Facial oils can work magic on your skin, but will they cause you to break out? What if you’re acne-prone or have oily skin?

Good news: facial oils can’t cause zits. Ever. That’s because acne isn’t caused by the oil on your face. Blackheads, whiteheads and pimples are caused by clogged pores, where the oil your skin produces gets stuck by dead skin cells. Just exfoliate regularly, and use a cleanser or toner that clears out your pores.

In fact, facial oils may even help prevent acne.

It seems counterintuitive (Oils? Stop acne? But the oils are what got me into this problem in the first place!) but it makes perfect skin sense.

Facial oil cleansers remove all makeup

Oil binds to oil, so facial oils are awesome at breaking down very creamy foundations, sunblock, sweat, grime… Basically all the gunk that can irritate the skin and clog your pores. If you don’t “feel” clean after using an oil, then double cleanse. Start with a facial oil, then wash off with a gentle cleanser or toner.

Your skin absorbs oils better

Smaller oil molecules can penetrate the skin. That’s because the cell structures are compatible with our own, so it’s absorbed faster and better. All the anti-ageing ingredients And after the initial oiliness, your skin feels supple not greasy.

Facial oils rescue post-breakout damage

Plant oils contain essential fatty acids, gamma linoleic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Your skin needs this to fight the effects of UV exposure and free radical damage. Many facial oils also help fade acne marks and dullness. Beauty Insider tip: if you mix a few drops of facial oils into your foundation, you get a dewy and youthful glow. Hello, gorgeous!

Facial oils calm overactive oil glands

Many people who have acne-prone skin reach for harsh and drying toners and cleansers. While this gives that tight feeling we associate with being clean, it can confuse your skin to producing more oil. If your skin is moisturized and balanced, you’ll actually produce less oil.