Myth: “I can scrub my oily skin or acne away.”

Fact: This is one of the most common oily skin and acne myths estheticians hear. Cleansing too often, using too much pressure, or over-exfoliating your skin can actually make the problem even worse.

“Acne-causing bacteria lies deep in the follicles under your skin; scrubbing the surface will not make it go away. In fact, it will potentially aggravate the skin more! Acneic skin needs products that contain salicylic acid to deeply cleanse and remove surface impurities. The skin also needs benzoyl peroxide, like that found in tea-tree essential oil to heal the skin.” – Rhonda Robb, Spa Sweet Studio at The Trove Salon

“Stripping the skin of oil can actually cause your body to product more oil. The skin actually needs some oil to protect itself, so when you strip it completely, it tries to replace what it has lost. Those who self-treat oily skin with alcohol-based, drying products often end up with dehydrated, irritated, and sensitized skin that is even MORE oily than it was to begin with. Use products designed to cut down excess oil without stripping the skin” – Debi William, Image Is… Salon

Natural alternatives to salicylic acid are willow bark extract and benzoyl peroxide are Tea Tree Oil. For replenishing oil production in your skin, try pure cold pressed moringa oil to seal your pores when wet.

Blessings!