Are your oils clogging your pores?
Whether it be a sealing or a penetrating oil, all oils have a comedogenic rating. Comedogenic simply means how likely it is to cause comedones, or clogging of the pores. Let's take a look at some of the most commonly used oils and how likely they are to clog your pores.
If you have oily or acne prone skin, using oils with a higher comedogenic rating could worsen your condition.
Oils higher in comedogenic ratings can also cause scalp build up, preventing hair growth.
No matter your skin type, these oils are highly unlikely to clog your pores. If you suffer from oily hair or skin, these oils are great choices for you. Are you surprised to see castor oil on the list? Well, just because an oil is heavy or thick, does not mean it is comedogenic. Grapeseed and castor oil are sealing oils, that do not penetrate. However, they will not clog your pores.
The oils in this category are moderately safe, when it comes to your pores. It will be safe to use for some, while for others, it may clog your pores, depending on your skin type. It is important to note that your scalp is skin!
Oils with a high comedogenic rating of 4+ are almost guaranteed to clog pores, depending on how they are used. So, should you avoid these oils/butters? Absolutely not! There are few things to note here:
1. When used in a low concentration, along with non-comedogenic oils, there is usually no cause for concern. A cosmetic formulator or chemist will understand the properties of each oil and know how to formulate the perfect concentration.
2. These oils can be used in formulations that will be rinsed or washed off. Examples include: shampoos, conditioners, pre-poos, masks, etc.
3. Because most of us wash our bodies more often than we do our hair, these oils usually don't pose an issue when used on our bodies, especially in lotions or moisturizers.
In an upcoming post, we'll discuss proper ways to cleanse when using oils.
Credit:
Ravin Marion, Licensed Esthetician, Certified Cosmetic Formulator
www.iyurve.com
