Everything You Need To Know About Face Oils

You know all about face creams. And primers. And serums. But face oil? For years, putting oil on our faces was considered a no-go, particularly for those with acne-prone skin. These days, it’s a different story. This buzz-worthy skincare product has been soaring in popularity (for good reason!) and can work wonders on any number of skincare woes, producing surprisingly amazing results when applied correctly.

What Is Face Oil Exactly?

Simply put, face oils are generally a mix of fatty plant extracts designed to smooth and soften the skin’s surface by filling in the little gaps that may be flaked or cracked, while sealing in moisture. They’re typically used to help hydrate, but the face oils of today have all kinds of different benefits depending on what you’re looking to achieve. And though they work great on their own, when combined with the other products in your skincare arsenal (like moisturizers and serums), they can become a super power.

Why Do You Need Face Oil?

Face oils have many potential benefits, but their main purpose in life is to serve as an extra layer of protection on your face while helping with a variety of different skin ailments.

Dry Skin – This one’s a no-brainer. Face oil helps dry skin by strengthening and repairing the barrier between your face and the impurities of the outside world waiting to wreck havoc. Not only does it put a stop to skin moisture evaporation, it adds a little extra hydration when you need it most (we’re looking at you, winter).

Aging – As you know, our skin already produces oil to help prevent dehydration, keeping moisture in and pushing toxins out. As we age, we produce less of these essential oils, so we could use a little extra boost. They work by keeping skin pleasantly plump and hydrated, delivering a smoother, more youthful-looking glow.

Acne – Though using oil on acne-prone skin seems counterintuitive, it’s actually the opposite. Most acne treatments out there today are riddled with irritating ingredients out to strip your skin of its natural oils. This creates dryness and inflammation, causing an overproduction of sebum (cue the pimples and blackheads). Acne-safe face oils can nourish the skin before it gets inflamed, helping your body cure the pimples you already have without causing more.

Which Face Oils Are Best For Your Skin?

From rich to lightweight to astringent the most important thing to remember is that not all face oils are created equal. Read on to find which oils are best for your skin type.

For Anti-Aging Skin – To help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you need a face oil that not only hydrates but one that penetrates the skin barrier to fight cell-damaging free radicals. Look for products with rosehip, almond or argan oil for best results.  

For Dry Skin – Parched skin needs something a little thicker and richer that doesn’t get soaked up too quickly. Look for products with jojoba, coconut or argan oil, as they tend to sit on top of the skin guarding the precious barrier.

For Acne-Prone Skin – If you have acne, chances are you’re using treatments that can dry out the skin thanks to the salicylic acid. What you need are ingredients that bring on the lipids and antioxidants, while keeping the skin hydrated and protected from dryness. Chamomile, calendula and rosehip oil are a hugely helpful ingredients in this case.

The Top Face Oil Ingredients And Their Skincare Benefits

While a number of different face oils can help you on your quest for beautiful skin, these standouts really pack a punch.  

Coconut Oil – Checking nearly every beauty box out there, this oil is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and can also help with skin barrier repair, skin aging and wound healing.

Rosehip – Celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, rosehip oil is also rich in antioxidants and has the potential to work wonders as a part of your regular skincare routine.

Calendula – A big helper in the hydration and firmness department, this natural anti-inflammatory can improve the overall appearance of your skin by promoting healing.  

Jojoba – One of your skin barrier’s greatest assets, jojoba brings on the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties something fierce.

How Do You Use Face Oil?

Because face oils are nutrient powerhouses, a little goes a long way. One to three drops is usually enough to cover the bases and deliver the results you’re after. To apply it to your face, avoid rubbing it in like a moisturizer. Instead, dab or pat the oil into skin so it absorbs the oil and gets right into your pores (this helps speed up the beauty benefits!).

How Does Face Oil Fit Into Your Routine?

This totally depends on your skin type. If you’re using it for the anti-aging benefits, you may want to start with oil first or add a few drops to your moisturizer to boost the effect of your products. If your skin tends to be on the drier side, oil should be the last step in your skincare routine as it thrives on top of the skin enhancing the barrier of protection and locking moisture in.

So are face oils worth the hype? We think so! Just be sure to choose the right one for your skin type and you’ll be off to the races. If you’re still unsure as to what type is best for you, check in with a dermatologist for a little guidance in that department.