For many women, the idea of cleansing the face with oil feels counterintuitive. We’ve been conditioned to believe that squeaky-clean skin is healthy skin—and that oil is the enemy.
After 24 years working in the female health and skin space, I can tell you with absolute certainty:
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The ONLY thing that should squeak is the bodywork on your car!
The skin is intelligent.
It thrives on nourishment, balance, and respect—not harsh detergents, stripping cleansers, or chemical overload.
Oil cleansing isn’t a trend.
It’s a return to what the skin has always understood.
A little further down the page, I’ll tell you exactly how to make your own cleansing oil. But first….
10 Benefits of Hot Cloth Oil Cleansing
1. Gently Deep-Cleanses Without Stripping
The combination of nourishing oils and warm steam dissolves impurities and excess sebum while preserving the skin’s natural protective barrier.
2. Softens and Refines the Appearance of Pores
Warmth from the hot cloth opens pores, allowing congestion to release gently, leaving skin clearer and smoother over time.
3. Enhances Circulation and Natural Glow
The massage and heat stimulate blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin for a healthy, radiant complexion.
4. Strengthens the Skin Barrier
Natural oils rich in essential fatty acids help repair and protect the barrier, improving resilience and hydration.
5. Calms Sensitive and Reactive Skin
Unlike harsh cleansers, oil cleansing soothes inflammation and reduces redness, making it ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.
6. Encourages Lymphatic Drainage
Gentle massage supports lymph flow, helping reduce puffiness and supporting the skin’s natural detoxification processes.
7. Supports Healthy Ageing
Antioxidant-rich oils nourish the skin at a cellular level, supporting elasticity, softness, and long-term skin vitality.
8. Supports Healthy Oil Balance
By cleansing with oil, the skin no longer feels the need to overproduce sebum, helping both oily and dry skin find equilibrium.
9. Regulates the Nervous System
The warmth, rhythm, and aromatherapy elements help shift the body and mind into a relaxed state, supporting overall skin and hormonal health. Sometimes I stand at the sink for way more than 2 minutes, feels and smells so good!
10. Transforms Cleansing Into a Sacred Self-Care Ritual
Hot cloth oil cleansing becomes a moment of presence, grounding, and self-connection—nourishing not just the skin, but the mind and soul.
Skin Health Is an Inside Job (sorry, not sorry)
Now, my love, we should really talk about nutrition when discussing all things skin. I know we all look for that magic youth fix in a jar, but I can’t and won’t lie to you!
A large portion of our skin health is tied to gut function. Scientific findings suggest that roughly 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, and imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) are heavily implicated in inflammatory skin conditions. Think eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
True skin health is never created by products alone. After more than two decades working with skin, one truth has remained constant: the skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside the body.
Inflammation, dehydration, hormonal imbalance, stress, and nutrient deficiencies will always show up on the skin—no matter how beautiful the skincare routine looks on the outside.
This is why no topical product can out-perform poor nutrition, chronic dehydration, lack of sleep, or a nervous system stuck in survival mode.
(read that again 😉
Skin cells are living, intelligent cells. They require nourishment, hydration, oxygen, and rest to regenerate, repair, and function optimally.
Nutrition is always the foundation. The skin is built from what we eat—healthy fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants all play a vital role in collagen production, barrier repair, and cellular turnover. Without sufficient nourishment, the skin simply cannot thrive.
Water is equally essential, supporting detoxification, circulation, and elasticity at a cellular level. Dehydrated skin is often a sign of a dehydrated body.
Sleep is another non-negotiable pillar of skin health.
It is during deep rest that the body repairs tissue, balances hormones, and reduces inflammation. No serum or facial can replace the regenerative power of quality sleep. When sleep is compromised, the skin quickly reflects it through dullness, breakouts, sensitivity, and accelerated ageing.
This is why I always teach a skin-first-from-within approach:
Diet, gut integrity and lifestyle come first, and topical skincare comes second.
