Face oils are the hottest trend in healthy skincare, but how much do you really know about them? Getting familiar with botanical face oils like jojoba, evening primrose and rose hip--and learning how to use them according to your skin type and concerns--can help you get the best benefit for your skin.
What Exactly Are They and What Do They Do?
Face oils supplement the skin’s natural oils to provide a protective barrier on the surface. Oils are hydrophobic, meaning they keep moisture from escaping, which helps skin stay hydrated. Since oils have a smaller molecular structure than creams or lotions, they are more easily absorbed to deliver intense moisturizing benefits. If a molecule is too big, the oil can sit on the surface of the skin or clog pores, so it’s important to choose the right one for your skin type.
Different oils have different benefits. Rich in essential fatty acids, rose hip is nature’s secret to soft, supple, radiant skin. Evening primrose oil addresses the needs of the driest skin conditions and helps reduce signs of aging and sun damage. Organic jojoba oil penetrates skin to restore missing lipids, provide nourishment, soften the appearance of wrinkles and boost skin’s radiance.
Using the Right Face Oil for Your Skin Type
Whether you want to nourish skin for an instant glow or replenish depleted skin with deep hydration, the key to using face oils is to choose the right blend and weight for your skin type and concerns. Dry, dehydrated skin can benefit from year-round use of a nutrient-rich, quick-absorbing face oil. Oily or acne-prone skin, on the other hand, benefits from face oils formulated to dissolve excess sebum.
Dry or dehydrated skin happens when not enough sebum is produced. These skin types need both oil and moisture to look and feel hydrated. A few drops of a deeply nourishing face oil like Serum Absolut The Replenishing Oil layered over a moisturizer can lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier. If a face oil feels too heavy for your daytime routine, mix a few drops into your nighttime moisturizer.
Oily/combination skin occurs when there is too much sebum. While it may seem counterintuitive to use oils on an oily complexion, choosing the right facial oil in the correct amount can actually balance the natural oils your skin produces.
This is definitely a case where you don’t want to overdo it. Just a drop or two of a luscious, lightweight oil like Serum Absolut The Sublime Oil can leave skin feeling smooth and silky to the touch without trapping surface bacteria or clogging pores. Apply a lightweight moisturizer first, then layer one to two drops of face oil to prevent moisture loss. The result? Skin that glows without looking greasy.
Normal skin types can also benefit from face oils. Just a couple of drops applied directly to the skin can form a barrier that protects it from harsh environmental conditions or dehydrating situations such as air travel or air-conditioned offices.
Healthy Skincare Tip: Apply face oils to the face, neck and décolleté each day to leave skin looking dewy and glowing. Face oils are highly concentrated, so you need only a few drops to cover your entire face. Too much may lead to clogged pores, breakouts and other skin issues.
Also keep in mind that location can matter almost as much as your skin type. Apply face oils with a lighter hand in humid climates. In drier climates, a more liberal application can brighten, nourish and deliver a sublime glow.
By Noelle Graf
