Oils give a boost of hydration to the skin and even people with oily skin can benefit from using them. Using oils can help regulate sebum production – just make sure they are not oils that will clog your pores. Comedogenic and Non-Comedogenic oils refers to how likely an oil is to clog your pores. Comedogenic being the most likely and Non-Comedogenic being the least.
The oils, which are highly comedogenic, can be mixed in a base of non-comedogenic oil if we want to get its benefits delivered to the skin.
On a scale of 0 to 5, 0 are purely non-comedogenic and will not clog you pores hence are extremely suitable for oily and sensitive skin type. 5 will be most comedogenic and must be avoided on your face.
Oils for oily, acne prone and sensitive skin (Comedogenic rating 0 and 1):
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Argan oil boasts some really amazing skin benefits along with the very low chance of clogging pores. It also regulates the production of sebum which helps prevent further breakouts and its Vitamin E content helps fade scars and smooth out the skins texture.
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Hemp seed oil reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne breakouts and is a great treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and dry itchy skin.
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Pomegranate seed oil encourages new cell regeneration and helps reduce the signs of aging.
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Rosehip oil is a great cleansing and moisturising oil for acne prone skin. It is amazing for reversing hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, sun damage, stretch marks, and scars.
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Jojoba oil is a great acne treatment for many because it mimics the consistency of our own sebum. It has a light moisturizing feel and absorbs well into the skin. This oil is more suitable for oily skin types as it helps balance the production of excess oil.
Oils for normal skin (Comedogenic rating 2):
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Sweet almond oil is a great oil to use for dry acne prone skin due to its emollient properties. It’s great for regenerating skin cells because it penetrates damaged cells and softens them allowing for better hydration. Sweet almond oil is suitable for sensitive skin types that are dry.
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Tamanu oil is best known for healing acne scars and fading old acne scars. It has a thick consistency and is therefore better used as a spot treatment for problem areas rather than all over the face.
Oils for dry, dehydrated and mature skin (Comedogenic rating 3 and 4):
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Avocado oil is suitable for drier acne prone skin types but may still clog pores. However, if your skin tolerates this oil, it is amazing for hydration and skin tone renewal. Since it is a heavier oil, it may be best suited for use at night.
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Sesame oil is another oil that has potent anti-bacterial properties that good for wound healing and killing acne causing bacteria. It’s overall, a pretty balanced oil, but the stearic acid causes it to be a bit comedogenic for a lot of people. It may leave an oily residue on the skin.
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Carrot seed oil is great for improving its tone, elasticity, and overall appearance. It slows aging and is wonderful for calming irritated skin. However, it’s high oleic acid content makes is unsuitable for acne prone skin types.
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Olive oil is an emollient, which means it smooths and softens skin. It also contains antioxidants that could prevent premature aging when worn on the skin.
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Flaxseed oil has essential fatty acids that work inside out to keep your skin moisturised and hydrated. Due to the improved levels of moisture in the skin, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other ageing signs.
Oils not recommended for face (Comedogenic rating 5):
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Coconut oil is a favourite oil amongst most people for its amazing health promoting and beautifying properties. It smooths skin and reveals a fresh glowing complexion for those who tolerate it well. Most however, do not tolerate coconut oil well on their face, so if you have acne prone skin, you may want to steer clear of this oil. You can use it on your body & hair !
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Wheat germ oil is one which very few people can tolerate on their face. It is oil which almost guarantees a breakout when applied topically. Although it has great scar reducing and healing properties of any oil due to its very high Vitamin E content.
