Anyone still using oil cleansing long term for dry sensitive skin?

[SoapCollector]

Hello All

I was just wondering if anyone is still doing the oil cleansing method? I've been using coconut oil for cleansing and moisturising and it seems to be working well on my dry sensitive skin.

The oil cleansing method (OCM) threads on Mumsnet are a few years ago now. Has anyone has been doing this long term with no problems and what oil have you been using?

I use the Bobby Brown cleansing oil and plan to forever! It emulsifies with water which makes rinsing very easy but it moisturises beautifully. I have used it for about 5 years now and have had no problems. I did use almond oil for a year or two but permanently washing the wipe cloths became a faff, travel was difficult and I started getting spots with it after a while.

I don’t. I love doing it but I find the rinsing and removing is the part that’s too stressful for my skin on a daily basis.

No it does terrible things to my skin.i end up covered in spots.

Thank you both for your replies @Tortephant sometimes I use damp cotton wool to remove the oil as using a face cloth or muslin can feel to abrasive.

@Sillybillypoopoomummy I agree travel with liquid oil is tricky! The last holiday I went on the coconut oil had melted by the time I got there and had an made a bit of a leaky mess in my toiletry bag!

Thanks for your honesty!

I have dry skin and I use Nivea micellar water with 5% serum you shake it to emulsify it and it leaves my skin feeling cleaned but not tight. Obviously then I use serum and moisturiser

I have been oil cleansing for about 30 years. I always wash the oil off with a gentle foaming cleanser. Obv I’m in my mid-50’s and my skin is dry and sensitive. I use tretinoin as well.

Thank you @urghhh47 I've not looked at the Nivea micellar water. I've tried the Simple one and that can make my eyes sting. I quite like the original Nivea cream blue tub and get on with that ok, I'll have a look at the micellar water.

I'm in my 50's too and my skin seems to be getting dryer and more reactive as I get older. Please can I ask what gentle foaming cleanser you use after oil cleansing?

I live in Aus, so not sure how easy some of the products I use are - Japanese brand called Curel. They have a gorgeous foaming face wash. Also love the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum one (Korean). The Toleriane one fro La Roche Posay is great. (The Avene, Uriage, etc also have similar products and they’re also good.) I love these in the shower ans they come in an huge bottle and I use it on the whole body. I do like to foam it up a lot with water before I put it on my face. I also use a microfiber towel or face washer so I’m not slashing constantly, but I don’t rub it.

Thanks @Francestein I'll have a look at those brands

I quite like the coconut oil cleansing and moisturising in general because it's easy, doesn't sting my sensitive skin, suits my dry skin and is very cheap!!

Has anyone else used just oil ( coconut /almond oil etc) alone as a cleanser and moisturizer for a long time with no adverse effects on their skin?

I used to use oil but switched to double base and a warm flannel and then Cerave cream to foam hydrating cleanser. Oil was affecting my eyes and causing eczema. The double base has just enough emollient. I use tret followed by a basic moisturiser and night, but sometimes use a small amount of almond oil around the lip line brows/orbital socket and hair line, avoiding my eyelids. It helps with fine lines.

Thanks @Neuronimo. It's interesting that you say about the oil causing eczema, I thought it would help eczema, but I've just read a bit about this and some oils can weaken the skin barrier - I didn't know that! Going to look into that a bit more 🙂

I used coconut oil for a while but I got blackheads so switched to olive oil, which is great.

Thanks @trainedopossum do you use the olive oil as a moisturizer as well as a cleanser?

Re coconut oil, it over-stripped my skin which in turn created blackheads. I also prefer oil/balm cleansers with emulsifier as they are less likely to block drains or contribute to fatbergs

I use a balm which melts on the skin to remove make up then a mild cleanser after ( double cleanse)
I do this in the shower at night 😱
Supposedly this is terrible but my skin looks amazing
Mornings I just use a mild cream cleanser

I use washcloths and washable cleansing pads and keep them in a bag which I chuck in the washing machine

There are far better ingredients around for adding moisture than olive oil !

Me! I absolutely love this oil to milk cleanser from a lovely Scottish brand called Raven

https://ravenbotanicals.com/collections/best-sellers/products/24caratcleanser

I used to get chronic dry skin and flaking round my nose and mouth and I’ve used this for about four years now with no issues. I don’t wash off with a hot cloth, I just use my hands and it changes to milk when you apply water so it doesn’t leave any residue. I absolutely love it!

Thanks @Melograno are the washable cleansing pads any softer and less abrasive on the skin than wash cloths? I know some people like the exfoliating action but it can be too harsh for my skin.

Maybe, but lots of ingredients cause stinging and redness of both my skin and eyes (I suspect I have mild rosacea) so I do try to keep it simple. 🙂

Thanks @Anon4778 I've not heard of that brand before it looks lovely and some great reviews.

Thanks @Francestein I've heard coconut oil can block pores but my skin seems to be doing ok so far - fingers crossed! No drain problems either but most of the time I use damp cotton wool to remove it, that then goes in the bin.

You’re welcome. I absolutely love it! Longterm devotee.