Name a more luxurious skincare product than a facial oil? We’ll wait. Nothing feels more nourishing and restorative than an oil and incorporating them into your daily skincare ritual is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
Suitable for all skin types — yes, even acne prone and oily skin! Expect an off-the-charts glow and healthy, plump and smooth skin after continually using facial oils. The key is choosing the right blend of oils best suited for your skin.
Read on for our ultimate guide to choosing the best facial oils for your skin type.
Oily skin - the right oil can balance your skins oil production and help stabilize and regulate your skins natural sebum. Choose lightweight, skin mimicking oils that won’t clog pores and will absorb quickly, preventing water loss.
What to use:
- Jojoba oil - jojoba mimics the skins natural sebum, ‘tricking’ your skin into moderating its own oil production and producing less oil. Works to break down and dissolve sebum, helping to control shine.
- Squalane oil - the more you use these oils over time, your skin will become more balanced and less oily.
- Marula oil - light in texture and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores.
Dry skin - dry and dehydrated skin loves a rich oil that builds and provides a natural protective barrier that will seal in moisture. Oils that are high oleic acid (an essential fatty acid), help soothe, reduce irritation and lock in moisture. The goal is repairing the skin barrier and thicker oils give your skins outmost layer some serious TLC.
What to use:
- Maracuja oil - full of linoleic acid, which makes it a skin saviour when it comes to hydrating and repairing the skin. Linoleic acid is an essential building block for ceramides, which moisturize and protect the skin barrier.
- Grapeseed oil - not only is this oil great for acne-prone skin, it's also great if you're suffering from dry skin, as it locks in moisture within the skin's surface and helps to extend the effects of vitamin C and E.
Acne prone skin - Light, antioxidant-rich oils helps rebalance acne-prone skin. Sadly, a lot of the acne treatments are formulated with harsh ingredients that strip your skin of its natural oils. When your skin is irritated or dry, it overproduces sebum, resulting in breakouts and acne. The key to reducing your breakouts is slathering your skin with nourishing oils. If you’re worried about oils breaking out your skin, patch test in your most reactive spot for a few days and see the results. If it doesn’t cause your skin to breakout further, massage a few drops of oil on your skin as the last step of your skincare routine.
What to use:
- Hemp Seed oil - rich in vitamin A and E and high in linoleic acid, helping to bring acne-prone skin back into balance.
- Grapeseed oil - naturally antimicrobial, grape seed is a great remedy for getting rid of acne causing bacteria.
- Rosehip oil - full of essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6), working to calm and soothe skin, while helping to treat scars and uneven skin tone. A lightweight oil that will easily absorb into your skin.
Sensitive skin - the key with sensitive skin is choosing oils that soothe and nourish.
What to use:
- Moringa oil - Packed with antioxidants, fatty acids and anti-inflammatories to protect, repair and calm irritated skin.
- Jojoba oil - not only is jojoba great for most skin types since it's gentle and light, it's also recommended if you have sensitive skin as it will help to reduce flareups and skin irritations.
Aging / mature skin - as we age our collagen and sebum (natural oil) production slows down which can lead to a dull, drier complexion.
What to use:
- Argan oil - known as ‘liquid gold’, argan oil is fast absorbing and known to increase cell regeneration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rich in phenols and carotene, antioxidants that protect the skin from aging free-radical damage.
- Rosehip oil - rich in vitamin C and retinoid acid, to increase collagen production and reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, smoothing and brightening skin.
What to look for in a facial oil:
- Targets your skin concern - choose products that will target your specific concerns (ie. argan, rosehip for anti-aging etc). Then do your research on formulas that work best for you. Most face oils are blends so they are able to target multiple concerns you might have.
- Non comedogenic - especially when you have acne-prone or oily skin, it’s crucial to choose products that are non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores.
- Fragrance free - synthetic oils and fragrances can easily irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Choose products that only contain natural fragrance and extracts.
How do you apply face oil / how do you use face oils? Less is more when it comes to oils. Gently pat or massage (in an upward and outward motion) just a couple drops into your skin. Because most oil blends are concentrated, a little goes a long way.
When should you apply face oil? Always apply facial oils as the last step of your routine. Oils penetrate moisturizers, serums and treatments but other products cannot penetrate an oil and will prevent your other products from properly absorbing. Here’s our guide on how to layer your skincare. If you’re new to face oils, try mixing a couple drops with your moisturizer. The oil will create a barrier for the skin to trap moisture in, creating a seal.
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