Skin Lightening Myth: Jojoba Oil Treats Hyperpigmentation & Acne Marks

Photo credit: Honeybeepollen

I'm going to start a new series here debunking the various skin lightening myths we've heard and read about. There is a lot of great information out there on the internet (that is how I've learned so much about skin lightening the natural way) but unfortunatley a lot of it is false information. Hopefully blogging about all the misconceptions can help misinformed people see the light (no pun intended. lol so lame, I know).

The Top 10 Skin Lightening Myths post I wrote a couple of months back was more on a broad scale. It was covering skin lightening and skin whitening as a whole, and how the media and even some dermatologists dish out false claims. These particular posts I will be making refer specifically  to one myth.

And that is the connection between jojoba oil and hyperpigmentation and acne marks.

We've all heard about jojoba oil. It seems to have garnered a lot of attention as of late in the acne fighting community, but some people don't know that jojoba oil is sometimes represented as a hyperpigmentation/discoloration treatment as well.

The information I found online on this connection was...interesting. Since most of my blog is filled with factual information that is backed up by studies, I don't have a problem writing an article on a topic. However when something is a myth, or not concrete, valid truth - it is difficult to sift through the hundreds of sites advocating jojoba oil as the ultimate acne mark fading treatment.

A little background information about jojoba oil: it is made up of liquid wax esters that have a very similar composition to sebum (the oil the is produced by our skin and hair). It's generally not as irritating as other 'skin oil' products, and definitley is not as greasy as them as well. It should be noted though, jojoba oil does not moisturize as well as other skin oil products, and can be used also as a cleansing oil.

The acne community really has jumped on this particular ingredient because a lot of people find that it helps regulate their oil production. Since the composition of jojoba oil is so similar to sebum, it does have a balancing effect on the skin. Especially after cleansing. Many times using harsh products and cleansers can over stimulate the oil glands which causes all kinds of problems.

Focusing back to hyperpigmentation and acne marks; many people claim that introducing jojoba oil into their skin regimen has helped fade, even out and lighten their acne marks. The actual studies I found about jojoba oil and it's properties really do not validate the notion that it can lighten skin in any way. There are no enzyme inhibitors or melanocyte suppressing elements to jojoba oil. So, with this particular myth, the truth is...

Jojoba oil cannot lighten skin or fade acne marks, hyperpigmentation.

I can however try to explain why some people get results from it. Since jojoba oil conditions skin and balances out the sebum of the skin, that can play a role in the evening of various discolorations. The less acne that you are getting, obviously the less chance you'll be getting acne marks.

I should mention though that jojoba oil isn't for everyone. It is incredibly subjective, since many people get clogged pores from it. I have oily skin, and I do not use oil-based products at all on my skin. I refuse to because I know I will breakout from them.

Another reason why people might see results from jojoba oil is because it is generally non-irriating (doesn't cause flushing, redness to most people) and that can help calm things down. Never under estimate the power of soothing ingredients, since about 40% of  most hyperpigmentation is caused by irritation/inflammation.

Also there seems to be a lack of understanding regarding acne marks and acne scars. I touched on this subject on the post How To Get Rid of Acne Marks. Acne marks (red or purple/brown/dark) are different than acne scars. Acne scarring is more of a skin texture issue. They tend to be raised bumps and texturized bumps. Acne scars are often pitted in the skin.

I do believe having healthy, balanced skin affects acne scars. Jojoba oil does hydrate enough for oily skin types to condition, and even out acne scars. So in essence, jojoba oil is more of a acne scar treatment than a acne mark or hyperpigmentation treatment.

=)