Key Takeaways:

  • Facial Oils for Acne Balance: Facial oils can help balance oil production and reduce acne flare-ups when chosen and applied correctly.
  • Nutrient-Rich Cold-Pressed Oils: Cold-pressed oils are rich in nutrients that calm inflammation and promote healing for acne-prone skin.
  • Non-Comedogenic Oils Are Ideal: Non-comedogenic oils, like jojoba and rosehip, provide hydration without clogging pores, making them ideal for acne-prone skin.
 

When you think of managing acne-prone skin, facial oil might seem like the last thing you'd want to apply. After all, isn’t oil the enemy when it comes to breakouts? Surprisingly, the right facial oils can actually help balance your skin and reduce acne flare-ups. More people are turning to cold-pressed oils to soothe inflammation, hydrate without clogging pores, and support the skin’s natural barrier.

At Sacred Rituel, we pride ourselves on being experts in organic skincare. Our products are crafted with only the finest cold-pressed, organic oils, designed to nourish and heal your skin naturally. With a deep understanding of the delicate balance acne-prone skin requires, we’ve created solutions that harness nature’s power without harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients.

In this article, we’ll explore how using facial oil can benefit acne-prone skin and why it may be the missing step in your skincare routine.


Understanding Acne-Prone Skin

Acne-prone skin is a skin type that is more susceptible to breakouts and inflammation. This can include anything from occasional pimples to chronic acne. People with acne-prone skin often struggle with excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation. But it's not always as simple as just having oily skin — acne-prone skin can also be sensitive and dry in some areas. The tricky part is finding the right balance between keeping your skin hydrated and not contributing to further breakouts.

Each person’s skin is unique, which means acne can show up in different forms—whether it's blackheads, whiteheads, or cystic acne. This variation means that finding an effective treatment can often be a frustrating process, with many skincare products either over-drying or causing irritation. One product gaining popularity among those with acne-prone skin is the Sacred Serum. This cold-pressed facial oil is specifically designed to nourish and balance the skin without clogging pores, offering a more natural way to manage breakouts. If you're looking for a gentle yet effective solution, the Sacred Serum could be the perfect addition to your skincare routine.


What Causes Acne?

Acne can be triggered by a combination of factors, including:

  • Excess Oil Production (Sebum): When your skin produces too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to breakouts.
  • Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress, can cause your skin to produce more oil.
  • Bacteria: When pores are clogged, bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation and acne.
  • Diet: Foods high in sugar and dairy have been linked to acne flare-ups, although this varies from person to person.
  • Environmental Factors: Pollution and exposure to dirt can irritate the skin and contribute to clogged pores.
  • Skincare Products: Some skincare products contain harsh chemicals or pore-clogging ingredients (like heavy oils), which can worsen acne.

By identifying the underlying causes of your acne, you can choose treatments that target these specific factors rather than just treating the surface symptoms.


How Can Facial Oil Benefit Acne-Prone Skin?

Using facial oil on acne-prone skin can offer surprising benefits. Here's how it helps:


Balances Oil Production

When skin is stripped of its natural oils by harsh cleansers or treatments, it can go into overdrive, producing more oil to make up for the loss. This excess sebum can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Facial oils help to replenish moisture, signaling the skin to slow down its oil production, ultimately reducing the likelihood of new acne forming.


Hydrates Without Clogging Pores

Many facial oils are non-comedogenic, meaning they don’t block pores. This is crucial for acne-prone skin, which needs hydration without the risk of more breakouts. Oils can penetrate deeply into the skin, providing moisture without sitting on the surface, making them ideal for maintaining a healthy moisture balance.

 

Facial Oil Hydrates Skin Without Clogging

 

Strengthens The Skin’s Barrier

Facial oils form a protective layer on the skin, helping to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss throughout the day. This barrier can also shield the skin from external pollutants and irritants that might otherwise trigger or worsen acne. A strong skin barrier is key to overall skin health, especially for acne-prone individuals who need to protect their skin from environmental damage.


