What is face washing with OCM ?

Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) is a method of facial cleansing with oils that works by dissolving oil through oil. The oils remove dirt and get rid of makeup, and at the same time – in contrast, to face wash gels – do not affect the natural hydro-lipid barrier of the epidermis. Why is it worth using OCM and what are the effects? Which oils to choose and in what proportions? How do you make OCM step by step?

Why is it worth following OCM?

Traditional cosmetics designed for face washing, especially cleansing gels, consist of detergents, alcohols, and acids. These strong substances aim to remove all impurities from the skin, including sebum. In turn, when they wash off the sebum, they violate the natural protective barrier of the skin, i.e. the hydro-lipid coat. As a consequence, the skin becomes irritated, dry and dehydrated. Its defense mechanism requires it to produce more sebum, which results in a deterioration of the condition, the appearance of blackheads and reaching for more and more powerful cleansing preparations.

OCM effects

OCM can be used regardless of skin type. The method gives effects in the form of:

  • smooth, clean, moisturized and calmed skin with even color,
  • skin hydro-lipid balance, a smaller number of blackheads, narrowed pores and limited secretion of sebum,
  • strengthening eyelashes and nails.

Not all effects of OCM application will be visible immediately – although the skin will be immediately cleansed, it necessary to wait for perfect smoothness and reduced number of blackheads up to 3 weeks. It is possible that the mixture of oils which you start your adventure with OCM will require modifications related to the individual needs of your skin.

OCM – oil proportions

The foundation of OCM is a mixture of oils consisting of castor oil and selected base oil (carrier oil). The proportions of oils should match the type of complexion:

  • dry skin: 10% castor oil and 90% base oil,
  • normal skin: 20% castor oil and 80% base oil,
  • oily skin: 30% castor oil and 70% base oil.

These are contractual proportions, which are worth following at the beginning of your adventure with OCM. Over time, in response to skin reactions to the oil blend, you can freely alternate these proportions, and also modify the blend by adding essential oils and mixing different base oils. However, the latter should not be overdone, because the skin may react badly to one of the oils of the mixture, and the more there will be, the more difficult it will be to assess which one is the cause of irritation. For this reason, a maximum of three base oils should be used, not counting castor oil. The latter may irritate the eyes, which is why you have to be careful when removing your makeup.

OCM – which oils to choose?

It is worth reaching for natural, cold-pressed, unrefined oils. The choice of base oil should depend on the type of skin. With dry skin (no tendency to pore-clogging) and mature skin, sweet almond oil, apricot seed, wheat germ, borage, avocado, musk rose, macadamia and argan oil and olive oil will be best. In order to take care of combination skin, it is worth using jojoba oil and grape seed, and for oily skin – black cumin oil, safflower, walnut oil, pumpkin seeds oil and peach seeds oil as well as hemp oil, linseed oil, and sesame oil. Oils indicated for capillary skin include hazelnut oil and from strawflower. As for acne-prone skin – safflower oil, tamanu (a few drops), sunflower, sesame and linseed oil. For the care of normal skin, it is worth choosing oil of pomegranate seeds, sweet almonds, avocado, hazelnuts, apricot kernels and rosehips. In any case, you can reach for a ready-made blend of oils, as long as it does not contain paraffin.

OCM step by step

Before you cleanse your skin with oils, bring small towels or microfiber cloths, cotton or muslin. It is very important that they absorb water well and keep warmth for a long time. The towel should be washed and dried after each use.

Pour the right amount of OCM mixture into your hand and rub it in your hands. Moisten the skin gently and apply oil to the face. Massage the skin with circular movements with particular attention to problem areas. Wet the towel or cloth in very warm water, then place it on your face and hold it until it cools down. Rinse the towel and put it back on your face. Repeat this action 2-3 more times. Then, gently wipe the oil from the skin and rinse the towel in cold water and wipe the skin to close the pores. When you cleanse your face with oils, you can give it a wash with Aleppo soap. At the end, wipe the skin with a toner and apply a delicate cream or serum.

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