The Beauty of Facial Oils
The most timeless beauty trend will always be healthy, radiant skin. People travel the world, spend infinite amounts of money, and try any treatment possible for a youthful, glowing complexion. Healthy, luminous skin needs hydration and natural facial oils are one of the best ways to keep your skin moisturized while also protecting it from environmental damage.
I’m sure you’ve noticed the rising popularity of facial oils as they’ve been popping up all over Social Media and Sephora shelves. And as a devoted facial oil lover for over 8 years, I can confirm that they are worth the hype!
Yet, once upon a time, not so long ago, “oil” was a dirty word in the beauty world. Oil-free was prominently labeled on most skincare and makeup products. But that was before we understood just how beneficial the right facial oils can be in your beauty routine.
And yes, every single skin type can benefit from using the right facial oils. The secret is making sure you’re choosing the best type for your particular skincare needs. For example, grape seed, tea tree, meadowfoam, and rosehip seed oils are all good options if you have oily skin. They’re non-comedogenic and lighter in texture so they won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Facial Oils are one of the few products that can treat skin issues while giving you that bright and radiant complexion naturally. And many have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant benefits as well. In this post we’ll be exploring a variety of some of the best natural oils for your specific skin-type and how you can start adding them to your beauty routine.
How To Choose The Best Facial Oils
✔️ Look for oils bottled in dark glass because exposure to light and heat can spoil the oil.
✔️ Choose organic and cold-pressed oils when possible.
✔️Check the ingredients on the label to ensure the oil is 100%
✔️Choose the right oil for your skin type. Different oils work better for specific skin concerns so the following guide will help you pick the best facial oil for you.
If You Have Dry Skin...
Dry skin is usually a result of drier climates, over washing, over exfoliating, hot showers, or your skin’s not producing enough oils naturally. So the application of hydrating oils helps aid in the prevention of water loss by sealing in hydration. However, the most effective way to hydrate skin is from the inside-out. So remember to drink enough water throughout your day to maintain hydration.
Pro Tip: Use a hyaluronic acid moisturizer with a few drops of facial oil for an extra youthful glow. Hyaluronic acid helps to plump skin and replenish moisture loss.
What to try:
Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil is intensely hydrating, rich in vitamin E and has been shown to stimulate collagen production. It’s great for both dry skin and dry hair. It’s nourishing and gentle enough for anyone with eczema or dermatitis. It’s also incredibly high in vitamin A giving it some line-smoothing and zit-fighting power when used topically over time.
Squalane Oil
Squalane is derived from olives and because its molecules are very small, it can be easily absorbed and has amazing benefits for all skin types. When applied topically, squalane has tremendous skin benefits. It’s also rich in antioxidants to fight skin damage and free radicals – both of which accelerate the aging process. Regular use can also boost collagen production, resulting in firmer skin.
If You Have Oily Skin...
Contrary to popular belief, facial oils are not off-limits to people with oily or acne-prone skin. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but the right oil can actually help stabilize and regulate your skin’s own natural sebum production. This is because breakouts are due to overactive oil glands so using a facial oil such as rose hip seed can actually help regulate your skin’s natural oil production.
Opt for lighter oils like grape seed, rose hip, and tea tree oils. These oils contain ingredients that can kill acne causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and help slough-off dead skin cells. Try to avoid using heavier oils on your face like coconut oil which can potentially clog pores.
Pro Tip: Use a moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acid with a few drops of facial oil as an effective option for oily or acne-prone skin.
What to try:
Grape Seed Oil
If your skin is incredibly oily, opt for a lighter oil like grape seed oil. It’s a natural astringent so it helps mattify your skin. Grape seed oil contains high amounts of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and vitamin E. Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it’s used to treat acne by attacking the bacteria in your pores that cause breakouts. Grape seed oil also contains a powerful antioxidant called proanthocyanidin. This antioxidant has been shown to even out skin tone when used on your skin consistently.
Rose Hip Seed Oil
When you want to treat irritated, angry, broken-out skin, you’ll want to try rose hip seed oil. It hydrates without clogging your pores and has been shown to help fade acne scars. Prized since ancient times for its valuable healing benefits, rose hip oil is loaded with skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids. It also contains phenols that have antiviral, antibacterial properties. Rose hip seed oil has also been shown to help calm irritations from rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
If You Have Combination Skin...
