So far I have implemented a new cleansing regime called the Oil – Cleansing Method. To visit the post click here.

A week has gone by and I have noted that my skin feels smoother with hardly any troubles.  I did get a bump on my chin area a couple of days after starting the routine, but keep in mind that any bumps, pimples, etc are usually the end result of a couple of weeks of oily activity under the skin.  It is the skin’s self-cleaning method.

I did however decided to use a blend of coconut oil (50%) and walnut oil (50%).  Why the change?  Coconut oil has a high cleansing property.  While using coconut oil may be too drying for some I decided to keep it at 50%.  That’s where the walnut oil comes in.  Since it has moisturizing properties and high Vitamin E content I feel that it will be a nice balance to the coconut oil.

Stay tuned for next week as I keep you updated on week number 2.

Your skin naturally produces oil to moisturize and protect itself from the elements. Although it would be easy to believe that adding more oil to your face would just make it oilier, the case is not true.  Vegetable oils or nut-derived oils have cleansing and moisturizing properties that your skin can benefit from. Castor oil for example has a high cleansing property.

I started a facial cleansing regimen on the 1st day of the year called the Oil Cleansing Method. The purpose is to use a vegetable oil suited for my skin type. I have combination type skin with a couple of fine lines already forming. You can use any oil that is appropriate for your skin type or you can use a blend of oils. A good place to start is using 25% Castor Oil and 75% Jojoba Oil.

In my case I used Walnut Oil. Walnut Oil (cold pressed) is said to have properties that are suited for dry and mature skin.  Your skin needs more or less 2 weeks to adapt itself to a brand new regimen.  It’s best to do the oil cleansing method at night as it will also help in the removal of makeup. I will follow this regimen for at least 2 weeks.

How to do an oil cleansing:

1. Steam your face for 5 minutes to open up  pores.  You can easily do this by boiling a pot of water on the stove.  Drape a towel over head and very carefully lower your head until you feel the vapors reaching your face. If it feels too hot pull away from the pot.
2. While skin is still moist, apply 3-4 drops of  oil and spread all over face using circular motions.
3. Take the liberty to do a quick facial massage always sweeping upwards towards the  forehead. Do not pull the skin down – we are trying to defy gravity here!
4. With a wet and warm cloth drape the cloth over the face. Allow the pores to open once again and let the oil sink in.
5. With the same cloth wet it using warm water and remove the oil off the face.
6. Splash cold water on the face to quickly seal up the pores and let the face dry naturally.
7. If your skin feels tight or dry dab 1 drop of  oil on your fingers and quickly spread over your face to seal in moisture.

My results (1/1/10-1/3/10):

My skin feels smoother with no dryness. My skin so far does not feel icky or dry when I wake up in the morning.

I will post my updates every 7 days and report any changes with my skin.

For more information and discussion forum regarding this cleansing method visit www.theoilcleansingmethod.com