Faqs

Skin

Skin’s main job is to protect our insides from the outside, regulate body temperature and permit sensations of touch, heat and cold. Skin is the largest organ of your body and since it is porous, it absorbs whatever you put on it. Studies have found the face to be several times more permeable than broad body surfaces and for underarms and genitalia, it has an absorption rate of 100%. Your skin weathers the elements, is the first line of defense in protecting vital organs, and is the only skin you will have in your lifetime. Taking care of it is imperative.

Skin Types

After washing your face and waiting 30 minutes without applying any products or moisturizer, how does your skin feel?

Dry

If your skin type is Dry, after 30 minutes your skin feels itchy, tight and has some dry patches. Your body does not produce enough natural oils to keep your skin moist and hydrated. Your pores may be small and your skin must constantly be hydrated with lotions and by drinking water.

Oily

If your skin type is Oily, it will be shiny and feel greasy, especially in your T-zone (across forehead and down the center of face including bridge of nose and chin). If you blot your face with a tissue, the tissue will be oily and moist. Your pores may appear small/tight and you may get frequent acne.

Combination

If you have Combination Skin, it’s oily in your T-zone, but dry or normal on your cheeks and jawline. If you blot your face with a tissue, your eyes and your cheeks would may out clean, but other parts of the face may come out oily. Your pores may appear to be different sizes.

Normal

Normal skin type feels good and even, not too oily or dry. The skin on your face is rarely oily or dry. Your face may look bright, vibrant, and healthy. You may require very minimal skin care.

Sensitive

If your skin type is Sensitive, it sometimes gets red, irritated, itchy or inflamed. Your skin reacts to artificial or manufactured ingredients in cosmetics, and your skin also reacts to the elements. Your skin tends to break out often, has reddish areas and itchy spots. It’s easier for you to use natural products.

Myth

Using oils on skin can cause breakouts.

FAQ:

While we recommend you consult with a dermatologist to determine the best oils and natural products for your skin, there are natural oils that block pores and natural oils that don’t clog, they clarify. These oils are called noncomedogenic oils. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Herrmann, MD, puts it, "Plant-based oils contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which nourish the skin but also strengthen its barrier, increase elasticity, and fight damage from environmental chemicals and UV." For someone with acne prone skin, it’s important to know which plant-based natural oils are helpful and noncomedogenic.

Some examples of noncomedogenic oils include the following:

List of noncomedogenic oils

  • Grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil varies in color, based on the type of grapes it's derived from;

  • Sunflower seed oil. Light and thin in texture, sunflower seed oil can be used effectively as a carrier oil, or on its own;

  • Neem oil;

  • Hempseed oil;

  • Sweet almond oil;

  • Rosehip oil;

  • Tea tree oil;

  • Jojoba oil; and

  • Marula oil

    Of course, there are no universal recommendations, so be sure to always try it on a small area of skin first. "Oils can impact individuals differently, and their effect may be varied due to someone’s natural skin hydration and oil composition and what medications they may be using," Herrmann adds.