Why is oil cleansing breaking me out?

Is the problem the cleanser or the washing?

Both are possible. Acne develops when hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow, become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. Skin and hair products that make skin greasy can contribute. Irritation is another route to more breakouts, so scrubbing harder is not a useful way to investigate.23

A breakout after starting oil cleansing does not identify the cause by itself. Hormonal changes and certain medicines can also contribute to acne. If you changed several products together, consider the whole routine rather than assuming the oil cleanser is the only possible culprit.2

What should you change first?

1. 1Stop the oil cleanser that appears to worsen your breakouts. Use a gentle cleanser instead, and choose skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores.
2. 2Wash gently up to twice daily and after sweating. Apply cleanser with your fingertips rather than a washcloth, sponge or scrubbing tool.
3. 3Remove makeup at the end of the day. Avoid adding astringents, toners or exfoliants to compensate for the breakouts; these can irritate skin and make acne appear worse.
4. 4Keep an established acne treatment consistent rather than repeatedly switching treatments. Frequent changes can irritate skin and cause more breakouts.

Do you need to double cleanse?

One thorough wash with a gentle cleanser is usually enough. An oil cleansing step is most useful for removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.1

If you continue double cleansing, gently massage the oil cleanser into your skin, rinse with lukewarm water, then apply a water based cleanser while skin is damp. Rinse again and pat dry. Following oil with another cleanser is the method, not a promise that the combination will suit acne prone skin.1

Micellar water followed by a water based cleanser is an alternative for makeup removal, so the oil step does not have tenure. For dry, sensitive skin, choose a gentle, unscented water based cleanser; cream cleansers are less drying than foaming ones.1

How long should you wait for improvement?

Acne treatment generally needs 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use to show improvement. That waiting period is for treatment, not a reason to persist with a cleanser that appears to worsen breakouts. A pharmacist can advise on acne treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if changing your cleansing routine is not enough.23

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if spots are deep, painful, numerous or causing scars, or if self treatment is not helping. Get help for hot, swollen or red skin, which can signal infection, and for acne affecting your mental health. Avoid picking or squeezing spots because this increases the risk of scarring.2