The oil cleansing method, often abbreviated as OCM, is a system for cleaning a human face using oil(s). Sometimes, oils can be mixed; one example is 50% extra virgin olive oil and 50% castor oil. This mixture can be optimized based on skin type and personal preference.
Contents
In accordance with skin type variations, castor oil may be too harsh in some skin-care regimens and is sometimes used in a 1:9 ratio. However, overly oily skin can make use of a larger proportion of castor oil. Other oils that are commonly used are jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and grapeseed oil. Furthermore, some sources say that the oil cleansing method is not viable for sensitive skin.
History
Before the widespread availability of soap, which has existed for thousands of years, but was not produced industrially until the 19th century, people in many cultures used oil to cleanse the body. For example, as part of a visit to the baths, ancient Romans rubbed olive oil into their skin and removed both the oil and any dirt with a strigil in hot plunge baths held in rooms known as Caldariums. Oil use on the face has also been mentioned in ancient literature, including the historical writings of Pliny the Elder.
Method
In this beauty treatment, the oil is rubbed into skin for approximately two minutes. Next, a warm, damp microfiber wash cloth is used to wipe off the excess oil. Applied sparingly, oil may be used to moisturize the skin after the cleansing oil has been removed from the face.