Why jojoba oil for acne

Dry Skin. Keratosis Pilaris. Sun Protection. Dull Skin. Salicylic Acid. Glycolic Acid. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen. Benzoyl Peroxide. Hyaluronic Acid. Shopping Cart. Expert Advice Skin Concerns. Who Should Use It: Everyone can use jojoba oil, but it's an especially good choice for those with dry skin or those who are prone to acne or redness, says Nussbaum.

Don't Use With: There are currently no ingredients known to have any kind of negative interaction with jojoba oil. Oh, and FYI, since we know you're wondering, it's pronounced ho-ho-ba. While its prominence in beauty products is a relatively recent phenomena, it's been used for centuries; Native Americans used it as far back as the s for its wound healing properties more on those in a minute.

Here's where things got a little confusing, though—jojoba oil isn't technically an oil. Say what? It's actually a wax ester that, from a chemistry perspective, has a different makeup than other oils. While everyone calls it an oil—and we'll continue to do so just to keep things simple—that fact that it's a wax ester is a large part of what makes it so unique. Wax esters are a main component in human sebum, which means that, "jojoba oil mimics natural sebum, conditioning, and sealing moisture in the skin, without clogging pores or exacerbating acne," says Chang.

Translation: Jojoba oil is as close to your skin's natural oil as you can get. This is also why it can help balance out oil production and feels so lightweight and non-greasy. The other upshot of this oil not being an actual oil?

Couple that with the fact that it plays so nicely with most other ingredients, and it's no surprise that it can be found in a wide array of skincare, hair care, and makeup products.

Even the jojoba beads that are a popular and much more environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic micro beads found in exfoliators are derived from, you guessed it, jojoba oil. No matter in what form or formula it comes in, the long list of benefits it delivers remains the same.

Generally speaking, there are no real drawbacks to this particular ingredient. Jojoba oil is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of irritation, Chang tells us. In rare instances, it can cause a rash or reaction, which is usually indicative of an actual allergy, Nussbaum points out. If you want to be extra cautious, you can try any new product out on a small test area before applying it all over your face.

Opt for percent pure jojoba oil to use as a moisturizer, or look for it in a lotion, cream, or serum. Worth noting: It works great as a hair hydrator too, ideal for sealing dry ends, as well as a treatment for soothing chapped lips.

Not to mention that it also effectively tamps down redness and is free of a long list of questionable ingredients, making it a top choice for irritated complexions. Jojoba oil is first on the limited ingredient list of this oil, one of Chang's choices, which blends it with other flower oils and boasts 99 percent organic ingredients. Plus, a little bit goes a long way: you only need a drop or two for your entire face.

Photodynamic therapy PTD uses skin-sensitizing medications to enhance the impact of light-based skin treatment for acne. It is a form of…. Can jojoba oil treat acne? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What is jojoba oil? Is it effective? How to use it Will it cause breakouts? Risks Alternative oils Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers.

What is jojoba oil and how does it work? Share on Pinterest Jojoba oil is derived from the jojoba shrub and can be used to treat acne, eczema, and dermatitis.

Is jojoba oil effective for acne? How to use jojoba oil. Share on Pinterest A person can gently apply jojoba oil to the face with their fingers or a soft cotton pad. Will jojoba oil cause breakouts?

Risks of using jojoba oil for acne. Other oils for improving acne. Share on Pinterest Aloe vera may also help to treat acne, as it has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Garshick tells Allure that because of the way it mimics the natural sebum in the skin , jojoba oil can actually help with mild to moderate acne by normalizing your skin's own oil production. But its sebum-like chemical structure isn't the only reason jojoba oil is so well-suited to people with acne.

The biological basis for treating acne with jojoba oil may be explained by the documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the extract, as well as its wound-healing effects. This was backed up by Dr. Garshick, who added that these additional benefits may help to calm inflammation and reduce breakouts. Before you start slathering jojoba oil on your face day and night, there are a few skin types that might want to think twice before embracing it with open arms.

All of the experts we spoke to agree that jojoba oil is generally well-tolerated and, as Dr. Farber explains, when used appropriately, should not exacerbate acne. But like everything else in life, it's not perfect, and there are exceptions to the rule. Farber and Dr. Garshick both stress that anyone with sensitive skin should always proceed with caution when introducing a new product into their daily skin-care regimen.

Garshick adds that if you're dealing with acne, it's also important to see a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best management options before you go out and buy any new products. Other instances where jojoba oil may not be a good addition to your skin-care routine include if you have an allergy, very oily skin, or moderate to severe acne as opposed to mild.