Cleansing Oils Clogged my Pores — Fact or Fiction?
Cleansing oils have gained popularity in recent years as a gentle and effective way to remove makeup and impurities. However, as you may have seen on Tiktok or on other social media platforms, some people have complained that cleansing oils have clogged their pores which have led to acne breakouts.
Skincare enthusiasts have countered that these people who have ended up with clogged pores may not have been using cleansing oils correctly. So to settle this debate once and for all, we will be looking at some scientific evidence to understand the factors that influence how cleansing oils interact with the skin.
The Function of Cleansing Oils
Cleansing oils work on the principle of "like dissolves like." The oils in these products dissolve the oils on your skin, including sebum, makeup, and sunscreen. When applied, the cleansing oil binds to these impurities, which are then emulsified with water and rinsed away, leaving the skin clean without stripping it of its natural moisture.
Understanding Comedogenicity
If you’ve been doing your research, you may have heard skincare gurus recommending “non-comedogenic products”. But what does that really mean?
The term "comedogenic" refers to a substance's potential to clog pores and cause comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). The comedogenicity of an ingredient is often rated on a scale from 0 (non-comedogenic) to 5 (highly comedogenic). However, it is very important to note that these ratings are not always definitive, as individual skin types and conditions can significantly influence how an ingredient behaves.
So in short, when a product is marketed as non-comedogenic, it does not necessarily mean that it will definitely not clog your pores.
Are Cleansing Oils for You?
Now that we know that your skin type will determine if you will be able to tolerate cleansing oils, we’ve listed some practical ways to find out if you should be using cleansing oils in your skincare routine.
Do you have very oily skin? Cleansing oils can still be used if you have slightly oily skin, but if you have really, really oily skin, then it would be best to stay away from cleansing oils. Adding more oils on your already very oily skin might be too much.
But how do you know if you really have oily skin? According to Clarins, a good way to know if you have very oily skin is if your face regularly looks shiny and when you touch your skin, it feels very oily and greasy. You also tend to have breakouts more often.
Do you get breakouts often? Having pimples once in a while is normal. But if you’re one to have new pimples almost every week, then it’s probably best to stay away from cleansing oils.
Do your pores get clogged easily? When you’ve missed a night of cleansing your face and doing your skincare routine, do you instantly wake up in the morning with new pimples? Or when you try a new product on your face, especially those that are thick or heavy, do you start feeling bumps on your skin after a few days of using the product?
If this is the case, then this probably means that your pores are easily clogged which can form those hard bumps that you feel on your face. These are usually blackheads or whiteheads. It’s a safe idea to avoid using cleansing oils that can also further clog your pores.
Alternatives
Now that you know that cleansing oils might not be for you, what should you use for your first cleanse? Of course, you still need to remove your makeup as the very first step of your evening skincare routine.
For oily and acne prone girlies, the best recommendation is to use a micellar water to remove your makeup.
Micellar water like the award winning, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is oil-free and is essentially made of water. The water contains molecules called micelles that are very effective at removing oily substances such as makeup and sunscreen.
Bioderma Micellar Water from amazon.com
Admittedly, micellar waters aren’t the best in thoroughly melting away heavy and waterproof eye makeup, so what do we do?
We recommend using a very light and gentle cleansing oil only on your eye area. A great option is the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil from yesstyle.com
This cleansing oil is popular for having one of the lowest ratings in the comedogenic scale. As mentioned previously, a non-comedogenic product will not necessarily mean that it will not clog your pores as we all react to different ingredients differently. But using a product with a low comedogenic rating and limiting it only to a small area of your face can reduce the risk.
Comedogenic rating of Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil. Data from incidecoder.com.
How to Properly Use Cleansing Oils
Now that we know that cleansing oils can potentially clog pores, knowing how to use them properly is essential in making sure that you lessen the risk of clogged pores and breakouts.
Choose Wisely: Opt for cleansing oils with ingredients that are low on the comedogenic scale. Look for ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and sunflower oil, which are generally considered low on the comedogenic scale.
Patch Test: Before incorporating a new cleansing oil into your routine, perform a patch test to ensure it does not cause any adverse reactions.
Emulsify the Oil: Before rinsing away the oil, pour a bit of water on the palm of your hands and continue rubbing or massaging your face. This will emulsify the oil, turning it a bit white. This makes sure that the oil separates from your skin, taking away all the impurities, and making sure that the oil does not stay on your skin.
Rinse Thoroughly: After emulsifying the oil, rinse thoroughly with water and follow up with a water-based foaming cleanser. This makes sure that all the oil is rinsed away and none is left on your skin that may potentially clog your pores.
Conclusion
While cleansing oils can potentially clog pores if not chosen or used correctly, understanding the science behind their formulation and usage can help mitigate these risks. By selecting the right products and employing proper cleansing techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of cleansing oils without compromising your skin's health. Always consider your individual skin type and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific concerns or persistent skin issues.
