Does Avocado Oil Clog Pores and Cause Acne Breakouts? The Pros, Cons and What Studies Reveal

Does Avocado Oil Cause Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. While the exact causes of acne are complex, diet and skin care ingredients can play a role. This has led some acne sufferers to wonder: does avocado oil cause breakouts?

Avocado oil is extracted from the pulp of avocados. It's valued in skin care for its moisturizing abilities and high concentration of antioxidant carotenoids. However, when it comes to acne, the verdict on avocado oil is mixed.

The Pros of Avocado Oil for Acne

Here are some potential benefits of avocado oil when it comes to acne:

• Non-comedogenic - Avocado oil is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. Non-comedogenic oils can help unclog pores by dissolving sebum and dead skin cells.
• Anti-inflammatory - Avocado oil contains compounds like linoleic acid that have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce acne-associated redness and swelling.
• Moisturizing - The oleic acid in avocado oil helps hydrate dry skin, which can decrease acne caused by excess sebum production.
• Antimicrobial - Extracts of avocado have been found to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes.

The Cons of Avocado Oil for Acne

On the other hand, here are some potential downsides of using avocado oil if you have acne-prone skin:

• Heavy texture - Avocado oil has a thicker, greasier texture than lighter plant oils. This heavier texture may clog pores for some people.
• Allergic reactions - Avocado allergies, though rare, do exist. An avocado allergy could trigger inflammatory acne breakouts.
• Oxidation - When exposed to air and light, avocado oil can oxidize and become rancid. This leads to free radical damage that may worsen acne.
• Fungal acne - The oleic acid in avocado oil can potentially feed malassezia, the fungus associated with fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.

Studies on Avocado Oil and Acne

Currently, direct scientific research on the effects of avocado oil on acne is limited. However, some small studies provide insight:

• A 2013 study found that an avocado and soybean extract cream significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to a placebo. The anti-inflammatory effects were attributed to the linoleic acid and phytosterols in avocado oil.
• A 2018 study observed the effects of an avocado and grapeseed oil cream on mild to moderate acne. After 12 weeks, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly without side effects.
• A 2020 study found that avocado leaf and fruit extracts inhibited the growth of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and reduced TNF-alpha mediated inflammation in acne.

Overall, these studies suggest avocado extracts may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties beneficial for acne when applied topically. However, more research is still needed.

Other Factors That Impact Acne

While avocado oil may play a role, other factors have a bigger influence over acne. These include:

Hormones

Hormone fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can increase sebum production and inflammation. This makes breakouts more likely.

Genetics

Genes determine the activity of your sebaceous glands and how your skin cells shed. This affects acne likelihood.

Stress

Stress hormones like cortisol increase sebum production. Stress also causes inflammation.

Medications

Certain medications like lithium, corticosteroids, testosterone, and anabolic steroids can trigger acne.

Diet

Diets high in processed foods and sugars produce inflammation. Some studies link milk products and high glycemic load foods to acne as well.

Skincare Products

Products containing pore-clogging ingredients like coconut oil or with irritating ingredients like alcohol can worsen acne.

Best Practices to Prevent Acne

To best care for acne-prone skin, keep these tips in mind:

• Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser in the morning and evenings.
• Avoid excessive scrubbing and over-washing, which can irritate your skin.
• Shampoo regularly and keep hair products away from your face.
• Avoid touching, picking, or popping pimples to prevent spreading bacteria.
• Use oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup.
• Take off makeup before bedtime with a gentle makeup remover.
• Avoid oils high in oleic acid like olive oil if you have fungal acne.
• Exfoliate 2-3 times per week with a gentle chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid or lactic acid.
• Protect skin from the sun with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, therapy, or other healthy outlets.
• Discuss prescription topical or oral acne treatments with your dermatologist if over-the-counter options don't improve your acne.

Should You Use Avocado Oil If You Have Acne?

When it comes to using avocado oil for acne-prone skin, proceed with caution. Avocado oil falls into a grey area - it has some benefits but also some potential drawbacks.

Avocado oil is not necessarily comedogenic, but it may clog pores for those prone to acne. Its heavier texture makes it more likely to block pores compared to a lighter plant oil. Using avocado oil also runs the risk of allergic reactions or rancidity aggravating acne.

However, avocado oil does have anti-inflammatory properties that could reduce acne when used in medicated creams and cleansers. Early research on avocado extract is promising.

If you decide to try avocado oil, perform a patch test first. Check for increased breakouts where the avocado oil is applied over the next several weeks.

Introduce it into your routine slowly and stop using it if you experience more clogged pores or inflammation. Stick to using avocado oil in targeted treatments and cleansers rather than applying it directly to acne-prone areas.

Opt for high-quality, cold-pressed, unrefined avocado oil and store it away from heat and sunlight. Never use avocado oil past its expiration date.

For most acne sufferers, avocado oil should not completely replace other oils and treatments recommended by dermatologists. But when used judiciously, it may calm inflammation and hydrate skin without clogging pores.

The Takeaway

There is no definitive answer yet on whether avocado oil clogs pores and causes acne breakouts. Preliminary evidence suggests topical avocado oil may be beneficial, while other factors like its heavy texture raise some concerns.

Acne sufferers need to weigh its potential benefits against possible risks. Use caution when trying avocado oil for the first time and stop using it if it seems to worsen clogged pores or inflammation.

When in doubt, consult your dermatologist for personalized guidance. With professional help and the right multi-step routine, you can achieve clear skin even if avocados don't end up being an ideal match.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.