Marie Antoinette’s favourite face mask was a combo of eggs, milk and cognac. Sophia Loren is a fan of head-to-toe olive oil. And Marilyn Monroe – the ultimate strawberries and cream goddess – gave herself regular glow ups with Vaseline. These iconic femmes knew one thing: fats and oils are a girl’s best friend, especially if you want Hollywood soft skin.
Anoint yourself, fair maiden
Despite what you may think, putting oils on your face doesn’t make you oily. Quite the opposite.
Even if you deal with acne, forehead shine or a fear of “heavy” products, oil-based skincare can work for you, bringing balance and beauty to all skin types. So jump on board for today’s chat about the greatness of good old fashioned (or as we like to call them: Old Fashionable) cream cleansers.
Why oil doesn’t equal oiliness
Oil is lipophilic, which means it’s attracted to other oily molecules. Cleansers containing oils/fats gently lift and wick away makeup, sunscreen, pollutants, excess sebum and other greasy face junk, kind of like those ads where stains magically dissolve out of furniture.
By contrast, foaming cleansers that scrub and strip the skin can send oil production into overdrive, leaving you more prone to breakouts and dealing with that yucky tight feeling of dryness. By contrast, creamy cleansers provide deep detoxification and luxurious moisturization at the same time, nourishing your skin’s natural protective barrier for natural luminosity.
Cream cleansers + warm cloth = old fashionable
It’s easy to fetishise skincare trends and technological advancements, but sometimes the key to radiant, healthy skin lies in the past.
Old fashionable oil-based cleansing creams with a warm cloth have stood the test of time, and there’s something inherently sumptuous about this classic ritual.
Six reasons to love creamy, dreamy cleansers
- Deep Cleansing ~ Oil-based cleansing creams have the unique ability to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers that strip and deplete your skin, oil-based formulas gently lift away debris without disrupting the skin’s delicate balance.
- Hydration ~ A big fat advantage of oil-based cleansing creams is their moisturising prowess. These formulas often contain nourishing oils such as olive, castor, or coconut, which match the fats in the skin’s moisture barrier, replenishing and regenerating at the cellular level whilst preventing moisture loss. Result? A soft, supple, plumptious post-cleansing trout pout.
- Gentle Exfoliation ~ When used with a soft cloth, oil-based cleansing creams give you a gentle polish by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. This reveals smoother, brighter skin and boosts the absorption of whichever skincare products you apply next.
- Suitable for All Skin Types ~ Contrary to popular belief, oil-based cleansing creams are suitable for everyone, even if you have oily and acne-prone skin. These formulas work by dissolving excess sebum and impurities without clogging pores or causing breakouts. As well as that, they are gentle enough for sensitive skin and can help alleviate dryness and irritation.
- Relaxation and Self Care ~ Incorporating an old-fashioned cleansing ritual into your daily skincare routine is a calming and indulgent experience. Taking the time to massage the creamy formula into your skin and giving your face a big warm hug with damp cloth as you sponge it off not removes impurities but wicks away stress too.
- Cost Effective and Eco Friendly ~ You don’t need to go crazy with oil-based cleansing creams. A small amount of product goes a long way, making them super cost effective in the long run. You can up the enviro ante by using a reusable cloth instead of disposable wipes or cotton pads too.
Look, we love skincare innovations and edgy evolutions as much as the next beauty geek, but there’s undeniable value in the classics – and nothing beats the elegance of oil-based cleansers (and a comforting warm wet cloth). From deep cleansing and hydration to gentle exfoliation and relaxation, this classic skincare routine reigns supreme for healthy, radiant skin. Marie, Sophie and Marilyn all knew that the skin thrives on good, wholesome food – complete with fats and oils – and their dewy complexions say it all.
Want to try it for yourself?
Our old fashioned Leatherwood Honey & Coconut Cream Cleanser is rated five stars by Bees customers, and is fantastic for removing stubborn eye makeup and daily grime smoothly and easily. Check it out if you’d like to see what this oil-based cleansing thing is all about, and get in touch if you have any questions. We love hearing from you.
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