Logic dictates that if your face is oily avoid putting oils
on it. Makes sense, but not true. Well, not entirely.
Let me introduce you to the word comedogenic – it means “a
substance that tends to produce acne, such as by clogging pores”, according to
Advanced English Dictionary.
There are 3 kinds of oils that can be applied to skin. They
are mineral oils, carrier oils and essential oils. As its name suggests, mineral
oils are by-products of minerals like coal and petroleum. The common baby oil
is a mineral oil. It is comedogenic and absolutely must not be applied to the
face, especially if it is acne prone. Carrier oils are made from the fatty part
of plants, like its nuts or kernels. They are rich in unsaturated essentially
fatty acids, many of which the skin desperately needs to stay healthy but is
unable to be synthesize by the body. Finally essential oils are made from the
non-fatty part of plants, such as flowers, barks, roots and leaves. They are
not true oils because they do not contain fatty acids but are termed oils
because they look like oils. Essentially, they are plant essences.
Cocoa butter (theobroma oil), coconut oil and wheat germ oil
are carrier oils that are highly comedogenic. On the other hand, argan oil and
pomegranate oil are carrier oils that are non-comedogenic. They rebalance oily
skin and tame acne fare ups. Essentials oils generally do not clog pores but
are unsuitable for direct skin application. They are extremely potent compounds
that may result in skin sensitivities. They have to be diluted in water or
carrier oils to be safety used. So, diluting it incorrectly could make your
mixture comedogenic.
So, the trouble lies with mineral oils (baby oil) and
carrier oils. Mineral oils are used in cheap massage blends. They can be safely
used on the body but if you are prone to in-grown hairs, body pimples and rash
you should avoid it like the plague. Frankly, in my book it should not even be
used on babies.
Carrier oils on the other hand are less straightforward. Some
of them are so good, you should not leave home without smothering it all over
your hair, body, face, feet and nails. I’m referring to argan and pomegranate
oils here. Others are good for certain parts of your body and have very
specific skin repair functions. Here I’m talking about rosehip oil. It is
slightly comedogenic on the face but is a must have when repairing scars,
stretch marks and sun/age spots on the body. No other oil or compound has
scar-repairing qualities like rosehip has.
Then you have carrier oils that generally should not be used
on skin. Olive and coconut oil while great for protecting hair and giving it
shine are too heavy for skin. They do not absorb well into the skin, leaving a
thick oily residue. Rosehip, for example, while mildly comedogenic is a dry
oil. It absorbs quickly into the skin. Argan on the other hand does not absorb
into the skin as fast as rosehip but is not comedogenic at all. So, it is not
necessarily the thickness of the oil that causes acne breakouts necessarily but
the oils essential compounds.
So, in the case of using oils on skin, not knowing will hurt
you. However, knowing the right pieces of information will leave skin so
marvellously radiant, you will never understand why you every used any big-brand
name cosmetic concoction in the first place.
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| Argan nuts used for oil are green and unroasted. These are roasted nut. The oil will be used for cooking. |
Let me safely promote argan and pomegranate oils for
magnificent skin radiance. If you have a nut allergy opt for pomegranate.
However, pomegranate has a mild citrus scent and may clash with perfume. That’s
why I personally prefer argan oil. It is odourless and leaves skin sexy smooth.
I simply cannot stop raving about the great results argan
has given my skin. Word of warning! Argan is a pricey rare oil. If you are
buying something that is too cheap, it’s probably been diluted or adulterated. Furthermore,
argan oil designed for hair is unsuitable for skin. They have added other
ingredients to make it more affordable. Please shop for Argan oil that only has
one ingredient in it – ARGAN OIL – you will not be disappointed!
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