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The Best Oils To Get Clear and Healthy Skin

September 2, 2015 By Carla Hernandez 25 Comments

 

Carla Hernandez, Wise Roots Nutrition, Acne, Skincare, Nutrition, Holistic, Clear and Healthy Skin

The Best Oils for Clear and Healthy Skin

Oil for your skin?! Oh yeah…I wasn’t a believer immediately, but after some tried and true experimentation, I have fallen in love. Now, if you tried to put oil anywhere near my face or skin just a couple years ago, I would have said good luck. Similar to my initial outlook on healthy eating years ago, my idea of how to get clear and healthy skin was the same: it was plain wrong.

The trick is to use very specific oils to get the benefits and radiant results you’re after, especially if you’re prone to acne or breakouts. When I initially tried techniques like oil cleansing and using oils as moisturizers, I hated what it did to my skin. What I didn’t know is that not all face oils are the same. Oil only clogs your pores if your using comedogenic oils or any ingredient that falls into this category. The fact of the matter, your skin loves to be moisturized, but only with the appropriate oils.

After months of experimenting and researching oils and their therapeutic properties, I have found these 5 face oils to be my favorite for controlling and healing from acne, and of course getting clear and healthy skin.

I’m going to start by saying that coconut oil is NOT something I would recommend for using on your face IF you are acne prone. Now, I love coconut oil (and anything coconut for that matter) and I think it’s one of the best creations made by nature. By all means, cook with it, eat it by the spoonful, drink its water, milk and even slather it on your body (only if you do not suffer from body acne). However, I do not recommend using it on your face. Coconut oil scores very high on the comedogenic list and has the ability to clog your pores and therefore cause you to breakout. You can read more about my stance regarding coconut oil here. Keep in mind that comedogenic ingredients also affect people in different ways, and may not have a negative affect on some (usually those without sensitive skin).

Another word of caution: For any oil you consume or put onto your skin, quality means everything! I recommend only using cold pressed, unfiltered and organic oils (if possible) for the best results. If you’re looking for pure, unrefined sources of single oils, Mountain Rose Herbs in my opinion has some of the best all around products.

5 Facial Oils to Get Clear and Healthy Skin

Tamanu oil

Usually I save the best for last, but I’m too excited not to begin by sharing with you the amazing properties of Tamanu oil. I honestly have never heard of Tamanu until doing some research on acne-safe and non-comedogenic oils. Tamanu oil is best known in the Pacific islands for use in folk medicine to promote the formation of new tissue and the growth of healthy skin. Its uses range from application as a topical first aid to treat cuts, burns, insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars, psoriasis, sunburns, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores to reducing foot and body odor. It is popular among Polynesian women for maintaining healthy hair, clear skin, as well as for preventing diaper rash.

With its ability to regenerate skin tissue, antioxidant richness, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, tamanu oil is great for helping with damaged, irritated and inflamed skin. Its cooling effect is extremely helpful for those suffering from acne. I use this as a night repair serum after cleansing and toning or exfoliating. In the morning I also mix less than half a pump with my sunscreen and it dries beautifully. It absorbs wonderfully and leaves you with silky smooth skin.  You can use alone or mix it with any of your favorite skin potions (just be sure that they are non-comedogenic and preferably non-toxic). I’ve only been using this for less than a month and have already seen my scars diminish, redness vanish, and my skin feeling and looking better then it previously had both with and without makeup! This is the one I use here. If you’re looking for a light well formulated moisturizer using Tamanu oil, give this Herbal Facial Oil for Oily and Acne Prone Skin a try.

Highlights:

  • Topical first aid for cuts, burns, insect bites and stings, acne, psoriasis, sunburns, dry skin, blisters, eczema, herpes sores
  • Cooling affect for damaged, irritated and inflamed skin
  • Great for scaring, especially acne scars

Rosehip oil

Think of this as a multivitamin for your skin. Said to be the “next coconut oil” due to its wide variety of healing properties, Rose hip oil is another ancient oil that was used by the Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans. In fact, the whole rose plant is quite beneficial. You may have heard of rose hip tea, which has its own health benefits and an array of vitamins. The oil is made from the leftover seed pods after the rose petals fall off. It’s full of vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3 and K, antioxidants, and over 80% essential fatty acids, which works wonders on sensitive and dry skin suffering from eczema and/or acne.  The vitamin A in rose hip oil helps repair the breakdown of collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and brightening the skin. It is also known for its ability to correct dark spots, stretch marks, scars and fine lines, especially around delicate areas such as around the eye (amazing “eye cream”!) Its beauty and anti-aging benefits go so far that it has been in the media recently touted by many celebrities including Miranda Kerr, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel, who announced publicly this is her skin “beauty secret”.

