Time for a change! Introducing Cleansing Oils

Most people grew up with a mighty beauty myth in mind: cleansers must be FIERCE.

At a certain point during the teenage years, our face starts to get oily, and the blemishes begin to appear. It is at this moment most of us were handed a bar of soap, or foaming cleanser, and told to use it morning and night to combat dirt.

And so, from teenagehood, we are taught a big, fat, porky pie: that strong, foamy, soap-like cleansers are the best tool we can use to fight dirty skin.

I am sure we all remember those advertisements on TV, where the cartoon dramatisation shows a wave of soapy cleanser sweeping over the skin, and rinsing out the dirty pores. Satisfying, right?

This is why you should ditch the cleansers you've been using since your teenage years, and consider incorporating cleansing oils into your daily skincare routine.

 

The use of oils in skincare, including cleansing, is shown in a variety of ancient cultures, including the Egyptians. That eyeliner MUST have been hard to get off, right?

I know, I know: cleansing oils? It sounds exactly like what we should be trying to avoid! But the benefits of an oil-based cleanser are varied, and date back thousands of years. Ancient civilisations such as the Romans and Ancient Greeks used a variety of oils, ranging from jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and grapeseed oil.

Our Soothe Cleansing Oil, for example, uses argan oil alongside natural vitamins A, B, D & E, essential fatty acids and minerals. Unlike many other cleansing oils on the market, our formulation is 98% certified organic, and 100% natural. It also includes an organic emulsifier which helps the cleansing oil turn milky when in contact with water, helping remove impurities from the skin more effectively than oil on its own.

Think of it this way: use a GOOD oil, to rid your skin of BAD oil.

"When massaged into the skin, oils in the cleanser bind to surface impurities (pulling out dirt without clogging pores) and allow them to be comfortably rinsed away leaving the skin clean, soft and hydrated." - Dr Diane Walder, Cosmetic Dermatologist.

Cleansing oils use essential oils to remove dirt and make-up, and are naturally antibacterial.

So, how do you go about using a cleansing oil?

Step One: Apply the oil.

The oil must be applied to a dry face. Simply pump a small amount of oil onto your fingers and begin massaging into your skin. Use liberally across problem areas, rubbing deeply to remove make-up, blackheads, or pollution.

Be sure to keep your face cloth nice and warm, to fully open your pores and allow the oil to soften the skin.

Step Two: Steam your skin.

The next step is to allowing the oil to penetrate your pores fully through heat. This can be as easy as rinsing a soft facial cloth in warm water, and allowing it to rest on your face for 30 seconds. But if you have more time, jump in the shower or bath, and let the steam open up your pores.

Step Three: Remove the oil.

Using a face cloth, begin to wipe away the oil. You will be shocked how much dirt and make-up comes with it! Repeat soft, slow, wiping across the entire face until you feel all dirt and oil has been removed.

(Depending on your skin type, you can then follow up with a light serum or moisturiser - but many will find the remnants of the cleansing oil with leave your skin feeling sufficiently plump and soft.)

Jump on to the Synthesis website to have a look at our full range of products - each and every one of them crafted with love and care to look after that beautiful skin of yours.

Until next time.