Albolene is a moisturizing cleanser that has been around for quite some time. There are many supporters of this skincare product and rightfully so. It’s formation contains moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredients that support sensitive skin. Those suffering from acne may question whether albolene may be good for them. Albolene can be a great choice for acne sufferers, but you must use it correctly. Using albolene incorrectly can cause more breakouts. Using it properly can lead to clear and thoroughly cleansed skin.
The main ingredients in Albolene include mineral oil and petrolatum. These are widely used across cosmetic industries and are generally well-tolerated. To note, it is important to patch test all products prior to use, regardless of ingredient tolerance.
Table of Contents
Petrolatum
While it was long believed that petrolatum is a completely inert substance without many skin benefits, it actually has quite a few.
For one, petrolatum is well-tolerated. It rarely irritates the skin and is soothing when applied.
In addition, since petrolatum is an occlusive ingredient (creates a barrier on top of the skin), it traps moisture and water content in the skin. This can speed up wound healing.
Lastly, petrolatum is perfect for extremely dry and flaky skin. As mentioned earlier, petrolatum is an occlusive ingredient. However, it is able to penetrate the stratum corneum slightly. This has been shown to improve the function of the skin barrier by supporting membrane structures.
Another study has shown that when petrolatum is applied topically to the skin, it reduces the amount of bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Further, petrolatum was shown to increase filaggrin in the skin. This is an important substance that promotes the production of ceramides, which aid in protecting the skin barrier and keeps the skin hydrated.
And finally, using an occlusive such as petrolatum can reduce the look of redness from post-inflammatory erythema.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a type of emollient. Emollients are substances that soften skin cells.
While there has been some debate on the presence of mineral oil in cosmetics, there are a multitude of scientifically-verified skin benefits from topical application of mineral oil.
When applied to the skin, mineral oil has shown to decrease transepidermal water loss. This means that it keeps water in the skin and softens cells.
It also works to occlude the skin slightly. It forms a thin barrier over the skin which protects the skin, increases hydration, and prevents water loss.
One of the great things about mineral oil is that it is very stable. It is not likely to be degraded in the presence of oxygen, which makes it a favourable ingredient for the skin and most people can tolerate it well.
Using Albolene as an Oil-Cleanser
As noted above, both petrolatum and mineral oil are great emollients with skin-softening properties. They protect the skin from environmental stressors. They can soothe dry skin.
Albolene is marketed as a cleanser.
It contains a wax-like substance that can be used to cleanse the skin. It is very important to use it correctly in order to gain the maximum benefits from this product.
This can be considered an oil cleanser or a balm. It is great for removing makeup, removing waterproof sunscreen, and thoroughly removing all skin care products that were used earlier in the day.
Oil cleansers have a multitude of skin benefits. Since “like dissolves like”, using an oil cleanser can effectively break up sebum, oils, waxes, and other skincare products that may be present on the skin.
It is much less drying than a regular skin cleanser. In addition, it is easy to use and can be wiped off or rinsed with water.
Albolene is also an affordable option that is easily accessible in many drug stores and online. It has a minimal ingredient list which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Including petrolatum and mineral oil in the ingredients makes this oil cleanser a great choice for those suffering from dry or flaky skin.
It is also great for those suffering from inflamed skin, as it supports the skin barrier and doesn’t degrade important proteins on the surface of the skin, like many regular cleansers do.
Regular cleansers often have cleansing agents known as surfactants that are incredibly drying and can strip the skin of its natural oils. This causes a disruption of the skin barrier. Instead, Albolene protects the skin barrier.
Why Albolene May Improve Acne
Now that it has been discussed in detail about why oil cleansers are much better for the skin than regular cleansers, Albolene can actually help improve acne. It does so by supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
A large contribution of acne involves a disruption of the skin barrier. This makes it difficult for the skin to fight against bacteria, environmental stressors, harsh or abrasive ingredients and skin care products.
Improving acne starts with being gentle with the skin, supporting the skin barrier, and reducing flaking and inflammation on the skin.
Using an oil cleanser like Albolene can actually facilitate these effects, and prevent the skin from becoming irritated, inflamed, red, dry which prevents acne formation.
How to Use Albolene Properly
As mentioned earlier, it is very important to use albolene properly to avoid any types of skin reactions and to gain the maximum benefits from it.
You must use an oil cleanser first, on dry skin. This will help to break up sebum, oils, and other skincare products thoroughly. Once this is complete, you can rinse this off with water.
You will notice that, since it is a waxy type of product, water will not completely rinse it away. You still want to wet the skin, and go in with a second gentle foaming cleanser that is suitable for sensitive skin.
This will remove all excess product from the Albolene. Then, you can dry your skin and apply your skin care products as usual.
It is best not to use Albolene as a standalone skin care cleanser. It will not be able to wash off properly and will end up staying on the surface of your skin, along with all of your other skin care products and dirt and pollution from the day, and this can end up breaking you out.
References
Effects of petrolatum on stratum corneum structure and function – PubMed (nih.gov)
A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oil – PubMed (nih.gov)