If you’re looking for an all natural way to get rid of your blackheads then the oil cleansing method is a great option for you.
The oil cleaning method works off the principle that like dissolves like. The oil you use to cleanse your skin will loosen and dissolve the oil clogged in your pores that form blackheads. Using the oil cleansing method is an alternative to over the counter skin products that treat blackheads.
People have been raving about the oil cleansing method. If you’re still sceptical about the oil cleansing method then this the article is for you.
Using the oil cleansing method for blackheads might be the best thing you’ve ever done for your skin.
If you are looking for an all-natural option to cleanse your face then you have a couple of options. You can use raw milk, oil or a variety of other methods.
When it comes to oil cleansing you can use pure oils or you can opt for a facial oil formulation that has been created for oil cleansing (this is my favourite one).
It might be a terrifying thing to consider if you have acne-prone, oily or combination skin but as long as you pick the right oil combination and you wait the 2 weeks long purging period that some people experience then you’ll be good to go.
Oil cleansing method for blackheads
Table of Contents
Why do I have so many blackheads?
Pretty much everyone has had or currently has blackheads.
Blackheads form when the pores in your skin get clogged up with a mixture of dead skin cells and sebum.
When the opening of the pore is exposed to oxygen the bump on the surface turns black, when it stays white it’s called a whitehead.
The reasons you have so many blackheads can be that your skin is producing too much oil and this oil is getting clogged up in your pores.
If you are going through hormonal changes then blackheads generally appear more often.
Sometimes blackheads can appear when the hair follicles get irritated and the hair does not shed as it should on a regular basis.
How does the oil cleansing method remove blackheads?
Unlike facial foams, facial cleansers or face washes the oil cleaning method does not rely on detergent type ingredients to cleanse the skin.
It works on the principle that “like dissolves like”. This means that the oil you apply on your face will dissolve the oils on your skin and the hardened oils in your pores thus blackheads.
When you add the new clean oil onto your face the sebum on your skin is lifted and the pores on your face which show up as blackheads are cleaned out. This includes whiteheads and pimples too.
All blemishes happen as a result of the sebum on the skin clogging up our pores causing blackheads and whiteheads.
When acne-causing bacteria is added to the mix you get pimples. Removing the sebum on your skin will remove blackheads and pimples.
If you decide to extract the blackhead a hole may be left on your skin where the blackhead was. This is normal, if you want to find out why this happens and how to deal with it click here.
Benefits that the oil cleansing method has on your skin:
- Retaining moisture on the skin
- Increasing skin elasticity
- Firms the skin up
- Helps reduce wrinkles
- Improves dry skin
- Deep cleans the skin
- Regulate the skins oil production
How do you cleanse with oil?
- Make sure you wash your hands before touching your face to avoid transferring bacteria and oils from your hands to your face.
- Apply a small amount of oil into your palms then onto your face
- Gently massage the oil into your face, this will help dissolve any hardened oils and sebum.
- Have a warm wet washcloth on hand and wipe the oil off your face. Make sure this washcloth has no detergents on it and that it is completely clean
- You usually don’t need to moisturise your face after cleansing with oil. Make sure your face is moisturised and not slick with oil after the cleanse. If its slick with oil repeat step 4 or use a good cleanser like this one.
What essential oils get rid of blackheads?
For this method to work, you need to make sure that you are usually an oil that is suitable to be used on the skin and not any old oil under your kitchen such as canola oil.
If you don’t use the correct oil you run the risk of getting breakouts, clogged pores and Milla (small hard cysts under your skin). Make sure you dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil:
Lavender oil:
Using lavender essential oil is beneficial because lavender has antibacterial properties. This oil will clear the bacteria that cause acne on your skin, thus reducing the blackheads you have on your skin. This lavender oil is a favourite.
Tea tree oil:
This is a great oil that will help you get rid of the bacteria that causes blackheads, it is antifungal and antibacterial (this is a good tea tree oil to use).
It will also prevent blackheads from becoming more angry and inflamed. Many skincare brands are using this ingredient more and more.
Tea tree oil is also a great oil to use when you are steaming the face. Find out more here.
Sweet orange oil
Sweet orange oil will control sebum levels by breaking up the blackhead-causing oil on the skin.
This is found in many acne clearing products because it does this so well. Your skin will feel and smell amazingly clean and fresh after use. (here is a good sweet orange oil)
Eucalyptus oil
This oil is known for its abilities to cleanse by controlling the amount of sebum on the skin. This, in turn, controls the amount of break out you get as a result of excess sebum.
This is also an oil that is used in many cleansing and moisturizing products as it works so well. (This is a great eucalyptus oil)
How often should I oil cleanse?
You should oil cleanse only once a day, preferably at night so you can get the most use out of the cleanse.
