Sebum, the oil that our skin produces seems to be a mysterious substance for most people. What if I told you that your oily skin is not solely to blame for your breakouts and that the “oil free” moisturizers and foaming cleansers that are specifically marketed to your oily skin may be causing your skin to be extra oily and contributing to any breakouts you are experiencing? It can be a very confusing situation! Read on to learn 10 myths about oily skin.
1.) Using oil on your face clogs pores.
Facial oils can actually do wonders for your skin! Using the right facial oil can balance sebum levels, prevent breakouts, and smooth fine lines. For example, many of my younger clients have issues with too many products, scrubbing too harshly and dealing with redness and irritation. I usually get them to start using an oil cleanser to cleanse the skin twice daily for a month, along with a moisturizer, to settle their skin issues. After 30 days, we reevaluate. All of my clients find their skin happier, softer and glowing.
2.) Using oil makes your face more oily.
Oils will not make your sebaceous glands produce more oil. A good quality facial oil will absorb fully into the skin, providing you with soft, plump skin and may even help with reducing shininess.
3.) Oily skin needs harsh cleansers to be squeaky clean!
Let me be very clear: There's a big difference between cleansing your face and harshly removing impurities and it's natural barrier. When the latter happens you can actually cause the skin to produce even MORE oil in order to protect itself. Washing your face gently once in the morning and once at night is sufficient.
4.) Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer.
All skin needs hydration and protection, regardless if it's covered in blemishes or not. Using a daily moisturizer will not make your skin more oily, since moisturizers help with water levels in the skin, not oil levels.
5.) Greasy food makes oily skin worse
There isn't actually enough scientific research to substantiate this claim but if you are noticing that your skin looks dull and you are experiencing breakouts, and you have been consuming sugary and fat-heavy snacks it might be time to look at your diet. More fruits and veggies are good for your health but also give your skin that just-had-a-facial-glow!
6.) Oily skin will cause breakouts
In many ways, acne and oily skin go hand in hand because excess sebum on the skin's surface is more likely to clog pores when it's mixed with dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria. Many factors come into play when it comes to acne though, like hormones, stress, lifestyle, food intolerances, and genetics.
7.) Facial oils and moisturizers are the same thing
Facial oils don't contain any water but are usually a mix of different oils which help hydrate the skin but not moisturize. You need hydration if your skin is rough. You need a moisturizer if your skin is dry and flakey.
8.) Using alcohol based skin products will help oily skin
If your skin is oily you may be tempted to use an alcohol based product to remove that "slick" from your skin. What you should be aware of is that use of alcohol based skin care products actually damage the skin, make it bumpy and can cause pores to look larger.
9.) Wearing sunscreen will make oily skin worse
Not true. Sunscreen often has a bad reputation for being greasy and heavy but many formulas today are actually opposite. It might take some trial and error but there are definitely some lightweight, breathable, non-greasy sunscreens out there for you!
10.) Coconut oil is good for your skin
Coconut oil is actually one of the most comedogenic oils. It sits on top of the skin instead of being absorbed, which traps dirt and oil causing breakouts. Save the coconut oil for your hair.
If you need help deciding what skin care is right for you or you would like to book a facial, please reach out to me. I'd love to be your go-to skin care gal!
About the Author
Rachael Weesjes is a certified Esthetician who specializes in tricky skin conditions while taking a skin healthy approach. Say goodbye to harsh ingredients, injections, or lasers! Instead, I believe in nurturing your skin with care and consistency. Every treatment and regimen is tailored to your unique needs. Through a personalized approach to skincare we'll reveal skin you feel confident in.
Rachael has been certified since 2007, self employed since 2014 and has spent the majority of that time hunting down advanced education within the industry. Rachael has additional diplomas and certificates in Cosmetic Techniques, Advanced Holistic Skin Therapy, Microneedling, Acne Specialist Training, and Pastiche International Education. When she herself is not studying, she is offering education and support to clients, through Advanced Consultations.