How Often Should You Use an Oil Based Cleanser with Dry Skin?
When it comes to cleansing the skin, we really are spoilt for choice! From water to oil there is a formula out there that will suit your skin type and become an important step in your skincare routine. If you have a dry skin type, you of all people will understand how tricky it can be to find a cleanser that not only removes any traces of makeup and debris and remains gentle without drying out the skin any further. This is why so many are reaching for oil-based cleansers, but how often should you be using them? Let’s dive right in and find out in today’s post, and remember if you’re trying to find out which skin type you have you can in our guide about the four most common skin types.
Should you use an oil cleanser on dry skin?
Absolutely! All cleansers generally perform the same way, they can remove makeup, impurities and remove an excess oil. The main difference would be the formulations and how they would work against the skin type you have. For example, cream-based are known for being beneficial for dry skin types due to the moisturising properties but you are usually unable to use them on your eyes as they can cause some irritation. Gel formulas are ideal for skin types that are oilier and blemish-prone but can have very drying effects on already dry skin. This is why cleansing oils are the best “all-rounder” when it comes to cleansing products. Not only will you find you can achieve a deeper clean and reach further down into the pores, but oil cleansers are easier to rinse away leaving the skin healthy with great clarity.
How does oil cleanse dry skin?
Cleansing oils are known for their highly moisturising properties and their ability to dissolve any oils found in products, such as makeup and excess sebum found on the skin. This allows your skin to remain balanced without causing the skin to become stripped or dried out from harsh ingredients. If you also have some concerns with a greasy residue, you will also find oil cleanser contain the ingredient, emulsifier meaning they are able to be dissolved and combine with water to rinse off the skin easily.
The formula of oil cleansers is highly effective, and as we have shared nourishing to the skin without leaving any residue or build-up meaning an oil cleanser is a powerful product to use for almost every skin type. Here are some examples of the benefits of cleansing oils
Rinses off the skin completely leaving it feeling soft and subtle with no signs of greasy residue
Fast and effective at removing tough makeup products, such as waterproof mascara, dirt, debris and other tough products, such as a daily SPF
Can work wonders on its own or teamed with another water-based cleanser when double cleansing the skin
Many formulations available, from synthetic or natural ingredients making it a great product to use on all skin types
There you have some benefits for using a cleansing oil you can expect to see a number of promising results, especially if you have a dry skin type. You will find your skin will be fully cleansed without any dryness or tightness to the skin.
How often should you use an oil cleanser?
Oil cleansers do sound too good to be true, and in some ways they are. By this I mean you shouldn’t overuse cleansing oil as this can lead to some skin problems further down the line. Due to the binding effect of the oil in the formula the possibility of removing too much of the vital sebum of the skin can result in the skin become tight, dry and more likely to experience some skin damage. This is because sebum falls into the cracks of the skin cells on the outer layer of the skin and creates a protective, waterproof barrier with the ability to combat any free radicals and other environmental aggressors that can cause damage to the skin. By keeping a good daily skincare routine and avoid using a cleansing oil more than once a day will help the skin remain balanced, glowing and healthy.
Should you oil cleanse in the morning or night?
This is really down to you and your routine and lifestyle. You can use a cleansing oil on its own or as part of a double cleanse during the morning or evening.
Morning Use;
Great to use in the morning if you applied an overnight mask or facial oil the night before. Using a cleansing oil in the morning will help remove any traces of these products, remove any debris and impurities that can penetrate into the pores
Using oil cleansers in the morning can help hydrate the skin for the rest of the day and help combat any free radical damage
Effective at getting the skin nourished and pores cleared allowing any following products applied to work their way into the skin
Evening Use;
Texture of the oil is a more luxurious application which plays a part in selfcare after a long day
Can remove all traces of makeup product, dirt, bacteria and build-up of other impurities from the day
Is a more gentle way of removing all products without stripping the skin of vital oils
The great benefit for cleansing oil is how you are able to use it and how it suits your lifestyle and daily routine. If, however, you find your skin to suffer from any form of reaction you can check out our blog on how to stop them. It is always best to double check a product is suitable for you by consulting your doctor or dermatologist.
Can I only use an oil cleanser?
Oil cleansers are a great contribution to anyone’s skincare routine, with many using them mainly as an additional product to perform a double cleanse. This is a method that has been proven to have a number of benefits to the skin in helping the texture, clarity and tone of the complexion becoming more even. Should you want to only use oil cleanser then it is an idea to keep in mind how overusing this product can cause imbalance to the skin resulting in it becoming tight and uncomfortable. The best way to include an oil cleanser into your routine is by using it once in the evening, this will result in your pores being cleared and build-up of product removed allowing the skin to absorb any other products you apply after, such as AHA serums, moisturiser or facial oil.
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DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
