Why Oil Cleansing is Your Skincare Superpower: The Lowdown on 24 Carat Cleanser - Raven Botanicals

Why Oil Cleansing is Your Skincare Superpower: The Lowdown on 24 Carat Cleanser

Written by: Raven Botanicals

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Time to read 6 min

Why is cleansing important for skin? 


Cleansing removes excess oil, pollutants, sunscreen and debris that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. Without proper cleansing, these impurities can clog pores, disrupt the skin barrier and reduce the effectiveness of skincare products.


A well-formulated cleanser helps maintain balance while preparing the skin to absorb active ingredients more effectively.


What happens if you don’t cleanse properly?

When skin is not cleansed thoroughly, a build-up forms on the surface. This can lead to:


  • Congested pores and breakouts
  • Dull, uneven skin tone
  • Increased sensitivity over time
  • Reduced absorption of serums and treatments

Environmental pollutants and oxidised sebum can also contribute to premature ageing, making proper cleansing an essential daily practice rather than an optional step.

Oil being dispensed from a skincare pipette

24 CARAT CLEANSER BENEFITS

  • Gentle Yet Effective: No harsh scrubbing required! 24 Carat Cleanser gently melts away makeup and grime while providing essential hydration and nourishment to the skin.
  • Nature’s Best: Packed with omega fatty acids and antioxidant-rich grapeseed, safflower, and raspberry seed oils, it helps balance oil production and keeps your skin feeling soft and supple.

  • Exfoliating Power: With the help of magical papaya oil enzymes, it gently exfoliates, brightens your complexion, and helps reduce the appearance of blocked pores and prevent breakouts.
  • Diamond Clarity: Regular use promotes a smooth texture and improves the appearance of scarring, giving your skin an enviable radiant glow.

Can you over-cleanse your skin?

Yes. Over-cleansing is one of the most common yet overlooked causes of skin imbalance. Cleansing too frequently or using harsh formulas can strip the skin of its natural lipids, weakening the barrier and leading to:


  • Tightness and dryness
  • Increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate
  • Heightened sensitivity

The goal is not to remove everything from the skin, but to cleanse in a way that respects its natural structure.

How often should you cleanse your face?

For most skin types, cleansing twice daily is sufficient.


  • Morning: A gentle cleanse removes overnight oil and prepares the skin for the day
  • Evening: A more thorough cleanse removes sunscreen, makeup and environmental pollutants

For people wearing heavier products or SPF, a double cleanse in the evening can be helpful to ensure all surface grime is effectively removed and pores properly cleansed.


A woman applying a foaming cleanser to her face


Is double cleansing necessary?

Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.

It is particularly helpful if you:

  • Wear sunscreen daily
  • Use makeup
  • Live in an urban environment

However, it is not essential for everyone. The key is ensuring your skin feels clean, balanced and comfortable afterwards, never stripped.


LET'S RECAP:


Dissolves Impurities: Oil is excellent at breaking down other oils, which means it effectively removes makeup, excess sebum, and even stubborn sunscreen. It’s like a magnet for dirt! Best of all, it does this gently, without the need for scrubbing.


Balances the Skin’s Natural Oils: Contrary to popular belief, using oil can actually help balance your skin’s oil production! When your skin is stripped of its natural oils, it can react by producing even more oil, exacerbating oiliness and breakouts. Oil cleansing nourishes the skin, while preventing overproduction of oil and restoring balance to your complexion.


Gives a Hydration Boost: Plant oils are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that not only cleanse but also hydrate and nourish your skin. This leaves your complexion feeling soft and revitalised.


Gently Exfoliates: Natural enzymes in 24 Carat Cleanser provide gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells without the need for harsh scrubbing or dragging.

A woman looking relaxed with healthy radiant skin

"This is the best make-up remover. It's so soft and gentle on your face and leaves is feeling squeaky clean. Love it!"

Gill E.

What makes a good cleanser?

A high-quality cleanser should do more than simply remove dirt. It should support the skin while cleansing.


