We would never intuitively associate “oil” as a cure for acne. After all, over-production of sebum is usually associated with the occurrence of pimples!
However, thousands of blog posts and forum discussions have sprouted, talking about this skincare method that they swear by to clear acne: oil cleansing method (or usually called OCM if you search online).
What is oil cleansing method (OCM)?
Step 1: Massage a generous amount of oil onto your skin while makeup is on for a few minutes.
Step 2: Gently wipe the oil off with a warm micro-fibre cloth.
Step 3: Dispense another palmful of oil and massage it into skin.
Step 4: Gently wipe the oil off with a warm micro-fibre cloth.
Step 5: Rinse the cloth and wipe over and over until all the oil is gone.
You have to make sure that the oil you chose does not clog pores easily. Some of the oils that Redittors recommend include mineral oil (this appears to be the most popular), argan oil, and jojoba oil. Those who also recommend that you try an oil that has added benefits that are targeted at your skin types .
For instance, if you have dry or dehydrated skin, you can consider almond or avocado oils, which are very hydrating. On the other hand, many who have oily skin swear by castor oil, neem oil, and evening primrose oil, which have antibacterial properties and mattifying effect.
Coconut oil is said to have broke out a woman, leaving her with angry-looking acne when she tried it for OCM.
When you’ve chosen the oil you’re going for, remember to only get 100% pure and high quality sources.
Why does it work?
We already know that pimples are formed when inflammation happens within pores that are clogged by excess sebum that hardened. According to the threads on Reddit, OCM works because oil is able to dissolve oil (sebum) without stripping skin of moisture.
While it’s true that oil does dissolve oil and is why oil cleansers are great for getting rid of sebum and oil-based products, we’re not sure why OCM is supposed to work better than simply washing face with a regular oil cleanser. However, the before-and-after photos that many women are sharing of their OCM experience are certainly making us wonder.
Some Redditors claim that OCM have cured them of cystic acne, and others say that they’ll never return to using soap for face-cleansing.
If you’re thinking of trying this method, you may want to only try it on a small area of skin first, before doing it on your entire face. And of course, remember to stop the moment you find that your skin is not reacting well.
