Does Jojoba Oil Help in the Treatment of Acne?

Jojoba oil is used to combat acne and other skin problems. But is it really effective? In this article we reveal what science says about its qualities.

Written and verified by the psychologist Elena Sanz.

Last update: 25 October, 2022

Jojoba is a perennial plant widely used for cosmetic and pharmacological purposes. What we know as jojoba oil (a yellowish, clear, liquid substance) is actually a liquid wax ester.

This substance has great value as a carrier oil, i.e. it improves the absorption of cosmetics such as sunscreens and topical drugs. But perhaps the properties and uses of this plant go beyond the above mentioned. That is why today we going to address the question of whether jojoba oil helps in the treatment of acne.

In addition to being an excellent carrier substance, jojoba oil has been recognized as having numerous benefits for the skin. It has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, prevent aging and improve wound healing. It is common to hear that it is a very effective product for treating acne problems. But to what extent is this true?

Does jojoba oil help fight acne?

If you suffer, or have suffered, from acne, it’s likely that someone around you has recommended using jojoba oil to combat it. The fact is that this product is widely considered a suitable treatment at a popular level. However, scientific evidence is still limited.

There still isn’t enough research to determine whether jojoba oil helps fight acne. However, some studies have been conducted that show promising results.

For example, in one study, participants used clay and jojoba oil face masks to treat the condition of their skin. After applying them two to three times a week for six weeks, acne and skin lesions were significantly reduced.

Other studies have shown that certain components of plant oils (including jojoba oil) are able to act on the skin by repairing the homeostasis of the skin barrier. This property is intended to be enhanced with emulsified variants.

The proven anti-inflammatory effect is beneficial for conditions such as acne or dermatitis. This, together with jojoba oil’s healing capacity, makes it a promising adjuvant.

Research carried out on mice even showed that transdermal application of jojoba oil has an effect on biochemical parameters in the blood. Within 30 minutes of application, serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids increased. This implies that certain components of the oil penetrate the skin, generating important changes.

Recommendations for acne treatment

In short, jojoba oil can indeed be useful in combating acne. However, it isn’t recommended to use it as the only measure, as it isn’t a first-choice treatment.

To eliminate acne or reduce it significantly, it’s essential to be constant and persevere with some basic care. First of all, it’s necessary to keep the skin clean and dry so that the pores don’t become clogged or infected.

To do so, it’s advisable to wash your face twice a day with water and a mild soap specifically for acne-prone skin. Cleaning should be done by massaging in a circular motion, as excessive friction can damage the dermis.

On the other hand, avoid touching the skin on your face with dirty hands and, above all, don’t squeeze, touch, or pop pimples. Doing so increases the risk of creating a wound that may lead to a scar. In addition, an infection is likely to spread.

Additionally, benzoyl peroxide, applied topically, has an important bactericidal and anti-inflammatory action. Using over-the-counter creams and lotions made with this compound can help fight it.

Always consult a professional

Ultimately, acne is a condition that can occur in both men and women of all ages and can arise from a variety of causes. Sometimes, its appearance is the result of age-related hormonal alterations; this is what happens during puberty.

Other times it’s related to the use of hormonal contraceptives. Certain types of diet can even increase the propensity to suffer from it. Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to maintain proper facial hygiene and be careful with your skin.

Keeping the skin always hydrated and using specific products for our type of dermis can also be of great help. Likewise, certain drugs or phytotherapeutic treatments, such as jojoba oil, are adjuvants.

However, when faced with such a condition, the best thing to do is to go and see an expert. The dermatologist will be able to analyze the origin with greater precision and recommend the most appropriate approach. If we want to avoid mistakes that can further damage our skin, it’s necessary to put ourselves in their hands.