Oil in Skin Care – Is It Really A Good Thing To Avoid Them?

Oil is considered a strict no-no when it comes to skin care. With skin care companies proudly proclaiming their products to be 'oil-free', oils have earned a pretty notorious reputation for being responsible for skin concerns like acne. Are they really as bad as they are made out to be?

Pros & Cons of Oil

There are certain oils that are responsible for causing acne and breakouts on the skin. However, there are also oils that can be used to treat acne. Here are some common ones:

Tea tree oil is a powerful skin care ingredient and is used extensively in skin care products to treat acne inflammations and breakouts.

Coconut oil offers protection against acne causing bacteria. Monolaurin is an extract of coconut that is very effective in treating acne.

Sunflower seed oilThis oil fights infection and improves the barrier function of skin. It is also a potent source of lineolic acid that accelerates the production of ceramides within skin cells thereby helping to prevent water form evaporating off the skin.

Evening primrose oilThis oil is extremely rich in omega-6 fatty acids and has excellent moisturizing properties. It is also known to be a great acne-fighting ingredient and helps hydrate dry skin. This is what makes it a great choice for dry skin and acne types.

Olive oilThis is a great source of antioxidants. Olive oil is a super all-round moisturizer and may even protect against skin cancer. Though it may be a bit too heavy for people suffering from acne, it can be added to the diet for an anti-inflammatory effect. NIA 24 Skin Strengthening Complex is a superb cream that is neither too light nor too heavy. It contains olive oil in addition to other ingredients to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. This is because it enhances the barrier function of your skin and accelerates the repair process by supplying moisture.

Jojoba oilJojoba has analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti- parasitic properties. Considering its multifarious advantages, it is used extensively in skin care products. Kinerase Pro Therapy Ultra Rich Night Repair cream is a superb night repair cream that works overnight to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This is an intense moisturizer and anti-aging cream that also helps with Texture, Tone, blotchiness, and damage caused by the sun.

Are Oil-Free products really free from oil?

People with oily and acne prone skin often use oil-free products. However, are oil-free products really free from oils? Many so called oil free skin care products and cosmetics contain ingredients like dimethicone that would promote acne and make it worse. Also, prolonged exposure to the UV rays of the sun enhances the pore clogging effects of oils and therefore promotes acne. This is the reason why people experience acne more in summer times.

Oil-free skin care products are best suited for people with oily skin and are not necessarily a must for people with acne. Acne prone skin requires effective treatment of anti-acne skin care products.