My favorite topical benefit of this oil is that it goes on easily and is absorbed almost immediately. It’s extremely light, so I recommend mixing it with another base oil that is more moisturizing if that’s what you’re looking for, OR try this beautifully formulated Anti Aging Serum.

Highlights:

  • Loaded with vitamins! A, C, B1, B2, B3 and K, antioxidants, and over 80% essential fatty acids.
  • Helps repair the breakdown of collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and brightening the skin.
  • Correct dark spots, stretch marks, scars and fine lines (great eye cream!)

natural organic skin care line

Hempseed oil – o% comedogenicty

Simply incredible, this is my new makeup remover and base for mixing with other oils.  The best thing about hemp seed oil is that it’s 0% comedogenic (does not clog pores!). Although all the oils listed here are low on the comeodogenicity scale (1-2 on a scale of 5), hemp has zero, zilch, meaning absolutely no ability whatsoever to clog pores. Cool, right?!

In addition to being a great makeup remover, Hemp seed oil is a wonderful moisturizer for the skin, and great at alleviating itching and irritation which occurs often with conditions like eczema and psoriasis. This is because hemp is full of anti-inflammatory fats such as omega 3’s, which can also help with any redness and puffiness that can occur. Dietary hempseed oil in this study indicates that it might be useful in treating symptoms of atopic dermatitis (Eczema) due to its ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essentials fatty acids (EFAs).

The only thing that’s a bummer about this oil is that it needs to be refrigerated due to its delicate fatty acids content. It’s a bit of a pain, but the time it takes you to walk from the kitchen and back to the bathroom is plenty for dispersing a few drops on your hand and rubbing them together to warm it up a bit before applying it to your skin. On the other hand, the coldness may be a plus since it can further help eliminate puffiness. And since you’re already going to be in the kitchen, you might as well steam a pot of water, throw a towel over your head and open up those pores to allow for even better absorption of any skin topicals…just sayin’.

Highlights:

  • 0% comedogencty! Does Not Clog Pores!
  • Great source of omega 3 fats– reduces redness and puffiness.
  • Needs to be refrigerated- Do not keep this in your bathroom (unless you have a mini fridge in there).

Jojoba oil

Jojoba and I go way back. This was my go-to and the only oil I ever used on my face growing up (it makes for a great makeup remover). Unfortunately, I didn’t research the quality issue of the oil I was using and therefore didn’t really get all the healing benefits of this incredible oil.  Unlike Hempseed oil, Jojoba oil has a pretty stable shelf life (naturally high in antioxidants that act as natural preservatives) and therefore does not need to be refrigerated.

Interestingly, Jojoba oil is not technically an “oil” at all.  Its chemical structure is extremely unique in that it is a mono-unsaturated liquid wax rather than a large, long-chain molecule that most oils consist of. This allows the Jojoba oil to be more readily absorbed into the skin without a greasy feeling. Its structure actually resembles that of sebum, the collection of wax esters that are found in human skin. When I first learned of this, I freaked out because I thought that this caused acne, but later found it not to be the case. While too much sebum production (usually overcompensation due to an internal imbalance) can cause pores to clog leading to acne, sebum in itself is not a bad thing. This is why Jojoba can help to moisturize and soften the skin: as we age, our sebum production decreases causing wrinkles and the thinning of the skin.  So not only can it replace sebum for those who have dry skin, but because of its similarity to sebum, it can also dissolve excess sebum! That’s right, it’s a pretty incredible oil (or wax to be more accurate) that is helpful for those with dry or oily skin. It’s safe for those suffering with acne as it also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Remember that acne is a bacteria (P. acnes to be precise), so this means that Jojoba oil can actually help fight the bacteria on the skin itself.

Highlights:

  • Naturally shelf stable. Loaded with natural antioxidants that act as preservatives.
  • Structure resembles sebum, naturally found on the skin, moisturizing and softening the skin.
  • Fights P. acnes, the bacteria that forms acne.

Sea Buckthorn oil

This oil has a wide variety of uses and medicinal properties beyond skin, but naturally I want to focus on its benefits for skin. Its fatty acid profile helps with dry patches of skin and restores that youthful plump and smooth look and feel that our skin loses overtime. It’s incredible for healing burns (including sunburns), rashes and overall skin damage due to its impressive nutritional composition. As a “super fruit,” sea buckthorn contains over 190 nutrients, including phytonutrients, vitamin C, three times more vitamin A than carrots, a load of antioxidants, a variety of skin loving minerals and superoxide dismutase (SOD), an important enzyme that fights free radicals in the body.  It is also anti-viral and anti-inflammatory when used externally and internally.  It is equally beneficial for acne applications, but steals the show for its reputation in treating rosacea. Since it’s known for helping with cell tissue regeneration, it can also be used as a natural cleanser and chemical exfoliator. I find this oil a bit harder to find isolated forms with the quality still intact. This one here is what I use and recommend.

