Natural doesn't always mean good for the skin.
As much as natural ingredients are often healthier than synthetic ones, not every natural ingredient will work for all skin types. If your facial skin gets excessively oily, you should avoid things that are likely to clog your pores. That includes some natural oils.
CHOOSE OILS BASED ON YOUR SKIN TYPE
Some oils are excellent for oily skin because of their unique ratio of essential fatty acids. Others, for the same reason, can block pores. To moisturize oily skin, use grapeseed oil, which is naturally high in linoleic acid and doesn't clog pores.
BE CAREFUL WITH OILY SKIN
As you look at natural ingredients (such as oils and butters) in skincare, consider how the essential fatty acids in the products will interact with your oily skin.
Let's look at seven oils to avoid if you have oily skin:
1. Cocoa butter
This butter is very moisturizing and contains antioxidants as well as nourishing fatty acids. However, it can be too occlusive for oily skin.
2. Sea buckthorn oil
This oil has plenty of protective antioxidants but is low in linoleic acid. It's not high in oleic acid, so combining it with other oils that are high in linoleic acid provides anti-aging benefits minus clogged pores.
3. Sesame oil
This oil has slightly more oleic than linoleic acid, but you need to be careful when using it. Try the oil on a small area first to check how it affects you. Your face might not like it but, you may be fine applying it on the rest of the body.
4. Unfractionated coconut oil
Fractionated coconut oil has had long-chain fatty acids removed via steam distillation and hydrolysis. This process makes the oil remain liquid at room temperature and extends its shelf life. It also makes the oil lighter and less likely to clog pores.
5. Wheat germ oil
Among natural ingredients, wheat germ oil is one of the most comedogenic (clogging). It's perfect for hair care, though.
6. Shea butter
This butter is a savior for dry skin, but not for oily skin because of its high oleic fatty acid level. You don't necessarily need to avoid shea butter- just be aware of the varying levels of the ingredient in different products.
7. Other oils
Several oils have high oleic fatty acid levels- this is believed to cause more clogged pores compared to those high in linoleic fatty acids. Since oily skin has few linoleic fatty acids, oils with more of these work well. Oils with more oleic acids may cause more problems. Because of this, some more oils you should avoid include apricot kernel, olive, avocado, and sweet almond oil.
Use these instead
Some oils that are excellent for oily skin include hemp, grapeseed, rosehip, evening primrose, and pumpkin seed oil.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
