06/07/2020
“Cleansing oils can be more hydrating than traditional face washes because they don’t contain many surfactants (or any, depending on the product)”, says New York City dermatologist Doris Day, M.D., author of the upcoming book Skinfluence. Surfactants are typically used as detergents or foaming agents, and they can be a little harsh on your skin.
"Cleansing oils contain hydrating and soothing ingredients that may actually be more effective and less irritating than some traditional cleansers," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Contrary to what you may think, Dr. Zeichner says cleansing oils won’t leave your skin greasy or heavy. "Oil absorbs oil, which means that these products can effectively remove dirt from and leave the skin clean,” he says.
But board-certified dermatologist Marie Leger, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, says that cleansing oils don’t work for everyone. “They can cause clogged pores, breakouts, and milia, those little hard white [bumps] that can form on your face,” she says.
That’s why it’s so important to pick the right cleanser, Dr. Day says. She recommends reading the label carefully and selecting a cleansing oil that’s designed for your skin type. If you have oily skin or are acne-prone, Dr. Zeichner says it’s a good idea to look for cleansers that contain grapeseed, argan, lavender, or coconut oils, which are lighter and more likely to work well with your skin. “Heavier oils such as avocado, on the other hand, should probably be avoided if you already are oily,” he says.
If you have dry skin, look for products with avocado, jojoba, or sunflower oil, Dr. Zeichner says. And for those with normal to sensitive skin, he recommends opting for cleansers with calming oils, such as camellia seed oil. (It’s also a good idea to avoid cleansers with fragrances if you have sensitive skin, Dr. Day says.)
Wash your hands and massage the oil into your skin to help dissolve the grit and grime. After that, gently wipe the oil off with a warm, wet washcloth