We’ve all heard the rumor that skincare products and makeup formulated with oil should be avoided if you have acne-prone skin. With this long-standing philosophy, the new trend of oil-based skin care products for oily and acne-prone skin seems counterintuitive. Right? So why are oils becoming increasingly popular as a must-have in skin care - especially for skin vulnerable to breakouts?
Of course, we know factors such as diet, hormones, poor sleeping habits, and not drinking enough water can cause unbalanced skin, but today I’d like to shed some light on how oil-based skincare can be beneficial for skin concerns like oiliness, clogged or enlarged pores, and flakiness.
You may be surprised to discover dehydrated skin is one of the main culprits of oily skin! Cleansers and treatments with harsh ingredients - like sulfates and parabens are formulated to strip the skin of all traces of oil to prevent breakouts.
Stripping the skin damages its thin protective barrier - the acid mantle. The acid mantle is made up of sebum, a natural lubricant produced in the skin’s oil glands. Sebum’s function is to hold hydration and retain a balanced moisture level. Its other important job is to keep out environmental pollutants.
When the skin is constantly stripped, the acid mantle is weakened, allowing moisture to escape and toxins and environmental pollutants to sneak in. Skin loses water faster than it’s able to absorb. So a weakened protective barrier leads to dehydration, forcing the skin’s oil glands to overproduce sebum.
Normal sebum production flushes the pores of bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells. Too much sebum binds with these toxins and congests the pores, causing the oily residue sitting on your skin’s surface, which can lead to breakouts and irritation.
Whether your skin is oily and acne-prone or you want to repair skin concerns - like noticeable dullness and dryness, enlarged pores, or fine lines and wrinkles - balancing your skin’s pH is the key to restoring its health.
The formula to maintain skin’s healthy pH balance is hydration + moisturizer = balanced skin. You may be thinking, “Isn’t hydrating and moisturizing the same thing?” The short answer is no. Hydrating helps replenish and protect the skin’s barrier - the acid mantle. Moisturizers can add an extra layer of hydration, but they’re formulated to lock in hydration.
Now, let’s talk about how oil fits into the skincare equation. The latest research continues to unearth the nourishing and repairing properties of plant-based oils for all skin types - including acne-prone skin.
Skin care products with oil-derived ingredients are formulated to replenish skin’s lost hydration. Plant-based oils gently balance excess oil, protect against pollutants, and remove dead skin cells - leaving skin hydrated for a supple, dewy glow. Some popular plant-based oils include:
Moringa Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Argan Oil
Olive Oil
Jojoba Oil
If you’re considering switching out your current skin care for oil-based products, your skin may be reactive at first. It can take up to 2-3 weeks to make the transition. I suggest a subtle transition.
Begin introducing your new skin care at night when skin repairs itself from the day’s environmental damage. You may also want to consider alternating your new skin care with your current formulas every other night if your skin is particularly temperamental. As your skin adjusts, you can gradually increase applying your new oil-base products.
Try starting with a mild cleanser like the Radiant Cleansing Balm, formulated with Black Seed Oil, Moringa Oil and hydrating Lipexel ™. It gently removes all traces of makeup and dirt leaving skin soft, glowing, and well balanced.
While writing this, we also released the very first toner in the CR lineup! The Matcha Tea Treatment Toner combines a ton of detoxing, protective ingredients. It can help remove excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural "good" bacteria. Plus, Green Tea is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient, which means it can help soothe and balance acne and even rosacea.
Once your skin transitions and is receptive to your new cleanser, try adding a retinol with soothing skin oils. I love how our Retinol Supreme Night Oil gently fights skin irritants associated with acne - like environmental toxins, free radicals, dehydration, and enlarged pores. Nine plant-based oils replenish dehydrated skin and correct skin irritation without flakiness.
Maybe your skin is reactive to retinol or you use another retinol-based product. In this case, I would suggest Face Oil No 9. It is liquid gold for balancing oily skin! It combines nine precious oils - including Moringa Oil and Black Seed Oil - and vitamins to balance the skin and provide intense hydration. Try using this oil as your nighttime moisturizer to rehydration and balance your skin.
We know debris, dead skin cells, and excess oil can trigger acne breakouts. Using the Clarifying Detox Mask 2-3 times a week can help give your skin an extra deep clean. It’s also a great spot treatment to pull dirt and debris from skin and help promote overall balance.
Effective oil-based skin care may be a concept you have to see to believe. Start small and slowly work some of these other suggestions into your routine... You just may love the results!
xo
Colleen
1 comment
Thank you for the tips. All the products are looking amazing.