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Oils are bad for oily skin types

Oil produced by our skin (sebum): Beneath each of our pores lies a sebaceous gland that produces natural oils, better known as sebum. This sebum is secreted through the pores to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. However, these glands can sometimes produce too much or too little oil, leading to skin issues. Too much oil results in oily skin, while too little leaves your face feeling dry.

MYTH: "My face is already oily and shiny, so if I apply more oil to my skin, it will only get worse."

FACT: "Your skin needs oil to stay balanced. Oils are therefore not necessarily bad for oily skin."

When you think of oils on the skin, there is usually quite a bit of stigma surrounding them. A greasy face, for example, is typically associated with an unclean or unwashed complexion (and shininess) and can even be perceived as less attractive. And as if that wasn't bad enough, oily skin could potentially lead to skin problems such as clogged pores and acne.

So... if it's all that bad, why would you ever consider putting even more oil on your face? And why pay money for it either! ¯_(ツ)_/¯

The fact is that your skin absolutely needs oil to stay healthy and balanced. Whether you like it or not, your skin requires oils to keep itself soft, supple, and hydrated. The trick is to understand and master the use of oils, ultimately making them work to your advantage. Once you gain a better understanding of how oils work, we bet that oils will become an absolute must-have in your skincare routine!

Linoleic acid vs. Oleic acid

Genetics, age, hormones, diet, seasonal changes, a damaged skin barrier (dehydrated skin), and the overuse or misuse of skincare products are some of the main factors influencing our skin's sebum production. Knowing the cause allows us to treat it accordingly:

Oils richer in Linoleic Acid Oils richer in Oleic Acid
Lightweight texture; penetrates less easily and deeply into the skin than Oleic Acid. Richer texture; penetrates more easily and deeply into the skin's surface.
Ideal for: oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Ideal for: drier and mature skin.
Omega-6 fatty acid – which is not produced by our own skin. Fatty acid – found in nature as animal and plant fats and oils, and abundantly present in our own skin.
Can soften the skin's natural sebum, preventing clogged pores. Linoleic acid is also an anti-inflammatory that stimulates cell regeneration. Has the ability to restore the skin's natural oil barrier without clogging pores. It is an anti-inflammatory that promotes wound healing and repairs daily skin damage. It is also very rich in antioxidants.
Mostly plant and seed oils:
Hemp seed oil, Rosehip seed oil, Evening primrose oil, Soybean oil		 Mostly nut oils and butters:
Sunflower oil, Sea buckthorn oil, Marula oil
All-rounder oils (suitable for almost any skin type):
Jojoba oil, Argan oil, Tamanu oil

The sebum of an oily, congested skin usually consists of (an accumulation of too much) Oleic Acid. Precisely by using oils with a higher Linoleic Acid content, this can be reversed to restore the natural balance of the two types of acids, leading to a healthier, clearer complexion with fewer blemishes and acne.