As per an Aesthetician, this essential fatty acid plays a significant role in reducing breakouts.
Even after several years as a beauty editor, I find there is always more to discover regarding acne-prone skin. Having experienced acne myself, this personal journey has driven me to learn as much as possible about how my unique skin type operates and how to care for it without causing further damage. Recently, I had the opportunity to receive a remarkable facial from Eminence Organic Skin Care’s international educator, Brian Goodwin, which led to yet another enlightening realization.
After sharing my skin concerns with Goodwin, which included inflammation, congestion, and hyperpigmentation, he introduced me to a lesser-known issue related to acne-prone skin. He mentioned that individuals with acne-prone skin often lack an essential fatty acid known as linoleic acid. If you’re into skincare like I am, you may already know about both linoleic and oleic acids. While both are essential fatty acids, linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fat that the body cannot produce independently and is categorized under the omega-6 fatty acid group.
"Although we at Eminence haven’t conducted any studies ourselves, there are fascinating findings regarding this subject," Goodwin informed me. "Research has indicated that those with acne-prone skin typically have lower levels of linoleic acid in their sebum compared to individuals who don’t suffer from breakouts. Linoleic acid is crucial for maintaining the follicular barrier and regulating sebum production. A deficiency in linoleic acid can result in thicker sebum, increasing the risk of clogged pores and subsequent breakouts. It can also jeopardize the skin's barrier. Without sufficient linoleic acid, the barrier may weaken, leading to increased inflammation and irritation. Therefore, the absence of this specific component can trigger a cycle that exacerbates acne."
Considering the multitude of factors that contribute to acne, and recognizing that every person's skin is unique, this was an issue I hadn’t previously contemplated. Goodwin then proceeded to tell me about the brand’s Recovery Facial Oil ($85), a remarkable product that I had used up entirely before stopping due to running out.
This nourishing facial oil, according to Goodwin, can serve as a significant solution. If you’re like me and have previously felt apprehensive about applying too many oils to your face, rest assured. This can actually be a beneficial remedy for the problem of low linoleic acid in the skin. "Facial Recovery Oil is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin because it contains olive oil and sesame oil, both naturally abundant in linoleic acid. This aids in supporting the skin’s barrier function and balancing sebum levels, thereby reducing the risk of clogged pores. The formula also features tea tree oil and sage oil, which are recognized for their antimicrobial properties, helping to alleviate inflammation and decrease the bacteria associated with acne. If you have oilier skin, I also recommend our Charcoal and Black Seed Clarifying Oil ($118), as its primary ingredient, black seed oil, is also high in linoleic acid."
Even if you prefer not to use a dedicated facial oil, you can still opt for skincare products that contain vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid, such as sunflower, grape-seed, or soybean oil. Goodwin has some additional recommendations. "Sesame and olive oils are both excellent choices. They provide the fatty acids necessary for acne-prone skin to maintain the skin barrier and minimize the likelihood of breakouts." Goodwin adds that you could enhance your diet with these types of oils. "On the dietary supplement aspect, omega-3s and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) have been shown to reduce inflammation, a significant aspect of acne," he explained. "The body converts linoleic acid into GLA, so taking supplements rich in GLA can help address breakouts. Borage seed oil or evening primrose oil are both suitable options, and it’s just a matter of determining which one your skin responds to best."
If you're facing inflammation and breakouts, incorporating products high in linoleic acid can be beneficial. However, Goodwin offers further guidance. He identifies over-exfoliating as the primary mistake he observes in those with acne. "It's common to fall into the pattern of using numerous clinical-level active ingredients like glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and retinol all at once," he stated. "However, using too many active ingredients can compromise the skin’s barrier and disrupt the microbiome. When this occurs, the skin struggles to control inflammation and defend itself against irritants, potentially exacerbating acne. For individuals in this situation, I always recommend starting with a professional skin analysis and consultation. A licensed aesthetician or certified dermatologist can help ascertain your skin's needs and develop a more tailored routine."
In general, if your skin is consistently experiencing breakouts and inflammation, Goodwin also suggests doing an active-ingredient reset. I have personally undergone this process when my skin was problematic, and it yielded excellent results
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As per an Aesthetician, this essential fatty acid plays a significant role in reducing breakouts.
If you frequently experience breakouts, your skin may have a deficiency in it.