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OIL in place of regular moisturizer/using too much/argan oil!
  • I keep reading that using too much lotion clogs pores. It makes sense - the excess lotion that can't absorb into your skin stays on your face and clogs pores. I get that. And people also say that one way to make sure you're not using too much is to see whether or not you can blot off any excess, and if you can, you used too much.

    My question is: for people, like me, who recently began using a blend of natural oils instead of regular face moisturizer, how do you know if you're applying too much? I gently rub it into my skin, but there's always that bit of oil I can feel still on my face - it's not overly greasy, but I can definitely feel it. I just don't want to be thinking I'm doing a good thing for my skin only to be clogging my pores.

    Regarding argan oil: I've read reviews for the Josie Maran argan oil and even people with oily, acne-prone skin (my skin type) rave about it. But Beauty Brains says that while it can definitely benefit the skin, the oleic acid it contains is highly comedogenic. That would mean it clogs pores and causes zits. Two COMPLETELY different views!! I really wanted to switch to argan oil because I hear it absorbs well and I can actually wear it under makeup without feeling/looking like an oil slick.

    And lastly, is the Josie Maran argan oil any different from argan oil I can buy on the cheap? Has anyone had any experiences with any other argan oil brands?

    note: I know some of you would suggest switching to a lighter lotion or gel formula, but the reason I'm using my oil is for the affordable antioxidants!
  • I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil to clean my face and have no problems with it. The deep conditioner I use after at home hair color has argan oil in the formula (and no silicones) and works really well. That is the only product I use containing argan oil though. Maybe other forum member know more about argan oil used on the skin or perhaps the Brains will weigh in on the subject.
  • I was on Sephora reading some reviews for the Josie Maran argan oil and one person said the argan oil they had tried from another place wasn't as refined as Josie Maran's. I hope I can find a cheaper alternative, because the oil I'm using now is nice but leaves that slight oily feeling on my face even after I rub it in, and I'm hoping argan oil absorbs easier.

    I've tried moisturizing with just olive oil and it broke me out, but I think that's because I was slathering it on my face, hah. The oil I use now has a bit of olive oil in it, but not much.

    I'd really like to have a go-to face oil that contains antioxidants as I feel it's necessary (along with a healthy diet, which I have not mastered yet) to protect against free radicals! But I reaaally don't want to make my face break out more than it usually does!
  • Good luck in your search to find what works best for you! :)
  • I think I'm going to try using jojoba oil! Close to natural sebum, easily absorbed, and doesn't clog pores? Sounds like a winner! I've read that using a layer of antioxidants under SPF makes the SPF more powerful, so I'm looking forward to making it a part of my daily routine. Don't know why I didn't look into jojoba sooner! Now the only thing I need to do is look for a legitimate source and go get me some!
  • If you can't find the jojoba anywhere else and are in the US you can order it online. One place I had seen it was http://www.drugstore.com/desert-essence-jojoba-oil-for-hair-skin-and-scalp/qxp30748

    I tend to shop there frequently because many products like that are not readily available where I live.
  • first of, i don't agree with that statement that too much lotion with clog your pores, for most people if it clogs your pores it clogs your pores, no matter how much of it you put on. can't say for people with very oily skin. i use more than normal person would, but my skin needs it. if I use that rule of 'if you blot and there's still something there' then my skin would be too dry, i always put more moisturiser on at night to soak in while a sleep. i still get flaky skin at times.
  • I suppose it's different for people with different skin types. My skin gets very oily and is also breakout prone.
  • From what I have read, clogged pores have more to do with what is in your face cream, not how much you use! Some ingredients are well known to clog the pores (e.g. coconut oil). Do a search for "comedogenic ingredients", and you will find loads of useful information.

    I use argan oil in a face serum I make for myself - not any particular brand, just make sure it's pure argan.
  • I find Rosehip Oil is not too oily so it absorbs well on the face. You could maybe give it a try, it works well for me.