Natural oils can be great for our skin. But did you know that some are more likely to make your skin break out than others?
That’s why it’s great to know the difference between comedogenic and noncomedogenic oils. This simple information can prevent you from putting skin care products on your face that can lead to irritation, redness, and breakouts.
If you want to become more knowledgeable about skin care and oils, keep reading. I’ll be discussing oils for different skin types, how to choose the best oils, and the benefits of making smart skin decisions.
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What Are Non-Comedogenic Oils?
Let’s start by saying what a comedogenic oil is.
This term is used to describe any type of solution that will clog your pores. Clogged pores usually turn into blackheads, whiteheads, or those scary huge pimples that always pop up at the worst possible time.
So this means that noncomedogenic oils will do the opposite. They’ll leave your pores open and free of infection, so you’re less likely to sprout acne overnight. Knowing the difference between these two oils can be a lifesaver.
Non-Comedogenic Oils List
Oils can be rated based on their likeliness to clog pores. Oils with “0” rating is considered to be the lowest risk while those with a “5” rating are the most likely to leave you with blotchy and irritated skin.
Below, I’ve included a list of several non-comedogenic oils, all of which are labeled as a “2” or lower.
- Almond Oil
- Argan Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Castor Oil
- Camphor Oil
- Emu Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Hazelnut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Peach Kernel Oil
- Sandalwood Seed Oil
- Shea Butter
- Sunflower Oil
Want to know which oils to stay away from? The following are among the highest ratings when it comes to causing breakouts.
- Cocoa Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Flax Seed Oil
- Palm Oil
- Wheat Germ Oil
Take a look at some of your favorite beauty products to see if they include any of these oils. It will help you make an informed decision on whether or not the product is ideal for your skin.
Benefits of Using Non-Comedogenic Oils
You already know that noncomedogenic oil can help keep breakouts at bay, but there are also several other benefits that come along with using these exceptional oils, including the following.
Anti-Inflammatory
Most oils have anti-inflammatory properties. If your face is aggravated, swollen, and red, a noncomedogenic oil can help to calm your skin down almost instantly.
Fight Aging
Noncomedogenic oils for the face can keep your skin and pores functioning properly and increase cell turnover. This can help prevent wrinkles and keep your skin looking brighter and younger.
Hydrate
If there’s one thing that looks just as bad as acne, it’s dry skin. But noncomedogenic oils for skin are a safe way to add moisture back into your skin without using harsh chemicals. The results are almost instant as well.
Balance Skin Oil Production
If your skin is oily, it might seem counterproductive to treat it with oil. But noncomedogenic oils for acne can help your pores balance out their sebum production and regulate the amount of natural oil found on your skin.
What Kind of Skin Types Can We Use Non-Comedogenic Oils On?
All skin types can use noncomedogenic oils for acne. But certain oils are better for certain types of skin.
For example, those looking for noncomedogenic oils for oily skin should use grapeseed oil or hemp oil while those with dry skin will benefit from olive oil. If your skin is in the middle or normal, jojoba oil is ideal for all skin types.
Comedogenic vs Non-Comedogenic Oils
Wondering what the main difference is between comedogenic and non-comedogenic, besides the aftermath of using them?
The truth is that there are several mechanisms that will qualify a product or material as comedogenic. But not all of these mechanisms are known yet by scientists. Instead, materials are classified through extensive testing.
The product in question is applied to the skin and then the area is monitored. The skin’s reaction determines the material’s classification.
But remember that everyone’s skin reacts to different materials uniquely. So a product that causes a clogged pore 100% of the time in one individual might only do so half the time in another.
That’s why classifying oils and other materials used on the face and skin can be quite difficult. It’s best to use your own personal experiences with a product as a guide.
How to Choose the Best Non-Comedogenic Oil for Your Skin Type
The oil that works for your best friend might not be the best oil for you and your skin type. That’s why it’s important to experiment with a few different oils based on your own research, to find which will work best for you. Once you’ve decided on an oil, apply it as follows.
1. Apply your favorite moisturizer.
2. Warm a few drops of oil on your fingertips. I like to use hemp seed oil for face moisture or sunflower oil for acne.
3. Pat the oil all over your face and neck. Patting is better than rubbing when it comes to applying oil.
By applying the oil on top of your favorite moisturizer, you’re locking in the moisture and preventing clogged pores.
Try an oil for at least a month before deciding if it’s the right oil for you. Some oils can make your skin a bit worse for a while as it works to clean out your pores by balancing sebum production. Some people take this as a sign that the oil isn’t working.
Be patient, but if a month has gone by and you still haven’t seen a drastic improvement in your skin, try another oil.8
Face Creams or Non-Comedogenic Oils
There are tons of face creams that promise beautiful skin, but are they any better than natural noncomedogenic oils for face?
Maybe and maybe not.
The problem with face creams is that many contain a plethora of man-made chemicals that can wreak havoc on your delicate skin, even though they promise the opposite. Therefore, it’s up to you to decide which is best.
There are natural and organic face creams on the market, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they contain noncomedogenic oils for skin. Some people only use noncomedogenic oils on their face, and if this technique works for you, you should be able to get away without using face creams.
What’s the Difference Between Non-Acnegenic and Non-Comedogenic?
You might have seen both of these terms on noncomedogenic foundation or another type of cosmetic. Is there a difference?
Technically, yes. NNonacnegenicmeans the product won’t cause acne or pimples. Non comedogenic means the product won’t clog pores, which can help to prevent acne.
So while there is a difference between the two, both mean that your skin will be less prone to breakouts if you only use products labeled as such. It’s harder to find non acnegenic items, so I always make sure mine are at least non comedogenic.
Are Non Comedogenic Oil and Oil Free Products the Same?
No. Non comedogenic oil is still oil. If you’re using an oil free product, it won’t have any type of oil in it. Not all oils are bad, so as long as your product is using a non comedogenic oil, your product should be safe for your skin.
Who knew skin care could be so confusing?
But with a desire to learn and understand how certain products and solutions react with our skin, you will quickly become an expert at understanding how to make smart choices when it comes to your skin care options.
The next time you’re choosing a skin product, ask yourself if a non comedogenic oil will work instead or if you can use a product including a non pore-clogging oil. You’ll be happy you did when you wake up with clear and bright skin.
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