OCM and Acne – Tips

oil cleansing method

  • Many acne sufferers find OCM can significantly help their condition. For many, it has been effective against blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, cystic acne, and overall oil reduction
  • It is important to find the correct oil(s) blend. If using castor oil make sure it’s percentage level suites you skin.
  • Use high quality organic cold-pressed castor oil. This quality has the most potent therapeutic benefits for the skin. Castor oil found in the laxative section of drug stores are okay, if that’s all you can get, but it is not the prefered type.

  • Popular oils for acne sufferers include light oils such as: jojoba, grapeseed, watermelon, rice bran, apricot seed, hazelnut, peach kernel, sweet almond, sunflower, safflower and walnut.
  • These oils have been shown to be hit-or-miss for acne prone types – jojoba and rosehip seed oil. Some find these oils work very well and others find it causes more outbreaks.
  • Many find adding tea tree essential oil, manuka essential oil, or lavender essential oil to their oil blend very effective at helping to controlling their acne issues.
  • *Very Important – you must make sure to remove any oil residue on your skin after cleansing. This is the most common reason that acne types have problems with OCM. Modifications you can make are – change you oil blend by increasing the percentage of castor oil, using lighter and more astringent oils, or using a gentle cleanser as your last rinse.
  • Start by trying OCM 1-2 times (not on consecutive days) the first week – monitor your skins response closely.
  • The “steaming” step is important to help soften and dissolve trapped oils and dirt in your pores. You can use whatever steaming method you prefer. Make sure water temperature is warm enough to soften the dirty oils and open pores. Be careful the water temperature is not too high to prevent inflammation.
  • When massaging oils into your skin, be careful not to irritate/inflame blemishes or massage areas where there is open skin.
  • Adverse reaction – some acne sufferers have found that they developed cystic acne from OCM. Many times this results from not completely removing oil residue on their face. Some end up finding it necessary to use a regular cleanser after OCM to relieve the problem.

Have more questions? Go to our Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) Information Center