OCM, or the oil cleansing method, is a great alternative to typical drugstore cleansing gels and makeup removers. Oils selected appropriately for your skin type can significantly and long-lastingly improve the condition of your skin. The OCM method uses a carrier oil and castor oil. The proportions are adjusted to your skin type, with a concentration of 10-30% castor oil. Castor oil effectively cleanses pores due to its similarity to our sebum. To use this method, you'll need a muslin or microfiber cloth.
Which carrier oil should I choose?
Combination/oily skin: jojoba oil, walnut oil, linseed oil, sesame oil, pumpkin seed oil, soybean oil, rice oil Dry/mature/sensitive skin: olive oil, sweet almond oil, sea buckthorn oil, avocado oil, argan oil, rose oil, grape seed oil, wheat germ oil Normal skin: avocado oil, sweet almond oil Acne-prone skin: black cumin oil, safflower oil, linseed oil, sesame oil (as an addition to the OCM mixture, you can also add a few drops of tea tree oil and tamanu oil) Couperose skin: hazelnut oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, borage oil, sweet almond oil
Proportions:
oily skin: 30% castor oil + 70% carrier oil normal skin: 20% castor oil + 80% carrier oil dry skin: 10% castor oil + 90% carrier oil Remember to store your oil mixture in a dark bottle in a cupboard that is protected from light and moisture, then the oil will retain its properties for a longer time.
What effects does OCM bring?
The main advantage of this facial cleansing method is its complete non-invasiveness, which means the skin is not stripped of its natural hydrolipid barrier, which protects it from the harmful effects of bacteria and other harmful factors. After the treatment, the skin is smooth and very soft. Pores are thoroughly cleansed, and the complexion looks refreshed. Sometimes, imperfections such as inflammation and blackheads appear due to inadequate care. Using intensely cleansing and mattifying cleansers, alcohol-based toners, and mattifying creams simultaneously deprives the skin of its protective water-fat balance in the stratum corneum. This activates its defense system and produces even more sebum. The lack of aggressive cleansing perfectly regulates the function of the sebaceous glands, preventing the excessive sebum secretion seen before the OCM method. Moreover, the mixture of carrier oil and castor oil penetrates deep into the skin pores, thanks to which the pores are cleansed of sebum, impurities, dead skin cells and makeup residues (even from silicone foundation bases), and these are the main causes of inflammatory changes - blocked and uncleaned skin pores.
OCM in a few steps
1. Moisten your face with water. 2. Shake the oil mixture, pour a little into the palm of your hand, and warm it up. Then, cover your entire face with the oil. 3. Massage your face gently for a few moments. 4. Now, soak a cloth in warm water (the water should not be hot, as it can irritate skin, especially sensitive and vascular skin). 5. Place the wet cloth on your face and hold for a moment. 6. Remove the oil with the cloth. 7. Repeat these steps 2-3 more times. 8. The final step is to close the skin pores by applying the soaked cloth to OCM or rinsing your face with cool water.
Martyna Piechowska is a blogger and makeup artist. She combines her passion for cosmetics and makeup with her professional work, where she can be found daily at the drugstore. Blogging is both a hobby and a way to spend her free time. She loves cosmetics and everything related to beauty, skincare, and makeup.
