Does Olive Oil Clog Pores? (NEW ANSWER)

Does Olive Oil Clog Pores?

Olive oil is an essential oil with a wide range of benefits. Olive oil is a heavy oil and although it does have lots of beauty benefits it can easily be a breeding ground for bacteria. It is very likely to cause acne and irritation on your skin. Considering how heavy olive oil is, it is moderately comedogenic and has numerous benefits.

So many lists of oil are good moisturizers for your skin, but the downside is that they can clog oily skin. Clogged pores develop when dead skin cells or dirt gets trapped under the pores and this can lead to acne. These pores are tiny openings on your skin.

Yes, olive oil can clog pores, and it has lots of benefits for your skin but it is moderately comedogenic and heavy, so it can easily attract bacteria. Also, it can incur further damage to sensitive, dry, and eczema-prone skin. However, it can be used in beauty products or sparingly and extra oil should be wiped off with a cloth or cotton.

Olive oil has been around for thousands of years, and it is highly beneficial for your skin in addition, it contains lots of antioxidants. Not only can it be included in your diet but your skincare routine as well.

There are several reasons you might get clogged pores and oftentimes, the essential oil you use is not to blame. Read on to learn more about clogged pores and if they can be caused by olive oil.

What Causes Clogged Pores?

Understanding the causes of clogged pores is the first step to combating it. Clogged pores can affect any skin type, although it’s common with oily skin. It appears when dead skin cells, dirt, or oil gets trapped in your pores, these pores are tiny openings on your skin that release oil and sweat from your glands. Clogged pores quickly lead to acne.

Other reasons why you might be getting so many clogged pores are excess oil resulting from hormonal changes, dry skin, a buildup of dead skin cells, and dirt or oil getting stuck beneath the surface. Fortunately, clogged pores can be treated easily.

A clogged pore usually looks like a whitehead or blackhead. The three main culprits of clogged pores are excess oil, over-cleansing, and dead skin cells. Luckily you can get rid of clogged pores if you stick to a gentle skincare routine, which includes exfoliating and avoiding ingredients that can clog pores.

Does Olive Oil Clog Pores?

Which Oils do Not Clog Pores
Image: Byrdie

Olive oil does have lots of health potential which is why it’s used in cooking. It’s naturally high in squalane, an oil that mimics your skin’s natural sebum, and with its high antioxidant content, it can take care of your skin. However, olive oil does have the potential of clogging your pores as it is moderately comedogenic.

Olive oil is heavy and does not absorb into the skin easily unlike argan or grapeseed oil. So, yes, extra virgin olive oil will clog pores, especially if you have oily skin and if used in excess, it can also trap bacteria.

A breakout is something no one likes and knowing what is suitable for your skin and what is not is the first step to avoiding that. Olive oil can be used on dehydrated skin if you do not have anything else to use but ensure you massage over your moisturizer or on top of your dry skin. Do not slather olive oil on your skin.

While the benefits of olive oil can’t be denied, it does have the habit of clogging pores if used too often. Experts advise against using olive oil to take care of acne-prone skin or treat dryness in sensitive skin. But you can use olive oil if you are not prone to dryness or acne.

Is Olive Oil Good For Your Skin?

Despite the fear of olive oil clogging pores, it is good for your skin. Olive oil has high safety and a low comedogenic rating but is still likely to cause acne and irritation for those with dry or sensitive skin. Your skin barrier has to be super hydrated and olive oil is high in squalane so it will help leave your extra skin smooth and soft.

The benefits of olive oil can’t be doubted but note that skin is quite different and it might work for you or not. Olive oil clog pore abilities can change if it is mixed with the right ingredient and not slathered on. So, olive oil should not be ruled out as a great oil for the skin.

Which Oils do Not Clog Pores

The type of oils that won’t clog pores are the non-comedogenic ones, they will keep your skin dry and acne-free. Below is a list of the best oils that do not clog pores and provide you with supple skin as well.

  • Sunflower oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Neem oil
  • Sweet almond oil.

There are many non-comedogenic oils out there, but these are topping the list. It is important that you do a patch test before using any oil on your skin and also experimenting with different non-comedogenic oil can help you decide which is effective for your skin.

Wrapping Up

Olive oil is one of the most popular oils for your diet and beauty routine. We do agree that the oil is quite heavy, may clog pores, and attract dirt to be trapped under the skin.

However, you can enjoy the benefits of olive oil if you use it sparingly and don’t have to worry about breakouts. If there is any extra oil on your skin, wipe it off with a cotton ball or soft cloth to avoid breakouts.

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