1st Time Trial/ Results: Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) Plus Upates.

Dearest Ebony:

I decided to try something new in my skin care routine. I first heared of this method from a fave Tuber, 'TheNaprika' (check out her informative vids) then in a book entitled ' The Afro Hair & Beauty Bible' by Alison Husbands.

This method utilizes natural oils, namely 60% Castor & 40% Jojoba or Olive.TheNaprika also gave me the idea to use Neem Oil which is antibacterial (be warned of the pungent smell!). The OCM is based on the idea that the oils trapped under the skin (for those with oily skin) causes acne. What better way to cleanse oil than to use oil! The steam from the flannel or facecloth acts as a magnet to draw out impurities, dust and grime from the skin, leaving it soft & supple.

How I carried out the method:


My skin had not been washed for the evening, nor had I worn makeup today. But it was oily feeling and very shiny. Pardon the 'shopping bags' under my eyes- could do with more sleep! Actually, Witch Hazel is supposed to reduce bags if not concealer which is a bandaid affect really...helpful as it is for some.

[18.01.11] Before the OCM

18.01.11 Before OCM

Another pic of oil on face.

I massages in the oil.

Step 1: Massage Oil mixture on face and neck for 2-3 minutes in a cirlcular motion covering every crevice.

Step 2: Dampen flannel/facecloth with hot water (from tap or kettle) I opted to boil water in the kettle and poured it in a large measuring bowl.

[18.01.11] submerging of facecloth in hot water. Its hot, you may want to add cool water before ringing out.

18.01.11  Old School Kettle to boil water.

Step 3: Remove the towel (make sure you don't burn yourself) and ring out excess water.

Step 4: Cover your face with the dampened flannel until it begins to cool. Remove excess oil with it.

Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 & 4 twice more or until the oil is removed.

You should be left with clean, soft skin. Splash cold water to close your pores and continue your routine as necessary. I have seen some people tone and moisturise. However, I have been 'sleeeping bareface' to allow my skin to rejuvenate itself. It is weird at first but I am getting used to it. If I feel it is overly dry, I can massage in Coconut oil (jojoba oils work well too) or vitamin E oil or even aloe vera gel.

Tip: Add more EVOO for moisture or more castor oil for cleansing. You can also use vitamin E oil.

Results:

My skin really smooth and moisturized but this feeling somewhat lessened when it was fully dry. Still, my face looks and feels clean. I ran to my partner who was in bed, and said 'feel how soft my face is' lol. ;O)

I will continue to use the OCM every night. For days when I wear makeup, I may tone with ACV/water mix then sleep barefaced, no moisturizer

18.01.11 Fresh & Clean.

18.01.11 Feels oh so smooth.

18.01.11 Smaller looking pores.

Updates on OCM : 21.01.11

-I have been using the OCM for 3 night in a row now and its working wonders.  I choose to do the OCM at night because I wear make-up most days and require deep cleaning. I use an exfoliating cleanser (by Simple) in the mornings and splash cold water on my face. 

-Tips* Warm or hot water opens up the pores (and so treatments/ face masks should begin with steamed towel/fannel) and cold water closes the pores (treatments should end with a splash of cold water).

-For days when I've been wearing makeup especially, I apply ACV/water mix to clean off leftover dirt/makeup but even so there hasn't been much left. The OCM is great for removing my facial/eye makeup.

-I am still sleeping 'bareface' and I love it! It felt drying at first but I am getting used to it. I still manage to wake up with a moisturized face... my skins just just doing it's 'thang!'

-Why  do I sleep 'barefaced' meaning with nothing on my face, no moisturizer after washing and toning? It allows my skin to breathe repair,renuw and lubricate itself where necessary. 

-I read in 'The Afro Hair & Beauty Bibl'e that sleeping with heavy night cream on ( which I used to do with my sheabutter whip and a waterbased moisturiser) can hinder the skin's rejuvenation process.

-Mind you, shea butter is great for those with dry facial skin but with my predominantly oily skin type, it is a disservice to my goal of preventing pimples overnight.

-This method does not mean you will not wake up with spots. In fact, I woke up with one yesterday (20.01.11). I can attrbute this to not drinking my 8 glasses of water a day, I do however drink at least 3 pints (water) a day... ok maybe with a bit of cardial. haha

-Also, I've been taking Biotin since November 2010 which is meant to improve the health of hair and skin. However, if one does not drink enough fluids, pimples may appear.

-Pimples (not keen on the word), ok 'spots' (sounds better??) mean that oil was clogged under the pores and your skin sufaced it overnight during the repair and renew process.

End of 21.01.11 Updates!