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."
According to Rouleau, what you most definitely don't want to do if you're broken out or prone to acne is mix a facial oil directly into your moisturizer/lotion (as it's easy to overdo it) or massage it directly on the skin in lieu of a lightweight moisturizer.
"For instance, I warn against using face oils if you are acne-prone as these oils can be very pore-clogging and often add fuel to the pimple fire," said board-certified dermatologist Rita V. Linkner.
Which Oils Cause Acne? Heavy oils such as coconut, olive, and mineral oils can clog pores and cause acne. Coconut oil clogs pores and is often found in hair products which is one reason people develop acne on their forehead.
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If you've got oily hair, that oil can seep down onto your face — and cause pimples. Make sure you wash your hair each day to keep excess oil off of your forehead, face, and back to help prevent acne.
"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."
Myth #2: Facial oils clog pores.
Let's cut to the chase right away – facial oils will not clog your pores. Oil (or sebum) occurs naturally in your skin and your sebaceous glands are constantly working to pump it out. Acne is a result of hair follicles that become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
Effects of noncomedogenic oils on the skin
Because noncomedogenic oils don't clog pores, they're appropriate to use on many types of skin, from dry to oily. For example, grapeseed oil may help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on dry skin and can also be used as a spot treatment on pimples.
It's those clogged pores that are causing zits, not the oily foods. Of course, most nutritionists will tell you to limit the amount of fatty, fried foods you eat. But while fried chicken, pepperoni pizza, and other greasy foods aren't necessarily healthy fare, they don't cause pimples nor oily skin.
This is because dehydrated skin tends to over-produce sebum to compensate for the lack of moisture. This excessive oiliness ultimately leads to clogged pores, more frequent breakouts, and shiny-looking skin. In other words, oily skin benefits from the use of face oils—so long as they're the right kind of oils.
Because oil is the heaviest — or most dense — product in your routine, it's able to penetrate your moisturizer, allowing it to reach your skin, but the reverse isn't true. If you want to really amp up the moisture, apply your oil after applying moisturizer onto damp skin.
Dr. 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.
"The skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, otherwise, it gets too dry which can cause breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using a facial oil helps keep moisture in the skin while protecting it from the environmental damage," she explains.
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.
Yes, coconut oil is considered comedogenic and can clog pores and cause pimples and/or acne. Using coconut oil on the skin is not recommended for most acne-prone skin.
Use coconut oil on your face much like you would use any night cream. Liquefy 1 tablespoon of coconut oil by rubbing it gently between your hands. The liquefied oil will have a silky, light texture. Smooth onto your face and neck.
When it comes to facial oils, they should be applied as the last step in your skin care routine at night, and right before SPF in the morning.
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. Consequently, it may actually make acne worse for some people (22). When applied to the skin, coconut oil may clog pores and make acne worse. It is not recommended for those with very oily skin.
“Most of the components in oils can significantly irritate and damage skin. Common examples include fragrant ingredients like limonene, citronellol, and eugenol, which are all present in fragrant plant oils.
Then, if an oil is needed — [like] if you're in a dry climate — [you should] rub it into your hands first and then pat it onto the face over the lotion. This acts as a top coat without getting directly into the pores. If you have dry skin, you can massage a few drops over your moisturizer into the skin."
You can always mix oils in with your moisturizer, but if you're going to give them their own spot of honor in your skin-care routine, derms say there are two ways you can do it, depending on the type of face oil you use.
Oils work by prolonging the moisture in the skin and they do this in two ways: by acting as emollients and occlusives. Emollients play a simple, yet important, role in skin care: they help to soften and smooth the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis).