Coconut Oil - the ultimate cleanser

There's been a lot written about the "Oil Cleansing Method", which basically consists of blending your own face oil, then applying and removing with a hot cloth as detailed in Yummy Cleansers - part 1. Everyone has their own theory about which oil/s is/are best, be it olive, sweet almond or castor.

To be honest, it sounds like a complete faff to me, especially given the amazing oil based balms which are readily available to buy; Why would you experiment with different oil combinations that will probably be a waste of time and money, and give you spots? At a push, I could be tempted to give it a try using Sweet Almond Oil, but why would I when there is something out there already that is far, far better and ready to use?

It's coconut oil. Yes. Coconut oil.

Now, I'm not talking about that clear liquid you find in some health food shops or chemists, I'm talking about raw, virgin coconut oil. This is solid, comes in a tub or jar and looks white. It's used for cooking and can be eaten by the spoonful too (is said to help with weight loss actually). However, my interest lies in it's use on the skin: it's A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Raw, virgin coconut oil is the result of cold pressing the coconut flesh and straining it, nothing more, nothing less. Below 24 degrees it's solid and white, it looks a bit like candle wax actually, but above 25 degrees it becomes liquid and clear. And don't worry you won't end up smelling like a Bounty bar, it has a very gentle scent!

Coconut oil contains the highest natural concentration of Lauric Acid (approximately 50% of it's fatty acids are Lauric Acid), a Medium Chain Fatty Acid, found only in such high quantities in breast milk. It's a natural antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, which make it a great cleanser, even for those with acne.

When shopping for this, you need to make sure it is all of the following:

- Raw (or Virgin)

- Cold-pressed

- Un-fractionated (unrefined)
- and preferably organic

To use it as a cleanser simply take a little scoop about the size of a 5p/5c piece (I use one of those little spatulas that come with exfoliators or face masks). Rub between your hands until it melts into a clear oil, then rub into dry skin, all over face and eyes, massaging in well. Remove with a hot muslin cloth, ideally using a sink full of hot water as you will need to rinse and repeat about 3 times. Not only will it remove mascara, including waterproof, it will also condition your eyelashes (I have seen an improvement in mine within a week!)

The best thing of all is that it leaves your skin silky smooth and soft, as well as moisturised. I apply toner and a light cream or jojoba oil afterwards, but you could easily just not apply anything, especially if you have very oily skin. I have even been applying a little coconut oil as a moisturiser!

I have found and tried 6 different oils for you, all available to order online:

In terms of feel and result, they are all more or less the same, with Tiana, Coconoil and Viridian all having a similar delicate coconuttiness about them. Fushi differs in that it has a strong "roast nut" scent, this being my favourite. Tiana Coconut TLC is blended with Rose essential oil, which is just divine, I love this as a night treatment. Pukka is practically unscented, so would suit those who don't like anything fragranced.

Tiana £14.99 - for more details click here

Pukka £8.26  - for more details click here

Tiana Coconut TLC £24 for 70ml - for more details click here

Fushi £4.95 - for more details click here

Coconoil £10.99 - for more details click here

Viridian £14 - for more details click here