For those of us with acne, the age-old myths too often suggested steering clear of oils altogether. Why? Clogged pores, greater greasiness, and eventually, more blemishes. This guidance, however, misses one fundamental truth of healthy skin and may actually do damage to the healing process.
At C’nor Skincare, we’d rather understand and work within the natural functions of the skin, including appreciating the key role that the proper kinds of oils can play.
Let’s investigate why skipping the oils entirely would be a bad move and how embracing nature’s remedies can help promote well-harmonised, healthier-sounding skin.
Learning About Your Skin’s Oil Requirement
Human skin has an amazing natural intelligence. It makes sebum, an oily secretion essential for lubrication, protection from environmental stressors, and the health of the important skin barrier.
When this natural oil is forcefully stripped – usually by harsh, stripping cleansers (such as those with SLS) or alcohol-based toners – the skin feels it’s in emergency mode. Its reaction? To increase sebum production, and struggles hard to make up for what has been lost.
This cycle of reaction can cause chronically oily skin and, ironically, worsen breakouts.
The Gentle Power of Nature: How Suitable Oils Help Acne-Prone Skin
The story is dramatically altered when we look at high-quality, non-comedogenic oils (non-pore-clogging oils), especially those from plants. Not only are these oils good for the skin, but they also give fantastic cosmetic benefits:
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Sebum Balancing: Certain plant oils, like Jojoba, are excellent copies of the skin’s natural sebum. Applying them can gently remind the skin that it is adequately moisturised and help to balance overactive oil glands.
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Calming Properties: Most natural oils, such as Rosehip or Hemp Seed, include essential fatty acids with calming properties, which calm the appearance of redness and inflammation typical of acne.
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Assisting Skin Healing: Some botanicals and essential oils used wisely in skincare (like Tea Tree or Neem, mentioned in Ayurvedic skincare) possess qualities that assist in a healthy skin climate and activate the body’s natural healing process of blemishes. (Note: C’nor uses essential oils for fragrance and cosmetic texture.)
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Hydration & Barrier Reinforcement: Dry, compromised skin is more prone to irritation. Soothing oils seal in moisture and seal the skin’s barrier, thereby making it stronger. This is where the magic of your skincare routine comes into play.
The C’nor Skincare Philosophy: Cleansing Without Stripping
Before even thinking about adding facial oils, the most important thing is to make sure your cleanser isn’t stripping your skin. This is at the heart of our approach at C’nor Skincare.
Our C’nor Cherish and Nurture range of cold process soaps are carefully designed to cleanse well but not harshly:
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Natural Glycerin Retention: Unlike commercial soaps, our handmade soap retains all its natural glycerin, a humectant that hydrates while cleansing.
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Rich in Natural Oils: Our soap base comes from high-grade plant oils and butters. These natural oils, along with well-selected botanical infusions and essential oils (for their natural fragrance and cosmetic benefits), nourish and preserve the skin without removing its natural defenses.
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Chemical-Free Purity: Our soaps are SLS-free, paraben-free, and free of harsh synthetic cleansing agents, ideal for a low-key skincare system even for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
By employing a soft soap such as ours, you prevent activating that reactive sebum overproduction, providing a well-balanced surface that can possibly be more amenable to further skincare steps, if necessary.
What Happens When Nourishing Oils Are Skipped
Forgoing proper oils can result in:
✓ Recurrent Oiliness: Skin stays in overdrive mode, attempting self-hydration.
✓ Weakened Barrier: Heightened susceptibility to irritants and environmental aggressors.
✓ Delayed Visual Recovery: Imperfections and spots could seem more visible for longer on malnourished skin.
✓ Increased Sensitivity: Dryness and imbalance tend to show up as redness and reactivity.
Adding Oils Judiciously (If Necessary)
In case, after creating a gentle cleansing regime, your skin is still in need of additional reinforcement, add lightweight, non-comedogenic facial oils:
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Pick Carefully: Alternatives such as Jojoba, Rosehip, Squalane, or Hemp Seed oil are usually well-received.
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Start Small: Bring in one product at a time, patch testing first on an inconspicuous area.
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Less is More: Use only 2–3 drops on damp skin for improved absorption.
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Listen to Your Skin: Adjust usage according to how your skin reacts.
Rethink Your Routine: Embrace Balance
Fear of oils in acne treatment is a thing of the past. By knowing your skin’s requirements and selecting products that contain high-quality, natural oils – beginning with a really gentle soap – you can start toward the goal of a healthier, more balanced complexion.
Don’t let myths keep you from providing your skin with the supportive care it needs.
Ready to Establish a Foundation of Gentle, Moisturizing Cleansing?
Find the C’nor Cherish and Nurture range of natural skincare products, made in India with Ayurvedic inspiration.
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