(Relaxnews) – A slew of beauty and health bloggers have anointed 2012 the year of the facial oil. Since experts claim that plant-based oils — avocado, argan, chia seed, and coconut oils, to name a few — don’t clog your skin, several brands launched facial oils designed to treat adult acne this year and the new skin product category is set to be the next big thing.
Once feared for making skin too greasy, facial oils have hit the mainstream. Fresh, Själ Skincare, Nude, Sulwhasoo, AmorePacific, and Colbert M.D. have all recently added face oils to their product lineups.
"It might sound contradictory (and maybe downright scary!), but one of the best things you can do for a bout of blemishes is to slick your skin with oil," writes bloggerWell + Good NYC on Friday.
While the jury is out on which is best, NBC News recommends tea tree oil for acne, such as The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil ($9). Research suggests that five percent tea tree oil works as well as five percet benzoyl peroxide, the controversial main ingredient in Proactiv.
Well + Good NYC recommends a few facial oils to try as well, including Marie Veronique Organics Treatment Oil ($80). Three oils play a part in keeping your skin under control: argan oil controls surface sebum, borage oil fights off inflammation, and tea tea oil controls acne.
Or try La Bella Figura Tesoro Mediterranean Blend. For $70 a bottle, this facial oil works on both acne and wrinkles in a lightweight formula.
Holistic beauty buffs can also slick on De La Terre Herb Rich Oil for Blemished Skin($50), which contains vitamin-C-rich blackberry, burdock, fennel, and ginger to expel impurities and clear away spots — at least that’s the claim.
Still not everyone is convinced: Harpers Bazaar advises steering away from oils if you’re acne-prone. Their recommendation: something a bit lighter, such as New York dermatologist Dennis Gross Vitamin D Serum-Oil ($65). As with any oil, apply three drops at night after your serum or cream, since oils can block the absorption of other products.