We have been raised to believe that fat is our enemy. I myself had the fault of having a shiny T-zone when I was in high school. The beauty industry reinforces this myth, insisting that you keep your skin clear by exfoliating until your face feels tight. However, this logic is flawed. Dermatologists are increasingly opposed to the idea of ”squeaky cleanliness.” While we don’t recommend applying leftover olive oil from your pantry to your cheeks, we do recommend using lipids. In particular, there is a reason why oil-based cleaners are becoming more common.
It has to do with basic chemistry. “”Like dissolves like.””
If you remember from high school science, substances that have similar chemical structures dissolve in each other. The skin produces oil. An oil-based cleaner is needed to remove excess oil, dirt and sunscreen without damaging the barrier. Foam cleansing uses detergents or surfactants that remove lipids and reveal cells. The oil-based formula respects the skin’s natural structure.
“Oils really help keep your skin healthy. They protect, heal, and moisturize your skin,” says Leslie Bauman, a dermatologist in Miami.
This is important because oil is not just a waste product. It is a protective barrier. Treats microtears. Keeps your skin clean. Depriving it creates a cycle of dehydration and overproduction.
The benefits of fat cleansing
You might think that oil cleansing is only for people with dry, flaky skin. This is a common misconception. Francesca Fusco, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai University, notes that people with oily skin are often skeptical, but everyone can benefit.
For dry skin types, the results are visible quickly. Oil-based cleansers collect lipids directly on the surface of the skin. These lipids trap water. The result is moisturized skin that does not require constant measures. Some oils, especially safflower oil, are rich in linoleic acid. Your skin needs ceramides to produce them. Ceramides are the glue between skin cells. Without these you lose water. This can lead to symptoms of dehydration.
Other oils also have their benefits. Flaxseed oil provides omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fatty acids. Both have anti-inflammatory properties. If your skin is red or irritated, these ingredients can help soothe your skin.
It also has practical benefits. You can dispense with special make-up removers. Cosmetics and sunscreens are usually oil-soluble. Since lipids dissolves lipids, oil cleansing can dissolve stubborn mascara and SPF all at once. There are no extra steps. Cotton pads do not cause friction on the sensitive eye skin.
Disadvantages and risks
It doesn’t feel like you’re washing your face. The tight, stiff feeling disappears. Instead, your skin becomes smooth. Hydrated. Some may feel uneasy about this at first. It can feel greasy. The need to wash again with a regular foaming gel can be strong. Please resist. You don’t need a second pass. In fact, it would undermine the whole process.
If you follow this method correctly, you may be able to skip the moisturizer altogether. Baumann believes this is possible for most people. The oil provides sufficient occlusion to trap moisture. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. Especially in the morning.
However, this approach is not for everyone. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, proceed with caution. Strictly speaking, olive oil is not comedogenic. It should not clog pores. However, individual biology is different. Some people break out. Oil cleansers remove surface oil. They do not control hormones. If your acne is caused by hormones, oil cleansers won’t address the root cause. Adding lipids to an already overproduced system can even make the problem worse.
How to use delipidsr correctly
Don’t pick bottles off the shelf. Regular olive oil works, but it is not suitable for the face. Look for face oils designed for cleansing. Brands such as Shu Uemura and Philosophy offer products specifically for this purpose.
This is the protocol.
- Start with dry skin. Do not wet your face.
- Squeeze a small amount of formula onto your finger.
- Massage onto dry skin for about 1 minute.
- Focus on areas with makeup or sunscreen. You can gently wipe around your eyes. It doesn’t sting. You can also condition your lashes and make them look thicker over time.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can wipe off the residue with a damp cloth.
- Pat dry.
If your skin is not very dry, you can skip the moisturizing step. The cleanser did the heavy lifting.
Conclusion
The transition from exfoliating cleansers is noticeable. For decades, we have been led to believe that clear skin means empty skin. This is not true. This means balanced skin. Oil cleansing supports this balance. They protect the barrier. They reduce inflammation. Daily tasks become simpler.
For people with dry skin, the benefits outweigh the hesitation. Results may vary for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Listen to your skin. If it feels good, it probably is. If it breaks out, take a step back. There are other ways to gain clarity. But what about the idea that oil is inherently bad for your skin? This is an outdated myth.
“As a bonus, some oils are high in linoleic acid, which your skin needs to make ceramides,” explains Baumann.
Your skin knows what it needs. Sometimes it’s enough to give it a little more of the same thing.
