Oil is NOT the Enemy!

In my practice, when I suggest to patients that they should stop treating their face like a dish or utensil—scrubbing it vigorously with hot water and detergents—one of the most common responses I get is concern about the oils. "What about the oils?" they ask anxiously. "Aren't they bad for my skin?"

 

Well, here's the surprise: oils are not the enemy. In fact, they're essential for your skin's health. The skin naturally produces a variety of oils—triglycerides, free fatty acids, ceramides, and others—that collectively form what's known as the skin barrier. This barrier is crucial for protecting your skin, maintaining its integrity, and supporting its overall health. Some of these very oils are even incorporated into skincare products designed to replenish what washing can strip away.

 

So why are so many people afraid of oils? The answer lies in what I call the "skincare industrial complex." Similar to how Pepsodent once vilified dental film to sell toothpaste, the skincare industry has spun a narrative that stripping oils from your skin is beneficial. They've convinced us that the tightness and dryness we feel after washing are signs of a "deep clean" or skin refreshment. This sensation is equated with progress and improvement, but it's actually a clever marketing ploy.

 

Like Pepsodent's addition of tingling agents to give a sense of effectiveness, skincare products often contain irritants that create a temporary sensation of cleanliness or rejuvenation. This misleading tactic perpetuates the myth that stripping oils is good when, in reality, it harms the skin's natural balance and can lead to irritation, sensitivity, and even worsen skin conditions.

 

So, don't fall for the marketing trap. Your skin doesn't need to be squeaky clean to be healthy. Embrace the natural oils your skin produces—they're there for a reason.

Thanks for reading and God bless.

 

Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist