Oil cleansing...should I persevere?

[ChristinaofACMilan]

So, I used to have bomb-proof skin with only the odd hormonal spot. Then I started working in an office and I don't know whether it was the air-con or what but I started getting persistent but mild acne. That was about a year ago. Since then it has fluctuated and has been the worst recently, mainly on my jaw/cheeks which is annoying as it's hard to cover up. It's definitely affecting my confidence.

About 2 weeks ago I started using Lush Ultrabland (with other skincare( which is mostly almond oil, and this has really helped except for a stubborn streak on one cheek. I was planning to buy some almond oil to use as a moisturiser afterwards.

But then I read a load of reviews online from people who said that oil cleansing (which is basically what I'm doing, I guess except without castor oil) worked great for a few weeks then broke them out like crazy. Now I'm scared that if I carry on with this, I'll be due for the big break-out soon. I have read Sam Bunting's blog, but the whole oil-free thing does not make my skin happy. It makes the spots go all hard and tight and they stick around for ages.

So just wondering whether I should go on with Ultrabland/oil cleasning or am I playing with fire since I have acne-prone skin? Any advice v. welcome, especially from people who have used almond oil for a while. Thanks!

Do you do a second cleanse after you've used your ultra bland? If not, this could be why you're getting the spots.

I get hormonal acne too and I do my first cleanse with an oil-based product such as EH Moringa Balm and then a second cleanse with REN's clay cleanser. I then follow it up (at night) with an oil serum like SR's Luna and a moisturiser. My skin has been much better and any spots I get go quicker and don't scar.

I use an oil or balm then a second cleanse.
I think the difference is you are using a cleanser which (I'm assuming) will have an emulsifier in and plain oil doesn't which makes it more difficult to remove.

I don't do a second cleanse after, although I have just started doing a first sweep with micellar to take off make up before using Ultrabland. Doesn't washing off the oil balm defeat the point of using it in the first place? Used Ultrabland again last night, it definitely feels beneficial at the moment, just worried it's going to turn on me and give me a horrendous break out...

No, a second cleanse doesn't defeat the point. Your first cleanse removes make up and anything actually on top of your skin and the second cleanse is to actually cleanse the skin, pores, etc. Read Caroline Hiron's website for more details.

See if it works for you, some people are crazy about it. Personally I am Sam Bunting all the way - my oily skin does not appreciate more oil!

If you have read Sam Bunting you'll also know she isnt big into double cleansing. She rather you cleansed with a bland non-foaming cleanser and then used salicylic acid to prevent your hormonal spots and an oil free moisturiser. Plus a retinol to go the whole hog.

I know oil cleansing does work for some people with acne, and that Caroline Hirons talks about 'good oils' for acne but given she isn't that clear about what the good oils are, and my skin looks amazing on the Sam Bunting regime and is spot free for the first time in 25 years, I just don't think for me it's worth experimenting. It's oil-free all the way for me.

While 'spots going quicker' is good, I have no spots at all which is even better

Ultrabland is quite heavy - I'm sure it works fine for some but I found it clogged my skin. I use extra virgin coconut oil and a hot flannel, no second cleanse. It's honestly transformed my skin - I used to have persistent mild acne and usually either had a few spots or visible scars from healed spots. I've now not had a spot for months and months and the scars (red patches on me) are almost totally gone.

I'm afraid I think it's trial and error, but if you're acne prone I would recommend coconut oil because it's very light. I use coco vita brand, which has the added benefit of smelling gorgeous.

Coconut oil is a known acne trigger for many people - I think this is why oil cleansing is a minefield. What works for some people is a massive pore clogger for others.

I did read that Sam Bunting doesn't like double-cleansing but she is also fine with Clarisonic (as long as you don't scrub too hard) and I'm not sure what the difference is. I did try salicylic acid but it didn't seem to have massive effect.

It's so hard to tell what's what, reading all these different opinions, Bunting, Hirons, Paula's Choice etc. I think Caroline Hirons does have some good points, but she doesn't seem to mind things with alcohol or loads of fragrance in, which both Dr B and PC are against. But then PC recommends products which have other things like SLS in them

It seems to be trial and error, although 'trial' means using something for 6 weeks really. I think either your skin likes the oil-free thing or it doesn't. I don't really have greasy skin, and my spots started when I began working in an air-conditioned room so maybe it got dehydrated (if that's a thing).

Hmm. Will go on with Ultrabland (taking make up off first with micellar water) as it seems to still be improving things. Maybe I'm an oil-lover.

I used to have dreadful skin. I've oil cleansed for over 7 years now. My skin is perfect. I use whatever olive oil I have in the kitchen, Tesco or Morrison's own brand. To start with I mixed 10% castor oil in until my spots and blackheads went. Now I just use olive oil.