To oil cleanse or not to oil cleanse?

I was preparing to teach an Aromasensory scalp and face massage this month when I realized, as an outcome based therapist, I do not always get to perform facial and scalp massage as often as I would like. Just between you and me, I am planning to change that this year. Some of my favorite protocols deal with these areas; a lip relaxer and eye refresher for example. One of my all time favorites to teach is oil cleansing.

Oil? Before you panic, remember your basic chemistry: like dissolves like. So when you cleanse the face with oil you are basically dissolving and wiping away all the compromised oil and replenishing it with clean, nourishing oil.

At any time of the year, you can help your client relax with the following treatment that features the soothing benefits of Bergamot Oil.

Advantages

• It is applicable on all skin types
• No harsh chemicals involved to strip the skin of its natural oils or upset the PH balance
• It is natural and which is on trend and appeals to a large number of consumers
• It quickly removes makeup and debris
• It cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes

Considerations

• The benefits are more obvious with frequent applications
• It is more time-consuming than just washing the face with a cleanser
• It is a little more costly than using a cleanser, depending on the oils you choose
• More laundry, due to the numerous towels

Oil Cleansing in 4(ish) Easy Steps

1. Prepare. Blend your oils together ahead of time, or custom blend at time of use. Heat several moist towels.
2. Massage. Starting with a dry face. Perform a firm yet gentle facial massage, always moving upwards (avoid the eyes). Massage for at least 5 minutes, and then let the oil sit on the face for 30 seconds or more.
3. Steam. (optional)
4. Rinse. Use wet warm cloths; the cloths should be wet but not dripping. Apply the towel to the face and hold it there for 10-15 seconds. Gently remove oil. Repeat with additional cloths until all the oil is removed.
5. Finish. (I know I said just 4ish steps, but if you do not steam this still counts as the ish) You can always finish by applying a facial moisturizer like Biotones Herbal Select Face Therapy Massage Lotion or Facial Therapy Massage Creme.

Oils for Oil Cleansing

This is basically a three part formula: cleansing oil/nourishing oil/essential oils

The constant in this blending formula is Castor oil which provides the most cleansing. It is also highly antibacterial in nature. Caution: It can be drying and thick so it is traditionally buffered with nourishing oils.

My when in doubt nourishing oil is Jojoba, which is actually a waxy ester (and some say the closet to skin sebum). It is highly emollient, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and non- comedogenic.

Here is my fundamental blending table:

I hope you will try a new protocol and re-introduce yourself to the benefits of relaxing facial massage.

Be well, Do good work and write to tell us about your favorite facial massage blend