Even with the abundance of information out there on this subject, there’s still a lot of stigma around the idea of applying oil to your skin in a bid to rid it of makeup. The idea that you need more oil – rather than less – to lift oil and a build-up of product off your skin leaves many consumers sincerely baffled. Is this a fad or could your skin truly benefit from it? Dermatologists most certainly think it can.

According to founder of Epionce Skincare, Carl Thornfeldt, MD, a lot of plant-based oils are “antibacterial, anti-yeast, and also work as a great first-aid cream,” explains. “[For instance, coconut oil] because of its detergent effect, it also works well as a makeup remover.” Holistic plastic surgeon and author, Anthony Youn, MD agrees with the benefits of oil cleansing, saying, “purified, cold-pressed, organic and minimally processed” oils are best.

What’s really important to note here, though, is: The quality of your product – whether homemade or off the shelf – is absolutely crucial. The standard of the oil you use is imperative to the potential benefits it can have for your skin.

Image: instagram.com/rawngr

How exactly does oil cleansing work?

The bottom line? Oil cleansing is based on the “like dissolves likes” theory: Plant-based oils dissolve the natural oils on our skin (our sebum) that’s hardened into a clog or plug inside the pore. When we attempt to cleanse our skin with water-based cleansers, the water is repelled away from the sebum plugs, as oil and water don’t mix; whereas, plant-based oils will mix with your own natural oils.

In my search for the truth behind this ‘beauty secret’, I’ve had to kiss a few frogs, but it’s ultimately helped me understand what not to look for in an oil-based cleanser. That, coupled with helpful recommendations from the good people of Instagram and nights spent crawling through my timeline, I stumbled upon a real game-changer.

Created with a unique blend of beautifully scented and fast-absorbing oils, including watermelon, pumpkin, desert date and red date seed oils, RAW Beauty’s Meltaway Cleanser works wonders on my oily skin. If you have dry/combination skin and use a cleanser that will strip it of sebum, you end up irritating your skin further. In the same vein, if you use a moisturising cleanser for oily skin, it can make your skin oilier. In a nutshell, what the right cleanser will do is strip your skin of excess oil, all the while keeping the moisture intact – and that’s exactly what this product does.

Let’s talk about oily/acne-prone skin

There’s a tendency to flee from any oil-based products if you have oily/acne-prone skin, but the truth is oil often gets a bad rap in the beauty world. Too much of it is never good, but healthy skin does need oil to thrive. While products with damaging mineral oils should be a no-go (for any skin type!), when it comes to plant-based oils (like the examples mentioned above), the benefits keep being discovered.

RAW Beauty’s Meltaway Cleanser boasts of being suitable for all skin types – dry, combination and oily/acne-prone skin (if you’re not sure what type you have, find out here). It offers an abundance of repair, protection and hydration, whether you choose to wear makeup on special occasions or are an everyday user. Once this product comes in contact with skin, it gently dissolves any foreign layer, including heavy makeup. Oil cleansers are proven to help protect the natural lipid layer of the skin (rather than peel it away) and the good bacteria that live there.

Beyond makeup removal, this 4-in-1 creamy balm can be used as a first cleanser (which will break down dirt and excess oils from the day and clean your skin), A double cleanser (cleansing water-based debris, such as sweat, etc.) and an uber-moisturising balm, face mask or overnight mask, preventing dirt and dust from closing in on your pores and locks in your other active products. A product that doesn’t take up a lot of shelf space and does the work of several is a win, any day!

What are other major benefits?

One of the biggest benefits for me, as well, is the ease with which it rinses off. Over-washing your face is one of the quickest ways to cause damage to your skin – especially when done frequently – so it’s wonderful to finally use a product that works fast, saves me time and helps me avoid compromising my skin.

What’s even better than the way this cleanser feels, and the work it does, is the way it smells – because let’s be honest, that’s important too! The combination of zesty, floral and woody notes is incredibly calming and, even better, it leaves its scent lingering around the room long after it’s left my skin.

Image: instagram.com/rawngr

Self-care is more important to us, as humans, than ever and frankly, I believe in choosing products that make me feel good and actually do good – both of which you’ll find in this RAW Beauty phenomenon. The verdict? A big, fat tick!

Follow my easy nighttime makeup removal routine below:

1. Apply a generous amount to your face and massage gently in circular movements, paying attention to all corners, especially under your eyes and eyelids.
2. Carefully wipe off the balm with a cloth or cotton pad. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.
3. For removing heavy makeup, apply the Detox Exfoliating Face Masque afterwards.
4. For best results, top it off with the Repair & Renew Hydrating Face Crème.

For first and double-cleansing:

1. With a beauty spatula, scoop up some cleanser and use your hands to apply on the four corners of your face and neck.
2. Massage into your skin using circular movements, until the cleanser completely melts into it.

For a deeper cleanse:

1. Wet your fingers and emulsify into a creamy texture and continue to massage in, then wash off or
2. Leave it on as a mask/overnight mask.

A few important things to note, as well:

1. Avoid contact with eyes.
2. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
3. Store in a cool dry place for longevity.

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