Applying oil to oily skin may sound counterintuitive, but it can actually be quite beneficial. This is because, by applying a hydrating product, it tricks your skin into thinking that it is sufficiently moisturized and, therefore, doesn’t produce excess sebum to redress the balance.
Before we get into how oils can help your skin, let us first present you with an interesting nugget of information. Though you might not first think it, oily skin is, in fact, an advantage. When looking to hold back the years, oily skin is favorable over drier types since you are less likely to experience premature wrinkles and fine lines due to a lack of natural hydration. This isn’t to say that oily skin is a total blessing, since it can present its own troubles such as clogged pores and acne. However, once you learn how to tame it, it can be very manageable.
When it comes to treating oily skin, not all oils are created equal, so the two things to take into account are: their comedogenic rating and their properties (i.e. what they can do for your skin). First and foremost, the comedogenic scale of oils goes from 0 – 5, with 5 signifying the most clogging and 0 being the least. As for what different oils are capable of, some are anti-bacterial while others are more moisturizing and have anti-inflammatory properties, for example. The best thing to bear in mind when choosing an oil for your skin is to take into account what your skin needs and what it responds best to. While there are many oils on the market that are recommended for oily skin, the ones we list below are some of the most endorsed.
ARGAN OIL. Endemic to Morocco, argan oil has been used for many years both as a culinary ingredient and cosmetic component. With a comedogenic rating of 0, it’s also what’s known as a dry oil. Dry oils are oils that are absorbed by the skin at a fast rate, leaving little to no residue. When you already have oily skin, this type of oil is usually the best to opt for. Containing antioxidants like vitamin E as well as various fatty acids, argan oil helps to keep your skin sufficiently hydrated without swamping it with moisture. Vitamin E is known to clog pores when used in its concentrated form, but when it’s an element in an oil like argan, it simply adds to its nourishing benefits without being overpowering to skin that is easily congested. Another upside of argan oil is that the oleic acid found in it is said to assist with dermal permeability, which means that it can even help any other anti-aging ingredients that you apply to sink in deeper.
BLUEBERRY SEED OIL. Blueberry seed oil is another great oil for oily skin. Bursting with essential fatty acids, vitamins, phytonutrients and carotenoids, this oil is a force to be reckoned with. It’s got a comedogenic rating of 0 and its content of carotenoids and phospholipids help to defend against UV, blue light and, therefore, the effects of photoaging. Blueberries are famous for their antioxidant content, and the oil extracted from their seeds is no different. It’s a great go-to, non-clogging moisture boost that also works on fighting inflammation caused by oxidative stress thanks to its antioxidant content.
JOJOBA OIL. Aside from being a popular carrier oil, jojoba is very gentle and calming when applied to the skin, which can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties. Effective on oily skin types, its composition is reported to imitate human sebum, which is why your skin accepts it so readily. It’s got a comedogenic rating of 2 and, when used to moisturize or even cleanse, even oily skin laps this right up. Like argan, jojoba is considered a dry oil, which is why it’s often recommended for people with oilier skin who are struggling to control sebum production. It helps to hydrate without adding excess grease, which is a big plus, and this is the main reason why it’s so widely beloved.
NEEM OIL. Used for centuries in South Asia, neem is a very hydrating oil with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities. As such, it’s an excellent combatant in the face of blemishes, dermal redness and various skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. As well as being a great treatment for problematic skin, neem is also heralded as an anti-aging oil that’s capable of softening the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. However, because it’s quite concentrated, dermatologists recommend that you dilute it with another carrier oil prior to application.
For more information on the best oils for your skin, visit our Carrier Oil Glossary and our Facial Oil Glossary.
When you think of applying oils to your face, it might not initially occur to you that this includes essential oils. When treating oily skin, there are several that you can use. Tea tree and orange essential oils are your two new best friends. Both of these are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, which means that they’re formidable foes to breakouts and acne, not to mention large pores. Because of their astringent nature, tea tree and orange are excellent at toning the skin and, therefore, reducing pore size. Reduced pore size also means that it’s harder for sebum and dirt to get in, which means fewer blackheads. Especially if you want your skin to look clearer, minimizing the appearance of your pores has a lot to do with it. To discover more about these essential oils and many others, visit our Essential Oil Glossary where we go into detail about each oil, what it can do for you and which skin types they’re most beneficial for. Remember, though, never apply any essential oils to your skin without diluting them first. Aside from causing irritation, you can actually burn your skin, so take this into account. Also, bear in mind that citrus oils are photosensitive, meaning that they can react negatively when exposed to sunlight. For best results, always apply citrus oils at night so you can reap their benefits without worrying about adverse reactions.
Lastly, it goes without saying that, if you haven’t used a carrier, facial or essential oil before, the best course of action is to do a patch test first. The best way to do a patch test is to apply a product to a patch of skin that you can leave untouched for a duration of time. Typically, the places to apply your product are a section of your neck or forehead, the underside of your jaw or even behind your ear. Alternatively, you could apply a product to the inside of your elbow or forearm under a strip of gauze. When chosen, wash your selected area with unscented soap and dry well. Once a product is applied, it’s recommended that you leave the treated area for 24 hours (i.e. don’t wash it or wet it). After this time period has elapsed, check back in with your skin to see if there’s been a reaction. If your skin doesn’t respond negatively, try applying the product normally and go from there. If you experience any irritation, redness, burning or discomfort of any kind, discontinue use immediately and if in doubt consult a dermatologist.
If you’d like to read more about how to treat your skin type, visit our Oily Skin page or Skin Types directory for additional information.