Look for a formula that:


  • Respects the skin’s natural pH
  • Removes impurities without stripping
  • Supports the lipid barrier
  • Leaves skin feeling soft and balanced, not tight

Texture also matters. A well-balanced cleanser should glide easily across the skin, lifting impurities without harsh dragging or scrubbing.

Where an oil cleanser fits into your routine

A well-formulated cleanser works in harmony with the skin, not against it.


The right formulation will:


  • Dissolve excess oil and impurities
  • Support the skin barrier during cleansing
  • Leave the skin prepared, not depleted

This is where a thoughtfully developed formula, such as a lipid-supporting cleanser enriched with botanical oils and gentle surfactants, becomes essential rather than optional.

How to cleanse your skin properly

Even the best cleanser will underperform if used incorrectly. Follow these steps for the most effective cleanse:


  1. Apply cleanser to dry skin
  2. Massage gently for 30 - 60 seconds
  3. Add water and massage to a milk
  4. Rinse thoroughly
  5. Pat dry without rubbing

Avoid hot water and aggressive rubbing, both of which can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation

The Origins of Modern Cleansing

Cleansing isn’t just a modern fad; it’s a ritual steeped in history, at the core of hygiene, spirituality and beauty ideals.


Each culture developed its own approach to purifying and rejuvenating the skin: in ancient times, cleansing was a very simple process, often involving just water! The Sumerians mixed tree ashes with water, while the Egyptians used beeswax and olive oil for a nourishing cleanse. These early practices form the bedrock of our understanding of skincare, highlighting the importance of both cleanliness and hydration.


By 1775, soap had transformed skincare. It allowed for more effective cleansing, and revolutionised cleansing routines and creating an industry that led to the wonderfully diverse soaps we use today.


Today, oil cleansing has made a comeback, proving that sometimes the best way to remove dirt is with more oil! This method not only dissolves impurities but also nourishes the skin and respects our skin’s natural balance.


As we embrace both ancient wisdom and modern innovations, we can create skincare routines that care for and improve our skin, ensuring it looks and feels its very best.


If you’re on the hunt for a gentle yet mighty addition to your skincare routine, give 24 Carat Cleanser a try. With its unique blend of nourishing oils and exfoliating enzymes, it’s not just a cleanser; it’s a revitalising experience for your skin.


Incorporating a quality cleanser like 24 Carat Cleanser into your daily routine is key to achieving a healthy, radiant glow. Whether you’re just beginning your skincare journey or looking to elevate your regime, this cleanser is the perfect foundation for great skin. Treat yourself to the luxury of beautifully clean, nourished skin - you deserve nothing less!


"Love this cleanser! I've been using it for years, I have psoriasis and eczema and it's so soothing and moisturising for my skin.."

Millie S.

Key Takeaways

Cleansing is the foundation of an effective skincare routine

Proper cleansing supports the skin barrier and overall balance

Oil cleansers gently dissolve impurities and excess sebum without stripping the skin’s natural oils, making them ideal for sensitive or dry skin

Oil cleansing effectively removes makeup and stubborn residue, balances sebum production, and provides nourishment to the skin

Oil cleansing offers gentle exfoliation with botanical enzymes, giving a soft, revitalised complexion without harsh scrubbing

 
A portrait of Charlotte Harvey, founder of Raven Botanicals

The Author: Charlotte Harvey

Charlotte Harvey, co-founder of Raven Botanicals, brings a rich education in botany to our natural skincare formulations. 

Products Featured In This Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

How does oil cleansing work?

Oil cleansing works by using oils to dissolve impurities, makeup, and excess sebum on the skin. As "like dissolves like," the cleansing oil effectively breaks down other oils, to give a thorough, gentle cleanse without stripping the skin's natural barrier.

Is oil cleansing suitable for all skin types?

Yes, oil cleansing can be great for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin! It might feel counterintuitive, but using oil can help balance oil production and prevent dry and oily patches.

How often should I use an oil cleanser?

You can use an oil cleanser daily. For people with oily or acne-prone skin, oil cleansing can help maintain balance and ward off breakouts.

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