Our body produces oil (or in skin terms, sebum) naturally, however, as we age its production decreases significantly. This is one of the main reasons that you may start to notice your skin losing moisture and hydration. Our skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, and lack of it can cause breakouts, fine lines, as well as unwanted irritations due to decrease in skin resilience and health from the weakening of our skin’s protective barrier. Using a facial oil can help to lock in moisture in the skin while protecting it from various environmental exposures and stresses.
As a good, all around rule - it is important to look for oils that have smaller molecular size. These include Argan Oil, Squalane, and Jojoba Oil. If the molecular structure of an oil is too large, it cannot penetrate through the top layer of the skin.
Which Oil Should Be Used and For What Skintype?
For Dry Skin
Marula Oil is great for reducing redness and hydrating dry and irritated skin. This oil is rich in omega fatty acids which help to nourish and replenish the skin. Almond and Avocado Oils are also suitable for this skintype, which is why there are so many moisturising products that feature these key ingredients.
How to Use: If you have dry skin, gently cleanse your skin, apply your serum, and follow up with the face oil. Mix 4-6 drops of oil with your nighttime moisturiser and apply the mixture to your face and neck. You can also put 4-5 drops of oil on top of your moisturiser, this will serve as a protective barrier for your skin.
For Normal Skin
Avoid using oils that are too heavy. Squalane, Jojoba and Argan Oils are your best bet.
How to Use: The face oil application process for normal skin is almost the same as for dry skin, but rather, you should mix 2-3 drops of oil with your moisturiser. The amount of oil is reduced due to the increased amount of natural moisture and hydration that normal skinypes have in comparison to drier skintypes. Remember, you do not want to use the face oil directly on the skin instead of a moisturiser.
For Acne-Prone Skin
Breakouts happen due to overactive oil glands, so using a healthy supplemental oil such as Squalane, diminishes your own oil production. Most people with acne try to dry their skin out, which is one of the worst things you can do. Acne is your skin’s way of telling you that your oil to water ratio is off balance. Also, it is an indication that your skin is infected or has an inflammatory issue. Pomegranate Oil helps fight the bacteria in your pores causing the inflammation and break-outs on your face. Rosehip Oil is loaded with skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids that can help to treat inflamed and acne-prone skin. It also contains phenols which are proven to have antibacterial and antifungal properties without clogging your pores.
How to Use: Before using any oil on acne-prone or breakout skin, please consult your Dermatologist.
For Oily Skin
Jojoba, Tea Tree, Peppermint and Grapeseed Oils are good for people with oily skin. They are light in texture and don’t make the skin greasy. Other low-comedogenic oils like Argan, Buckthorn, Kukui and Rosehip are also safe options.
How to Use: Oily skin already has enough oil, so you don’t want to use too much face oil on top of it. The application procedure for oily skin is the same as for normal skin, but you need to apply very little - 1-3 drops of oil. If you are prone to oily skin and/or acne, it is much better to focus on moisturising and hydrating. Moisturisers for oily skin are generally very lightweight and don’t contain any oil, which is why you should apply a moisturiser first to avoid blocking the pores.
For Combination Skin
Marula Oil works great for combination skin. This oil has antibacterial properties and quickly penetrates the skin. Rich in fatty acids, Flaxseed Oil can eliminate acne breakouts and treat dry skin. The oil also helps seal in the moisture in your face which keeps the skin hydrated and healthy. Furthermore, it can minimize wrinkles, dark spots, and puffiness.
How to Use: Use the oil sparingly along with a lightweight moisturiser.
