How to use centella cleansing oil

How do you use cleansing oil on your face?

1. 1Start dry. Put a few pumps into dry hands and apply the oil to your dry face.
2. 2Massage gently in circles to dissolve makeup and debris. Do not scrub.
3. 3Add a little water. Continue massaging as the oil becomes a light, milky emulsion, meaning the oil mixes with water.
4. 4Rinse completely with lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can dry your skin.
5. 5If double cleansing, leave your face damp, gently massage with a water based cleanser, then rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.
6. 6Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to help trap water in the skin.

The oil turns milky when you add water, so the cloudy stage is part of the instructions rather than a reason to interrogate the bottle.1

What does cleansing oil do?

Cleansing oil helps lift oily residues from makeup and other products off the skin. An oil cleanser is particularly useful for removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen, and can also remove excess sebum, the oil your skin makes. A water based cleanser handles water soluble impurities such as sweat and dirt. The practical job is removing what is on your face during washing, not treating acne.25

When should you use it, and do you need two cleansers?

Use the oil at your evening cleanse when you need to remove makeup or sunscreen, especially waterproof formulas. Cleanse before bed and before applying skincare. General guidance is to limit face washing to twice daily and after sweating, not to use cleansing oil at every wash. For dry or sensitive skin, one gentle evening wash can be sufficient.234

Most people do not need double cleansing: one thorough wash with a gentle cleanser is enough. If you do not wear makeup or waterproof sunscreen, skip the extra step unless you need it for removal. Micellar water before a water based cleanser is another option for removing makeup.2

What is SKIN1004 centella cleansing oil?

SKIN1004 Centella Light Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, watery oil cleanser containing Centella asiatica extract and botanical oils, including jojoba, olive and sunflower oils. It is a rinse off cleanser, not a face oil to leave on overnight. The formula also lists bergamot fruit oil, geranium flower oil, rose flower oil, limonene and linalool.1

Who should be careful?

For sensitive skin, a gentle, unscented cleanser is the safer starting point because fragrance can trigger irritation or allergic reactions. Introduce one new product at a time, and try a small amount on a limited area before using it across your face. For dry skin, a cream cleanser is generally less drying than a foaming cleanser.24

Oil cleansers can cause breakouts in acne prone skin, especially when used alone. Stop using the cleanser if it causes stinging, burning or irritation rather than adding more washing. Overwashing can cause dryness and damage the skin barrier, the outer layer that protects your skin. If your skin reacts to skincare products, a dermatologist can help identify the problem and choose suitable products.234