Is Avocado Oil Comedogenic?

Let’s dig into a popular skincare product doing the rounds lately. Avocado oil.

When you have acne-prone skin, the last thing you want to do is apply oil to your face that can clog your pores. Oils, on the other hand, do not have to be avoided; in fact, they can be a beneficial complement to acne-prone skin and skincare in general.

Our cause of concern here is whether avocado oil is comedogenic or not? Avocado Oil is a comedogenic ingredient. It signifies that any product containing avocado oil is likely to induce acne or pimples. Comedogenic ingredients clog pores and can result in acne outbreaks.

What is the Comedogenic scale?

It can be tough to know which natural oils and butter will work best for your skin with so many options available. Learning about the components of oils and how they differ is one approach to navigating the product range and selecting the ones that are best for your skin type.

The comedogenic scale, which classifies oils and butter based on their proclivity to clog skin pores, is a helpful guide. Since carrier oils and plant butter are common ingredients in cosmetics, it’s essential to understand what effect they’re likely to have.

The comedogenic scale indicates that specific substances used in cosmetic product formulation, such as oils and butter, can clog pores. If you have acne breakouts and blackheads, avoid comedogenic oils as they are likely to cause constant acne issues.

If you have dry skin, choose a more emollient oil towards the center of the range. The scale uses a 0 to 5 numbering scheme. The numbers on the scale are as follows:

  • 0 – will not clog pores.
  • 1 – they have a meager chance of clogging pores.
  • 2 – a moderately low probability
  • 3 – a reasonable chance
  • 4 – there’s a good chance.
  • 5 – a high chance of blocking pores

This scale is based on rabbit experiments from the late 1970s, and as with nearly everything these days, there’s some debate in the skincare market about how useful this scale is.

Is Avocado oil comedogenic?

Avocado oil has comedogenic properties. It signifies that any product containing avocado oil is likely to induce acne or pimples. On the comedogenic scale, avocado oil ranks number 3, which makes it have a reasonable chance of being comedogenic.

Comedogenic ingredients clog pores and can result in acne outbreaks.

Even if a single ingredient in a skincare or cosmetic/makeup product, such as Avocado Oil, is comedogenic, it becomes the weakest link in the chain, making the entire product comedogenic.

But Avocado oil is good for acne-prone skin, though it may still clog pores. If your skin can accept it, this oil is fantastic for hydration and skin tone rejuvenation. As it is a thicker oil, it might be better used at night. Over time, avocado oil is supposed to reduce pore size and remove pollutants from the skin.

Will Avocado oil clog pores?

Avocado oil is high in Omega 9 fatty acids, Vitamins A, E, and D, as well as other skin-friendly elements. The fruit oil, on the other hand, is abundant in oleic acid, which makes it particularly potent for oily skin and can clog pores. 

As a result, the oil is a boon to mature, normal, and dry skin. It can also be used on acne-prone or sensitive skin, but only in little amounts.

Avocado oil has a comedogenic rating of 3 on the comedogenic scale, which means it’s a medium comedogenic oil. Any oil with a grade higher than two on the scale has a greater chance of blocking the pores. Simply said, avocado oil tends to clog the pores of your skin.

The mildly comedogenic oil, on the other hand, is extremely helpful to the skin, especially for those suffering from aggressive acne or skin disorders such as eczema. Although the oil is not recommended for oily or mixed skin, it has numerous benefits for other skin types.

Top 7 Benefits of Avocado oil on the skin

Avocado oil contains omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins A, D, and E. The following are some of the ways it can help your skin!

Avocado oil and Acne

Many people wonder and ask, does avocado oil cause acne? Is avocado oil safe for acne-prone skin? And so on. Avocado oil moisturizes the skin without leaving stickiness when applied for a short  period and then washed off with lukewarm water. This may help to prevent acne.

Avocado oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid with acne-related redness and irritation [1]. Avocado oil’s advantages are not restricted to dry skin. When used in something like an enzyme mask, even oily, acne-prone skin can benefit from this oil. 

Avocado oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to relieve inflammation and redness. This oil treats the acne side effects without blocking pores or leaving a greasy residue behind.

Avocado oil and Mitochondria

Mitochondria are important in the skin. Although it does not require as much energy as other organs such as skeletal muscle, it is nevertheless necessary for activities such as cell signaling, wound healing, pigmentation, vascular homeostasis, and hair growth.

When you take avocado oil, your mitochondrial activity improves as well. This is accomplished by reducing free radicals and lipid peroxidation. We want the skin’s energy production to increase to promote cell regeneration. The protection of the lipid cell membrane of the cells is lipid peroxidation, and we want that from the skin as well [2].

Avocado oil and Inflammation

You would think that putting oil on acne-prone skin is a bad idea, but because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, avocado oil is recommended for anything from eczema and psoriasis to seborrheic dermatitis and acne. 

It won’t clog your glands and cause additional acne because acne isn’t solely caused by clogged glands. Since it is more of an inflammatory process, anti-inflammatory properties would be effective.

