Got pesky blackheads? Slather oil on your face!

Sounds counterintuitive doesn't it? It's called the Oil Cleansing Method. I've been doing it for a week now and I notice a big difference in the look and feel of my skin. I've had blackheads on my nose and chin since I was about 12 years old and I could never get rid of them. I'd wash my face and they'd be right back. I could still see them. Even masks didn't really work. With using this oil stuff they are starting to go away! I keep running to the mirror to check and yeah, it's seriously working. My pores are still big, so I have empty holes in my face but I suspect that will change once all the gunk gets out.

I have acne prone skin that's oily, dry, and normal in some spots. Though I haven't had a problem in awhile, I get cystic ance too. It's only been a week but so far so good, no pimples no nothing execpt glowing skin and empty pores.

I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil (yes, the stuff you cook with) mixed in with a little Castor Oil (yes, the stuff that makes you poop). I also mix in a little tea tree oil because that's always helped with my skin.

So who's going to try this?

http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/
http://www.thebeautybottle.com/index.php?opti on=com_content&task=view&id=6&Ite mid=2

edited to add the following

Okay, for those of us who are having problems here are some Trouble Shooting tips.  I would add this to the first post but since it's been edited by a mod it won't let me.  Boo.  Maybe I'll add it to my second post. 

Anyway, everyone's skin is different.  You have to find what works for your skin.  Same thing when you use commerical facial cleansers...you have to figure out what works for you.  If you're having breakouts that you believe are related to OCM try these Trouble Shooting Tips:

1.  Your skin doesn't like EVOO (or whatever oil).  Try different oil.

2.  Your skin doesn't like Castor Oil.  Does it work without castor oil?  Some people do a modified version of OCM without castor.  Some people have luck with just EVOO or Jojoba (or whatever). 

3.  Your skin doesn't like the ratio of EVOO (or whatever oil) to Castor.  Change your ratios around.

4.  You're not spending enough time rubbing the oils in.  Give it at least 5 minutes.  Take some you time and enjoy.

5.  You're not getting enough dirty oils off your skin.  Spend more time with the rag on your face and take more care to get the oils off.

6.  Your skin does not like your washing off technique.  Lay a hot rag across your face.  Hold it in place.  Let it sit there until it cools a little.  Gently wipe your face.  Repeat.  Don't scrub.

7.  Your skin doesn't like the hot rag approach.  Try doing OCM in the shower and forgo the hot rag.  Instead, rub your oils in for AT LEAST 5 minutes then wash with water only.

8.  You're not soaking your wash cloths in dish soap and very hot water for a long time before sending them through the washing machine.  Laundry detergent cannot get the dirty oils out of your rags.  Dirty oil rags can cause you to break out.  Only use a rag once. 

9.  Your skin is too dry.  Try using plain EVOO (or whatever oil) as a moisturizer.  Or try bumping down your % of castor oil.

10.  Are you over washing your face?  Are you using your normal harsh cleanser in the morning then doing OCM at night?  Try washing your face with just water in the morning.  It's not gross, trust me.

11.  Are you under washing your face?  Are you washing your face with water only in the morning and doing OCM at night?  If you have time, do OCM in the morning and at night.  If you don’t have time, try using a light cleanser in the morning.  Look for one that's oil based.  You could probably find something good at a health food store.  

12.  Are you doing OCM everyday?  Try doing it only once every other day.  Maybe everyday is too much for your skin.

13.  Are you NOT doing OCM everyday?  Maybe you should try it.

14.  Maybe your skin needs extra pimple busting power.  Try adding a few drops of EO to your mix.  I highly recommend tea tree oil.  Other all around skin helpers include lavender, rosemary, geranium, and rose.  Do some research and see what might help you.

Thanks, Jewels....I actually didn't end up increasing the castor and it feels a little less oily today. I've been doing OCM every morning and night, should I be using a regular cleanser in the mornings instead? So far, it's working okay, no new blemishes yet anyway.

OCM twice a day is fine.  The reason I went with a cleanser in the morning is time restraint.  OCM, as you know, takes longer than a regular wash.

I have been doing OCM for over a year now.  I get compliments on my skin daily.  I had a small group of coworkers who were SHOCKED to find out I turned 28 last month.   They thought I was their age (19-21 year old interns).  My skin looks fantastic.  It is the first thing a lot of people notice.  I owe it all to OCM.  When you do it for a while you start to learn what works for your skin.  I change it up in winter, because I get dry spots.  I also make my own scrub for every week or two.  3 different kinds of sugar and a few different oils mixed in (I love peppermint oil for this, it tingles...but I cant handle it in OCM because it sits there too long).  I still get a mild break out when a certian aunt visits if you get my meaning...but that is to be expected I guess.  :)  I dont use a lot of EVOO anymore.  I use more grapeseed and/or safflower oil.  Just works better for me.  Glad everyone is having success with this. 

I have non-inflamed acne, whiteheads and blackheads and if I could stop picking at them I wouldn't look that bad. But I hate the idea of them being there and so I need to do something about it.

I never generally have no problems on my nose, chin or the edges of my face. It is all my t-zone... my forehead is just the worst.

I used OCM for the first time yesterday (75/25 EVOO/CO + steamed) and within hours all my pores started unclogging. It was very odd but my face is all covered in scabs today. I am regretting having picked at it but my face appears to be free of white and blackheads. Despite the horrifying look I must say my skin feels great. I don't know if that makes sense. 

Given that the breakout has occured in the usual problem areas, I would say my skin is purging, so I will continue with this. I really need this to work or I may require psychiatric help soon!

