When you think about cleansing acne-prone skin, oil might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But wait; trust me, oil cleansers can be quite a game-changer for those who break out. The idea that oil cleansers are designed to clear one’s acne-prone skin is pretty counterintuitive; however, they gently cleanse and nourish your skin instead of drying it out completely of essential moisture. They are a trending skincare solution many acne-prone skin sufferers now resorting to.
This article looks at the best oil cleansers for acne-prone skin, how they work, and why attempting one should be next on your list if you’re suffering from breakouts. Let’s get started!
What is an Oil Cleanser?
Before we dive into the best oil cleansers for acne-prone skin, let’s start with the basics. An oil cleanser is a facial cleanser that, well, uses oil-based ingredients to clean off makeup, dirt, and excess oils on your face. Yeah, sounds a little crazy: apply oil to the face. If you’ve ever experienced oily skin, wouldn’t it seem a bit counterintuitive to apply oil to your face? So how does it work? Oil attracts oil. So when you use an oil cleanser on your skin, it helps to break down those oils within your pores with dirt and grime.
Oil cleansers are always the first part of a double cleansing method followed by a water-based cleanser used to clean off any residue. The point is that oil cleansers are gentle to the skin so they are very suitable for people whose skin is acne-prone.
How Do Oil Cleansers Work to Help With Acne-Prone Skin?
Many people fear that using an oil-based product to wash their face going to clog their pores and make their acne worse. However, when chosen correctly, an oil cleanser does the opposite. The best oil cleansers for acne-prone skin have a label that reads non-comedogenic, meaning they will not clog your pores.
Some of the advantages of using an oil cleanser when you have acne-prone skin include:
- Gentle Cleaning: Whilst most traditional cleansers are too harsh for the skin, stripping it of its very much-needed natural oil reserves and causing irritation; this oil cleanser gently washes out all impurities without drying the skin, thus preventing irritation and redness.
- Balances Oil Production: A common myth is that oil cleansers will make your skin oily. But if you wash your skin too much and remove the oil balance of your skin, your skin will counteract by producing more. An oil cleanser can help restore your skin’s balance by providing natural oils and moisture.
- Unclogs Pores: As oil cleansers break down oils in pores, the occurrences of blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts tend to decrease.
- Hydrates and Calms: Many oil cleansers contain natural ingredients that hydrate and calm the skin, which can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from irritation from acne.
How to Select the Best Oil Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin
When searching for the best oil cleansers for acne-prone skin, keep several important factors in mind, starting with:
- Non-Comedogenic Ingredients: Try to look out for the label that states non-comedogenic in the oil cleanser. This ensures it’s not put together to clog pores.
- Steer Clear of Heavy Oils: Certain oils such as coconut oil easily fill up the pores and are strictly not recommended for the skin which has acne. On the other hand, you could try using oils like jojoba, grapeseed, and sunflower seed that suit better to acne-prone skin.
- Fragrance-Free or Low Ingredient: If you have really sensitive and acne-prone skin, you should opt for an oil cleanser that only has several ingredients without fragrance added. Sometimes, fragrance added to it might make your skin feel irritated and even cause breakouts.
- Anti-Acne Ingredient: Many oil cleansers contain ingredients that can be termed as remedies for acne, such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or green tea extract. These products include anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients that help prevent acne breakouts.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s explore some of the best oil cleansers for acne-prone skin!
1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
There is a reason for the popularity of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. It is an olive oil formula that breaks down the most stubborn makeup, grime, and sunscreen without clogging pores. Olive oil has lots of antioxidants and vitamin E, which feeds and protects your skin. The product rinses out with water without leaving any residue.
Why it’s great for acne-prone skin: For all of its olive oil as its base, it is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores. It is a gentle hydrating formula that prevents dryness and irritation-things that can exacerbate acne.
2. Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil: A Gentle Cleanse for Acne-Prone Skin
Tatcha’s cleansing oil is more luxurious and well-suited to the skin that is prone to acne. It feels light and contains camellia oil that helps antioxidants fight inflammation and protect against environmental irritation. Part of its composition is rice bran oil with brightening and anti-aging properties.
Why it’s great for acne-prone skin: The camellia oil is non-comedogenic, so it won’t leave your skin to feel greasy.It is gentle yet effective at removing makeup and impurities, making it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
3. Boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil
This Boscia oil cleanser is ideal for breakouts, as it contains natural oils that clear excess oil without drying the skin. Additionally, menthol provides a cooling sensation and soothes irritation from breakouts.
Why it’s great for acne-prone skin: It just brims with acne-busting ingredients like green tea and rosehip oil, which both contain anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit breakouts. The cooling also helps settle reddened irritated acne-prone skin.
4. Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut and Argan Oils
Better to be is the cleansing oil from Burt’s Bees as it comes with coconut and argan oils. While coconut oil can be a culprit on several skin types, argan oil brings the necessary balance in this case with this cleanser. It is after all, non-comedogenic and rich in fatty acids for the nourishment of the skin.
Why it’s amazing for acne-prone skin: It does not contain parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances, which makes it perfect for sensitive skin. If your skin can tolerate coconut oil, this is one great hydrator without breaking the bank.
5. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil: Gentle Brightening for Acne-Prone Skin
This Korean favorite brightens and clarifies the complexion. Rice water, the key ingredient, cleanses and brightens the skin, while the oil formula removes impurities. Lightweight with easy washout without oily residue.
Why it’s great for acne-prone skin: Rice water has anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe irritation produced by acne. Plus, it has a lightweight texture that won’t clog pores.
How To Apply Oil Cleanser
Using an oil cleanser is quite easy, but for its proper application, you must follow these guidelines when using it:
- Apply the oil cleanser directly on dry skin: Massage it gently in a circular motion for 30-60 seconds. This is how you break down makeup, dirt, and oil.
- Add water: Wet your hands to massage the cleanser after massaging. It then emulsifies the oil, milky in color, as the impurities are washed out.
- Rinse thoroughly: Use lukewarm water to clean your face so that all oil is removed from your face. This process, known as double cleansing, ends with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue.
- Stick to your maintenance routine: After cleaning your face, continue with the toner, serum, and moisturizer. If you’re actively treating the breakout, that is also when you would apply your acne treatments.
Conclusion
The best oil cleansers for acne-prone skin are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contain light oils that do not clog pores.By adding an oil cleanser to your routine, you can gently remove impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils, helping to keep it balanced and healthy.
Choose one of the trending picks above, and you’re sure to find an oil cleanser that fits what your skin needs. Try it; you might be amazed at what you get!