When it comes to acne, there are three important points to be aware of—both in terms of what it can do and what it can’t do.
1. Can it cause acne and other forms of breakouts?
Since it is an oil, some can incorrectly assume that it can cause acne.
The first step towards breakout formation is the accumulation of sebum (natural oil on the face) in pores. Pores are small openings on the face. So, it can be assumed that applying an oil like rosehip oil to our face can clog the pores, resulting in breakouts.
This is, however, not true in the case of rosehip oil.
Rosehip oil does not clog pores. There is a universal rating called comedogenic rating to measure the ability of a skincare ingredient to cause acne. This rating is on a scale of 1 to 5, with five most likely to cause acne. The comedogenic rating of rosehip oil is 1, further proof that it is doubtful to cause acne.
Rosehip oil, rich in linoleic acid, possesses unique properties that are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin. Let’s delve into these properties…
Studies show that people with acne have skin low in linoleic acid, which enables oil flow. Oil low in linoleic acid usually clogs and can’t flow easily, while oil rich in linoleic acid flows quickly and easily out of pores. When we apply rosehip oil, it mixes with the natural oil on our face and can help the oil flow out of pores (because of its linoleic acid). Even if this benefit occurs in a small amount, it is still a plus.
Though rosehip oil technically cannot cause breakouts on the skin, there are two crucial facts to be aware of…
Fact 1:
Rosehip oil is a plant oil. Its benefits cannot be standardised. It depends on how the oil was extracted and where the plant was grown.
Fact 2:
Essential oils can have harmful effects on the skin, but rosehip oil is not an essential oil. But still, if you know you don’t usually react badly to oils, do a patch test before using. Most should be okay. But if you do end up with breakouts, it is not because rosehip oil clogs the pores but because your skin reacts badly to rosehip oil.
2. Acne, scars and rosehip oil
The scars that form after acne goes away are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Ingredients in rosehip oil can reduce the chances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from forming.
While rosehip oil is not a direct acne treatment, some studies suggest it can reduce the likelihood of dark spots and pigmentation.
If you are considering rosehip oil to reduce the likelihood of pigmentation due to acne, then rosehip oil is not the solution. However, if you are interested in using rosehip oil as a moisturiser that can also have some positive effects on addressing acne, then rosehip oil is the answer.
3. Cell renewal
Rosehip oil contains all-trans-retinoic acid, a form of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is considered the gold standard in anti-ageing in the skincare industry.
This ingredient promotes the production of more new cells. More new cells mean more old cells are pushed off the skin and replaced by these new cells.
This replacement reduces the chances of breakouts like pimples, acne, whiteheads and blackheads.
Let me explain how…
Old skin cells typically fall off, but sometimes they don’t. These old cells can clog pores and cause breakouts. When new cells replace the old ones, the chances of clogging and breakouts are reduced.
It’s important to note that rosehip oil contains minimal all-trans-retinoic acid and should not be considered a substitute for skincare products with vitamin A as the primary ingredient.
Summary
Rosehip oil will not fix acne.
It will not treat acne.
It will not completely eliminate the pigmentation that can come from acne.
It cannot completely reduce the chances of acne and other breakouts.
If you are expecting any of the above benefits, rosehip oil is not your answer.
However…
If you are looking for a facial oil that moisturises skin and also offers a few other benefits, albeit in a small amount, but still offers additional benefits other than just moisturising, then rosehip oil can help.
Remember, rosehip oil is not a replacement for your regular moisturiser. It’s a beneficial addition that can enhance your skincare routine.