I think some people are not getting the optimum results because the oil quality is not high. I would aim for pure and organic version.

I have 4 questions:

1. Cloths... why is no one using paper towels? you can just chuck them once you are done with them.
2. Has anyone experienced a reduction in around the eye wrinkles? I am noticing my eye allergy clearing up. Coincident?
3. Can someone give me an educated guess at how long they think the purging process may take? I am extremely impatient!!
4. I have a gut feel I am going to be allergic to tea tree oil. Would lavender oil do the job?

1. Paper towels are pretty rough on the skin and using something once then throwing it out creates a lot of waste.

2.  I don't have eye wrinkles yet so I can't help you there.

3.  Roughly 2 weeks.

4.  Lavender has some properties of tree trea oil and should make a good addition to your oil blend.  I hear rose eo is another great oil to add but it's pretty expensive.

I'm happy to hear your skin is purging.  Sorry about the scabs.  I hope they clear up soon!

Thanks for the tips.

Hi, there... It's been forever since I've checked in on this thread. I'm the esthetician that has posted before.. I was reading what some of you were saying about the cleansers you use in the morning. I think I mentioned this before, but I can't stress enough -- try to find an organic cleanser with olive oil as the main ingredient!!! (Soap is bad!!! If your cleanser foams, it has a detergent in it which is only good for stripping your skin of its healthy oils...) The one I use in my spa is Martina Gebhardt Naturkosmetiks. If you live in the Bloomington/Normal, IL area, you can get it through me. If not, look up Eco-Beauty Organics and you can order it from there. Yes, it's expensive, but one bottle of cleanser should last you a few months if you're doing your OCM as well.

As for mineral makeup, check out EveryDay Minerals. I just started carrying this in my spa and it's AMAZING! It's healthier and more pure than Bare Minerals, and it's SOOOOO much CHEAPER!!! You can order free sample kits (just gotta pay about $4 for shipping) so you can test the different shades to see which one works for you. Seriously, ladies, this stuff is amazing!!!! 

I hope everyone's skin is doing well!!! Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Lisa

Hey Jewel!

I was researching about ways of getting rid of blackheads all day and all of them sounded the same - until 5 hours into my research that I found this post. i am skeptical at first, but after reading all the comments, it sounds good. I AM rather scared about the purging though, not fun since I just started going to a new college (I transferred colleges) and I wanna make a good first impression and feel confident!

Hmm....

I need to find castor oil....My dad just asked me why I need it, haha. Don't know how I should explain =P

So all I do is rub the oil mixture, place a hot washcloth over my face, then keep wipe off, wash the cloth and place over the face again and repeat until no more residue?

=D

Hi All-

I'm just checking in. A full 2 weeks on this regimen and my face is definitely clearing up slowly. My skin looks healthier. My pores are begining to shrink up a little. One question, anyone ever use a Mint Julip Mask? My Aunt gave me a tube last week. I've been using it only on blemishes over night while I'm sleeping and it seems to be helping. Does anyone know how "natural" this mask is or have any other info on it?

Thanks!

Hi Jannay-

You have the general process down correctly. Just make sure that you massage the oil into your skin for at least 5 min. before steaming off with the wash cloth. Also, be sure that you use a clean wash cloth every time. I usually use one wash cloth in the morning and the same one at night, then get a freash new one the next day (it seems to work okay for me but you need to be careful about bacteria).

I just tried it last night and this morning.

There're a few bumps on my nose, is that a sign or purging? I just hope it's not a bad thing though...

I've used Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask.  Works great as an over night pimple shrinker.  I don't think it's all that "natural" though.  Mine has Propylene Glycol, Fragrance, and Methylparaben in it.  I wouldn't consider those "natural."  I don't know what kind you have though.  What's the brand name? 

For a more natural mask you can buy some green clay powder.  Just mix it up with water.  There ya go, a homemade mask.

Jannay27, that could be purging.  It could be a reaction to one of the oils.  It could be the start of new blemishes.  It could be because you didn't clean the oils off well enough.  It could be because you put too much castor oil in your mixture.  It could be because you didn't put enough castor oil into your mix.

Hard to say really.  Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Yeah, mine is the Queen Helene mask. It seems to really help if I just put it only on the blemishes overnight and since it's cheap, I think I'll keep using it for now....don't want to waste the whole tube.

That's what I do with it too.  Keep using it.  No need to waste something that works.

Oh oh the bumps are gone. This morning was the 4th day of using OCM and I noticed that the blackheads on my nose are rather "lifted", as if they are being pulled out, so they're sticking out on the surface of my nose now.

Maybe the OCM is slowly "puling out" and getting rid of the pesky buggers?

Good sign?

very good sign, keep at it Jannay!

Hello,

I've tried this with EVOO and am impressed. Problem is you can't get castor oil in the UK anymore (!!). Any ideas what I could use instead?

x

grapeseed and/or safflower oil

4th day.

I don't know if there's any change to my skin, but I can say it feels softer because when I use soap, my skin is left squeaky clean and it's said that "squeaky" is a bad sign.

The blackheads on my nose are still there, don't know how many more washes it'll take before it really comes out. I'm telling myself to be patient, though it's hard because I really want this to work.

Hmm...

Hey Jannay-

Make sure that you are really massaging the oil in very well, put a little muscle into it. I noticed that after doing this for the last 2 weeks, last night I just did a better job of massaging and I had plugs coming out left and right. So take your time and really do some massaging and it will pay off. I usually massage it in for at least 5-8 min each time.