister even told me my skin was glowing! I did get a couple of pimples along my hair line and under my jaw where I hadn’t been washing the oil off properly, but apart from that it actually is helping clear my skin. I also LOVE how simple it is. It was so refreshing to get rid of all my skin care products and reduce it down to one, because the OCM cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturisers.
OCM involves two essential oils – extra virgin olive oil and caster oil. The caster oil is an extremely good cleanser. It will remove dirt and dead skin cells from your pores without stripping the natural oil balance of your skin or mucking around with your skins natural pH. Extra virgin olive oil is an awesome moisturizer that is packed full of goodies for your skin, like antioxidants. Both oils are safe to use on acne prone and blemished skin. In fact, it’s probably the best and most gentle cleanser to use on problem skin.
The mix of extra virgin olive oil and caster oil will depend on your skin type. I have dry skin so I use a ratio of 3:1. This means that when I make my cleanser, I use 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of caster oil. If you’re not sure of your skin type, use a ratio of 1:1.
How much oil should I mix together?
| Skin Condition | Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Caster Oil |
| Dry | 3 tablespoons | 1 tablespoon |
| Normal (or unsure) | 2 tablespoons | 2 tablespoons |
| Oily | 1 tablespoon | 3 tablespoons |
I also like to add a few drops of tea tree oil to the mix. Tea tree oil is a really good antibacterial and is great for acne sufferers.
How To Do The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM)
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You need to start with a dry face, so it’s best to do the OCM before or after your shower. Pour a generous amount of the oil mix into the palm of your hand then gently massage it into the skin on your face and neck. Take as long as you like, sometimes I like to take up to several minutes. Sit down and relax and enjoy the process. You can even sit down in front of the TV and do it. The amount of time you spend really depends on how much time you have. If you only have 30 seconds to spare then that’s okay.
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Steam your face. You can fill a bowl with hot water and put your face over it with a towel over your head, or using a special steaming pot. The easy way is to soak a face washer with hot water, ring it out, then place the hot washer on your face for a minute or so. This process opens your pores so the oils can get right in there and give you a deep cleanse.
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Gently massage the oils into your face again. This time you don’t need to take as long as you did in step 1.
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Wet a face washer with warm water then gently wipe the oil off your face. You will also be wiping off dirt and dead skin cells.
If your skin is dry or tight, put a small amount of the oil mix onto your fingertips then pat the oil on your face. Make sure you then rub the oil in so you don’t have any oily patches. It’s really important to make sure the oil is rubbed in properly so you don’t get any breakouts.
That’s it! You’ll find that you skin will become a lot softer and will even glow after just a couple of days. It will not work wonders for your acne overnight but it will make your skin as healthy as it can be which will give a chance for your acne to heal.
Fran
Fran Kerr is the founding editor of High on Health. To cure your acne, sign up to Fran's FREE acne cure mini-course or download her latest how to guide, Eat Away Your Acne.
38 responses ↓
[...] the last couple of days I’ve been using organic virgin coconut oil instead of olive oil in my oil cleansing method (OCM) and the results have been great. I decided to try the different oil because I felt as though the [...]
Thanks for this method. It sounds easy enough!! Do you use any other moisturizers or treatments for acne or is this it? It sounds too good to be true tho. I’m definetly looking something for acne and just doing one product and thats it for the face is the best. An all in one product!!
Yeah, it is really easy. That’s one of the great things about it, it really simplifies the whole cleansing moisturising routine.
Have a look at this link, it’s great for answering all the questions about the OCM that you may have:
http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=
naturalliving&keyword=Skin+Care+-+Oil+Cleansing+
Method+%28OCM%29&filter=all
[...] the drama - a few days ago I learned about the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) thanks to Fran over at High On Health, an interesting (and simple) way of cleansing the skin by using certain oils to counteract and [...]
[...] If you don’t know what the OCM is, you can read my introductory post here –> The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) For Cleansing Your Face [...]
[...] three weeks ago, I decided to start the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM). I haven’t posted my progress until now as I wasn’t entirely happy with the [...]