Highlights:

  • Heals burns (including sunburns), rashes and overall skin damage
  • Contains Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), an important enzyme that fights free radicals in the body.
  • Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, research shows it’s helpful for treating rosacea. 

Keep in Mind

No matter what oils you fall in love with and decide to use in your skin routine, always remember that quality matters. These oils are fats, and just like dietary fats we consume, they can go rancid and lose all their health and nutritional benefits. If you use cheap, watered down and low quality rancid oils, you are doing your skin a disservice as this will contribute to premature wrinkles and the aging of the skin as the cell walls will breakdown faster.

Remember that every person will react differently to oils. Although these oils are known for having great success in treating acne and inflammation, and essentially getting clear and healthy skin, they may not work as well for everyone. It’s always helpful to keep in mind that your body and skin are unique, so if these oils don’t work for you, don’t give up, keep experimenting until you find your personal love affair.

natural organic skin care line

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What facial oils are you in love with? Are they on the list above? Please share along with your experiences in using them!

Filed Under: Beauty, blog, Fats, Skin Health Tagged With: clear, clear and healthy skin, healthy, skin

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Comments

  1. Stacy says

    September 9, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    Great article! I have been curious about using oils, but very hesitant as I have very oily skin. I’m thankful winter is coming, so I will be less shiny! What do you use for cleansing and toning your skin?

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      October 3, 2015 at 1:13 am

      Thanks Stacy! Great question! I actually just finished up an article on cleansing and what I do here:
      https://wiserootsnutrition.com/oil-cleansing-how-to-wash-your-face-for-glowing-skin

      Reply
      • Stacy says

        October 3, 2015 at 2:51 am

        Also, THANK YOU for the sunscreen recommendation. I bought a bottle, and I can hardly believe it works on my skin. I have spent so much money on sunscreens, only to find they make my skin super shiny. But this one is awesome.

        Reply
        • Carla Hernandez says

          October 6, 2015 at 5:50 am

          Woohoo! Glad to hear it 🙂

          Reply
  2. Amy says

    October 14, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    I’m just getting started with oil cleansing and I’m wondering If Coconut Oil is not wise to use on the skin for those of us with acne does that also holds true as far as consuming it ? Thanks:)

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      October 14, 2015 at 11:55 pm

      Great question!I advise against using coconut oil on the skin. You can learn more here: https://wiserootsnutrition.com/coconut-oil-may-not-be-right

      As far as internal use, this is typically fine, although some people react. If you notice that it’s affecting you try getting it out of your diet for 1-2 weeks and then reintroducing to see how your skin reacts.

      Reply
  3. Angie says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:09 pm

    This is a very interesting article. I have perioral dermatitis and hate the ointment I was given to treat it with or the constant antibiotic option. I was told that this rash/irritation hates oils but I am wondering if one of these would help me. I really can’t afford to just buy some of each and try them all. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      October 16, 2015 at 12:12 am

      Yes! Try the Tamanu oil, it is incredibly healing and soothing.

      Reply
      • Angie says

        October 24, 2015 at 1:53 am

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • Carla Hernandez says

          November 10, 2015 at 2:22 am

          You’re welcome! 🙂

          Reply
  4. Rebekah says

    October 15, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    What about really bumpy rosacea?

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      October 16, 2015 at 12:13 am

      Are the bumps cysts or acne by chance?

      Reply
      • Rebekah says

        October 16, 2015 at 3:50 am

        I don’t actually know the difference, but the bumps on my face look just like acne

        Reply
      • Rebekah says

        October 16, 2015 at 11:20 am

        My doctor did actually diagnose it as rosacea– i have had it over a year now. It showed up with my last pregnancy. She put me on a topical antibiotic, which I have been using for four days so far without results.

        Reply
        • Carla Hernandez says

          October 17, 2015 at 6:30 am

          Ok, just from what you’ve told me I would assume topically you might do better with the tamanu oil if you’re looking at any of the above. I would also look into addressing this though from an internal perspective to get to the root cause.

