We Answer Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Oils
March 7, 2022

“Will facial oils do more harm than good for my oily acne-prone skin?”
The last thing anyone with oily acne-prone skin wants to do is to worsen their skin’s greasiness. Adding a facial oil to your skincare routine may seem like a counterintuitive thing to do but the truth is, facial oils can supercharge an acne skincare routine. In this article, we round up commonly asked questions about facial oils and shed light on what they can do for breakouts.
Q: What are facial oils?
A: Our skin naturally produces its own oils to moisturise and hydrate our complexion. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by sebaceous glands. It forms a barrier on the surface of our skin to prevent moisture loss by evaporation. It is what gives oily skin a greasy and shiny appearance. In addition, our skin contains natural lipids on the outermost layer. These are made up of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, which hold our skin cells together. On the other hand, facial oils in skincare help to replenish or complement the natural oils found on our skin.
Q: Are facial oils bad for acne skin?
A: Yes and no.
Oily acne-prone skin typically experiences excess sebum production caused by a naturally oily skin type or when the skin is dehydrated. It may be instinctive to use only oil-free products or those designed to remove oil but our skin actually needs some oil to stay optimally hydrated. If our skin becomes dehydrated, it may overcompensate by producing more oil. This is corroborated by facialist Abigail James who says, “The skin needs some oil. If we keep over stripping the skin, it can become dry, tight and sensitive. Some natural plant oils have inbuilt anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory benefits.”
Even though facial oils can help to balance our skin’s natural oil production and even heal breakouts, certain facial oils can be comedogenic. This means that they can congest pores and result in pimple breakouts. As such, it is crucial to choose the right type of oil for your skin.
Q: Can facial oils make oily skin oilier?
A: If the greasiness on your skin is caused by a dehydrated complexion overcompensating by producing more natural oils, applying facial oils can nourish and minimise excess sebum production. Facial oils are deeply nourishing so a few drops go a long way. Be careful not to over-apply, as too much facial oil can cause it to sit on the surface of your skin giving it a shiny appearance.
Q: Can facial oils heal acne?
A: Yes, depending on the facial oil used.
Facial oils, such as Tea Tree Oil, has powerful acne-fighting properties. Such ingredients feature anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which help to combat harmful bacteria and speed up the healing process of breakouts. Other beneficial facial oils are rich in antioxidants which neutralise the action of free radicals. Those infused with fatty acids intensely hydrate your complexion to prevent the excess production of sebum which may clog pores.
Q: How do I use facial oil in my skincare routine?
A: A good rule of thumb when applying skincare is to go from lightest to thickest. After cleansing your skin and applying treatment, pat 1 – 3 drops of facial oil onto your skin. Reserve facial oils for the evening as the air is dryer at night. Leaving facial oils on overnight enables them to deeply repair your complexion while you sleep.
Q: Are facial oils all I need for acne treatment?
A: No. While facial oils can enhance your acne skincare routine, using specialised products designed to treat pimples will be more effective at banishing breakouts. For instance, our LumiClear Potent Acne Spot Complex targets pimples specifically with ICTASOL and its Quintuplex Action to erase imperfections quickly.
Q: How do I choose the right type of facial oil for acne skin?
A: First and foremost, choose non-comedogenic facial oils that are unlikely to clog your pores. As pore congestion is a main culprit of blemishes, the skincare product you use should not put you at a greater risk of blocked pores.
Study the benefits of each facial oil. Incorporating facial oils with anti-acne efficacies can supercharge your acne treatment routine. For instance, Rosehip Oil helps to hydrate and fade acne scars. Grapeseed Oil is a natural astringent that helps with oil-control. Tea Tree Oil has antimicrobial properties which eliminate bacteria and purify your skin.
Facial oils deliver a diverse range of skincare benefits and it will be a shame to avoid them completely due to the misconception that adding oil to oily skin will worsen your skin condition. If you have any questions relating to facial oils, reach out to the Lumipeau Concierge via email at concierge@lumipeau.com or Whatsapp at 6338 8183 and the team will be glad to assist!
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