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Those who suffer from acne are always looking for natural, chemical-free options to take care of the flare-ups. Right from trying kitchen ingredients like lemon or applying plant extracts such as aloe vera to even trying out facial oils – they are ready to try everything.
Facial oils are the latest favorite these days. The word oil – which has always been considered something that should be kept away from the face – is slowly gaining the reputation of a one-stop solution for all your skin needs, including acne.
The market has endless options for oil-based products and facial oils for skincare, but we will be talking about jojoba (pronounced as ho-ho-ba) oil. Jojoba oil is a fairly new entrant in the skincare market and is yet to gain popularity. But experts believe that this could be your safe pick to take care of a variety of skin needs.
Natural oils have their advantages when it comes to skincare. For example, a good massage with facial oil instantly calms down tired skin. Oils also add radiance and sheen to the skin. But those with oily and acne-prone skin have always been reluctant to use oils as they can be comedogenic (clogging the pores leading to breakouts). But that is not the case with jojoba oil.
Jojoba oil’s unique set of properties – hydrating, anti-aging, and anti-acne – make it a powerful ingredient for acne-prone and oily skin types. Read on to know what makes jojoba oil this unique and how it can treat acne.
What is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds/ nuts of the jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) plant that grows in North America. It has a slightly waxy feel and appears clear or yellow. Many products for skincare sold in the market these days contain jojoba oil, and it is indeed useful to keep the skin blemish-free.
However, the reason why it is considered good for oily skin is its similarity to the sebum found in the human skin. This oil has the propensity to go deeper into the skin and thus helps in fighting bacteria and clogged pores. (1)
Unique Properties of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is considered excellent in clearing up the skin and keeping it blemish-free. It contains minerals and vitamins that add to its long list of unique healing properties – anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial, antiviral, wound-healing, and moisturizing. (2)
Here are some of the unique benefits of jojoba oil
- It not only hydrates the skin but also balances out natural oil production and is suitable for those with extra oil or less oil production.
- Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic and works well in controlling mild acne symptoms.
- In addition to fighting acne, jojoba oil also helps heal acne scars and works as a potent anti-aging agent as it contains Vitamin E.
- Jojoba oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in soothing sensitive skin and helps against conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
- It also helps in wound healing.
Also Read – Makeup Rules for Acne-Prone Skin
How to Use Jojoba Oil to Treat Acne
Jojoba oil can be used by anyone and works a little better for dry skin, acne, or redness. It is a safe oil and can even be used daily. It can even be clubbed with other ingredients such as oils and emollients to make a perfect skincare concoction.
Jojoba oil has a deep penetrating property that makes it work as a potent carrier. Therefore, using it alone in an undiluted form is not recommended. Instead, it should be used with other helpful ingredients to repair the skin from the inside.
Use only organic, unrefined jojoba oil on the skin as these are preservative-free and don’t pose any risk of an adverse reaction. Here is a list of easy ways in which you can use jojoba oil to treat acne.
1. Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera
Jojoba oil alone can sometimes prove to be too irritating for sensitive skin. In such cases, combine it with aloe vera to make a mild cream. For example, you can take two drops of jojoba oil and equal drops of aloe vera and mix them well. Then, gently apply this serum to acne-affected areas on the face. Massage it for a few minutes so that it gets absorbed into the skin. Keep it on for 2-3 hours, and then wash your face with lukewarm water. Apply a moisturizer afterward.
2. Jojoba Oil and Tea Tree Oil
The combination of essential oils with jojoba oil is highly beneficial. Tea tree oil has been widely accepted as a topical antiseptic. It has shown to be highly potent in treating acne (mild to moderate). Combine these two natural agents and see their magic on the skin.
Take 2 drops of jojoba oil along with 5-6 drops of tea tree oil. You can add water to dilute it further. Apply the liquid to the affected area and keep it on for a couple of hours. You can also make this in large quantities and refrigerate it for future use.
3. Jojoba Oil and Glycerine
This is yet another easy way of treating mild symptoms of acne. Combine jojoba oil and glycerine in equal quantities and prepare a mixture. Gently massage this on your skin. Glycerine soothes your skin while jojoba oil fights acne. This excellent combination nourishes and repairs your skin. However, if you’re suffering from eczema or a bad flare-up of acne, avoid this trick.
4. Jojoba Oil and Cornmeal
This paste is quite beneficial for acne-prone dry skin. This can make your skin blemish-free faster. All you have to do is take two teaspoons of jojoba oil and one teaspoon of cornmeal flour. Make a paste with a consistency that is easy to apply. Add more oil if the mixture appears dry. Now apply this paste to the blemished skin and let it stay for a while. Wash your face and feel the difference with its regular usage.
Also Read – Jojoba Oil – What You Need to Know
5. Makeup Remover/ Face Cleanser
Jojoba oil wonderfully takes up the role of a gentle makeup remover/ facial cleanser. Beauty experts have long recommended the use of oils to remove makeup. Sleeping with makeup on your face can cause breakouts, and using harsh cleansers can further irritate the skin.
Take a cotton pad/ makeup sponge and pour a few drops of jojoba oil onto it. Then, gently wipe it all over your face to remove makeup residue and dirt. To use jojoba oil as a cleanser, massage a pea-sized amount gently into the skin for a couple of minutes. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water or a washcloth to see good results.
Side Effects of Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is considered extremely safe for most skin types. There are as such no documented side effects of this oil. However, a few people with sensitive skin can react to it, such as rashes or irritated skin. Like you would do with any other beauty product, we recommend doing a patch test for jojoba oil on the skin. Also, be sure to use only organic and unrefined jojoba oil. Try and avoid using this oil undiluted on the skin directly. Always mix it up with another ingredient or dilute it before using it on the skin. Do not consume jojoba oil orally.
Summary
Tired of using chemical-laden creams on your acne breakouts and looking for some natural relief? Try jojoba oil. Don’t worry! Unlike other oils that are comedogenic and sticky, and can flare up your acne, jojoba oil effectively reduces acne and even helps in fading acne scars. Jojoba oil has unique hydrating, anti-aging, and anti-acne properties, which make it a powerful ingredient for acne-prone and oily skin. In this article, we list five easy ways in which jojoba oil can be used to treat acne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can jojoba oil cause skin breakouts?
No, it doesn’t. Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, which means that it doesn’t clog skin pores. Clogged pores are considered the main reason for acne breakouts. Jojoba oil has unique anti-bacterial properties that make it an effective agent against acne.
Who should avoid using jojoba oil?
As mentioned earlier in this article, jojoba oil is well-tolerated and safe for most skin types. However, those with sensitive skin or those prone to rashes should proceed with caution before making jojoba oil a regular skincare ingredient. Do a patch test before using this oil all over the face.
What should be kept in mind while buying jojoba oil?
When buying any natural ingredient to be used on the skin and hair, go for 100% organic and unrefined versions. These are preservative-free and carry fewer chances of causing any allergic reaction.
How can I incorporate jojoba oil into my skincare routine if I don’t like using oil?
In case you don’t like putting oil on your skin, try using skincare products that have jojoba oil in them. Buy these products according to your skin type. Go for reputed and organic brands.
References:
- “What is jojoba oil, and how does it work?” – medicalnewstoday.com
- “Jojoba Oil and Acne: Does It Work?” – healthline.com
