Oil-based skincare products get a bad rap, but they’re actually much more beneficial for your skin than many people think. A lot of us tend to avoid using oil on our skin, because we relate the ingredient to oily skin and breakouts.
But according to skincare experts, oil is actually much better for your skin than you would expect. In fact, dermatologists often recommend using oil cleansers to combat breakouts and promote clear skin.
It turns out that using oil cleansers on your skin can improve your complexion, boost hydration and even promote a more youthful appearance. And this goes for any skin type – even combination or acne-prone skin.
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"Cleansing oils have recently become a popular skincare ingredient used to remove dirt and makeup," Dr. Jeriel Weitz of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, told SheFInds. "Unlike oil-free cleansers, which can be irritating to the skin, oil cleansers are extremely gentle and will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated."
Dr. Weits explained that oil-based cleansers are actually better equipped to fighting against the oils we aim to avoid in our skin, compared to other cleanser ingredients.
She explained, "While it seems counterintuitive to use an oil based cleanser on acne prone skin, the concept is 'like dissolves like' meaning that the oil cleanser is able to remove sebum, which is the oil produced by glands in our skin."
The "like dissolves like" concept means that two similar elements end up dissolving each other, or canceling each other out. So using an oil cleanser will actually rid your skin of oils, instead of adding more oil into the mix. It might sound redundant, but it works!
"Since oil cleansers are an effective way of removing dirt and makeup, they can actually help promote clear skin," Dr. Weitz added.
Still, she warned that it is necessary to pay attention to every ingredient you put on your skin. She said, "However, it’s important to read the ingredients and choose the correct cleanser for your skin type."