Products are supportive—they enhance, protect, and nourish—but they cannot override an internal environment that is depleted or inflamed.
When the body is well-fed, hydrated, rested, and regulated, the skin responds beautifully, often requiring far less intervention on the outside.
Real, lasting skin health is multi-faceted.
It is created through daily choices that honour the body as a whole—not just the face we see in the mirror.
Why So Many Skincare Products Work Against the Skin
Most conventional cleansers are designed to aggressively remove oil. They rely on surfactants and synthetic ingredients that disrupt the skin barrier, confuse the microbiome, and leave the skin in a constant cycle of dryness and overproduction.
Over the years, I’ve seen this pattern repeatedly:
- Skin that feels tight after cleansing
- Breakouts triggered by “acne” products
- Sensitivity, inflammation, and redness
- Premature ageing caused by barrier damage
Many of these issues aren’t caused by the skin itself—but by what we’re putting on it.
This is why I gravitated toward natural, wholesome ingredients, and eventually began making my own cleansing oils. The results—on myself and on countless clients—have been remarkable.
If you want to get stuck in to making your own cleansing oil, just scroll a little further to ‘How to make your own cleansing oil’.
Why Oil Cleansing Works (From a Skin Specialist’s Perspective)
(That’s me!)
The principle is simple and elegant:
like dissolves like.
Natural oils gently bind to excess sebum, makeup, sunscreen, and impurities lodged in the pores—without stripping the skin of what it actually needs.
Rather than forcing the skin into balance, oil cleansing invites balance.
When done correctly, it supports:
- A healthy skin barrier
- Balanced oil production
- Softer, calmer, more hydrated skin
- Improved clarity and texture over time
This is true for dry, oily, sensitive, mature, and even acne-prone skin—when the right oils are chosen.
The Power of Pure, Natural Oils
One of the reasons oil cleansing is so effective is the quality of ingredients.
Natural oils are rich in:
- Essential fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Fat-soluble vitamins
- Anti-inflammatory compounds
Unlike many commercial products, they don’t contain fillers, fragrances, preservatives, or endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Some oils help to gently cleanse and refine.
Others deeply nourish and restore.
This is why I now regularly blend my own cleansing oils—tailored, intentional, and aligned with what the skin actually recognises.
Oil Cleansing as a Sacred Daily Ritual
Beyond the physical benefits, oil cleansing has become something much deeper for me.
It is a ritual.
Just a few minutes—yet profoundly grounding.
As the oil warms between your hands…
When you massage it slowly into your skin…
As you inhale the gentle aromatherapy of essential oils…
You are not just cleansing your face.
You are coming home to yourself.
This is a moment to breathe.
To soften the nervous system.
To be present in your body.
In a world that constantly pulls us outward, this simple practice becomes an act of self-connection.
Skin responds beautifully when the mind relaxes.
Why Ritual Matters for Skin Health
When we slow down, the body shifts out of fight-or-flight.
Circulation improves.
Muscles soften.
Hormonal signals change.
The skin—being deeply connected to the nervous system—responds to this state of calm.
Oil cleansing, when approached intentionally, supports:
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory grounding
- A feeling of safety in the body
This is skincare that nourishes skin, mind, and soul.
A Simple Way to Practice Oil Cleansing
You don’t need a complicated routine. Just a few minutes;
A small amount of oil.
Gentle massage.
Warmth.
Presence.
Allow this to be slow—not rushed.
Let it be something you feel, not something you tick off a list.
The skin remembers how it feels to be treated with care.
How To Make Your Own Cleansing Oil
I’ve tried and tested so many different combinations over the years. Some oils, like castor oil, are a little more astringent (drying) than others. But in small amounts, and blended in combination with other oils, Castor oil is magical and doesn’t cause a problem with drying.
Here are some oil cleansing oil options and how they work.
