I received a few emails on this subject so I thought it would be an interesting topic for discussion 🙂
Most of us are familiar with the concept of using cleansing oils to remove makeup. Personally, I like using cleansing oils for this purpose because its convenient (eyes and face in one) and seems to leave my skin cleaner than other makeup removers. But then I do follow up with a cleanser thereafter.
But what if you don’t wear makeup, or don’t wear a lot of makeup? Do you still need to use cleansing oils or can you?
When I first started getting into skincare, I was told that you can and should use cleansing oils even if you do not use makeup (this was when I was using Japanese skincare). The rationale is the same as that for makeup removal.
Cleansing oils clean out your pores and help unclog dirt from pores better. Also, the concept of oil dissolving and removing oils works the same way as our skin does get oilier throughout the day.
On a personal note, if I don’t wear makeup, I rarely use a cleansing oil before a regular cleanser. Not because I don’t believe in it, but because I’m just a little bit lazier 😛
However, I must say that when I do use a cleansing oil, I do notice a difference in my skin. It looks and feels cleaner and I believe that the cleansing oil helps to remove remnants of sunscreen on the skin too.
When I massage the oil on my skin, I usually feel these gravelly bits under my fingertips, and if I have areas of skin with clogged pores, I do find that using a cleansing oil helps with that.
I know of some people who don’t use makeup but who use cleansing oils regularly because they use sunscreen and they believe that cleansing oils help remove sunscreen at the end of the day. I know GUYS who use cleansing oil because they say it helps their skin stay cleaner and clearer. It hasn’t harmed their skin so I suppose it doesn’t hurt 🙂 Also, in Japanese skincare (where double cleansing is common) they recommend the use of cleansing oils as the 1st step of cleansing. The use of a cleansing oil as a makeup remover appears to be secondary.
What do you think? Do you think cleansing oils are necessary even if you don’t wear makeup? Or do you think its just a waste of money and time?
Paris B
domncroxd says
January 4, 2011 at 4:05 pmI double-cleanse most of the time but I’ve never used oils regularly enough to see if there is a difference. I will this time since I bought my Shu oil! 🙂 Let you know if there is a difference for me.
ParisB says
January 5, 2011 at 9:42 amGoody! Try it and let us know 😀
Julia says
January 4, 2011 at 9:44 pmI guess that makes sense… the nice lady at the Japanese pharmacy however told me to better use a cleansing milk or cream with dry skin, as oil takes away too much of the skin’s oils, so I don’t even possess a cleansing oil anymore. I still double cleanse (or actually triple), just with another first step. Hm, maybe I should get a cleansing oil for a weekly thourough clean, can’t be that bad…?
Anyhow, if you wear anything on your face, like sun screen, I guess you have to remove it!
ParisB says
January 5, 2011 at 9:47 amA cleansing milk/cream makes sense on dry skin too 🙂 I was using one for a while, but I did not like how it seemed to leave a layer on my skin. I guess maybe my skin just wasn’t as dry as I thought 😉
Lisa says
January 4, 2011 at 10:12 pmBesides using oil that emulsify such as my favourite Dhc oils, I like using oil eg grapeseed or jojoba oil for cleansing too. It’s more work though but better benefit for my skin.
sombf says
January 4, 2011 at 10:27 pmI use pure camellia oil. It works to remove my water-proof eyeliner and mascara.
ParisB says
January 5, 2011 at 9:48 amI’ve heard that using grapeseed or jojoba oil is good for the skin too! I wanted to try except I wasn’t sure where to find such oils here. I tried using olive oil and I broke out so bad >.<
Reese says
January 5, 2011 at 1:37 pmyou can get grapeseed oil in health food stores, or places like jusco and cold storage at the organic food section. I have only seen jojoba oil in Culpepper counters.
Willa says
January 5, 2011 at 12:07 amYes! It helps dissolve excess sebum! xx
ParisB says
January 5, 2011 at 9:51 amGood call!
lazeny says
January 5, 2011 at 1:37 amI only use cleansing oils now on my face, though I don’t do double cleansing. I find that the cleansing oil is enough to remove all the dirt on my face. The difference is so evident and my skin is now healthier than when I was using a cleansing foam.
ParisB says
January 5, 2011 at 9:52 amHey, great to know that it works for you too 🙂 Double cleansing isn’t always necessary. Its something I do just because I’m used to it and I personally think its better for me 🙂
shirleyk says
January 5, 2011 at 9:11 pmCleansing oil is a must for me, every day, day and night, with or without makeup, but still there are times that I skip double cleansing whenever my skin feels dry.
Tine says
January 6, 2011 at 7:11 amI still double cleanse with or without makeup on. After reading Sesame’s post on double cleansing after having sunscreen on all day, I made it a point to double cleanse. I reckon it’s become a habit to do so on an almost daily basis 😛
ParisB says
January 6, 2011 at 11:43 amGolly! You’re way more hardworking that I am. If I don’t wear makeup of certain sunscreen, I just say sod it 😛
Nadia says
January 8, 2011 at 1:25 pmI’m a recent convert with this whole double cleansing thing. Definitely makes my skin look and feel far better than just cleansing alone without the oil. With or without makeup, nowadays, I still tend to indulge in double cleansing. Feels cleaner!
meipinggg says
January 12, 2011 at 7:59 pmI really want to try a cleansing oil O: but which one should I buy that doesn’t cost so much? :
ParisB says
January 13, 2011 at 2:59 pmTry the I Nuovi Cleansing Oil. Its good, smells great, cleans well and isn’t that expensive.
Alicia Tan says
March 16, 2011 at 8:12 pmHi Paris, it’s my first time tumbling upon your site. And recently I’m very confused over these cleansing products, so I hope you can answer these perturbing questions:
1) If I were to remove my makeup in mid-afternoon (not planning to go to bed) using cleansing oil, do I have to follow with cleansing foam? (I heard that cleansing oil will be retain in your pores because water can’t wash it off)
2) I thought cleansers come in various forms: Gel, Foam, Milk, Oil etc, and different forms suit different skin type? Why do some people use cleansing milk & then follow with cleansing foam? I know of double-cleansing, but does cleansing milk alone clean enough? Why do some people with oily skin use cleansing milk too?
lily says
November 10, 2011 at 4:33 pmMany experts say that cleansing oil, cream cleanser and cold cream are the most thorough ways to remove makeup/sunblock, so nowadays I always use these methods–no more gel cleansers for me! Cleansing oil is messier though, so I use it on roughly 3 or 4 times a week. The other nights, I’ll use a cold cream, wipe off with tissue, then rinse with water for a while to be safe haha. I really recommend Neutrogena cleansing oil and Pond’s cold cream, these 2 really remove everything on my skin with no residue left, and don’t make my face feel tight after. 🙂
I suggest u guys try not to double-cleanse. I also used to do that but my dermatologist said it’s really not necessary and can be harmful and ageing–just find a good cleanser which doesn’t leave a residue. U can use a gentle toner after that, if ure a little paranoid like me 🙂 And in the morning u can just wash wif water and use a bit of toner–many dermatologists recommend this. I remember reading that Charlize Theron uses just one cleanser at night and washes with water in morning. I really think overdoing cleansing can do more harm and good.
lily says
November 10, 2011 at 4:38 pmOops, I forgot to write in my previous comment–yes, I’d recommend cleansing oil even if u don’t wear makeup, or otherwise a cream cleanser or cold cream is fine too. This will ensure your water-resistant sunblock is washed off. 🙂 If u don’t wear water-resistant sunblock and don’t wear makeup, I guess most cleansers will be good enough