Oily and acne-prone skin requires not only to cleanse it but also to provide it with complex care. To restore its balance and eliminate inflammation you can use oils! Do you know which one to choose?
Oils are usually used when we want to restore the skin with suppleness, smoother and moisture. On the other hand, when we have oily skin it seems as equally, greasy oil can only worsen the situation – there’s nothing more wrong than that because natural oils are a source of ingredients that can lessen inflammation, balance skin pH and inhibit sebum secretion.
Oily and acne-prone skin – the issues
There is a good reason to call acne-prone and oily skin a problematic one. Its main problem is the fact of excess sebum secretion. In right amounts sebum is essential to our skin (protects it against external factors and loss of moisture) however in excess amounts can cause oily T-zone, blackheads, and pimples.
DID YOU KNOW THAT? Extremely important is not only the amount of sebum but also its composition. If there is too little linoleic acid, sebum is too thick and can clog pores.
What is the cause of oily skin and acne?
The reasons for excess sebum secretion and abnormality in its composition are among many:
- upset hormonal balance,
- an unhealthy diet poor in omega acids,
- excess and prolonged stress,
- cosmetics with too strong action,
- improper skincare.
Often, we unknowingly fall into the vicious circle. The skin is greasy so we use strong washing products that deprive the skin of its protective lipid layer and as a result, the skin starts to protect itself by producing more sebum.
Oily and acne-prone skin oil treatment
The use of oil for oily skin may turn out to be a very good idea if you have problematic skin.
However, you should remember two basic rules.
- Oils for oily skin need to have the proper amount of fatty acids – these are called drying oils that contain 50% polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- 2-3 drops of oil per application is enough for the oily skin – just a small amount applied to damp skin can perfectly take care of it and normalize instead of weighing it down.
In spite of dermatologists being divided in the matter and some of them strongly advise against the use of oils, the truth is that a small amount of oil can help to regulate the work of sebaceous glands, lessen inflammation and restore the pH. Some oils have confirmed antibacterial action which comes handy in the fight against stubborn and constantly returning acne.
The best oils for oily skin. Which one should you choose?
- Black seed oil – consists of 60% linoleic acid, 20% oleic acid and rare eicosadienoic acid with anti-inflammatory action. Restores balance to the lipid layer of oily skin and calms irritations, lessens acne and has antioxidant action.
- Prickly pear seed oil – contains over 60% linoleic acid, about 15% oleic acid and lots of flavonoids, vitamin E and K and minerals. Thanks to all those ingredients, it not only balances the skin pH but also nourishes, strengthens and improves the work of sebaceous glands.
- Sea buckthorn oil – is obtained from sea buckthorn seeds and the dominating acids are linoleic (36%) and oleic (13%) as well as rare palmitoleic acid that is also one of the ingredients of the natural human lipid layer. It holds antioxidant action and regulates sebum secretion.
- Raspberry seed oil – is in 55% made of linoleic acid, while oleic acid is in the amount of 12% which works for problematic skin. It effectively calms irritation, takes care of proper moisturizing and regulates the work of sebaceous glands.
- Pomegranate seed oil – contains only 8% of linoleic acid and the same amount of oleic acid which in this oil are better by punicic acid omega-5 as it is present as 50-70% of the oil. Thanks to this unusual ingredient this oil has anti-inflammatory action and effectively lessens acne problem.
- Rosehip seed oil – (not essential oil) has 50% of linoleic acid, 20% of oleic acid and a lot of vitamin C. It is a great choice for everyone who deals with acne due to antioxidant and brightening action but also its ability to eliminate hyperpigmentation.
- Chia seed oil – it is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 acids as well as vitamin E and flavonoids. Known for its cleansing properties. It regulates sebum secretion, opens pores and lessens inflammations.
- Blackcurrant seed oil – contains unique proportions of fatty acids (linoleic, α-linoleic, γ-linoleic, palmitic and stearic acid). Regular use of this oil on the oily skin decreases sebum secretions, strengthens the lipid barrier and calms the skin.
- Jojoba oil – is more like liquid wax with a composition close to the natural ingredients of our sebum. Thanks to this similarity, it perfectly regulates the work of sebaceous glands and prevents dryness. Takes care of the proper acidic-basic economy.
- Blackberry seed oil – contains large amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene so it has strong antioxidant action and inhibits skin aging. It lessens inflammations, regulates work of sebaceous glands and brightens acne scarring.
Which oil for oily and acne-prone skin will you choose?