Hi Fran! Oh I so feel like you’re an old friend at this point = ) I’m 32 years old and have never suffered from acne…even as a teenager. I always took for granted the fact that my face was nearly flawless 25 days out of the month, and the other 5 days I was blessed with maybe one or two along with my cycle. OUT OF NOWHERE, 3 weeks ago my face (around my mouth) began to break out unlike anything I have ever experienced. I’m pretty sure it had to do with a higher dose of birth control pill my doctor put me on that same week. They were not your normal whitehead breakouts, these were deep and were not going away. I had the same 4 spots flare up several times each day. I was SO embarrassed and very uncomfortable, and nothing I was using helped AT ALL. I went from every kind of over the counter product, to just hydrogen peroxide & neosporin. I had done so much damage to my skin from picking and squeezing…they were just becoming infected and so much worse. I’m sorry if this is sort of graphic, but I think your readers and probably yourself know what I have been going through. I was missing work, hiding in my house…becoming depressed. I began looking online for some sort of help when I came across your YOUTUBE postings. I went through the “stop picking on me” course, and yesterday I went to the store and got the olive oil and Castor oil to try the OCM. Fran, I woke up this morning for the FIRST time in 3 LONG weeks, without one new or reoccurring flare up. I actually felt my eyes tearing up. I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. The same 4 huge pimples, and the others that surrounded them… that have been flaring up for 3 weeks are now dried up and can HEAL. I can’t tell you how much you and highonhealth.org has helped me. This has opened up my eyes to perhaps a healthier way of living overall. I took a picture without makeup this morning, and will continue to document my progress. Thank you SO much for being there…I actually see the sun shining today =) I look forward to learning so much more. ~D
Oh that’s so wonderful that the spots are clearing up! Keep up with it …but if you get another ‘relapse’, can you go back to the same pill dosage that you were on before? Because I think you’re right - it would have been the change in your pill prescription ..and you may find that your hormones start to balance out again and are okay with it, or you may keep getting these spots for the duration of your prescription.
That’s awesome that you’re taking photos and documenting your progress! That’s the best way to see how a treatment is going and I think I should have done more of that. Because sometimes I think when the skin gets better you start expecting more from it, and totally forget what it was like before when it was really bad.
That’s awesome that I feel like an old friend to you!
Hi! I really want to try the OCM, however, it is hard for me to find the right castor oil. I’ve been searching it and I came up with different kinds of castor oil. For instance, castor oil for hair and constipation. Could you give me a brand name or what and how should it look like. Thank you so much…
Hi evergreen, any Castor oil is okay. I initially used one from the pharmacy which was actually for constipation (which is weird), and then I bought one online which was specifically for skin care.
How often do you do this? Is it once in the morning and then again at night?
Hi Diana, it can be quite strong so I’d start with just a couple of times a week. I was doing it twice a day and I ended up aggravating my skin too much and clogging my pores. It’s a great cleanser when used in moderation
hi fran. when you get the two oil and find your ratio could you just put that amount of the two oils into a little container and just pour some of that everytime you use it. or do you have to make it new everytime?
Hi ella, I put the two oils into a new container so it was ready every time I had to use it.
Hey there Fran! It’s great job that you’re doing:) I’ve just wanted to ask you where did you get the idea of cleaning your face with natural oils - or if there is some link you could provide from the original natural oils acne remedy you’ve found! Thanks. Keep up the good work:)
Hi Ionela,
I can’t remember how I found it …I think it just came up when I was reasearching acne treatments (which I do a lot).
This is one of the best resources:
http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=naturalliving&keyword=Skin+Care+-+Oil+Cleansing+Method+%28OCM%29&filter=all
Hi Fran. There is so much GREAT information here. Coconut oil fascinates me. See this link:
http://www.zerozits.com/Articles/acnedetect.htm
It gives a list of pore clogging ingredients, and actually lists coconut oil as very pore clogging, and something one should stay away from.
What do you think?
Hi Gary, yeah ..I wrote an article not long after this one which was my coconut oil disaster. I used it for 5 days and it clogged my skin up really badly. It’s strange because a lot of people have success with it, and it’s in so many natural products. Perhaps I was just using too much.
what about shaving for guys on this method? should it be done before adding the oil or after steaming before you splash with cold water to close the pores? I tried going to the livejournal link above but it won’t work, I also wanted to see what I should use for a shaving cream/post lotion. thanks
Hi GAbe, I guess it just comes down to personal preference. Experiment with it and see what you like
There’s actually a shaving forum that you may be interested in reading. I was surprised to find it - an entire forum dedicated to shaving for men! Here is the link:
http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/index.php
Also try the Live Journal link above again, it’s working for me now …
I’ve been using this with great results for awhile now.
