While it may feel counterintuitive to use an oil-based cleanse, cleansing with oil can provide a richer, deeper cleanse.
Cleansing oils bind to the oils and dirt that are on your skin, making them more effective than water-based cleansers.
Not everyone has the time for elaborate routines, so here's where the magic of cleansing oil steps in. These versatile face washes not only melt away the build-up of the day, but also provide your skin with essential moisture and nourishment.
What is an oil-based cleansers?
Oil-based cleansers are a type of face wash formulated with natural oils. These cleansing oils are incredibly effective in removing any makeup, SPF, excess sebum and or debris from your day that's on your skin, without stripping it.
That's because, when combined with water, the best facial cleansing oils emulsify or lather into a milk. This milk effortlessly dissolves dirt, oil, and even stubborn waterproof makeup, leaving skin feeling plumped with moisture but without any oily residue.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, a cleansing oil can be a nourishing way to cleanse, while keeping skin calm and moistured. Yet, it’s just as potent for oily skin too - it helps your skin regulate sebum production as it never removes too much of the skin’s sebum, just the excess.
Oil-based cleansers support the skin microbiome too - the oils act as prebiotics for your skin’s flora, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated.
The right oil-based cleanser should be non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Oils like Argan and Abyssinian are nourishing, replenishing cleansing oils, and are some of the best facial oils for dry skin, with a comedogenic rating of 0, meaning they don’t clog pores.
How to use face cleansing oils in your routine
Oil-based cleansers are versatile and suitable for all skin types, but the application method may vary based on your specific needs.
For example, if you have dry skin, simply use the cleansing oil to wash your face before continuing with your regular skincare routine.
However, for those with oily skin, you may want to double cleanse - begin with your cleansing oil and follow up with a water-based cleanser. After the oil-based cleanser lifts away surface impurities, a second cleanse with a water-based cleanser can more effectively target sweat, dirt, and other water-based debris. This ensures that pores are thoroughly cleaned without leaving residue.
Regardless of your skin type, this simple ritual takes you through using a cleansing oil, and how to complete your routine…
Step 1: Prepare your skin
Unlike other facial washes, cleansing oils work best when your skin is dry, as this helps the oil bind with oils, sebum, pollutants or makeup that's built up throughout the day. Begin with a dry face and neck ~ this is particularly important with our oil-to-milk cleanser, and be mindful not to get drops of water in the jar because it will begin turning into a milk.
Step 2: Apply your cleansing oil to dry skin
Apply a small amount of the cleansing oil to dry skin. Use your fingertips to gently massage the product in upward, circular motions, allowing it to penetrate the skin deeply and lift any impurities. Taking your time and massaging your face not only works the product in, but helps to relax facial muscles and stimulate the lymph system.
Tip: For resistant, waterproof eye makeup, dampen a cotton pad with the oil and gently press it over your eyes. This helps to dislodge and dissolve mascara and eyeliner.
Step 3: Rinse with lukewarm water
Once you’ve finished your facial massage and worked the product into your skin, it’s time to rinse off. Ensure that the water is lukewarm, not hot, and splash water up into your face. Exhale through your nose to avoid breathing the water in. Gently wash the cleanser from your face before drying.
la lune de velours, our nourishing oil-to-milk cleanser, caters to diverse skin types, making it an excellent choice for a personalised skincare routine. It comes with a natural sea sponge, designed to cleanse, massage and gently polish the skin.
If you’re using the sponge, start by immersing it in water. This will soften the sponge, so it feels silky, you can then use it to continue massaging in the cleanser. Watch as the cleanser transforms into a luxurious and soothing milk-like texture.
Repeat this process until the water running from the sponge becomes clear. Once you see that the water is clear, you can be sure that there is no leftover product, makeup or dirt on your face or the sponge. Your skin should feel clean and look visibly cushioned.
If you’re double cleansing, here is where you repeat the steps with your second cleanser, like a soap-free facial cleansing bar.
Tip: When rinsing your face, use lukewarm water, as hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry.
Step 4: Follow up with an enriching moisturiser
Gently pat the skin dry with a soft, clean towel before using your favourite moisturiser to seal in the nourishing effects.
Our hero moisturiser, la potion infinie contains Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil to nourish the skin, while Silver Hydrosol supports a balanced microbiome and DNA HP intensely hydrates.
