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6 minutes
Comedogenic oils are detrimental to acne-prone skin. We present the formulas that should be kept away from this type of skin.
Skin prone to pimple outbreaks needs products that do not contribute to the condition. The more natural the options, the lower the risk of clogging pores. Comedogenic oils and non-comedogenic oils stand out among the organic alternatives.
These formulas are intended to hydrate, nourish and repair the skin. To make them, herbalists and the cosmetic industry use plants, fruits, seeds, etc.
Nevertheless, they don’t always elicit good reactions. When the skin is oily or prone to acne, special attention must be paid to the composition of facial oils.
What are comedogenic oils?
Comedogenic oils are substances that easily clog pores and can cause inflammation or skin allergy. They make up this category by being located on scales 3 to 5, according to a scientific study conducted by Dr. Fulton, which classifies comedogenic intensity into the following levels:
- 0 or non comedogenic: does not clog pores.
- 1 or very low: there is a small chance of clogging of the pores.
- 2 or moderately low: in most cases it should not clog pores.
- 3 or moderate: Depending on skin type, it can clog pores.
- 4 or very high: with a tendency to clog pores in most people.
- 5 or high: it clogs the pores and very few skins tolerate it.
Oils that correspond to the last 3 ranks favor the growth of bacteria. Comedogenic formulations are food for such microorganisms and complicate dermatological conditions.
Acids that influence the comedogenic effect
Acne is a process that inflames the pilosebaceous unit, affecting the face, chest and back, as well defines the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Treating it requires a medical evaluation. with the prescription of oral and topical drugs.
In addition, skin care routines are contemplated to prevent breakouts and maintain good health. This practice includes the oils used for cleaning and nourishing the dermis.
Depending on the purpose of these products, omega fatty acids are added to the preparation, such as oleic, linoleic, linolenic, gamma linolenic, palmitic, palmitoleic, eicosenoic and stearic. each owns properties that hydrate, regenerate, reduce inflammation, soften, repair damage and increase elasticity.
However, the type of skin, diseases, water consumption and environmental factors combine with the ingredients of some oils, producing comedones.
Comedogenic oils contraindicated for oily skin
Linoleic acid deficiency generates sebum with oleic acid that seals the pores with blackheads or whiteheads. To prevent pimples, it would be appropriate to use of substances whose comedogenic components are below level 3.
Below we present oils that, ultimately, do not benefit oily skin.
Avocado
The comedogenic classification of avocado is 3. Although they recommend it for dry skin, due to its texture and tone, it can clog pores. It has 15% linoleic acid, 0.8% linolenic acid and 65% oleic acid. The degree of the last component predisposes to outbreaks.
Soy
Soybean oil is antioxidant, but intolerable for most skins. It is in the 4-5 comedogenic category. It contains 50% linoleic acid, 24% oleic acid, and 7% linolenic acid.
Coconut
Coconut is an ingredient that softens and glows dry skin. It is also used to help treat psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis.. But its oil is believed to be harmful to oily faces.
It is located on the comedogenic scale 4, with a composition of 0.2% linolenic acid, 5 to 8% oleic acid, 1 to 3% linoleic acid, and 45 to 52% lauric acid.
It is this last acid that confronts opinions, since certain research reveal that high percentages of lauric acid significantly decrease the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Consult with a dermatologist the decision to include coconut oil in your beauty routine.
wheat germ
Few people tolerate wheat germ oil on the skin. Its topical use is a safe outbreak. Its comedogenic degree is 5; made with 55% linolenic acid, 7% linoleic acid, and 14% oleic acid.
Being rich in vitamin E, substances with wheat germ accelerate wound healing, so you can consider them for other purposes, away from the face.
carrot seed
The vegetable is high in oleic acid: 68.4%. Added to 0.2% linolenic acid and 20.8% linoleic acid, carrot oil does not work on acne skin. It is category 4 comedogenic.
For skin that tolerates it, this product helps delay the signs of aging, soothe irritation and gain elasticity.
Camelina
Although camelina is ideal as an anti-aging treatment and as a repairer of the skin barrier, its comedogenic level ranges from moderate to quite high: 3-4.
It is an oil with a high probability of clogging pores. They prepare it with 19% oleic acid, 12% eicosenoic acid, 16% linoleic acid, and 38% linolenic acid.
palm seed
Palm oil is of comedogenic classification 4, therefore contraindicated for oily skin. The opinions and effects of this product are similar to those of coconut oil.
Moisturizes, softens and adds shine to dry dermis, but not precisely to the face. The palm kernel is 48% lauric acid, 2.3% linoleic acid, and 15% oleic acid.
Flax
The high comedogenic level of flaxseed positions it in line 4 from Dr. Fulton’s table. Not supported by most skins.
Those people with dry skin can take advantage of the benefits of lignans, omega 3, minerals and vitamins. The formula comprises 59% linolenic acid, 17% linoleic acid and 15% oleic acid.
Cotton
In the comedogenic range 3, cottonseed oil is not as recommended for oily skin. Tends to cause breakouts.
It is not very popular, but in cosmetics it is suggested as a restorer of the lipid barrier and to provide vitamin E. Its concentration of oleic acid ranges from 19 to 30%, linoleic acid from 42 to 54% and linolenic acid 1%.
Non-comedogenic oils ideal for oily skin
Noncomedogenic oils, those from 0 to 2 on Dr. Fulton’s chart, are helpful if you suffer from acne. They are characterized by their emollient propertiespenetration to repair damaged cells, erase marks, reduce inflammation and regulate sebum production.
Argan, sweet almonds, neem Y cacay They are excellent species on oily skin. You can include in the facial cleansing the one that suits your needs, but make sure to remove the residue so that in the long run it does not affect the pores.
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