Comedogenic, or oil-based, products are especially off-limits if you have oily skin. Too much oil can lead to large pores.
The myth that facial oils clog pores and exacerbate oily skin is untrue. Facial oils, when applied topically and chosen for the correct skin type, can actually be helpful for a variety of skin conditions like acne.
Products that clog pores are known as comedogenic; and, you guessed it, facial oils fit the description. "Many [topical] oils have the potential to clog pores and cause breakouts," says Dr. Love. "So, using oils on acne-prone skin is akin to adding gas to a fire."
Several oils are high in “oleic” fatty acids, which are believed to cause more clogged pores than those high in “linoleic” fatty acids. Since oily skin is believed to be low in linoleic fatty acids, oils with more of these typically work well, while those with more “oleic” acid may cause more issues.
Can oil cleansing cause skin purging? Yes, for some people, oil cleansing can cause an initial skin purge. This would only happen when you start oil cleansing for the first time, not if you have already been oil cleansing regularly for a few months or years (or suddenly switching to a different oil or product).
Comedogenic oils and products made with them may clog your pores, causing the eruption of comedones. Noncomedogenic oils don't have this effect. Some noncomedogenic oils have anti-inflammatory properties. They may also contain antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, such as lineolic acid.
“Typically, applying too much oil on your skin may create an oil film that prevents the skin from breathing, and may even clog pores and result in breakouts. But this often happens with synthetic oils, and is less the case with natural, plant-derived oils,” shared Dr.
Oils are the ideal antidote to dry, flaky skin and rough, rosy cheeks — and they can be much more effective at moisturizing than your standard over-the-counter lotions and creams. For softer skin and hair, Dr. Hanlon recommends applying a pea-sized amount of coconut oil to your driest areas.
Won't clog pores: Haley says that marula oil is non-comedogenic, so you don't have to worry about it clogging pores, as is potentially the case with some other oils, like coconut oil.
Carrier oils are much healthier than commercial moisturizers because they contain high amounts of fatty acids that improve skin quality. These fatty acids can be easily absorbed into the skin and nourish it from within.
Though it may be hard to apply makeup over an area you have spot-treated with vitamin E, it may be best to avoid doing this treatment overnight. Vitamin E's consistency can clog pores, especially in areas that are prone to acne.
Will Rosehip Oil cause breakouts? No. Rosehip Oil is often referred to as a 'dry' oil because it is absorbed into the skin quickly. It does not clog up pores and should only be applied in small amounts (2 – 3 drops on the face once or twice daily).
It's noncomedogenic
Although jojoba oil is a botanical substance, its makeup is so similar to the oil (sebum) your body naturally produces that your skin can't tell the difference. This makes it less likely to build up on your skin and clog your pores, leading to fewer breakouts and less severe acne.
Contrary to popular belief, facial oil is one of the best treatments for any skin type – including oily skin. Using an oil can replenish your skin's natural oils, which can keep oil levels balanced and breakouts at bay.
As counterintuitive as it sounds, using oil on oily skin can actually be beneficial. “For oily skin, if the skin is stripped of natural oils, it will go into overproduction mode and cause more sebum buildup,” Engelman explains.
Marula oil might be described as “non-greasy” but it is comedogenic, so any claims that it doesn't clog pores are false, even though there are different levels to how much an oil can clog your pores. So, it might be better than coconut oil on the clog scale, but it's not better than a heavy oil like argan oil.
Even though marula oil has more antioxidants than argan oil, it's unfortunately way more comedogenic. That means marula oil can easily clog your pores, says Dr. King, so if you've got oily or acne-prone skin, you're better off using noncomedogenic ingredients that won't congest your skin.
Squalane for acne or oily skin
Despite being an oil, it's lightweight and noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.
"Heavy oils can congest the skin and cause breakouts, which will definitely inflame and irritate existing acne conditions. "Oils such as coconut, olive and wheatgerm should be avoided, as they may block pores and cause increased blemishes."
Use face oil twice daily, or as needed
Facial oils can take pride of place in your skincare routine in the morning or the evening (or both!), but they can also be used as and when they're needed.
Alex Roher, MD of San Diego Botox Inc recommends using face oils both in the morning and at night. He advises applying oil as the last step of your nighttime skin care routine and before your sunscreen and makeup in the morning.
They're found in many skin care products, and can cause breakouts for some people. Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Beeswax, Lanolin, and Paraffin are some occlusive ingredients to watch out for. Olive Oil and Coconut Oil tend to clog pores too, but some people – particularly those with dry skin - love using them anyway.
Can jojoba oil cause breakouts? Jojoba oil is noncomedogenic and won't clog pores so it's unlikely to cause breakouts.
You should also avoid any mineral oil based moisturizers. Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum and it leaves a plastic-like coat of skin around your pores. This clogs them up and, as a result, your pores will soon turn into acne.