With so many skincare products out there, it can be hard to know what you should use and what you can leave out. Face oils are a must in our book, as they help seal in moisture, protect your skin, and are chock full of beneficial ingredients. If you haven’t added a face oil into your skincare routine, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to get your most flawless, glowing skin.
What Are Face Oils?
Face oils are oil-based skincare products that are formulated to work with your natural oils to keep your skin balanced. They act as an extra layer of protection, strengthening the outer layer of your skin by softening it and sealing it, preventing moisture loss. Face oils are known for their hydrating properties and are especially great for dry skin, however they’re also beneficial for anti-aging and have antibacterial and healing properties. They prevent against environmental stressors our skin faces from the outside world and overall, create a healthier, more radiant complexion.
7 Benefits of Using Face Oils
- Strengthens the skin barrier, trapping moisture and hydrating the skin
- Creates soft, supple skin
- Evens out your complexion
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Regulates natural sebum (oil) production
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Has antibacterial and healing properties
Will Using Face Oils Make Me Break Out?
If you haven’t used face oils before, be sure to cautiously incorporate them into your skincare routine to see how your skin responds. If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, it’s recommended to steer clear of face oils altogether as oils are pore cloggers and can lead to pimples and angry skin. Dry skin does best with face oils as the oil acts as an emollient by sealing and preventing water loss, however even combination and oily skin types can benefit from face oils.
5 Tips for Applying Face Oils
1. Thinnest to Thickest
When you’re applying your skincare products, a good rule of thumb is to go from thinnest to thickest. Your lightest products, such as your facial oils and serums should go first, and then you can move your way up to your thicker products, like moisturizers and sunscreen.
2. Multitask Your Skincare
Another way you can use face oils is to add them to your existing skincare products, such as a serum or moisturizer for added benefits. Simply add a few drops of the oil into one of your favourite products and rub them both into your skin. Just don’t mix your facial oil and SPF together (even a moisturizer with SPF) as the oil can dilute and weaken its effects.
3. Apply It Post-Serum
Serums and oils are both super thin, so it doesn’t really matter what order you apply them in. However, applying a face oil after a serum will allow the beneficial components of the serum to be ‘locked into’ the skin.
4. Don’t Go Overboard
You don’t need to use too much face oil on your skin. They’re highly concentrated products and oils spread easily, so a few small drops is more than enough to do the trick. Play around with it and after the first couple times, you’ll know how much you need to use!
5. Massage Your Skin
Using a face oil is the perfect time to do a facial massage or gua sha if you’re wanting to add more relaxation into your routine. Apply your favourite face oil then glide the gua sha over the skin in a downward motion over your face, jawline and cheekbones, or massage in upward and outward motions to relieve tension.
Which Face Oil is Right for Your Skin Type?
Normal/Balanced Skin (Not Too Oily or Dry)
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil
If you have balanced skin, there are a range of face oils that will work for you and this is one of the best. Infused with pure vitamin C and calming turmeric, it delivers skin-loving ingredients directly into your skin for a brighter, glowing complexion. It’s also great for anti-aging and dark spot correction!
Dry Skin
Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
The number one goal for dry skin is to pump it with moisture. This face oil contains a complex mix of essential fatty acids and skin-vital antioxidants to alleviate dry skin, calm redness and give your skin a dewy glow. It revitalizes a dry, flaky complexion and is perfect either on its own or added to your favourite moisturizer.
Oily Skin
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
This face oil was formulated for even the most sensitive skin, containing high concentrations of antioxidants to work against free radicals. It moisturizes, nourishes and rejuvenates your skin, and helps balance your natural oils for a youthful glow!
Combo Skin (Dry in Some Areas, Oily in Others)
Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-in-One Face Oil
If you have combination skin, this facial oil contains 16 vegan, non-comedogenic oils to target the varying issues you may have. To moisturize your skin, it has meadowfoam, hemp, sunflower, cranberry, olive, broccoli and grape seed oil. For plumping, anti-aging benefits, it has black currant, tsubaki, sacha inchi, and sea buckthorn oils. And for antioxidants, there is prickly pear, cucumber, rosehip, watermelon and pomegranate to trap moisture in and keep free radicals out.
Face oils are beneficial for (almost) every skin type. Use the best face oil for you to unlock your most flawless, radiant complexion.
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