          Reply
  5. Karin says

    January 19, 2016 at 3:58 am

    Hi Karla, I have been doing my face with some oils that you recommend.
    My routine Morning after bathing, icing and tamanu oilr with jojoba oil.
    Night a mixture of castor oil, jojoba and hempseed for cleansing and after that tamanu and jojoba oil.
    This worked very nice the first week, but I am feeling my skin dry again and my rosácea was soo much better the first week, but since then it has gone worse then it was.

    What do you recommend me?

    Best regards,

    Karin.

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      January 26, 2016 at 8:22 am

      Hi Karin,

      First I would start by making sure your addressing the internal reason for the rosacea. Topical treatments are great, but they are always secondary. You could try sweet almond oil on your face as this is more moisturizing oil with gentle properties.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
  6. Renee says

    February 20, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Hi, I’m very interested in your artical.
    I’ve been suffering with moisture balance issues in the skin on my face for years now. I also have always had eczema but only certain areas of my body that I can’t get rid of for good. When I started puberty I had acne and oily skin, but as I’ve gotten into my 20’s my acne is some-what mild, I tend to break out a little after my period, but anways now my skin is always so dry. It’s like it has no natural moisture to it, no elasticity and all the skin on my face peels and flakes off in layers! I exfoliate it gently every other day but it always crusts over with this dry flakey layer continuously. I’ve also tried to not exfoliate, hoping it would heal on its own, but it doesn’t. Leaving all the dead skin on my face clogs my pores and is very uncomfortable. It’s been doing this for years now and it’s never ending. I use a natural lotion and even though it makes my skin feel more comfortable, it doesn’t have any real healing effect, nothing changes.I’ve been stuck at home for 5 years and very rarely wear special natural mineral make up when going out ( for months I don’t wear any make up) and I only wash my face with cetaphil. I’m very tired of this battle and I’m interested in natural oils, praying that something will give me a natural moisture balance in my sensitive skin. I’m a little nervous though about using them as my pores are large and I get blackheads and whiteheads easily.
    I was interested in coconut oil, from the research I’ve done I figured it was the best thing, but now I’m afraid it might make me break out. I really need something rich that will make a difference. (sorry my comment is so long :/)
    Is there an oil you would please recommend ?

    Also, looking at your chart under silicones, I don’t understand why dimethicone wouldn’
    t have a high comedogenic rating. I’ve heard man made silicones like this clog pores and I stay away from lotions that have this ingrediant, they definately clog my pores. :/

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      February 22, 2016 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you for your comment! I do understand your frustration. It sounds like the best place to start is looking at the internal issue. Any skin condition, including eczema can be addressed topically symptomatically, but if you want to stop treating symptoms you have to understand what may be going on inside your body that is causing your skin to react this way. Eczema creates very dry skin for some as you’re aware and coconut oil is great for this, but like you said it has a very high comedogenic score, so in this case you may want to avoid it (although everyone is different). The next best option for dry skin is jojoba that is less comedogenic, or perhaps sweet almond oil, but again, I highly recommend looking into the deeper root of the problem so you don’t have to rely on topical products only- think of these as complimentary to an integrative health routine.

      Reply
  7. Prediksi Togel says

    October 17, 2016 at 1:26 am

    I told my mom about this article 3 months ago and she’s been using jojoba oil almost every night! Thank you, Carla! Your website really great!
    ===============================
    Prediksi Togel
    Prediksi Togel

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      December 2, 2016 at 2:37 am

      So glad to hear! You are so welcome 🙂

      Thank you!

      Reply
  8. Christy says

    October 19, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Hello Carla 🙂

    I was thinking of creating a mixture of some of the above mentioned oils and combining them as one overall product to avoid wasting time applying each oil one by one. Do you think his would be wise or rather not? Other than the hemp seed oil which needs to be refrigerated (wish I had a fridge in my bathroom..) are there any oils you think would clash and what if I kept the bottle with the combination of all the oils in the fridge, would it be bad for the other oils?

    Thank you!

    Xx Christy

    Reply
    • Carla Hernandez says

      December 2, 2016 at 2:41 am

      Hi Christy,

      You can definitely make your own mixture and keep this in the fridge, just note that some oils will harden, making getting using your oils a bit longer of a process if you have to wait till they melt with room temperature everyday.

      All oils will last longer in cool/ cold temperatures, but those with delicate omega 3’s (like hemp oil) should be refrigerated. This is why I recommend making small batches for your bathroom (to least the week) and leaving the main jar in the fridge.

      Hope that helped!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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    […]  No matter what your skin type, there’s an oil out there perfect for you. These are my favorite facial oils here, but I also tend to blend oils together as some are a bit drier while others hydrate more. […]

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    […] Stop wearing toxins on your face. Toss your expensive designer makeup and skincare; find nature’s good stuff instead, like these here. […]

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