Are you wondering whether is olive oil soap good for oily skin or not? Read through this article and learn all the information that you should be aware of!
Many people have vouched for olive oil as the greatest skincare oil for soft, supple, and smooth skin. There have been studies suggesting that olive oil is rich in nutrients helpful in getting good skin. Hence, several products like lotions, creams, face washes, and soaps have olive oil in them. One such product, olive oil soap, has gained popularity because of its natural ingredients. But it is essential to acknowledge that what works for one skin type may not work for others. Therefore, learn whether is olive oil soap good for oily skin or not by reading this article!
Is Olive Oil Soap Good for Oily Skin?
Rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, olive oil provides numerous skin benefits. It helps get rid of free radicals, prevents signs of premature aging, and promotes cell regeneration. It has Vitamins A, K, and D, which help facilitates healthy skin. The moisturizing and occlusive properties of olive oil help in hydrating the skin and sealing ithe moisture. It also consists of essential fatty acids such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acids that help get rid of dry skin and help treat various skin conditions.
But olive oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 on a scale of 1-5, with one being least and five being the highest. This makes it mildly comedogenic, and hence, it may clog pores if applied excessively. Clogged pores can lead to dirt and oil build-up, causing acne breakouts. Olive oil is not an ideal oil for acne-prone skin as it is heavy, and the fatty acids can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Hence, in a nutshell, olive oil has a neutral effect on oily skin. It provides various benefits because of its antioxidants and vitamin content, but it may clog pores leading to acne if used excessively or on oily skin. Using a little bit of olive oil might not harm and can provide enough benefits, but always do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to it.
Alternatives of Olive Oil Soap for Oily Skin
People with oily skin should use non-comedogenic or mildly comedogenic oils, having a rating of less than 2. Here are some oils that you can use for oil-cleansing benefits without clogging your pores.
1. Argan oil – 0 Rating
This lightweight oil penetrates the skin and improves elasticity. It regulates sebum production, and Vitamin E naturally promotes cell regeneration, thereby improving the skin texture.
You can apply Argan oil during the day before applying moisturizer. It acts as a protective serum and makes the skin soft and supple.
Use it as a night mask by applying 2-3 drops and massage on the skin before going to sleep. It is non-greasy and the skin is able to absorb it quickly and easily.
2. Safflower oil – 0 Rating
With a thin consistency, this oil is excellent for oil cleansing. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it highly suitable for acne-prone, oily skin. It reduces redness around the acne and prevents the occurrence of new ones. This oil can be used directly as an overnight serum or you can add it to DIY masks to reduce acne and improve skin texture.
3. Grapeseed oil – 1 Rating
It is high in linoleic acid, a type of fatty acid that acts as a skin barrier and prevents extreme environments from dehydrating the skin. It has astringent properties that help reduce the size of the pores and unclogs them as well. Mix a few drops of grapeseed oil in your face cream or lotions. Or you can directly apply it on your face and massage in circular motions, it is safe for regular use.
4. Sea Buckthorn Oil – 1 Rating
Sea buckthorn oil provides moisturization without clogging the pores as it is high in Palmitic, Palmitoleic, and Oleic Acid. It helps in keeping the skin healthy and glowing. It is suitable for direct application or can also be mixed with clay masks.
5. Watermelon Seed Oil – 0 Rating
This light oil is high in linoleic and oleic acid, which help in keeping the skin supple, soft and smooth. It does not clog pores. Besides, it is suitable for oily skin as it helps remove dirt and impurities that ultimately prevent acne breakout. It is rich in anti-oxidants and absorbs quickly into the skin. Apply this oil on the face and leave it for an hour. Wash it off for cleansed and soft skin.
6. Cucumber Seed Oil – 1 Rating
Cucumber seed oil helps in soothing the skin and reduces the presence of acne. It also stimulates the regeneration of cells and helps in keeping the skin young and smooth. You can apply this oil daily on the face as a serum before applying a moisturizer.
Oils to Avoid on Oily Skin
There are many face oils that should be avoided on oily skin. Identified by their comedogenic rating, the oils with a rating of 3 or more are not recommended for acne-prone skin. They clog the pores and do not get easily absorbed into the skin. It leaves a thick layer on the face, attracting more dirt and impurities and making it appear more greasy. Some of these oils are:
- Coconut oil
- Palm oil
- Carrot seed oil
- Almond oil
- Avocado oil
- Flaxseed oil.
How to Take Care of Oily Skin
Taking care of oily skin is not easy, and one wrong product can lead to extreme acne breakouts. Acne breakouts can leave marks and blemishes on the skin. It is advised to check the comedogenic rating, or the words ‘do not clog pores’ for every skin product you try. There are some other tips that you can keep in mind to take care of oily skin.
- Wash your face regularly. It is recommended to wash it twice a day to get rid of all impurities.
- Use toners with astringent properties on oily parts of the skin.
- Use oil-free moisturizers.
- Do not scrub your face very often.
- Do not pick or squeeze pimples or marks.
We hope you got the answer to the question- Is olive oil good for oily skin? However, we’ll recommend you to use olive oil in moderation because it has too many potent benefits to offer. But always be cautious as to not use oils that have a comedogenic rating of 3 and above in excess as it can lead to extreme skin issues.