How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Skin
- Dry skin: Sweet almond, sunflower, olive, apricot kernel
- Oily skin: Grapeseed, jojoba, small amount castor oil
- Sensitive skin: Sunflower, sweet almond, jojoba
- Mature skin: Rosehip, argan, apricot kernel, olive
- Combination skin: Jojoba, grapeseed, sweet almond
🌿 The Best Carrier Oils for the Oil Cleansing Method
Carrier/base oils form the nourishing base of your oil cleansing blend. They help dissolve makeup, excess sebum, sunscreen, and daily impurities while feeding the skin with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.
Choosing the right carrier oil for your skin type can transform your cleansing ritual, leaving your skin soft, balanced, and glowing rather than stripped or irritated.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is a beautifully gentle oil that suits most skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin. Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, sweet almond oil helps soften the skin, calm irritation, and deeply nourish while cleansing. It leaves the complexion feeling smooth, supple, and comforted.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed Oil is lightweight and fast-absorbing, grapeseed oil is ideal for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. It has mild astringent properties that can help tighten the appearance of pores and balance excess oil production. Rich in antioxidants, it also supports a brighter, clearer complexion.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is gentle, soothing, and naturally rich in vitamin E. It helps support the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and calm inflammation, making it an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin types.
Olive Oil
Olive Oil is rich and deeply moisturising oil that works beautifully for very dry or mature skin. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, olive oil can help soften rough texture and support skin elasticity. Use in smaller amounts if your skin is prone to congestion.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is intensely nourishing and naturally antibacterial, making it popular for dry skin and body cleansing. However, because it can be comedogenic for some, it may not suit acne-prone facial skin. Best used cautiously or blended with lighter oils.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is often used as the cleansing component in oil cleansing blends due to its powerful cleansing and drawing properties. It helps dissolve buildup, excess oil, and congestion. Because it is thick and potent, it is best blended with softer carrier oils rather than used alone.
I adore Castor oil for so many other things health-related, from constipation, to hair treatments, liver cleansing and eyelash and brow growth! I use it for so many things. My go-to queen for all things Castor Oil is Kate. She wrote a beautiful book called ‘Castor Oil: The Holy Grail’.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil is a lightweight, silky oil that feels luxurious on the skin. Rich in vitamins A and E, it nourishes, softens, and supports radiance. Particularly lovely for mature, dry, or sensitive skin.
Speciality Oils to Elevate Your Oil Cleansing Ritual
Adding speciality oils to your cleansing blend can deeply nourish the skin while targeting specific concerns such as dryness, blemishes, sensitivity, or signs of ageing. These beautiful plant oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healing properties that support radiant, balanced skin.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a lightweight, rejuvenating oil known for its powerful skin-renewing properties. Naturally rich in vitamins A and C, it can help fade scars, reduce the appearance of pigmentation, smooth fine lines, and support collagen production. Its gentle astringent qualities make it especially beneficial for oily or combination skin, while its restorative nature also makes it a beautiful choice for mature skin seeking a natural glow.
Argan Oil
Argan Oil, often referred to as “liquid gold,” argan oil is deeply nourishing and packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It helps soften and moisturise the skin, improve elasticity, and protect against environmental stress and free radical damage. Argan oil is especially supportive for dry, dull, or ageing skin, leaving the complexion supple, smooth, and radiant.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is one of the most balanced oils for skincare because its structure closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum. This allows it to help regulate oil production, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types. Rich in vitamins E and B-complex, along with skin-loving minerals, jojoba hydrates without clogging pores and helps calm irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
🌸Essential Oils
Essential oils can add a beautiful therapeutic layer to your cleansing ritual when used sparingly. Many offer antibacterial, soothing, or rejuvenating properties that support clearer and healthier skin.
Some lovely choices include:
- Lavender – calming, soothing, and balancing
- Tea Tree – clarifying and blemish-supportive
- Frankincense – rejuvenating and anti-ageing
- Sweet Orange – brightening and uplifting
- Cedarwood – grounding and balancing for oily skin
Simply add 2-4 drops to your oil cleansing blend
A Gentle Reminder
Your skin is unique, so allow this to be a ritual of listening and experimenting. The right blend will leave your skin feeling soft, calm, nourished, and beautifully supported.
