Oil is often misunderstood as the culprit for acne, but it is actually necessary for healthy skin and a clear complexion. I know from my personal experience of using oils on my extremely sensitive skin, though, that it is important to choose the right oils to use in your routine to avoid breakouts.
I have sensitive, combination skin that tends to get dehydrated no matter how much water I chug, but my complexion has improved tremendously since I’ve added face oils into my daily skincare routine. So today, I will focus on what types of face oils are recommended for different skin types – oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive, and combination skin.
First, we have to understand why our skin needs oils to be healthy. Sebaceous glands within your skin naturally secrete an oil called sebum. This oily matter helps to lubricate your skin and hair, and also creates a hydrolipidic barrier which protects your skin from the environment. Having oil in your skin helps to slow down ageing and wrinkles (our production of oils decrease as we age), prevent dry and flaky skin, and protection from environmental pollutants and stressors that may damage your skin.
Acne is caused when these oils are trapped beneath the surface of the skin and clogs the pores (by various causes, such as a build-up of dead skin cells, or an increased production of sebum due to hormones).
Remember: Oil is not the enemy when used correctly.
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin.
Oily skin is the result of an excess of sebum and usually identified by having a shiny and/or greasy texture (even after washing your face). Many people with oily skin may also be acne-prone. Since there is already a surplus of sebum, light face oils with high levels of linoleic acid are recommended.
Linoleic acid is a part of the Omega 6 fatty acids and is known for its anti-inflammatory, acne reduction, and moisture retention properties. An old study shows that people with oily and acne-prone are actually deficient in linoleic acid.
This deficiency may partially cause the excess production of sebum and hyperkeratosis, which is a thickening layer of skin – leading to clogged pores, and in turn, acne. In fact, linoleic acid has been proven to reduce clogged pores by 25% just by being topically applied for one month!
Non-comedogenic oils high in linoleic acid include:
- Grapeseed Oil*
- Safflower Oil*
- Hemp Seed Oil*
- Rosehip Seed Oil*
- Sunflower Seed Oil*
- Moringa Oil
- Blackberry Seed Oil
- Blueberry Seed Oi
- Borage Oil
- Cloudberry Seed Oil
- Cucumber Seed Oil
- Elderberry Seed Oil
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Guava Seed Oil
- Goji Berry Seed Oil
- Milk Thistle Seed Oil
- Passionfruit (Maracuja) Seed Oil
- Prickly Pear Seed Oil
- Red Raspberry Seed Oil
- Strawberry Seed Oil
- Tomato Seed Oil
- Walnut Seed Oil
- Watermelon Seed Oil
For Dry or Sensitive Skin.
Dry skin is the result of a low production of sebum and can be characterized by a dull or rough complexion, sometimes scaly or itchy. You may also find that fine lines or wrinkles are more visible.
Since this type has a weakened skin barrier, they may be more prone to clogged pores by dead skin cells or become more vulnerable to infections from acne-causing bacteria. Facial oils abundant in oleic acids are recommended to replenish moisture and promote healing.
Oleic acids are monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Oleic acids are easier to penetrate and richer in moisture than linoleic acids.
Non-comedogenic oils high in oleic acid include:
- Argan Oil*
- Olive Oil*
- Shea Butter/ Oil*
- Camellia Seed Oil*
- Almond Oil
- Andiroba Seed Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Baobob Seed Oil
- Brazil Nut Oil
- Buriti Oil
- Cherry Kernel Oil
- Cranberry Seed Oil
- Emu Oil
- Hazelnut Oil
- Macadamia Nut Oil
- Papaya Seed Oil
- Peach Kernel Oil
- Peanut Oil
- Pecan Oil
- Plum Kernel Oil
- Rice Bran Oil
- Tomato Seed Oil
- Walnut Seed Oil
For Combination Skin.
Those of you with combination skin have a combination of both dry and oily skin (oily especially on the T-zone – nose, forehead, and chin). For this skin type, I would recommend a facial oil that is light and low on the non-comedogenic scale to take both skin types into account.
This includes:
- Safflower Oil*
- Hemp Seed Oil*
- Argan Oil*
- Grapeseed Oil*
- Hazelnut Oil*
- Abyssinian Seed Oil
- Blueberry Seed Oil
- Black Cumin Seed Oil
- Black Raspberry Seed Oil
- Borage Oil
- Pecan Oil
- Prickly Pear Seed Oil
- Rice Bran Oil
- Camellia Seed Oil
- Castor Oil
- Cherry Kernel Oil
- Emu Oil
- Milk Thistle Seed Oil
- Plum Kernel Oil
- Pomegranate Seed Oil
- Sea Buckthorn Oil
- Squalane Oil
- Strawberry Seed Oil
- Watermelon Seed Oil
First time using facial oils? Tip: Use non-comedogenic oils to prevent clogged pores and introduce the oils slowly into your routine (1-2 drops is enough!)
*Recommended!
