How To Use Body Oil Without Causing Breakouts

Body oil is the latest in a string of wellness products that touts skin-enhancing benefits. Creating a silky sheen that models would envy, body oils can also help with other wellness practices such as lymphatic drainage massage as well. But, the silky smoothness may come at a high price: breakouts.

To reap the soothing benefits of your body oil without the breakouts, check out the ingredient list before you add it to your cart. Especially during the winter months, finding the right product for you can give your skin the nourishment it needs. "Applying a body oil in the colder months is especially beneficial as it provides long-lasting hydration to the skin that helps tackle dryness caused by cold temperatures, low humidity and increased use of heaters," Dr. Naissan Wesley tells Forbes. 

To start, Wesley recommends finding a body oil that contains linoleic acid, as it helps maintain and fortify the skin barrier. But, as far as breakouts go, it's important to steer clear of comedogenic additives like avocado or coconut oil, the outlet notes. Essentially comedogenic ingredients clog pores and lead to breakouts, Self explains.

First, check out body oil options that say non-comedogenic on the label. If you can't find it anywhere, check the ingredient list manually and look for pore-clogging additives such as marula oil or carrot seed oil, Forbes notes. A few non-comedogenic ingredients include olive oil, grapefruit oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and Brazilian nut oil, according to the outlet.

You can also opt for a "dry oil" option that may combat your oily skin and avoid breakouts. These products sink into your skin relatively quickly, Glamour reports, and don't linger on the surface — often the aspect that spurs breakouts. Plus, you can use a product that contains tea tree oil which will fight off blemish-creating bacteria for an extra boost. 

Of course, doing a spot test to see if the product makes your skin break out can be helpful as well. "Instead of buying a new product and slathering it all over your face, put a small amount along your jawline or behind the ear, give it a day or two, and see how your skin does," Shilpi Khetarpal, M.D., recommends to Self. By doing your research, checking the ingredient list and using with care, you can find a body oil that gives you the healthy glow you want.