Dermatologists recommend squalane oil for all skin types. It can even be used by people who have oily skin as it is lightweight and isn't greasy. This means that it's unlikely to clog the skin's pores and won't cause breakouts.
squalane may be effective for cystic acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
Please note that squalene oil can exacerbate fungal acne with an “e” in the middle. However, squalane oil, the version of the oil found in skincare, is good for treating fungal acne. It also restores skin and serves as a UV protectant, making it a great moisturizer.
Squalene would be found in fresh extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil which is rancid or has unacceptable flavors is deodorized using distillation. The resultant oil is called "Pure" or "Refined" olive oil. Squalene is removed during the refining process and is concentrated in the distillate.
Occasionally, though, serums can actually cause acne—so proceed with caution. "They can lead to breakouts—especially if you're using the wrong one for your skin type," says Green.
“Hyaluronic acid is neither good nor bad for acne,” she says. “However, it can be used incorrectly, or it can be mixed with other ingredients that may not agree with a person's skin and therefore cause a breakout.”
Will using Face Oil make you Break Out? The common notion that it's harmful to apply oil to acne-prone skin is simply a myth. The natural oil that our skin produces is called sebum and it actually protects our skin from environmental damage.
"If squalene was not hydrogenated, it would oxidize when exposed to air and no longer have its benefits," Dr. Garshick explains. In other words, squalane is a more shelf-stable and effective version of squalene, which is why the former is the version that makes it into our skin-care creams, face serums and oils.
Though its topical application is suitable for those with dry to combination skin, it can be comedogenic, or pore clogging, for those with oily skin. It's best to purchase chia seed oil products that are specially formulated for use on the skin, as this may reduce the likelihood of experiencing breakouts or irritation.
Research from 2017 suggests hyaluronic acid doesn't just help lock in moisture. It can also help control sebum production, which makes it a potentially useful ingredient for acne prevention. People with acne may also have skin-barrier dysfunction.
While hyaluronic acid can't fill in visible acne scars, it can help reduce redness and the visible appearance of acne. In addition, hyaluronic acid can help protect the skin, which is especially helpful for acne-prone skin, as it typically doesn't have a very strong lipid barrier.
Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging. That's because it doesn't affect the skin in a way that usually triggers purging.
If you are using multiple products on your face as part of a “12-step skincare routine,” you may be combining too many different products. Using too many products can definitely cause your skin to breakout. Not to mention that many skin care ingredients can lead to irritation and thus more breakouts.
Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins. Treats acne. Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.
That said, choosing a moisturizer that contains ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid can be especially helpful. "These ingredients help to reduce redness and inflammation and restore the skin's protective barrier.
Hyaluronic acid, itself, is not considered to be comedogenic and, while comedogenicity ratings are somewhat flawed, is unlikely to cause breakouts by clogging your pores.
An acne skin care routine should include a cleanser, toner, acne medication, moisturizer, and sun protection. If the toner is too drying, you can simply skip that step. If you're using prescription acne medications, make sure to use gentle cleansers and other products.
Can jojoba oil cause breakouts? Jojoba oil is noncomedogenic and won't clog pores so it's unlikely to cause breakouts.
Plus, marula oil is high on oleic acid, which is a layer that clogs skin. That said, the quality of the marula oil you're using matters, because it is often irritating additives which cause breakouts.