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Many people believe that oily skin and face oil are incompatible concepts. But this is a mistake. We provide compelling evidence and learn how to mix vegetable and essential oils designed specifically for oily skin.
Why Oils are Important for Oily Skin
Owners of oily skin, not without reason, try to avoid oily cosmetics. It is believed that formulas in which the content of lipids (fats) predominates will not benefit the skin, which is already characterized by increased greasiness. Moreover, they can aggravate the situation:
at least enhance the greasy shine;
and in the worst case, clog pores and provoke the formation of blackheads.
Not surprisingly, oily skin and oil seem to be an extremely unfortunate couple. It seems that this alliance is doomed to fail. However, contrary to popular belief, oil can become a faithful companion of oily skin and bring it a lot of benefits.
Paradox? No, pure biochemistry. Olga Gorokhova, Decléor brand expert and training manager, explains:
“The fat-soluble part of triglycerides (the main component of sebum) includes polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic. If it is not enough, it is replaced by monounsaturated acids (oleic, sapienoic).
This leads to a change in the quality of sebum and skin pH, which tends towards alkaline, which leads to the development of pathogenic microflora and inflammation. Vegetable oils in combination with essential oils restore balance and normalize the composition of sebum.
Why do oily skins like vegetable oils? First of all, the content of essential fatty acids – linoleic and linolenic, the lack of which can result in inflammation.
Oils can be beneficial for oily skin. © DECLÉOR
In addition, vegetable oils have a lot of properties that are useful for any skin, including oily. They are able to:
smooth the skin;
fight free radicals;
moisturize;
strengthen the barrier function.
Vegetable oils have healing properties and are effective in the complex treatment of acne with oily and problematic skin. They also contain vitamins A, E, B1, B12, C, PP, they are rich in trace elements (potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc). So such a product as “oil for oily skin” really exists. It remains only to find out which oils are suitable for oily skin.
If you have problematic skin, check if you are taking care of it properly with our test.
Base oils
The basis of the oil concentrate is the so-called base oils. That is, vegetable oils of bones, nuts and seeds. Here is a list of the most beneficial essential oils for oily skin:
passion fruit: reduces sebum production, tightens pores;
grape seed: moisturizes, tightens pores;
sweet almond: cleanses, soothes, smoothes the skin;
jojoba: provides antibacterial effect, soothes, softens;
peach: strengthens, softens, soothes;
hazelnut: cleanses and tightens pores, moisturizes.
Essential oils for oily skin
Essential oils are multicomponent mixtures containing from 100 to 500 active compounds. Their molecules are very small and enter the body in two ways: through the skin and respiratory tract. Thanks to phytoncides, all essential oils have antiseptic properties and antiviral activity.
Essential oils are beneficial for oily skin. © DECLÉOR
This is a real natural antibiotic for the skin! At the same time, being aggressive against microbes, essential oils are completely harmless to humans.
By the way, the antibacterial effectiveness of ylang-ylang essential oil is 1,5 times higher than that of salicylic acid.
In addition, essential oils:
help to remove toxins;
improve microcirculation;
have a restorative effect on cells;
protect against UV rays due to antioxidant action;
improve the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
have anti-inflammatory action.
To verify the above on your own skin, test the essential oils for oily skin from the list below.
Ylang-ylang: acts as an antioxidant, reduces sebum production, has antibacterial activity, suitable for skin with enlarged pores.
Tea tree: Known for antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties.
green oregano: has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action.
Rosemary: reduces sebum production, has anti-inflammatory effect.
Sage: works as an antiseptic.
Lavender: has antiseptic, healing, refreshing properties.
Application rules
All products containing oils must be warmed up in the palms and only then applied to the face. If you choose the right formula for your skin type, you should not feel sticky. The whole secret lies in the quality of the oils that are included in the cosmetic product.
Use first cold pressed oils. © DECLÉOR
Real, pure and high-quality vegetable oils are obtained only by the first cold pressing. They are not sticky, not greasy, do not clog pores, are instantly absorbed. And therefore non-comedogenic.
Essential oils do not leave stains on clothes.
It is better to use cocktails of essential and vegetable oils, which are created taking into account the characteristics of different skin types.
Safety measures
Among vegetable oils, there are still those that oily skin may not like, because they have a comedogenic effect. These include the so-called batters:
Shea Butter;
coconut oil;
Palm oil.
Products with mineral oils can also clog pores, so those with oily skin should avoid using both butters and mineral oils.
Pure essential oils are not applied directly to the skin – this can cause a burn. They are insoluble in water – only in lipids, so essential oils must first be dissolved in a fat-containing substance (vegetable oil, cream). The exceptions are tea tree and lavender oils, which can be applied directly to the skin.
Cosmetic oils for oily skin
Making your own essential oil cocktails is an interesting business, but if you lack the knowledge and skills, it is better to trust professionals. Or use ready-made mixtures for oily skin – cosmetic oils with a verified dosage and rich composition.
In our review, we’ve rounded up three “oily” products that oily skin probably won’t mind.
Foaming make-up remover Biosource Total Renew Oil, Biotherm
The oil dissolves impurities, sebum, makeup, and upon contact with water turns into foam, thoroughly (but not to a squeak) cleansing the skin. In the composition – light oils-favorites of oily skin: passion fruit, apricot, corn and rice bran.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s acclaimed product features a light, fast-absorbing texture, soothing scents of lavender and geranium, and the ability to create the perfect nighttime skin condition. In the composition of natural essential oils and plant extracts: evening primrose, wild rose, rosemary and rose.
Facial concentrate with hemp seed oil for all skin types, including problematic Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate, Kiehl’s
A mixture of hemp oil and oregano oil is designed to soothe the skin, bring it to a state of comfort and strengthen its own defenses without clogging pores – and does its job perfectly.