Why Cold-Pressed Facial Oils Are Effective

Cold-pressed facial oils are especially beneficial for acne-prone skin due to several key reasons:


Nutrient-Rich

Cold-pressed oils retain a wealth of nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants that are essential for skin health. These compounds help repair damaged skin cells, promote healing, and provide protection from environmental stressors like pollution. Because they preserve the natural benefits of the plants they’re derived from, cold-pressed oils offer a potent source of nourishment for acne-prone skin.


Gentle On Skin

Since cold-pressed oils are extracted without heat or chemicals, they remain in their purest form, reducing the chance of irritation or allergic reactions. This makes them an ideal choice for people with sensitive, acne-prone skin who may experience flare-ups with synthetic ingredients. Their gentle nature helps to hydrate and protect without overwhelming the skin with heavy or harsh additives.


High In Essential Fatty Acids

Cold-pressed oils are often rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, which play a crucial role in balancing sebum production. Acne-prone skin tends to have lower levels of linoleic acid, which can lead to overproduction of sebum and clogged pores. By using oils that are high in this nutrient, you can help restore balance to the skin, reducing the excess oil that contributes to breakouts. This makes cold-pressed oils not only hydrating but also beneficial in regulating the natural oil levels of your skin.


Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is one of the key drivers behind acne, often causing redness and swelling in affected areas. Cold-pressed oils, such as rosehip and argan oil, are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols and phytosterols, which help to soothe irritated skin. By reducing inflammation, these oils can minimize the appearance of active acne and help prevent future breakouts from becoming overly inflamed.


Antibacterial Benefits

Some cold-pressed oils have natural antibacterial properties that can effectively fight acne-causing bacteria. These oils help keep pores clean and prevent the build-up of bacteria that lead to breakouts. Unlike many traditional acne treatments that can dry out the skin, these oils treat acne without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.


Tips For Choosing The Right Facial Oil For Acne-Prone Skin

Choosing the right facial oil for acne-prone skin can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Here are a few tips to help guide your selection:


Look For Non-Comedogenic Oils

Oils that are non-comedogenic are specifically formulated not to block your pores, which is crucial for acne-prone skin. Clogged pores are one of the main contributors to acne breakouts, so avoiding products that can cause congestion helps keep your skin clear. Oils such as jojoba, rosehip, and grapeseed are lightweight and less likely to contribute to pore blockages, making them excellent choices.


Go For Lightweight Oils

Heavier oils can create a barrier on the skin that prevents proper oxygen flow, leading to clogged pores and an increased chance of breakouts. Coconut oil and olive oil, while nourishing for some skin types, are often too occlusive for acne-prone skin. Opting for lighter oils allows the skin to breathe while still providing necessary moisture.


Focus On Oils High In Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps to balance sebum production. Studies have shown that people with acne-prone skin often have lower levels of linoleic acid, leading to thicker, stickier sebum that clogs pores more easily. Oils rich in linoleic acid, such as hemp seed oil and sunflower oil, can help restore this balance and reduce breakouts over time.


Test For Sensitivity

It’s important to remember that even natural oils can cause reactions for some skin types, especially if you have sensitive skin. Always patch test any new product by applying a small amount to your inner arm or behind your ear and waiting 24 hours to check for irritation. This helps prevent unexpected breakouts or allergic reactions when incorporating new oils into your routine.


How To Properly Apply Facial Oil For Maximum Benefits

1. Start With Clean Skin

Before applying facial oil, ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities that can clog pores. Using a gentle, non-stripping cleanser is key for acne-prone skin, as harsh cleansers can trigger more oil production. Cleansing ensures that the facial oil can penetrate the skin deeply without trapping any unwanted debris.


2. Use A Toner Or Lightweight Serum First

After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner or serum to prep your skin. Toners can help balance your skin’s pH, while lightweight serums provide an extra boost of hydration or treatment ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Facial oil acts as a sealant, locking in all the moisture and active ingredients from the toner or serum for longer-lasting benefits.


3. Use Only A Few Drops

It’s important to use facial oil sparingly, as using too much can overwhelm your skin and cause breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Usually, 2-4 drops are enough to cover your face without feeling greasy or heavy. Gently press or pat the oil into your skin instead of rubbing, which ensures better absorption without irritating sensitive areas.


