Oil Cleansing: 5 Major Skincare Benefits from the RedNote Trend + How to Do It Right

The oil cleansing method — a skincare approach that’s been making waves on RedNote — is all about “nourishing your skin with oil.” It’s designed to balance oily yet dehydrated skin by replenishing lipids while maintaining hydration, making it especially ideal for oily and combination skin. When done correctly, oil cleansing helps regulate the skin’s natural moisture barrier and restore a smooth, healthy glow.

Any quality facial oil can work for this routine, as long as it’s lightweight, skin-compatible, and able to support barrier repair. Let’s explore the five main skincare benefits of oil cleansing and the right way to practice it for hydrated, supple, and resilient skin.

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The Science Behind Oil Cleansing: Balancing Deep Cleansing with Nourishment

The core idea of oil cleansing lies in “oil dissolves oil.” Makeup residue, pollution particles, and sebum are all oil-based impurities. Instead of stripping them away with harsh cleansers, plant-based facial oils can dissolve impurities gently while protecting the skin’s natural barrier.

This follows the chemistry principle of “like dissolves like” — substances with similar properties mix and break down each other more effectively. Compared to strong foaming cleansers that can leave skin tight and dehydrated, oil cleansing removes buildup without over-cleansing, reducing the risk of irritation and dryness.

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Five Key Benefits of Oil Cleansing

1. Brightens dull skin and evens skin tone

Gentle facial massage during oil cleansing stimulates microcirculation and lymphatic flow, boosting the skin’s metabolism. This helps remove trapped melanin and dead cells, revealing a clearer and more luminous complexion. Oils like rosehip or evening primrose are rich in Vitamin C and essential fatty acids, helping fade pigmentation and enhance radiance.

2. Balances oily yet dehydrated skin

If your skin feels greasy but tight, oil cleansing can help. By replenishing lost lipids and dissolving hardened sebum in pores, it restores the skin’s natural balance between oil and moisture — cleansing without stripping.

3. Minimizes pores and reduces blackheads

By breaking down oil-based debris within pores, oil cleansing clears out blackheads and whiteheads while regulating future sebum production. Consistent use leaves pores looking more refined and the skin smoother.

4. Deep hydration and repair

Plant oils are rich in fatty acids and natural emollients that nourish the skin barrier. When used for oil cleansing, they leave your skin soft, bouncy, and hydrated even after rinsing — ideal for dry, sensitive, or seasonally dehydrated skin.

5. Strengthens the skin barrier

Over-cleansing, stress, and environmental damage can weaken the lipid barrier, leading to dryness and sensitivity. Oil cleansing restores these essential lipids, reinforcing the skin’s defenses, smoothing fine lines, and improving elasticity.

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Must-Try Facial Oils for the Oil Cleansing Method

HABA Squalane Oil

Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. This minimalist Japanese favorite deeply hydrates without feeling greasy — perfect for oil cleansing beginners.

Rose Otto Essential Oil Blend

A luxurious mix of rose and herbal extracts that calms the skin and mind while deeply moisturizing. Ideal for tired, stressed, or mature skin.

Clarins Double Serum

An iconic dual-phase formula combining oil and water-based essences. It visibly firms, brightens, and revitalizes dull or aging skin.

IPSA ME Balancing Lotion + Time Reset Essence Oil

A cult-favorite Japanese duo that mimics the skin’s natural lipid layer for optimal hydration balance. Especially great for sensitive or combination skin.

FANCL Moisturizing Repair Oil

Free from preservatives and additives, this gentle oil hydrates and soothes even the most sensitive or pregnant skin types.

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The Correct Way to Do Oil Cleansing

Step 1: Choose your oil

• Dry skin → opt for richer oils like jojoba or rosehip.
• Oily skin → use lightweight oils like grapeseed or squalane.
• Sensitive skin → go for mild, natural oils with ceramides or nut-based blends.

Step 2: Cleanse and prep

Wash your face, then gently pat dry. You can lightly mist your skin with toner or warm your face with a hot towel for 30 seconds to open pores.

Step 3: Apply and massage

Warm 5–10 drops of oil between your palms and apply evenly. Massage gently in circular motions for 3–5 minutes, focusing on clogged or rough areas.

Step 4: Emulsify and rinse

Add a small amount of warm water to your face and continue massaging until the oil turns milky white. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Step 5: Lock in moisture

After cleansing, pat dry and follow with toner, hydrating essence, or moisturizer to seal in hydration.

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Beyond Oil Cleansing — Try Thermage FLX for Long-Lasting Youthful Firmness

Even if oil cleansing doesn’t fit your routine, you can still rejuvenate tired, dull skin with a single session of Perfect Medical Thermage FLX 5th Generation Face Lift Treatment.

This non-invasive, zero-downtime procedure delivers radiofrequency energy deep into the 4.3mm SMAS layer, tightening collagen fibers and stimulating regeneration. It helps lift sagging contours, smooth wrinkles, refine pores, and restore radiance — all without pain or downtime.

Experience professional skin analysis and the transformative Perfect Medical Thermage FLX treatment — your shortcut to visibly firmer, younger-looking skin.