Face Oils – What’s Best For Your Skin Type?

Somewhere along the line between our tween and teen years, someone put the notion in our heads that facial oils were a recipe for breakouts and disastrous skin. And to be fair, this is sometimes a possibility for some oils, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. But that fear monger has some explaining to do today.

The truth is that face oils can do wonders for every skin type. It’s just about finding the right one for you. Follow along as we delve into the beauty benefits of facial oils, and help you find your beloved true-match face oil for a gorgeous complexion. It’s closer than you might think and, perhaps, is the ultimate skin secret.

When we think back to the skin care advice and tips we were given growing up, “oil” sent visions of greasy skin, pizza face, or soggy old French fries – no thanks! Then along comes modern skin care, praising facial oils up and down for their healing properties and skin benefits. We’ve got one foot in… but what kind of oils are we talking about, like from the pantry? Not exactly!

Facial oils can be broken down into single or pure oils that consist of one ingredient that comes directly from the source, like coconut or argan oil. You can have combined oils that consist of several oils together to create a multipurpose product that can target several different skin needs, such as face oils with a range of often plant-based potent ingredients with oils.

To oil-leviate any confusion, you’re going to find either straight-up oil, oil blends, or oil/non-oil hybrid products, such as a facial oil with retinol, for instance, that addresses a specific skin concern – in this case, aging.

Facial oils are rapidly growing in popularity in skin care routines, often as part of providing an extra sealant of protection and transforming skin from dull to dazzling. As the masses discover the many key benefits of facial oils, these ultra-elixirs are continuing to experience an upward trend that makes them different and unique from other products. They are master mimickers! Here’s how:

Our skin naturally produces oils and lipids, which help prevent water loss to keep our skin hydrated and taut. Face oils help to keep your skin balanced and add an extra level of protection to guard against moisture loss, which could lead to dry skin and early onset of fine lines and wrinkles. Face oils also keep sebum at bay – a slippery slope that can lead to acne.

While they’re predominantly known for their hydrating properties, we’re here to shout from the rooftops that facial oil is the one product with endless uses that can actually treat your skin issues, while giving you the radiant face of your dreams.

So, is applying these fabulous oil elixirs good for your face? We’ll let you decide with some of these golden benefits that facial oils can offer to your skin!

#1: Helps keep skin balanced – even for oily or acne-prone skin
It seems counterintuitive to put oil on your face when most of us don’t want to look oily – especially if we already happen to have oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. Alas, facial oils can actually help to balance excess sebum in oily skin types to keep acne at bay.

#2: Seals in moisture and adds extra nourishment – especially for dry skin
While anyone – even those with oily skin – can benefit from facial oil, it can be especially nourishing to dry skin. Whether your dryness can be blamed on plummeting fall temps or regular dry skin symptoms, facial oil can help boost your moisturizer’s hydrating efforts.

PRO TIP: Face oils are the thickest ingredients or the most occlusive layer to seal in hydration. In regards to moisture retention and using a face oil, it’s important to remember that if you apply a moisturizer after a face oil, it won’t be able to penetrate that seal and as a result, will be less effective.

#3: Promotes a healthy glow, especially for mature or dull skin
As we age, our skin produces less natural oils; this may exaggerate the look of fine lines. Facial oils can help with anti-aging concerns because they contain antioxidants that pass through the skin quickly, preventing water loss while keeping skin plump. Antioxidants also boost collagen production and strengthen skin elasticity – another anti-aging perk!

#4: Helps foundation apply more smoothly
The silky, luxurious feel of facial oil makes it a marvelous skin care product to apply before your foundation. If your skin is dry, flaky or has blemishes, it can be difficult to apply makeup with a seamless application or non-patchy finish. Facial oil helps your makeup brushes glide across the skin for a smooth, even application.

PRO TIP: For fresh, dewy skin, you can try mixing a facial oil with your foundation, or you could also take the speedy route and go for an oil-infused foundation.

#5: Helps to make your nighttime products more effective
When facial oils are applied as the last step of your evening skin care routine, they can act as a barrier on the outer layer of the skin. Applying natural oils for skin before bed allows ample time for your skin to soak them up overnight and provide protection throughout the day.

It’s a great question! Facial oils and serums can both benefit your skin routine. They are similar in that both of these skin care products are designed to help improve skin texture, clarity, and overall appearance and suppleness. They do, however, have some key differences that make both of them great assets to your skin care routine.

Serums tend to be light, ingredient-rich formulas that address specific concerns, like uneven skin tone or texture. They are typically water-based and contain lightweight moisturizing ingredients, making them ideal to apply before a moisturizer. Because of their tiny molecular size, they may penetrate the skin more quickly and deeper into the skin, providing nutrients to the deeper layers.

On the other hand, facial oils tend to be thick, hydrating formulas that primarily address dryness or dullness; though some advanced oil blends, or oil/non-oil hybrid formulas can do more. They’re usually oil-based, rich, emollient formulas that can help nourish the skin’s natural protective barrier, and help balance the skin by mimicking the skin’s natural sebum.

PRO TIP: You can use a serum and face oil together. If you want to use both but not at the same time, try breaking them up with a serum during the day and facial oil at night. It depends largely on your personal preferences and skin type.