Do-it-yourself recipes mainly contain ingredients such as oils and butters due to their natural components and skin health benefits. Today we’re going to rank the oils and butters found in most of these recipes so you can use your best judgement when determining what ingredients to use for your skin when making skin care products.
What is the Comedogenic Scale?
The comedogenic scale ranks ingredients on how likely they will clog pores. Those who are susceptible to acne and or blackhead breakouts should avoid highly comedogenic ingredients. However, your skin type is also a factor when determining what to use.
What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean?
Non-comedogenic ingredients generally don’t clog pores and have a comedogenic rating of 2 or less. Most substances with a rating of 5 usually guarantees that a person who is prone to acne breakouts will have one.
There are many factors that can determine how a particular oil impacts your skin. So, there’s no way to make a concrete prediction. Everyone’s skin is different, so a substance will impact different people in different ways. Some of these factors are skin type, illness, water intake and environment.
First Things First. Know Your Skin Type
When determining which ingredients on the comedogenic scale to use- you have to know your skin type. There are five main skin types: normal, dry, oily, sensitive, and combination skin.
Normal skin is generally not dry or oily. The pores are usually small. The skin isn’t shiny or flaky and usually, there are few wrinkles or lines. Those with normal skin should use products that don’t strip natural oils but apply products that hydrate which help to reduce lines and wrinkles. Essential considerations when you have normal skin is using substances that are lightweight and maintain the skin's balance.
Dry skin causes the skin to tighten and creates scaly, flaky patches on its surface. People with dry skin usually have tiny pores. Those with dry skin should have a regular skin care routine, avoid harsh cleansers and prolonged use of hot water on the skin.
Oily skin usually creates a shine on the face and is sometimes coupled with severe acne breakouts. Oily skin may be due to genetics or frequent hormonal changes. However, those with oily skin usually have less wrinkles and the skin will seem to age more slowly. Although it may seem counterintuitive, oily skin needs to be moisturized. Otherwise, you skin may produce extra sebum, which could make acne breakouts worse.
Sensitive skin is usually accompanied by redness, itching, burning, and overly dry skin. Those with sensitive skin may experience occurrences of rosacea, dermatitis, and other skin irritations. Harsh sulfates found in most shampoos and soaps, products with intense fragrances and harsh acids should be avoided by those with dry skin.
Combination skin is usually dry and flaky on one part of your skin and oily on another. This skin type has various needs and is probably the most common skin type. Those with combination skin should use two moisturizers, one for your oily areas and one for the dry, flaky areas. Also, be sure to exfoliate once a week to keep your pores unclogged.
These Are My Favorite Oils When Making Skin Care Products:
Olive oil is a deep moisturizer. It’s an antioxidant and can maintain even skin tone. It’s also soothing and supports against inflammation. Olive oil is a 2 on the scale and good for dry, acne prone skin.
Coconut oil is a deep moisturizer. It absorbs quickly and can soothe skin irritations. It’s also an antioxidant and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is a 4 on the scale. It’s best for very dry skin and use only on the body.
Rosehip seed oil is moisturizing. It helps exfoliate, brighten skin tone, and boost collagen formation. It helps reduce inflammation, supporting against skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis. It also helps reduce dark circles under the eyes, scars and fine lines. Rosehip seed oil is a 1 on the scale. It’s best for oily and acne prone skin.
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight moisturizer. It balances oil production and can help reduce dark circles under the eyes. It can also promote collagen restoration, is a natural astringent and repairs skin cells. Grapeseed oil is a 1 on the scale and it’s great for most skin types.
Jojoba oil is easily absorbed by the skin without leaving it greasy. It’s rich in Vitamin E. and helps eliminate free radicals, giving the skin a glowing complexion. It soothes and moisturizes dry chapped and irritated skin; making it great for skin affected by psoriasis, sunburn, and acne. Jojoba oil is a 2 on the scale. It’s great for most skin types; including oily and acne prone skin.
Almond Oil is moisturizing and can help to reduce puffiness and under-eye circles. It can improve complexion, skin tone, and the appearance of scars. Almond oil is a 2 on the scale. It’s best for dry, sensitive and acne prone skin.
Argan oil is moisturizing and soothing to various skin irritations like dermatitis and acne. It’s also an antioxidant, supports against inflammation, and may help in wound healing. Argan oil is a 0 on the scale and ideal for most skin types.
Shea butter has high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make it a wonderful ingredient for softening skin and intense moisturizing. It is highly conditioning, toning, and soothing to the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Shea butter is a 0-2 on the scale. It’s best for normal to dry skin.
Cocoa butter is highly moisturizing and helps prevents skin dryness and peeling. It can help lessen signs of aging and soothe skin irritations such as dermatitis or rashes. It’s also an antioxidant and supports against inflammation. Cocoa butter is a 4 on the scale. It’s ideal for body use only.
There is no scientific classification of skin types, so this scale is subjective. Since there are so many different skin types and needs, it's important to try various ingredients to discover your skin preferences. Use a product for at least a month to evaluate how your skin reacts.
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