Also, as a natural preservative for these gorgeous oils, I add 1-2 drops of pure Vitamin E Tocopherol. This protects the oils and stops them from going rancid. I usually make 500ml at a time, and it keeps for about 6 months.
Exact Oil Cleansing Recipes for Each Skin Type
The beauty of the oil cleansing method is that it can be customised to your skin’s unique needs. Start with these blends, then gently adjust over time as your skin responds.
How to use:
-Massage 1–2 teaspoons onto dry skin for 1–2 minutes. Take time to breathe deeply while you do this.
-Hold a warm face cloth over your beautiful face for a few seconds. Then gently remove. Follow with a second cleanse if you’ve been wearing make-up/SPF.
1. Dry Skin Blend
Designed to deeply nourish, soften, and restore moisture while cleansing gently.
- 2 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 tbsp Sunflower Oil
- 1 tsp Castor Oil
- 1 tsp Rosehip Oil
✨ Best for dry, flaky, tight, or dull skin.
Why it works: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, this blend replenishes moisture while castor oil helps lift impurities without over-drying.
2. Oily Skin Blend
Helps balance excess sebum, clear congestion, and support a fresh complexion.
- 2 tbsp Grapeseed Oil
- 1 tbsp Jojoba Oil
- 1 tbsp Castor Oil
- 3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (optional)
✨ Best for oily, shiny, or blemish-prone skin.
How it works: Lightweight oils help regulate oil production while castor oil deeply cleanses pores.
3. Sensitive Skin Blend
A calming, gentle blend to cleanse without irritation.
- 2 tbsp Jojoba Oil
- 2 tbsp Sunflower Oil
- 1 tsp Calendula-infused Oil (optional)
- 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil (optional)
✨ Best for sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin.
Why it works: Jojoba mimics natural sebum while sunflower supports the skin barrier and soothes inflammation.
4. Combination Skin Blend
Balances dry areas while gently clarifying oilier zones.
- 2 tbsp Jojoba Oil
- 1 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 tbsp Grapeseed Oil
- 1 tsp Castor Oil
✨ Best for oily T-zone with dry cheeks.
Why it works: A harmonious mix of balancing and nourishing oils to support both dry and oily areas.
5. Mature / Ageing Skin Blend
Supports elasticity, glow, and deep nourishment.
- 2 tbsp Argan Oil
- 1 tbsp Jojoba Oil
- 1 tbsp Rosehip Oil
- 1 tsp Castor Oil
- 1 drop Frankincense Essential Oil (optional)
✨ Best for mature, dry, or tired-looking skin.
Why it works: Antioxidant-rich oils support collagen, hydration, and radiance.
6. Acne-Prone Skin Blend
Gentle cleansing without stripping the skin barrier.
- 2 tbsp Jojoba Oil
- 1 tbsp Grapeseed Oil
- 1 tbsp Hemp Seed Oil
- 1 tsp Castor Oil
- 2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (optional)
✨ Best for congestion, breakouts, or acne-prone skin.
Why it works: Lightweight non-comedogenic oils help calm inflammation and balance oil production.
Storage Tips & Supplies
- Store in a dark glass bottle or jar
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Use within 3–6 months
- Shake gently before each use
- Use quality face cloths. I love the Bamboo ones: Bamboo Face Cloths
Sacred Reminder
Your skin changes with hormones, seasons, stress, and age. Let your cleansing blend evolve with you. The most beautiful skincare ritual is one rooted in listening, patience, and love.
A Final Reflection
Oil cleansing is not about perfection.
It’s about a relationship.
A relationship with your skin.
With your body.
With yourself.
When we choose simplicity, purity, and intention, the skin responds—not because we forced it to change, but because we finally listened.
Sometimes the most powerful transformations happen in just a few quiet minutes a day.
I love you,
