Contrary to popular belief, facial oils are not exclusive to those with dry skin. The best facial oils can benefit all skin types, provided you find the right one for your needs.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Face Oil in Your Skincare Regimen?
Typically, moisturizers are the final step in a skincare routine. However, many are now adding face oils to their regimen due to their nourishing and skin-softening properties. This is especially important as colder months approach, which often brings increased dryness.
“Oils are generally made up of large molecules that are occlusive,” says Dr. Rabia Malik, founder of Skin W1. “They seal moisture into the outermost layer of the skin and act as an emollient, keeping skin soft and smooth.”
Is an Oil More Hydrating Than a Moisturizer?
Moisturizers and serums deliver hydration and active ingredients into the skin, while oils provide nourishment and conditioning on the surface. Therefore, you shouldn’t replace your serum with face oil. Instead, oils can complement moisturizers, especially for those with drier skin types.
“Depending on the formulation, certain oils can be added to existing serums and moisturizers for a hydration boost,” Malik explains. “For instance, a drop of oil can be mixed with your serum or moisturizer in the palm of your hand before application.”
When Should I Apply Facial Oil, and Should I Use It Every Day?
“Facial oils can be used as and when required and are easy to incorporate into most skincare routines,” says Malik. Generally, face oil should be applied as the last step in your skincare routine (after serum and/or moisturizer) but before sunscreen and makeup in the morning, and as the final step at night. However, be cautious about using oils during the day as they can interfere with your SPF. To be safe, it’s best to use them overnight.
While oils can be used daily, it’s important to ensure your skin doesn’t become overly reliant on them. “Skin can become reliant on this coating, making it lazier,” says skin expert Debbie Thomas. “This is why you might want to occasionally switch your oil for an equally nourishing combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.”
How to Apply Face Oil
Face oils are excellent for use with facial massage techniques and often have soothing aromatherapeutic benefits. “I use two to three drops of our Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil most nights after a thorough cleanse,” says Brown. “It’s best applied after using a face mist for more even application and extra moisture.” Massage your oil into the face using upward and outward motions to aid lymphatic drainage and sculpting. You can also use your oil on other areas needing extra nourishment, such as hair ends or cuticles.
Which Face Oil to Use for Your Skin Type
“People with combination and oily complexions often fear oils,” explains Sarah Brown, founder of Pai. “However, oils can actually rebalance oily skin, especially after using products that strip away natural sebum.”
Dermatologist Dr. Sharon Wong suggests approaching oily skin types with caution. “Oils are comedogenic to varying extents,” she says. “Acne-prone skin, in particular, is naturally oily and does not benefit from face oils, as they can block pores and cause acne.”
For those using face oil for the first time, start slowly. Apply a few drops once or twice a week and observe how your skin responds. Below is a guide to finding the best oil for your skin type:
Dry Skin: Look for face oils rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Ingredients such as grape seed, squalane, marula, rose, and jojoba oils can fortify the skin barrier and prevent water loss.
Oily Skin: Most dermatologists agree that face oils aren’t ideal for oily skin. If you do try one, choose a high-quality oil that is light in texture and contains antibacterial or antioxidant properties. Tea tree oil can treat individual spots in mild acne cases, while omega-6 can help regulate sebum production. Avoid thick oils like coconut oil.
Sensitive Skin: Despite being plant-based, many face oils can irritate sensitive skin. Always test the product on a small patch before applying it more broadly. Look for formulas that calm and protect, such as squalane, marula, vitamin E, rosehip, and jojoba.
Incorporating face oils into your skincare routine can provide significant benefits if you choose the right product for your skin type and use it appropriately.
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