Everything You Need to Know About Face Oils

In the recent years, we have seen a total skincare trend reversal. A few years ago, we were all stocking up on oil-free products, yet today the popularity of Face Oils has been increasing rapidly. With more and more people adding them to their daily routines, Face Oils, sometime called Oil Serums or Beauty Oils, are no longer just a trend. While many women (and men) have already made their choice in favor of Face Oils, there are still many of those who are hesitant to give it a try. The main issue for many is the word “oil” itself – negative associations with the word still linger from the “oil-free” trend phase. We will do our best to demystify this amazing skin care product so you can see if Face Oils are right for you!

What is a Face Oil?

Face Oil is a cosmetic product made of plant oils used to moisturize and nourish the skin. Face Oils may or may not contain essential oils, CO2 extracts or other oil-soluble ingredients. The base of Face Oils will always be a carrier oil (not silicones or other synthetics).

What are the benefits of using a Face Oil?

The benefits of Face Oils will vary depending on the formulation and ingredients used. While all Face Oils are moisturizing, some will be more suitable for dry skin, while others might work better for oily/problem skin types. In general, Face Oils serve as an addition to traditional moisturizers. Unlike lotions or creams, which contain mostly water and emulsifiers, Beauty Oils are pure botanical concentrates.

The ability to restore skin’s natural barrier function for the body is a major advantage of adding an Oil Serum to your daily routine. For decades we, the consumers, have been “told” that the products we use should be oil-free, otherwise we risk getting blemishes. We have been stripping the skin of its natural lipids with harsh surfactants and acids, and as a result many women now suffer from skin sensitivities. Our skin has become so “defenseless” that it can no longer withstand the environmental stress.

While adding a Face Oil may or may not be an ultimate panacea for all your skin problems, it will definitely help restore the barrier function, reduce skin irritation and promote a healthy glow in your skin. Using a Face Oil will keep your skin soft, supple and younger-looking.

How do you use a Face Oil?

A Face Oil can be used directly on the face as a moisturizer. Simply take a few drops, spread them between the palms of your hands and pat into freshly cleansed skin. The oil will be absorbed better if the skin is slightly damp. You can also massage the oil in, however you will generally need to use slightly more product for this. Face Oils can also be added to any cream such as a moisturizer or mask. They are great to be used as makeup primers as they create a smooth glide on the skin.

If applying Oil in the morning, don’t forget to top it off with a sunscreen, as Face Oils do not have adequate SPF to protect your skin from the sun.

And finally, it may take some time to get used to the texture of the oil. So if you have never used Face Oil before, start by applying it before going to bed.

Is Face Oil right for me?

Most skin types can benefit from application of Face Oil. It can be very useful not only to those of us with dry, mature or sensitive skin, but also to everyone who simply wishes to achieve healthy, glowing skin that is balanced and supple. An important factor in your decision should be the type and quality of Beauty Oil you buy. As with any other cosmetic product, choose the wrong one and your skin will rebel.

How do I choose the right Beauty Oil?

When shopping for a Face Oil, pay close attention to the ingredients used in the product. All of them should be the botanical names of the oils. Avoid the ones that contain fragrance/parfum, added color, petroleum-derived mineral oil, and silicones. Organic is always a plus, because you know the botanicals were not grown using harsh chemicals.

Also, make sure that you choose an oil that’s right for your skin. Heavier oils may be great for someone with dry and mature skin, while a person with oily and problem skin would benefit from lighter astringent oils.

Finally, make sure not apply oils that were formulated for body, hair or nails to your face. Facial skin is more delicate than skin on the other parts of the body, and has different needs than hair or nails.

Have you tried face oils? Let us know below!

Adapted from Masla Skincare