I battled with acne all through high school and half of my college career. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on face products: from Proactive, Clearasil, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Bioré, and Cetaphile. I have also purchased cleansing brushes and a personal baby quasar. I’ve spent many years in and out of the dermatologist and have tried several antibiotics, creams, emulsifiers, retinoids, and astringents. I was eventually put on Accutane. However, my liver couldn’t handle it and I was forced to stop my treatment.
My point in sharing my history isn’t to discourage anyone but to prove I’ve been through it all and I HAVE found something that works for me and many others.
It’s call Jojoba oil.
Some people may be immediately turned off by the word “oil” in the name, but it’s actually not an oil at all! It’s a wax ester. Jojoba oil is an all organic “oil” that is a huge ingredient in many high end department store moisturizers. What makes it so special is the fact that it is feels and looks so much like the natural sebum we produce in our own skin.
The reason it has worked so well for treating my acne is that very reason. Oil breaks down oil! When you apply the oil to your skin it tricks your pores into thinking it has already produced enough oil for the whole day. Thus, slowing down the production of oil, and breaking down the dead skin and dried sebum clogging the duct. Since it is an ester, it never expires or goes rancid. It has a natural antibacterial agent in it so it also disinfects the face of P. bacteria associated with acne.
Jojoba oil is great for all skin types, too. Like I said before, a lot of people are turned off by the word oil in the name, so those with oily skin would naturally be repulsed. However, this product works really well for those with oily skin because it slows the oil glands from creating excess oil (it doesn’t stop the formation of oil, only slows the process). This has dramatically improved my skin and healed it from the years where acne has ravaged my skin. This is also a great remedy for those suffering from winter skin or Psoriasis.
There are different ways you can apply the oil.
1. You can apply the oil directly to your face and rub it into the skin for a minute or two. You’ll want to take a wash cloth and remove the excess oil that way, because water wont take it off. A little goes a long way so only use 5 or 6 drops. Over time, the more you use Jojoba oil the less you’ll need.
2. Some people may have a cleanser they really like but just want some added moisture. You can take a few drops and mix it with your cleanser. The same can be done to your moisturizer.
3. Mixing baking powder and Jojoba oil can be a great way to exfoliate. Mixing about a quarter size mound of powder and about 5 drops of oil can help remove dead skin cells and moisture to your skin. You can use less oil to make the exfoliant more corse. It leaves your skin really smooth! I use this method.
When you first start using the oil you may go through a “purging period” where your skin is pushing everything to the surface (I had to go through this). This will cause you to break out, but DON’T be discouraged! The oil will actually calm your skin and reduce redness. Just keep using the oil and I promise you’ll be happy with the results.
I hope you guys found this article helpful. I posted some before and after pictures of my skin. The first picture is when I was still in high school and the after photo is about a year after I started using Jojoba oil. You can find the oil in any health food store. It can also be purchased online. Some may find it a bite pricey depending on what products they use; I paid $9 for a 4 fl. oz. bottle. It lasts for about a month and a half and I use it morning and night.