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Can You Use Olive Oil on Oily Skin?

I have started using extra virgin olive oil on my face ever since I heard that it works extremely well as both a natural skin moisturizer and facial cleanser. However it gave me pimples and blackheads. My question are, can I use olive oil on oily skin? If not, what brands of face oils do you suggest I use? Also, do you think it is ok to skip moisturizer altogether since my skin leans more towards the shiny, greasy type? Thank you. – Amanda, Louisiana.

Hi Amanda,

Great question! Relatively speaking, people with combination or oily skin are afraid to use moisturizing oils (such as olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, etc) for fear that such skin care face oils may block pores or make their greasy skin even oilier.

However, oily skin can be dehydrated so it needs moisture too, and will greatly benefit from a face oil like antioxidant-rich olive oil, depending on how oily your skin is.

For instance, if you have oily skin with dry patches right over greasy areas due to skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, or experience excessive oiliness on your T-zone, and dryness around your cheeks, then moisturizing with a thin layer of olive oil can be a great way to keep skin healthy and strong.

Or, if your skin tends to be super oily in summer and feels hopelessly dry during the winter months, then I would say olive oil makes an excellent natural face moisturizer to protect winter dry skin from freezing temperatures and blasting heaters.

Interestingly, olive oil does not clog pores so it may not actually be the main culprit of your sudden pimple breakout. Hormonal changes just before your period, using the wrong makeup, hidden food allergies and stress could be possible causes.

Since you are getting nasty pimple breakouts and blackheads from using olive oil on your face, I would definitely suggest you stop using it for a few days and see what happens.

If olive oil does not agree with your oily skin and cause constant pimple flare ups, then you might want to consider these face oils listed below.

You can still reap the many benefits of extra virgin olive oil by incorporating it into your weekly beauty routine. For example, use warm olive oil as a natural hydrating hair mask for soft, luscious locks. Rub a bit of olive oil on cuticles to keep them adequately moisturized in cold weather. Massage oil on rough dry cracked heels, slip into a pair of socks, and you will be rewarded with touchably smoother skin the next day.

What Face Oils Are Best for Oily Skin?

I really like quality brands like Pevonia Botanica and Aromatherapy Associates but you can also try jojoba oil which allow your skin to breathe while it heals. Sweet almond oil and castor oil are also great for combination or greasy skin that are prone to spots and pimples. However, everyone's skin is different so you have to experiment and see what will work best for your oily skin.

With the right face oil for your skin type, there is no reason why your skin cannot be completely free of blackheads, pimples, zits and other imperfections.

Refining Face Oil – Lavender & Ylang from Aromatherapy Associates

This non-greasy daily conditioning face oil packs a wallop of gentle skin-boosting ingredients that are really wonderful for combination or greasy skin. It contains ylang ylang which can help rebalance your skin's natural oils while improving skin elasticity. It also soothes and calms irritated skin with its delightful blend of lavender and rose for a clearer, spot-free face complexion.

Because it is a quick-absorbing face oil, I recommend using it under a lightweight day moisturizer for double-whammy skin nourishing benefits. It is sure to leave your skin feeling comfortably soft and beautifully revitalized with a natural radiance from the inside out!

Pevonia Botanica Aromatherapy Face Oil – Combination to Oily Skin

A lovely scented light face oil that delivers regenerative antioxidants to heal and purify your skin while normalizing excess oil and tightening enlarged pores. Packed with hazel nut oil, sandalwood, mandarin orange, and grapefruit essential oils blend to promote velvety smooth, baby soft skin complexion.

Apply 3-5 drops before bedtime on thoroughly cleansed and moist skin. Gently massage in circular motions to ensure optimum penetration, making sure to avoid the delicate eye area.

By Tiffany Moore

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