It is surprising how many still believe that using oils on their face must be avoided at all costs, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin. This belief is not entirely true. As an aesthetician, this illusive topic is exciting to discuss because it gives an opportunity to educate clients and contribute to their overall skin vitality.

NOT ALL OILS ARE CREATED EQUALLY
Some people may have had the experience of using an oil that made their face uncomfortably oily or breakout. This does not necessarily mean all oils are bad for oily skin. As a matter of fact, according to the International Journal of Molecular Science, pure, cold-pressed, plant oils are so nutritious that, depending on their free fatty acid content and chemical composition, they can influence skin physiology differently and assist in protecting the skin from moisture loss. If oily skin is present, rosehip seed oil and almond oil are some of the best options for skin care because of their non-clogging effect, contrary to cocoa butter or coconut oil which may not be optimal for an oily complexion. There are many plant oils that can help oily skin tremendously. The key is to be aware of the skin’s behavior and understand the reason for its oily reaction. Unless allergies are present, using plant oils as part of a skin care regimen is healthy and the results will speak for themselves.

UNDERSTAND THE CAUSE
Before deciding which, if any, plant oil is right for a client, evaluate their skin and determine the factors that may be causing it to over produce sebum. “The Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine,” a medical textbook, clearly says that besides age, the level of sebum production is also influenced by nutrition, stress management, hormone production, environment, and genetics. So, when there is oily skin present, it is a response that can generally be managed by self-awareness and self-care.

TROUBLESHOOT
The ultimate goal is for the skin to be clean, hydrated, and balanced; therefore, an individual must first review and fine-tune their skin routine. It should consist of gentle exfoliation, thorough cleansing without a stripping effect, and non-clogging hydration. This process is usually over done, causing the skin to over produce sebum. Secondly, making sure makeup and skin care products are non-comedogenic is a common rule for oily skin. Becoming more aware of and engaging in the skin’s needs will encourage healthy skin.

Awareness is the ultimate power for overall well-being because it allows an individual to understand their skin. The Journal of Mental Health has found direct effects of self-care on self-awareness and well-being. Besides caring for the skin’s integrity with the right plant oils, eating well, exercising, and doing stress-relief activities will contribute positively to one’s complexion regardless of skin type. It is obvious that the skin acts as a beacon in overall health.

References
1 Lin, T.K., L. Zhong, and J.L. Santiago. “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of
Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.” International Journal of Molecular Science 19, no. 1 (2017): E70. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70.
2 Baumann, Leslie. “Chapter 250. Cosmetics and Skin Care in Dermatology.” In Fitzpatrick’s
Dermatology in General Medicine, 8e, edited by Goldsmith, Lowell A. New York: McGraw-
Hill, 2012. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=392§ionid=41138991.
3 Richards, Kelly, C. Campenni, and Janet Muse-Burke. “Self-care and Well-being in Mental
Health Professionals: The Mediating Effects of Self-awareness and Mindfulness.” Journal of
Mental Health Counseling 32, no. 3 (2010): 247-264.
http://www.amhcajournal.org/doi/abs/10.17744/mehc.32.3.0n31v88304423806.