Facial Oils: Benefits, Types and How To Pick One
You have your cleanser, moisturiser, eye treatment and perhaps a weekly mask thrown into your skincare routine, but where does a facial oil sit? Often, it’s a crucial step missing in your skincare that can help improve moisture levels and boost radiance.
Facial oils have been used for centuries and modern day twists promise everything from hydration to anti-ageing benefits, so no wonder with so many options available it’s hard to know which facial oil is right for you.
In this guide, you’ll learn the benefits of facial oils, the different types, how to choose the best one for your skin type and how to apply them, for your best skin yet.
Benefits of facial oils
First let’s talk about the benefits and why investing your time and money into a facial oil will give you long-term glowing skin benefits!
1. Lock in moisture and hydration
A given as naturally our skin looks and feels more hydrated post-facial oil. They act as an occlusive layer, sealing in moisture from your serums and moisturisers so your skin stays hydrated for longer.
2. Strengthen the skin barrier
Microbiome and skin barrier have been buzzwords in the beauty industry for years, and facial oils help support a healthy skin barrier against dryness and irritation.
3. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Particular ingredients in facial oils like rosehip and marula can combat free radical damage, supporting smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
4. Protect against environmental stressors
You’ll spot many facial oils contain natural antioxidants and vitamins that help to protect against everyday environmental stressors and support a healthy skin barrier.
How to choose the right facial oil based on skin type
Everyone’s skin is different and what might work for one person, might not work for another, so get to know your skin and any triggers it has.
Oilier skin types might shy away from facial oils, but they’re great for hydrating the skin (not adding to your skin’s oil production). Choose lightweight facial oils which are non-comedogenic so they don’t clog pores.
Dry skin types can choose richer facial oils to deeply nourish and prevent moisture lost, while sensitive skin types will love calming alternatives with calendula and chamomile to reduce redness and irritation.
Which SkinSense facial oil is best for me?
A great all-rounder is our Nourishing Facial Oil, giving tired and dull skin a boost of moisture in a lightweight and silky texture. It features Safflower to help fade pigmentation and promote an even glow to the skin, alongside soothing quinoa, avocado and goji berry oils. Our signature ingredient Linefill™, which is derived from cold-press sesame seed oil, tackles lines and wrinkles. Dry, oily and sensitive skins will love this facial oil!
For a more aromatic and spa-like experience, our Midnight Oil Concentrate from the Hydranet range is the perfect way to settle mind and skin before bed. The facial oil warms as you massage it into the skin, as the scent of ylang ylang, sandalwood, lavender and chamomile fill your senses with a feeling of relaxation and comfort.
This oil includes blackcurrant seed oil, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, and rosehip oil and squalane to keep your skin barrier fresh and healthy. It’s a great option for menopausal skin experiencing night flushes that can become dry and irritated.
How to apply a facial oil
Your facial oil is always the last step in your routine, think of it as locking in all the moisturising goodness from your serums and moisturisers! Leave a few moments after you applied your moisturiser, then add a few drops, warmed between your palms, and gently press into the skin. You can give yourself a mini massage, working in swift motions to improve lymphatic drainage.
Your commonly asked questions:
Q: Can I use a facial oil every day?
Yes you can, simply pick one that best suits your skin type.
Q: Should I apply a facial oil before or after moisturiser?
Apply your facial oil after your moisturiser, and with SkinSense you can even mix a few drops into your moisturiser for a multi hydration boost!
Q: What’s the difference between a facial oil and serum?
Serums are often water-based active ingredients and reach the lower levels of the skin, whereas oils provide nourishment and lock-in moisture.
Q: Are facial oils good for acne-prone and oily skin?
Yes, opt for non-comedogenic facial oils and acne-prone and oily skin can get the huge benefits from an oil!
Overall, facial oils can transform your skincare routine when you choose and apply the right one for you. Whether your goal is hydration, anti-aging or soothing sensitive skin, there’s a perfect facial oil out there for you.