Myth: Facial Oils Are Bad For Acne-Prone Skin

For so long, women with oily and acne-prone skin have always focused on stripping their face of any kind of oil as a solution to their sebum problem. Many are guilty of using mattifying creams, alcohol-laden toners, and harsh cleansers that will leave the skin taut and dry. But more recent study on skincare have found that this practice, actually, is quite counterproductive. In fact, using the right hydrating products and face oil may be a better solution to your oily skin woes.

The cause of oily skin is pretty straightforward: overactive sebaceous glands which produce too much sebum than the face needs. This means that oil is good for a healthy skin biome—just not too much. And if we concentrate on stripping our face of oil, the result is that the sebaceous glands will only work extra hard to produce more oil, which creates the vicious oily skin cycle.

In fact, it sounds surprising but most women with oily and acne-prone skin struggle with dehydrated skin. “Most people with acne try to dry their skin out, which is one of the worst things you can do. Acne is your skin’s way of telling you that your oil to water ratio is off balance," said Dr. Debra Jaliman, NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist and author of Skin Rules.

So, instead of starving your skin of the hydration and TLC it actually needs, what you want is to look for hydrating skincare and face oils that can kill acne-causing bacteria.

The power of pili oil and elemi oil

This is where Pili Ani’s face oils really shines. We’ve heard about the amazing reviews of tea tree, squalane, and emu oil on oily skin; how they can stabilize the hydration and sebum production of the sebaceous glands, and how they have anti-microbial properties that can target acne-causing bacteria. But why look at oils sourced abroad when we have two special oils available locally that delivers just as well—maybe even better?

Pili Ani is a proudly Filipino beauty brand that makes use of local ingredients obtained from one these two special oils: the pili and elemi oil. The pili oil is derived from the pulp of the pili fruit, while the elemi oil is distilled from the sap of the pili tree bark that’s about 5 to 6 years mature.

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Pili oil is rich in essential fatty acids—both oleic and linoleic—and flavonoids. It has anti-inflammatory benefits, which help relieve acne redness. Those with oily skin will also love that pili oil is absorbed by the skin quickly, so it can boost the skin’s condition and moisture without leaving it too greasy.

Elemi oil, on the other hand, is beneficial in preventing and managing signs of aging, making skin firmer, stronger, and tighter-looking. It also has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties to ward off acne, and is known to balance skin oils and reduce oiliness.

Together, pili and elemi oil make a powerhouse tandem in addressing hydration, aging, acne, and sebum issues—and they’re both sourced locally, helping hundreds of pili-farming families in the Bicol region.  

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Pili Ani’s Self-Care Night Recovery Oil is for all ages and skin types

Combining the amazing properties of pili and elemi oil into one ultimate nighttime skincare must-have is the Pili Ani Self-Care Night Recovery Oil. It also contains squalane, arnica montana flower extract, evening primrose, calendula, english lavender, sampaguita, rosemary leaf oil, blue chamomile, which all serve to soothe, moisturize, tighten and address various skin problems such as redness, irritated skin, fine lines, and dryness.

Apart from the pili and elemi oil, which are both sourced from local pili farms, Pili Ani also infused sampaguita in the mix as a nod to our Philippine heritage. Currently, a lot is going on in their Research and Development department so that they can look for local alternatives to the other ingredients included in the Pili Ani Self-Care Night Recovery Oil, to make it as local as possible.

Whether you have dry, combination, sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin, you’ll stand to benefit from the many amazing properties of the Pili Ani Self-Care Night Recovery Oil. According to reviews, the oil is very potent in lightening acne scars, makes an amazing primer before makeup, and leaves the skin smooth and supple in the morning when used at night.

Even thought anti-aging is a huge selling point of this face oil, it’s very friendly to all ages. Even teens, who are at the peak of their hormonal imbalances, will benefit from the oil-balancing and antimicrobial properties of the Pili Ani Self-Care Night Recovery Oil.

How to use

The Self-Care Night Recovery Oil is best used with Pili Ani’s Youthful Glow Facial Cream and Gentle Face Cleanser. Use 1-2 drops, warm with the fingertips, smell for some additional aromatherapy, and apply on your face using upward and patting movements.

For dry skin, use the cream first and then the oil. It can also be used with a roller or gua sha for a much-needed face massage. For oily skin, use the oil first and then the cream for a less oily finish. It can also be mixed into your favorite moisturizer.

While it’s generally safe for pregnant and nursing women, they recommend to ask your Ob-Gyne before using the product.

For more information about Pili Ani and to shop their products, visit their website at piliani.com.ph or their Instagram page at @pilianiph.