Natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil have been go-tos for skincare and hair care for ages. Even though face oils are getting more popular, many people still find them intimidating. Here’s the deal: to get started, you need to find the right face oil for your skin and begin with just a drop or two. Surprisingly, oils can be a lifesaver for those dealing with breakouts or acne since they pack anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing components, just like traditional acne treatments. If the thought of putting oil on your face freaks you out, you’re not alone. But don’t worry; it isn’t as crazy as it sounds, even for sensitive skin or if you prefer a low-maintenance routine. We now know that not all oils are created alike, and while some might not suit everyone, the right ones can transform blemish-prone skin.
Using the right oil can help regulate oil production and reduce acne. Acne isn’t caused by oils themselves. In fact, many people with acne have dry skin due to harsh cleansers and treatments. Unlike some spot treatments, oils are chock-full of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants that can heal, protect, and hydrate distressed skin without clogging pores or making skin oilier. So, which oils should you use, and how do you choose?
Research shows that people prone to acne often lack a type of fatty acid called linoleic acid in their skin’s natural oils. Applying linoleic acid can reduce breakouts. Plus, antioxidants help prevent sebum oxidation, which decreases breakouts, as acne sufferers tend to have more oxidative stress, leading to pore-clogging oxidized sebum.
Pimples and blackheads are basically oil and skin cell mixes. Since oil dissolves oil, applying it to your skin can help clear pores. It helps balance sebum production, as the skin often produces more oil to compensate for drying skincare products. Many attempt to clear their skin with products that strip oils, only for skin to overproduce in response, worsening the issue. Oils, thanks to their varied textures, often feel more like serums or essences on the skin instead of oily.
Before using natural oils, consider sun exposure post-application. Be cautious when applying them to your face. For sun safety, apply a thin layer in the morning and a more generous amount at night. Dermatologists suggest using oil as a final step, sealing in your lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to prevent potential clogging. When using oils, differentiate between facial and body applications, as some oils can be beneficial for the body but not for acne-prone facial skin, like coconut oil.
Finding the right amount of oil for your skin might take some testing. There’s no set guideline on usage, but your skin will indicate when you’ve used enough—if it feels greasy, it hasn’t been fully absorbed. Jojoba oil, for instance, is lightweight and good for combination skin, breaking down sebum, aiding shine control, and encouraging less oil production. Essential oils need a carrier like jojoba for effectiveness.
Grapeseed oil offers linoleic acid, reducing clogged pores and helping manage acne. Tamanu oil provides antibacterial benefits and is known for wound healing, ideal for those with acne. Meanwhile, marula oil quickly absorbs while providing deep moisture and benefits a range of skin types.
Pomegranate seed oil hydrates deeply, combats bacteria, and reduces inflammation. Rosehip seed oil promotes cell regeneration and collagen, helping with scars and redness without clogging pores. Argan oil balances sebum, treating acne, calming skin, and preventing damage with its antioxidant-rich formula. Use it twice daily for best results.
Then there’s moringa oil, which, like aloe oil, is full of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredients, making it great for sensitive or oily, acne-prone skin. Ultimately, face oils have been trusted for millennia, and nothing sticks around that long unless it truly works.
