Facial Oils and Breakouts: Separating Fact from Fiction

If you follow beauty trends closely than you know that oils have been very popular the last few years. But even though they seem like a new trend, facial oils have actually been used as topical remedies for beauty and common skin conditions for tens of thousands of years! Ancient cultures including the Egyptians, Romans, and aboriginal Australians used oils as part of their skincare routines. 

Despite their popularity and widespread use over thousands of years, misconceptions about facial oils are still prevalent. Today, we will discuss whether facial oils cause breakouts, review some common myths regarding facial oils, identify some helpful oils, and differentiate between facial oils and skin serums.

Common Myths about Facial Oils and Skin Health

Facial oils do not absorb fully into the skin. For whatever reason, facial oils and oil-based beauty products get a bad rap when it comes to absorption. It is true that some oil formulations are greasy and oily and are not absorbed quickly. However, there are facial oils that are actually very effective at absorbing into the skin and delivering their nutrients (like our Radiance Facial Oil!) The key is the formulation of technology and composition of different oils in the final products. 

Facial oils cause acne. Products designed to fight acne tend to be very drying. When your skin is dry, it can overproduce oil, known as sebum, that clog pores and lead to breakouts. It’s important to note that topical oils are much different from the sebum created by your skin. Incorporating facial oil into your routine can help to balance your skin and reduce breakouts. Good oil products are effective at hydrating and soothing skin without leaving an oily residue.

Best Oils for Your Skin

Now that you know that facial oils can be absorbed quickly, don’t cause acne, or clog pores you’re probably wondering which one you should try incorporating into your routine. Here are some of the best: 

Argan Oil: also known as argania spinosa, argan oil is one of the most well-researched and frequently used for facial oils and serums. Argan oil is safe to use on skin, around the eyes, and around the mouth. Argan is a powerful moisturizer, boasting high levels of vitamin E and fatty acids.

Safflower Oil: another common skincare ingredient, safflower oil has been shown to reduce the visible appearance of wrinkles and give skin a younger appearance. Safflower oil also has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut Oil: it seems like the beauty community cannot come to a consensus on coconut oil. Some view it as a treatment for just about everything - others claim it clogs pores and should be avoided. We believe that coconut oil’s natural hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties are great for the skin when used in small doses.

While many oils have a range of benefits for the skin, it’s important to remember that any oil in excess quantities can cause breakouts (as can using too much of any product). The key is moderation and using the product as directed. Also, pay close attention to how your skin reacts when introducing a new oil into your routine. Not all facial oil products are the same. Different formulation technology and ingredients can make a huge difference! 

Radiance Facial Oil

Can't decide which oil is right for you? Try a blend and get the best of them all! The Radiance Facial Oil from Dr. Wang is a proprietary blend of natural oils rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants to calm and soothe skin. It also won’t leave your skin feeling greasy as you’ll get complete absorption in under 10 seconds. In 90 seconds, your skin will be super soft, silky and dewy. Also, this blend also contains next-generation retinoic ester, which is far more powerful than traditional retinol and good for acneic skin and anti-aging. And if that weren’t enough, it also contains Ginseng, arnica, Licorice root and propolis extracts as a part of herbal skincare ingredients help to improve overall tone and texture. 

Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare Offers Skin Products for Acne-Prone Skin

Oils make a great addition to any routine but finding the right one can be a challenge. Be sure to do your research, test products, and ask around for help or advice. Contrary to popular belief, facial oils don’t typically clog pores and cause breakouts but it is still important to follow directions when using a new product. 

At Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare, we use our extensive experience to offer affordable, high-end skincare products for spa and at-home use. For over 20 years, the father-son team of Steven Wang, MD and Gui Wang, LAc has been working together to develop holistic solutions to common skin health issues.

We believe in fusing ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern Western medicine to offer the best of both worlds.

Learn more about our products and our story to discover how we can help you reach your skincare goals today.