We all want radiant skin that exudes a healthy glow. But what’s the secret behind that je ne sais quoi?
Oil cleansers are a game-changer. Applied to dry skin, they transform into a milky emulsion when mixed with water, encapsulating makeup, sweat, dirt and excess sebum before gently lifting them away.
Boosts Hydration
Unlike soap based cleansers that can strip skin of its natural oils, oil cleansers keep your complexion hydrated. In fact, many people experience less dryness and flakiness when switching to an oil-based cleanser.
The oil-loving nature of oil cleansers helps to dissolve excess sebum, prevent pore blockage and remove makeup, dirt, dead skin cells and other impurities. Plus, the nourishing oils help to deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants to your complexion, leaving you with healthy skin that is soft, supple and balanced.
Start by applying the oil cleansing formula onto a dry face. Then, massage the cleanser into the skin until it emulsifies into a milky consistency and rinse clean with lukewarm water. Repeat this process a second time with your normal, water-based cleanser to ensure that all of the day’s grime and buildup is removed from your complexion.
This nourishing cleansing oil is gentle on the skin and suitable for all skin types. It contains soothing jojoba oil to soften and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Meanwhile, sustainably sourced sugarcane-derived squalane and evening primrose oil boost radiance and leave the complexion feeling soothed.
Dissolves Dirt and Makeup
Oil-based cleansers are super-effective at removing daily grime, clogs and makeup. They work on the premise that “like dissolves like” and bind to excess sebum, dirt and dead skin cells (plus any leftover sunscreen) to help dissolve them. They’re also free of sulfates and other harsh chemicals that can disrupt the skin barrier and leave a dry, irritated complexion.
When massaged onto dry skin, they help break down impurities so that when you rinse them off, your pores are squeaky-clean without feeling tight and uncomfortable or leaving behind a layer of grease. This method of cleansing is ideal for all skin types, but especially those with combination and acne-prone or oily complexions (because it avoids over-stripping the natural oils that keep skin balanced).
One of our favorites is this Kiehl’s formula infused with jojoba and sweet almond oil that doubles as a makeup remover. Another option is this hydrating cleanser from Naturopathica that starts as a gel and transforms into an oil-based formula when you wash it with water.
Whatever you choose, be sure to massage the oil into your skin for about 30 seconds before rinsing to give it time to bond with the build-up and dirt. And don’t forget to follow with your usual water-based cleanser. This step is a key part of the double cleanse that will help ensure that you’ve really, truly removed all traces of makeup, dirt and sebum from your face.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is like a protective fortress with walls that keep damaging bacteria out and essential moisture in. When these barriers weaken, it can lead to breakouts, irritated and dry skin. Harsh cleansers, over-exfoliating and a lack of hydration can all contribute to weakening the barrier. The good news is that using a cleansing oil as the first step in your skin care routine can strengthen and restore this important structure.
The key is to use an oil-based cleanser with ingredients that mimic your natural oils. The emulsifiers and additives in an oil-based cleanser work a bit like magnets to effortlessly pick up and dissolve impurities, excess sebum, waterproof mascara, lipstick and sunscreen while allowing your skin’s natural oils to be fully absorbed into the deeper layers.
A good oil cleanser should contain a high percentage of linoleic acid, which is found in the stratum corneum (the outer layer of your skin) and is the building block for ceramides that help protect the barrier from environmental aggressors and water loss.
An oil-based cleanser can be used in a double cleansing routine as the first step in your skin care regimen. Apply a pump of a cleanser with your fingers to your dry face and massage in circular motions. Then, add a little water and gently rinse away. The CosMedix Purity Solution deep cleansing oil is formulated with nourishing Argan, Moringa and Olive oils to gently lift dirt, makeup and impurities while maintaining healthy barrier function.
Promotes a Healthy Glow
We often equate radiant skin with health and well-being. It is a sign that you are getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and not smoking, for example. But there is a lot more that goes into radiant skin, both internal and external factors.
Your genetics, hormone fluctuations (especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopause), stress and diet are all big players in how bright your complexion is. Keeping your skin clean and hydrated is also essential to glowing skin, as is minimizing the appearance of pores and hyperpigmentation.
Incorporating a range of nourishing herbs into your beauty routine can help you achieve radiant skin, too. For example, ayurvedic herb neem balances Pitta in the skin and helps to keep it clear. Then there is sandalwood, which can help reduce redness and calm irritation. And finally, the nutrient rich oil from the Indian tinospora plant is known to promote circulation and detoxify the body.
Another way to add glow-boosting ingredients to your skincare is to use a product that combines the hydrating benefits of a moisturizer with the radiance-boosting effects of a highlighter. The new category of glotions — one of the new products in GH Beauty Lab — are the perfect example of this, with hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin and finely milled mica to reflect light for a subtle, all-over glow.