During the day your face collects dirt, external impurities, bacteria and the sebum on your skin builds up. You need to remove this at the end of the day so that your skin can rejuvenate itself well at night.
You also need to make sure that you are getting a good amount of sleep at night, if not you can develop bad skin from not sleeping
Does cleansing oils clog pores?
No, cleansing oils are specially formulated to be lightweight and not clog pores.
They are designed to clear out any clogged pores breaking up the sebum and dead skin cells in your pores.
In addition, some of them offer benefits to the skin such as antioxidants and other nutrients which are meant to easily absorb into the skin.
If you are using a normal oil (not a formulated facial oil) for your oil cleansing, you may get breakouts if you leave any residue on your skin after doing the oil cleanse.
For the oil cleanse to be effective you need to remove any excess oil residue off with a foaming cleanser (like this one). When you start doing the oil cleansing method there is a chance your skin will purge or you can get legitimate breakouts.
Here is more information on that and how to know if you are purging or breaking out.
Precautions:
When you add any new product to your skincare routine it is important to do a patch test on your skin.
A patch test is when you apply a small amount of product on a small patch on your skin and wait 48 hours to see if the skin will react in any way.
If the skin does not react in a negative way then you’ll be ok to use the product.
Tip: The oil cleansing method isn’t for everyone, it can be damaging to some skin for various reasons, to find out more read here.
Can you squeeze blackheads out?
You generally shouldn’t squeeze the blackheads. The blackheads, and any other skin blemish caused by blocked pores are made up of sebum and other particles encased in the walls of the pores. This wall is quite delicate.
When you squeeze the blackhead you add a lot of pressure onto your skin and run the risk of tearing the wall.
If this happens the bacteria can spread to the tissue around the blackhead creating a whole new problem: pimples.
In addition, if you squeeze the blackhead and the bacteria gets onto the surface of the skin you can develop more blackheads or pimples and creating scarring.
What is the best blackhead remover?
The best blackheads remover is the comoedone spoon (blackhead extractor), this is a small instrument that will help you get rid of blackheads in a cleaner safer way than squeezing the blackhead.
When you’re ready to get rid of your blackhead make sure to disinfect the spoon before you let it touch your skin. In addition, sterilise the areas of skin to stay extra safe.
Can I oil cleanse every day?
Yes, you can oil cleanse your face every day. It is a gentle process that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils and won’t cause dryness.
The best time to oil cleanse is when you’re about to go to bed. As you go about your day your face gets into contact with all the pollutants from the outside world and well as debris and bacteria from outside.
This will get attached to the sebum on your skin and needs to be removed. Oil cleansing is a great way to remove all the external impurities.
This is also the best time because your skin works the hardest when you sleep.
How do I permanently get rid of blackheads on my nose?
You can only temporally get rid of blackheads if your blackheads are caused by genetics ie: oily skin.
If your blackheads are caused by your environment or the products you use then you need to cut those products out as they can cause your skin to become more oily, rather switch to oil-free options.
You also need to make sure you clean your pillowcase on a regular basis. Avoid touching your face and use blotting paper to absorb the excess oil on your face.
You can also use scrubs and exfoliators to get rid of the blackheads on your nose as well. If you need to you can also steam your pores to help the sebum exit (this is how) or oil cleanse.
Do blackheads go away naturally?
No, unfortunately, blackheads do not go away naturally.
That is why you need to extract them using a blackhead extractor of you need to help break them down using steaming, or using some sort of exfoliator.
The best way to prevent then coming back is to keep up a good skincare routine.
Do blackhead vacuums really work?
The whole idea of those blackhead vacuums is to manually suction the gunk that’s stuck in your pores and leave you with clean clog-free pores.
An issue can arise if the suction is too strong as this can lead to some inflammation on the skin and it can even lead to some bruising.
Also, if you don’t loosen the blackhead first by steaming the skin then the vacuum won’t really be all that effective.
Do blackhead strips work?
Yes, they work but they can irritate the skin as well. The strips work by sticking onto the skin.
When you remove the strip it takes the clog in the blackhead along with it. For this to be effective you need to get the blackhead ready for this process.
You need to steam the skin to loosen the clog and make it easier for it to come out with the strip.
In addition, because the strip is so sticky it can wind up taking some of the top layer of your skin.
This skin removal isn’t in a good way like an exfoliator would, so my recommendation is to just exfoliate
How long does it take the oil cleansing method to work?
All skincare products take a little time for them to work. Once you’re past the initial purging process (read about that here) then you’ll be able to see what’s really going on with your skin.
Oil cleansing will usually take 2-3 weeks to really work on your skin and for you to see a difference.
I hope you enjoyed this article looking at doing the oil cleansing method for blackheads. I hope you try it out and enjoy the benefits. If you enjoyed the article please share it.