People with combination skin can see a dramatic difference in the evenness and tone of their complexion when using the right facial oil. Squalane, jojoba, and marula oils are your best bet. They are hydrating yet easily absorbed so they are excellent for all skin types.
What to try:
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is an incredibly lightweight and breathable oil that actually breaks down and dissolves sebum to help control shine too. This makes it great for combination skin that still needs moisture. Jojoba oil also has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness and ease the effects of eczema and rosacea – keeping skin calm and clear. Also rich in Vitamin E and B-complex vitamins to help repair skin damage.
Marula Oil
Marula oil is great for combination skin since it’s not heavy and won’t leave you feeling greasy. Because marula oil is lightweight, it absorbs easily and is an effective moisturizer for dry skin too. It’s also been shown to be beneficial for smoothing and softening fine lines, preventing stretch marks, and reducing redness in dry, irritated skin. This oil is rich in omega fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants to keep skin hydrated and well-nourished.
If You Have Sensitive Skin...
If your skin’s sensitivity is caused by dryness, using the right oil can help calm and regulate your skin by improving hydration. People with sensitive skin or known allergies to botanical ingredients may need to be extra cautious when trying a new facial oil. If you have sensitive skin, perform a patch test on your inner arm before using any oil on your face.
What to try:
Argan Oil
Argan Oil is silky, soothing, and sinks in quickly. Rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, it’s shown to help prevent skin damage, dark spots, and fine lines by blocking environmental damage. Argan oil is a champion beauty oil that can also be used on your hair and body as well. Josie Maran’s entire skincare line is centered around this miraculous oil.
Aloe Vera Oil
Aloe is considered a superfood powerhouse and is filled with anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. It also has the added bonus of being a natural antibacterial and astringent, making it a great option for sensitive skin that’s also oily or acne-prone. Aloe oil is shown to help reduce redness, irritation and discomfort too. That’s why it’s most famous for the healing relief of sunburns.
For Anti-Aging Benefits
Our bodies produce oil naturally, but as we age that production starts to decrease significantly. The skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, otherwise, it gets too dry which can cause fine lines, and wrinkles. Facial oils have been proven to help your skin retain moisture, making it softer, smoother and less prone to fine lines and the visible signs of aging. These oils can also be used along with retinoids to help soothe and hydrate skin since retinol can be very drying. Those with oily skin can still use 2-3 drops for the anti-aging benefits without the greasiness.
What To Try:
Camellia Seed Oil
Camellia seed oil is rich in Oleic Acid (Omega 9) up to 80%! It’s also high in polyphenols, vitamins A, D, C, E, and other antioxidants giving it excellent skin and hair moisturizing properties. Camellia oil contains fatty acids linoleic and palmitic acids, helping to maintain moisture in the skin and protect the skin from UV and environmental pollution exposure. Vitamin A encourages healthy skin cell production, while Vitamin D supports the growth and repair of these new cells. This nourishing oil has been the treasured beauty secret of Japanese Geisha’s for centuries.
Moringa Oil
Moringa oil is packed with anti-aging antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and vitamins E and C to protect your skin from free radicals and photoaging caused by ultraviolet rays. Moringa oil also contains the amino acids L-arginine and glutamic acid, which have collagen stimulating, anti-aging benefits that can increase skin’s elasticity. It’s lightweight, yet still moisturizing enough for dry skin.
It's Time To Get Your Glow On! ✨
Now that you have a better idea of which facial oils to try, here’s a few quick tips for incorporating them into your beauty routine.
✔️Best when applied on freshly washed skin. Add a few drops of oil with your fingers and lightly massage in an upward sweeping motion.
✔️Add a few drops of oil to your facial moisturizer or makeup for a more radiant complexion.
✔️Add a few drops of oil to your favorite body moisturizer for a more luminous glow.
✔️Use facial oil with a Guasha tool or any other lymphatic drainage technique.
✔️Combine multiple oils to create the perfect personalized blend for your skin type.
✔️Saturate your hair in coconut, avocado, and/or camellia oil prior to washing. Twist it up in a bun and let sit for 30 minutes for an intensely hydrating pre-poo treatment. It washes out easily and leaves your hair feeling extra smooth and silky!