Avocado oil and Collagen

Although additional research is needed to determine if avocado oil boosts collagen production or not, scientists do know that it inhibits all of the processes that break down collagen.

The researchers discovered a rise in soluble collagen concentration as well as suppression of the lysyl oxidase enzyme, which also breaks down collagen [3].

Avocado oil and Wound healing

While first aid should always be administered as the first step to heal wounds and scrapes on the skin, avocado oil may be useful in speeding up the healing process. Avocado oil works wonders for wound healing for a couple of reasons.

Avocado oil contains fatty acids like oleic acid, which increase collagen formation, according to a 2013 study. This helps to develop connective tissue, which helps the skin heal after an injury [1].

Avocado oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are another reason why it makes sense to utilize it in the wound-recovery process. Avocado oil’s fatty acids reduce inflammation, allowing for a speedier recovery.

Avocado oil and Tanned skin

Avocado oil’s antioxidants may aid in relieving sunburn symptoms. Vitamin E, beta carotene, vitamin D, protein, lecithin, and vital fatty acids in the oil, according to a 2011 review, can help repair and rejuvenate the skin [4].

Avocado consumption has also been found in limited tests to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation [5].

Avocado oil and Aging

The skin is generally the first present indication of aging. According to several studies, eating healthy fats like those found in avocados might help the skin retain its suppleness.

However, no research has been conducted to see if putting avocado oil on the skin has the same impact.

How to use Avocado oil on your skin?

Avocado oil can be used in a number of ways in your skincare routine. Massage the oil over your skin, use it as a mask on your face, or add it to your shower gel. It has no side effects when used every day or a few times a month. 

Don’t know where to begin? Avocado oil can be used in the following ways:

Bathing lotion

After bathing, massage a considerable quantity of avocado oil onto your skin to relieve chapped skin. Avocado oil can be used on its own or mixed with one of your regular body treatments.

Face moisturizer

Fill 2/3 of a 30 ml bottle with avocado oil to use as a face oil moisturizer. Fill the remaining third of the bottle with another healthy oil, such as tamanu or emu. Add 3 to 4 drops of your preferred essential oil, maybe lavender or rose. Now shake the bottle well after twisting the cap tight. You can use it as a face moisturizer.

DIY face mask

Cut a ripe avocado into cubes and add a small amount of avocado oil to make a DIY facemask. To get an even paste, crush it with a fork or a spoon. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the paste to dry on your face. Based on skin type, you can cleanse the avocado mask with warm water or a face wash.

Side effects of Avocado oil on the skin

Although avocado oil has few side effects, it is possible to be allergic to avocados or their oil.

A patch test is the best way to figure out an allergy. On the inside of the arm, apply a small amount of avocado oil to a 1-inch patch of skin. The oil can be safely used on other spots of the skin if no irritation occurs after 24 hours.

Keevs Tip: Avocado oil should be avoided by anyone allergic to avocados.

FAQs

Is Avocado oil bad for acne?

When applied for a short time and then washed off with warm water, avocado oil can hydrate the skin without leaving a sticky residue. This may aid in the prevention of acne. Hence, it may not be an aggravating asset but considering a piece of advice from your regular Dermatologist may help.

Does Avocado oil clog your pores?

Avocado oil, as an anti-inflammatory component, helps to clear blocked pores. If your skin can accept it, this oil is fantastic for hydration and skin tone rejuvenation. Though you must first make sure to take advice, with respect to your skin type, from your Dermatologist

How do you make avocado oil for your face?

In these 3 easy steps, you can make your oil at home!

Step 1: Make an avocado paste. To begin, mash the avocados until they form a smooth paste.

Step 2: Allow the paste to dry. Allow the avocado paste to dry naturally for a few days in a well-ventilated place (away from direct sunlight).

Step 3: Place it in a muslin towel and gently press to extract the avocado oil.

Wrapping up

Avocado oil is comedogenic. Though Avocado oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to relieve inflammation and redness, it is best to discuss with your dermatologist before using it. Avocado oil has few side effects, however, anyone with a pre-existing skin condition should consult a doctor before trying a new home cure.

What next?

  1. Is Almond Oil Comedogenic?
  2. Is Olive Oil Comedogenic?
  3. Is Mango Butter Comedogenic?

References

  1. de Oliveira, Ana Paula, et al. “Effect of semisolid formulation of Persea Americana mill (avocado) oil on wound healing in rats.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 472382. 
  2. Ortiz-Avila, Omar et al. “Avocado Oil Improves Mitochondrial Function and Decreases Oxidative Stress in Brain of Diabetic Rats.” Journal of diabetes research vol. 2015 (2015): 485759.
  3. Werman, M J et al. “The effect of various avocado oils on skin collagen metabolism.” Connective tissue research vol. 26,1-2 (1991): 1-10.
  4. Korać, Radava R, and Kapil M Khambholja. “Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation.” Pharmacognosy reviews vol. 5,10 (2011): 164-73.
  5. Dreher, Mark L, and Adrienne J Davenport. “Hass avocado composition and potential health effects.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition vol. 53,7 (2013): 738-50
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