4. Apply In The Right Order

Skincare products should be layered from lightest to heaviest, which means oils come after water-based serums and moisturizers. Oils help trap moisture into the skin, but they can prevent lighter products from absorbing properly if applied first. After applying facial oil, wait a few minutes before layering on sunscreen or makeup to avoid pilling or interference with your base products.


5. Use At Night For Best Results

Nighttime is ideal for applying facial oil, as your skin does most of its repair and regeneration while you sleep. During the day, your skin is exposed to environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays, which may interfere with the oil’s effectiveness. Using the oil at night allows it to fully absorb and work on calming inflammation, hydrating dry spots, and balancing oil production without outside interference. A great option to consider is the Sacred Trio, which includes a nourishing serum, rose toner, and body oil, all designed to deeply moisturize and protect the skin—including the neck.


6. Don’t Forget The Neck

The skin on your neck is delicate and often shows signs of aging faster than your face, making it just as important to treat. When applying your facial oil, extend it down to your neck using upward strokes to promote circulation and help prevent sagging. This area can also be prone to irritation or dryness, especially from acne treatments or retinoids, so adding oil can provide much-needed hydration.

 

How To Properly Apply Facial Oil For Maximum Benefits

 

Final Thoughts

Incorporating facial oil into your skincare routine, even if you have acne-prone skin, can be a game changer. The key is choosing the right oil—one that is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and packed with nourishing ingredients that soothe and balance your skin. While the idea of adding oil to an already oily or acne-prone complexion may seem counterproductive, the right facial oil can help regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and support your skin’s natural healing process.

By understanding your skin’s unique needs and the benefits that cold-pressed oils can provide, you can take a more holistic approach to managing acne. With the right knowledge and products, you can embrace facial oils as an essential part of a healthy, balanced skincare routine.


Read also:


Frequently Asked Questions About Using Facial Oil For Acne-Prone Skin

Can facial oil cause acne breakouts?

Facial oils can cause breakouts if the oil is comedogenic (pore-clogging) or not suited to your skin type. Always choose non-comedogenic oils for acne-prone skin.


Which facial oils are best for oily, acne-prone skin?

Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and rosehip oil are excellent for oily, acne-prone skin as they balance sebum production and have anti-inflammatory properties.


How often should I use facial oil on acne-prone skin?

Facial oils can be used once or twice a day, depending on your skin’s needs. It’s best to start with nightly use and monitor how your skin responds.


Is it okay to mix facial oil with a moisturizer for acne-prone skin?

Yes, mixing a few drops of facial oil with your moisturizer can boost hydration without making your skin greasy, as long as the oil is non-comedogenic.


Can facial oils help with acne scars?

Yes, certain oils like rosehip and tamanu oil are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that promote healing and improve the appearance of acne scars.


Should I use facial oil if I have combination skin with acne?

Yes, facial oils can help balance combination skin by providing hydration to dry areas without making oily zones worse. Lightweight oils are best for this skin type.


Can I use facial oil under makeup if I have acne-prone skin?

Yes, as long as the oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic, it can create a smooth base for makeup without clogging pores. Allow the oil to absorb before applying makeup.


How long does it take for facial oils to improve acne-prone skin?

Results vary, but you may start noticing improvements in hydration and reduced irritation within a few weeks. Acne reduction might take longer, depending on the severity.


Sources:

  1. Ligęza, M., Wyglądacz, D., Tobiasz, A., Jaworecka, K., & Reich, A. (2016). Natural cold pressed oils as cosmetic products. Family Medicine & Primary Care Review, 18(4), 443-447.
  2. Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural oils for skin-barrier repair: Ancient compounds now backed by modern science. American journal of clinical dermatology, 19(1), 103-117.
  3. Rabiej-Kozioł, D., Momot-Ruppert, M., Stawicka, B., & Szydłowska-Czerniak, A. (2023). Health benefits, antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes of selected cold-pressed oils. Molecules, 28(14), 5484.