I’ve always had very sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and dryness. Living in Colorado’s extremely dry climate doesn’t help! Facial cleansing products often left my skin red and inflamed, feeling tight and painful. Over the years, I’ve tried cheap and expensive, natural and chemical, good and bad products in my skincare routine. But this past winter was the worst. My skin was developing dry, itchy patches and was red and irritated all the time. Something had to change! 

I decided to try using oil—and only oil—to clean and moisturize my skin. I searched and found some natural, scent-free products. And to my great surprise, I fell in love with the oil-based skincare cleansing process and the way it improved and balanced my skin. 

Using oil to clean anything seems…wrong. Doesn’t my skin already make oil? Isn’t oil the source of blemishes? How could putting oil onto my skin make it nicer? Well, it works! As science teaches us, like dissolves like. Oil actually removes oil. The blackheads that had been forming on my chin for the past 25 years went away. The redness was gone. My skin no longer felt tight and itchy. It looks even and happy now! 

Benefits of Oil-Based Skincare

You might be thinking that oil won’t work with your skin type because your skin is already oily. That’s just not true! Oil cleansers work with all skin types. In fact, there are many benefits to oil cleansing including: 

  • Superior hydration
  • Soothing and nourishing properties
  • Removes makeup without a special remover
  • Gentle and chemical-free
  • Regulates skin and helps reduce breakouts
  • Adds a radiant glow to skin
  • May reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins
  • Evens skin tone, reducing redness
  • Prevents acne and treats breakouts

Best Oils for Facial Skin

There are several different types of oils that are beneficial for our skin. Which oil you should use depends on which issues you want to resolve or improve. Some cleansers and moisturizers may be a combination of oils. Read labels to find one that suits your needs. The list below summarizes the most common oils you may see on the market. 

Rosehip Oil: Known for firming and evening skin and may help scars fade.

Jojoba Oil: This non-comedogenic oil is full of antioxidants and is both antibacterial and hypoallergenic. 

Evening Primrose Oil: This oil can provide relief from skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema and treat breakouts.

Argan Oil: Packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, this oil may help reduce signs of aging and treat acne.

Sunflower Seed Oil: This oil is a powerhouse of nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and E. It is anti-inflammatory and great for extremely dry skin.

Olive Oil: Not just for cooking, this non-clogging oil balances moisture levels, leaving your skin glowing.

Apricot Kernel Oil: If you need treatment for skin conditions, this oil will relieve inflammation and treat acne. 

Give it Some Time

It can take a few weeks for your skin to get used to a natural oil cleanser and moisturizer. Your skin may react by breaking out or becoming extra dry. Be patient. Your skin is learning how to balance itself. Our skin already makes oil, but we spend so much time stripping it away with cleaners and toners. Using oil as a gentle cleanser helps our skin do its thing naturally. It takes time for our skin to get used to it.

There’s nothing more relaxing before bedtime than cleaning my face. Smoothing the oil over my skin feels amazing, hydrating my dry, tired skin. Then, I lay a hot, wet washcloth over my face and allow the heat to open my pores for a few moments. I wipe the oil off of my skin with the cloth, and it removes my mascara easily. I rinse my face with warm water, towel it off and apply olive oil moisturizer. My face feels hydrated, nourished, clean and relaxed. It’s a wonderful bedtime ritual. I’m so glad that I made the switch to an oil-based skincare routine!

oil-based skincare

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Gretchen, Senior Writer
Gretchen has lived in Colorado since she was 12 and never wants to leave. She has a 13-year-old son who is into having a good time, especially with sports and Fortnite. Together, they are navigating the teen world of puberty and growing up. She has a wonderful husband, having been surprised and blessed with a second chance at love. Their family enjoys playing board games, watching Avengers movies, and sharing dumb jokes over good food. In her free time, she loves to read, shop for purses, play games, watch football, laugh with her family, cook delicious food, and dream of the next home improvement project.