Bringing an oil-based cleanser into your daily ritual will nourish and support skin so that it feels and looks healthy.
When to use your cleansing oil
The first step to achieving radiant and healthy skin is understanding when to use a cleansing oil. The versatility of oil-based cleansers allows for both day and night use, catering to individual preferences and skin types.
For those with dry skin, a nightly routine might be more suitable. If you have oily skin and once a day feels too much, you might opt to use your cleansing oil every other day to maintain balance and avoid adding too much moisture to the skin.
How to clear pores with an oil-based cleanser
Clearing your pores with an oil-based cleanser is as simple as giving yourself a mini face massage.
Start by applying the cleanser to dry skin and use your fingertips to massage it in gently but thoroughly.
Spend a few minutes working it into areas where pores often get clogged, like around your nose and chin.
This process allows the cleansing oil to bind with dirt, excess sebum and anything else that’s deep within your pores, helping to dissolve the impurities that can lead to blemishes and blackheads. Plus, the massaging action itself helps to loosen and dislodge debris, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean.
Finish by emulsifying the cleanser with water to create a silky milk that rinses everything away effortlessly.
Do you use water with an oil-based cleanser?
Unlike other cleansers, oil-based cleansers are typically applied to dry skin.
Water is introduced only after the initial massage, emulsifying the oil. The ingredients in oil cleansers are attracted to other oils found in the skin’s sebum, dirt, and makeup products.
This allows the cleanser to bind to those oils and help break them down, melting them away and leaving your skin clean and nourished, without the tightness that some harsh cleansers create.
Do I need to double cleanse with a cleansing oil?
Adding a cleansing oil into your skincare routine can provide numerous benefits for the skin.
The initial oil cleanse helps to remove makeup, sunscreen, and the day's impurities. The second cleanse targets any remaining residue and ensures a thorough clean. Double cleansing proves particularly effective for those with oily or combination skin.
While you don't necessarily need to double cleanse with our oil-based cleanser, incorporating it into a double-cleansing routine can leave your skin feeling cleaner, fresher, and brighter. The choice is yours, and the results are delightful either way.
How do I know if a cleanser is oil-based?
Here’s how to tell if your cleanser is oil-based…
- Ingredients: Start by checking the label—oil-based cleansers often include nourishing oils like Argan, Jojoba, or Sweet Almond Oil. These natural oils are usually featured prominently in the ingredient list.
- Texture: Oil-based cleansers have a rich, silky feel that transforms into a milky consistency when water is added. This unique texture makes them ideal for lifting makeup, sunscreen, and sebum without stripping the skin.
- Label and description: Look for keywords like "oil-to-milk" or "cleansing oil" on the packaging or product description. These phrases are a clear indicator that the product is oil-based.
- Feel during use: As you massage an oil-based cleanser into dry skin, it glides effortlessly, binding with impurities. When water is added, it emulsifies into a milky lather, leaving your skin soft and refreshed.
By recognising these characteristics, you can confidently identify and choose an oil-based cleanser to elevate your skincare ritual.
Who is cleansing oil for?
Cleansing oils and balms are suitable for all skin types, but the key lies in choosing one that supports your unique skin type. Different oils offer distinct benefits so it’s good to do your research into the best face oils for your skin type. For example, dry and ageing skin may benefit from nourishing oils like Olive Oil, while Castor Oil’s antibacterial properties can support acne-prone skin.
I have acne, can I still use a cleansing oil?
Though it may at first seem counterintuitive, oil-based cleansers can support skin with acne. Seek out non-comedogenic oils that help deep clean pores and balance sebum production, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.
However, like with any new addition to a skincare routine, it’s essential to be patient as some people do experience a temporary "purging" phase as the skin adjusts.
From oil to milk ~ a nourishing cleanse from la lune de velours
la lune de velours transcends the realm of cleansers; it's a skincare indulgence.
An oil-to-milk cleanser, its velvety texture transforms into a milky consistency upon contact with water, providing a luxurious and nourishing cleanse. Infused with a blend of Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP, Sweet Almond Oil, and Argan Oil, this cleanser nurtures a youthful glow while locking in moisture and protecting against environmental damage.
This equanimity of cutting-edge science and natural oils creates a hydrating and deeply cleansing elixir suitable for all skin types. Complete with an ethically sourced fina silk sea sponge, la lune de velours is your go-to choice for an effective and pampering skincare experience.
