Why is cleansing the skin with oil so effective? And how could massaging the skin with oil possibly be beneficial even for oily, blemish-prone skin?

The effectiveness of oil cleansing is based on oil’s fat-soluble nature. The familiar chemistry principle “like dissolves like” is the key here. Oil dissolves substances similar to itself – oily impurities on the skin and in the pores, such as makeup, sunscreen, dirt and excess sebum.

Oil cleansing cleanses the face effectively yet gently without disturbing the skin’s microbiome. It does not strip the skin’s natural protective barrier and therefore does not dry it out. Oil cleansing also does not increase oiliness or cause breakouts – on the contrary, it may help balance sebum production and maintain the skin’s moisture balance.

How to Perform an Oil Cleanse

1) Always apply the cleansing oil with dry, clean hands to dry skin.
This is important because oil does not adhere properly to damp skin and therefore won’t work as effectively. Oil dissolves sebum, makeup and fat-soluble impurities best when there is no water in between. If the skin is damp and you are using a water-emulsifying cleanser, it will start to emulsify into a milky texture and no longer function as an oil.

2) Massage for at least 1–2 minutes.
This is the second key point – take your time. A quick swipe won’t properly cleanse the skin and pores. As a rule of thumb, we are advised to brush our teeth for two minutes. We often spend at least a minute applying makeup; removing it deserves just as much time.

Massaging the skin with cleansing oil not only affects the surface but also the facial and neck muscles, subcutaneous tissue, blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Over time, this supports the skin’s function and appearance in a lasting way. Quick shortcuts and superficial strokes rarely deliver deeper results.

Additional Tips

You can remove the cleanser with a warm, damp cloth. The cloth enhances cleansing gently and helps remove product thoroughly, even under the chin and on the neck. It’s my personal favorite method because the warmth feels wonderful and adds a touch of luxury to an ordinary evening routine.

You can also perform a gentle yet effective deep cleanse once a week. First remove makeup and perform your basic cleanse. Then apply more oil and massage in circular motions for 3–10 minutes, focusing on congested areas, blackheads or dryness. Remove with a warm damp cloth and continue with the rest of your skincare routine.

Pause Nordic Cleansing Balm is also excellent as a soothing oil mask thanks to its nourishing ingredients. Try it after exfoliation: first press one or two layers of hydrating toner into the skin and make sure the surface is no longer wet. Then apply a generous layer of balm to the face and neck and leave on for 5–15 minutes. Remove with a cloth or follow with a cleansing massage as described above. Finish with Pause Nordic serum and cream.

Facial Massage vs. Cleansing Oil Massage – What’s the Difference?

Although some cleansing oils are nourishing multi-purpose products, the technique and purpose differ from a facial massage where skincare products are meant to absorb into the skin.

In oil cleansing, the oil acts as a solvent. It binds to sebum, sunscreen and makeup, and the intention is to remove both the oil and everything it has dissolved. A longer cleansing massage deepens this effect by softening sebum and helping to “melt” congestion while stimulating circulation – but in the end, everything is carefully removed.

Therefore, avoid gua sha or cupping massage during cleansing if you do not want to work the cleanser and dissolved impurities back into the skin.

In a facial massage where the oil is meant to be absorbed, the goal is the opposite. The oil is chosen according to the skin’s needs and is ideally layered over a water-based hydrating product. The movements are longer and more fluid, and the oil is left on the skin to nourish and strengthen it.

For me, oil cleansing has been a true turning point in caring for my atopic, surface-dry and congestion-prone skin. For over ten years, I have also witnessed the effectiveness of this method on different skin types in my professional work.

Pause Nordic Cleansing Balm has quickly become a favorite in treatments thanks to its performance and versatility.