Ask the
Experts
USING FACIAL OILS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Question: Is facial oil safe to use for combination skin and ideally, what ingredients should I be looking for in a day oil?
Ankita Khare, Director of Aroma Tierra,
responds, “Natural facial oils, if chosen correctly, work wonders for combination skin as they nourish, moisturize, and balance the skin’s natural oil production. Avoid heavier oils such as almond or olive, and lighter oils such as argan or grapeseed. Our top picks for combination skin are rosehip, prickly pear, and jojoba oils, as these have medium consistency, low comedogenic index, and excellent skincare benefits. It is also common to add a few drops of Clary Sage and Geranium essential oils for their oil balancing properties. Look for natural ingredients in your face oil, and avoid products with chemicals, mineral oil, fillers, or fragrance. The best day oil should be brimming with bioactive nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.”
Jan/Feb 2022
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From pediatric questions to general medical queries, our panel of experts is here to answer your questions….
CYST ON THE BODY
Question: I recently developed a cyst and the doctor said it’s a sebaceous cyst. What does it mean and is there a reason for it?
Dr. Rutsnei Schmitz, M.D. Specialist
Dermatologist responds, “A sebaceous cyst is a misname for an epidermoid cyst. They do not have any sebaceous glands nor contain sebum. Epidermoid cysts are derived from a hair follicle, covered by a thin layer of skin. They are filled with keratin and lipids(oil) debris. They come from a clogged hair exit, or after a minor trauma that makes the outer skin (epidermis) go into the inner skin(dermis). It should present as a firm, yellowish bump fixed to the skin, but mobile with a central punctum or blackhead. Foulsmelling cheesy content can be squeezed from it. Epidermoid cysts are common on the chest, shoulders, and face, but can occur anywhere on the body, including the genitals. Complications of an epidermoid cyst include rupture of the cyst, which can result in swelling and tenderness, due to trauma and bacterial infection. The cyst can be left alone in most cases. If the cyst has ruptured, it may recur. It’s not advisable to squeeze or manipulate a cyst because of this.”
