Why Oil Is Not the Enemy

Every skincare campaign of my youth made oil out to be the enemy. Every product was "oil-free" and formulated to strip acne-prone skin of all sebum present. We now know that oil can be a friend to even greasy and acne-prone skin and that formulas such as our BALANCE face oil have proven to restore skin health and clarity. Nevertheless, today, even as face oilshave become ubiquitous, there still remain several myths we'd like to bust:

Myth 1: Oily skin should skip oil.
Truth: The right oils, such as jojoba and hazelnut can help regulate sebum production. Oils also help lock in moisture leaving your skin hydrated and nourished, rather than dehydrated and greasy. Research also shows that people with acne have low levels of linoleic acid in their skin’s surface lipids. Adding omega-6 fatty acid-rich oils, such as black cumin seed, may be the best way to address this problem.

Myth 2: Face oils cause breakouts.
Truth: There are many oily substances available to formulators. Some of them will clog pores. Palm oil and unfractionated coconut oil are two examples of natural oils to avoid. We also recommend that you steer clear of synthetic oils and silicones; not only can they clog pores but they only give the illusion of nourished skin and do not treat the skin on a cellular level.

Myth 3: Face oils should only be used in the winter.
Truth: While we all can benefit from extra care in the winter months, face oils can be used year-round. Hours spent in the sun and activities like swimming can dry and dehydrate skin. Using an oil like REPAIR can help restore moisture, protect against environmental damage and heal sunburn.

Myth 4: If you use serum you don’t need a face oil.
Truth: This one is more nuanced as serum, face oil and moisturizer have become interchangeable terms. At LINNÉ a serum is made from hydrophilic actives. These products such as provide our skin with hydration, antioxidants and nutriment not found in face oils. RENEW and REFRESH do include humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw moisture deep, but the addition of a face oil, ensures a barrier to moisture evaporation. Face oils additionally provide essential fatty acids not found in hydrophilic serums.