To simplify the routine, do you think I can pre-mix the oils?
I would assume that using an opaque, pump bottle would be best but I’m not sure if pre-mixing would deplete the benefits of the oils.
Any ideas?
Hi Jen, I always premixed mine and kept them in a little bottle. I just made sure to give it a good shake before I used it, in case the oils separated.
Thankyou so much, I’ve started doing this and didn’t know how to measure out the oils =]
Thanks x
I have mild acne and suffer from Cystic from time to time. It started in my teens and I am now 32y/o’s. The bouts last 6-8mths w/o meds, which I don’t want to get on again. I have a tanned complexion and it’s oily after tak’g care of the acne I have to deal with the dark marks left behind. Once you mix these oils is it good to keep them refridged so they won’t spoil? How often should you use it in a day/week? TY!
Hi Fran! I wanted to ask you a question about OCM and a breakout i’ve had. I started researching alternative methods of acne treatment and came across OCM about a week ago and have been treating my face with the extra virgin olive oil and castor oil for the past 4 days now. I have noticed the acne on my cheeks getting better however the acne on my forehead has worsened and I was hoping you could give me some help.
I keep hearing how some people see so much improvement in a few days but others say it takes a couple weeks because of all the junk that needs to get out. Should I keep with the oils I’m using now and give it a while before I change anything up? I know i’m pretty impatient for only 4 days haha but I’m really sick of the long time ive tried with dermatologist recommended stuff not working and really want the OCM to work! Thank you!
Tanya- The oils don’t need to be kept in the fridge. I was using it twice a day which ended up being too harsh on my skin. Start with just 2-3 times a week then see how that goes first.
Elliot- The OCM is very hit and miss. It either works really well or not at all. It worked wonderfully for me for a couple of months, but in the end clogged up my pores so badly that I ended up with mild cosmetic acne for many months after. I made the mistake of using coconut oil and the olive oil in the a very hot and humid time of the year. Your forehead could be breaking out from excess oil (search for my t-zone article) or it could be something else. Only trial and error with the OCM will tell
hi there, can u please make a video of how to do this method just so im sure im not messing anything up. for example, i’m not sure on the steaming step and after it do i massage the same oils on my face or reapply? thank you!
Hello,
Gary, in response #17, posted a link which lists various things which are and are not good for the skin. Well in the list is says that petrolatum is actually good for your skin. Is this true?! I’ve always heard the opposite for this stuff.
Hi Wina, I’d trust that ‘acne detective’ site because it’s a really good one. But at the same time, I’d trust your intuition. I’ve always thought petroleum jelly would suffocate the skin too so I’ve never used it on the skin on my face.
I want to mix EVVO and Castor in one bottle. What ratio do I need to put in for dry skin?
jo, the ratios are listed in the article.
[...] oils on my skin as a cleanser and moisturizer. And I did that for almost four months with the oil cleansing method, but unfortunately it ended in [...]
Hey, Fran - got a question:
I’ve been doing the OCM for a while (it’s so-so right now). I saw on a video that after you’ve steamed your face, to wipe off all the oil. When I do that, I feel like I have to rub/scratch my face really hard to get all the oil off. Then, my dad suggested trying to simply wash off the oil with Dove soap (using my hands). And yet another person said to simply pat most of the oil off with a cloth or paper towel.
Do I want to leave oil on my face? How much? If I should get it off, what’s the best way to do that and still be gentle?
Thanks!
Hi Whiteny, all of your questions are answered in the link in some of the earlier comments
Hey, thanks Fran! I have one more quick question: sometimes I get acne in my eyebrows - I’ve been rubbing the oil right onto my eyebrows. Do you think that’s okay?
For any Christians reading this: I find that the time when I’m massaging the oils onto my face is a GREAT time to listen to some worship music and spend time worshipping God. And I’m not trying to plug for Christianity or trying to convert people. It’s just an added bonus I discovered. I suppose people could meditate or read the Koran or whatever while they’re massaging, too. And Fran, I’ll understand if you don’t want this posted.
Thanks Whitney, you make a really good point. My spirituality is in yoga and meditation and you’re right - it helps a lot with healing the skin.
Try asking the OCM question in the forums - http://www.highonhealth.org/forums/
Hey, Fran - sorry about posting all the questions here…but I’m not allowed to participate in any forums right now. I’ll try to limit my questions, though!
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