7 Oils You Shouldn’t Use if You Have Acne Prone Skin

Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin.

Natural ingredients are often healthier for your skin than synthetic, but not all natural ingredients work for all skin types. Those with sensitive skin still need to be selective about the products they use. If your skin is prone to breakouts and excess oil, you want to stay away from things that are likely to clog your pores, and that includes some natural ingredients.

The thing is that some oils are great for acne-prone skin, because of their unique ratio of essential fatty acids, while others, for the same reason, are occlusive and can block pores. A 1986 study, for example, reported that “acne patients have been shown to have low levels of linoleic acid in their skin surface lipids.” Researchers theorized that this low level imposed “a state of essential fatty acid deficiency,” on the cells, causing them to react with acne breakouts. This is why grapeseed oil, which is naturally high in linoleic acid, is helpful for those with acne prone skin.

A later 2009 study, as well, reviewed the unique makeup of sebum in humans, and noted that the mix of fatty acids was likely to affect the development of acne:

“New insights regarding modifications in the amount, composition, and arrangement of fatty acids assembled in complex lipids of sebum could improve our knowledge on the function of sebum and on the role of alteration of sebum organization in the pathogenesis of acne and of different sebaceous gland disorders.”

A 2010 study reported similar results: sebum deficient in linoleic acid is hard and sticky and clogs pores, and people with acne-prone skin are often deficient in linoleic acid. Researchers added that low levels of linoleic acid could also weaken the outer layer of skin, leaving it more vulnerable to acne-causing inflammation.

All this means that as we look at natural ingredients in skin care—which are mostly oils and butters—we have to consider how the essential fatty acids in these oils will interact and potentially affect acne-prone skin. (Read more about essential fatty acids here.)

Here are 7 oils you shouldn’t use if you have acne prone skin:

1. Unfractionated coconut oil

We talked about the difference between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oil in this post. Briefly, fractionated coconut oil is a form of the oil that has had the long-chain fatty acids removed via hydrolysis and steam distillation. Just this one change makes the oil liquid at room temperature and extends the product’s shelf life. It also makes it a lighter oil that is less likely to clog pores. Heavier oils rich in fatty acids are wonderful moisturizers, but they can spell “breakouts” for sensitive skin.

2. Cocoa butter

This is another very moisturizing ingredient that has skin-protecting antioxidants as well as plumping fatty acids, but it can be too occlusive for acne-prone skin, especially on the face.

3. Sesame oil

This ingredient contains antibacterial properties, which can be effective against acne-causing bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm skin, but some may find their skin reacting to it by breaking out—again, because the fatty acids can clog pores.

This one is more balanced then some, with only slightly more oleic than linoleic, but it’s one to watch out for. If you want to use it, try on a small area first, to see how it affects you. Even if you can’t use it on your face, you may be fine enjoying it on the rest of the body.

4. Wheat germ oil

On the natural ingredient list, wheat germ oil is often listed as one of the most comedogenic. If you have acne, it’s probably best to avoid this oil and restrict its use for hair care.

5. Shea butter

This butter, though super beneficial for dry skin, may be too much for acne-prone skin because of its high level of oleic fatty acids. There are varying levels of shea butter in different products, and the formula matters too—what the shea butter is mixed in with. You don’t necessarily need to stay away from this one, but just be cautious when you see it, and watch your skin carefully for any reactions.

6. Sea buckthorn oil

This oils is full of protective antioxidants, but it’s low in linoleic acid, too. It’s not particularly high in oleic, so if you combine it with some other oils that are higher in linoleic acid, it’s likely you could still enjoy the anti-aging benefits without having to worry about breakouts.

7. Other oils

Several oils are high in “oleic” fatty acids, which are believed to cause more breakouts than those high in “linoleic” fatty acids. Since acne-prone 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 breakouts. Based on this theory, some to avoid include olive, avocado, apricot kernel, and sweet almond oil.

Meanwhile, some oils that are great for acne-prone skin include grapeseed, rosehip, evening primrose, hemp, and pumpkin seed oil.

http://www.annmariegianni.com/oils-for-acne-prone-skin/