All about Facial Oils!

Updated from 22nd September, 2013. If you have been following me for a long time, you would already be aware that I love facial oils. I have tried the carrier oils and the blended ones both and the best one till date was the grapeseed oil. I used one from soulflower but I am sure it would be the same in any brand. So, if you are looking for a good moisturizer or night cream, I would definitely suggest the grapeseed oil.

I love oils. In fact, so much so that I would love to own all the apothecaries in the world! And, recently again, due to improper care my skin started to look and behave a bit weird so I thought I would go about giving it a good dose of care which does not ruin my easy life either. And, I have plethora of oils in my closet!! I will share the ones in my closet soon. But, everyone is skeptical when they hear the term. So, first thing, a facial oil can be used by all skin types. You just have to use the right one for your skin.

How to find the best oil for yourself?

Is your skin dry? Go for coconut oil. It has the fatty acids which instantly lift and plump up the skin and hydrate it from inside.

I am not sure of almond oil. Some say that the molecules are too big to penetrate the skin so it does not really cause breakouts. But, I have no history of breakouts so I can not really answer that. But, it is great for under-eye area.

Olive oil is something I will never really recommend for hair or body. I have heard quite a lot of complaints about it but many raves also but personally my preference is not that. It is a known comedogenic.

Let’s talk a bit about nut, seed and plant oils.

Apricot oil is something which gets absorbed very very easily into skin. Grapeseed oil is also equally amazing for all skin types, specially oily and combination skin. Marula oil, hazelnut oil, pumpkin seed oil are all amazing and extremely light as compared to the traditional carrier oils.

Other facial oils which are revered for anti-aging or mature skin are plant and flower oils like evening primrose oil, rosehip oil, calendula oil. These are also light in texture and can be used alone or in conjunction with your skin care routine.

One of the most talked about oil these days is squalene oil. Squalene is an ingredient which was probably popularized by Kiehl’s through their midnight recovery but now squalene oil is available in its pure form from many brands. The reason squalene has so much spotlight is because it is naturally present in the human sebum. It is an antioxidant which can boost your skin’s resistance towards UV damage thereby acting on to prevent wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, increases the absorption capacity of the skin by restoring it to its original state and works against acne and breakouts and improves hydration levels of the skin. So, if you are in a dilemma on facial oils, this might be your go to oil for now.

Blended oils have the goodness of 2-3 oils combined in them and target a specific problem.

You have to understand your skin needs before you choose an oil. A simple rule of thumb is to go for oils which are light and address dull skin. That will never fail. And, you can always layer it up with other products. Always remember facial oils go before the moisturizer as the second last step of your skin care routine.

Why facial oil helps any kind of skin?

Well, for one, oil is the only thing which can actually break down the dead skin cells binds and wash them off so oil acts as an exfoliant for all kinds of skin. Also, the molecular formula of oils is similar to the lipids present in our skin. [Remember the lipids?]

So, the facial oils form bonds with the lipids ensuring that skin remains at its best. Now, these lipids are mainly fats which is why we are advised to intake as much of Vitamin E and omega 3 as possible.

How to use Facial Oil?

Any oil should be used on damp skin. Why? Damp Skin is a good absorber and oils get spread on damp skin more easily. 2-3 or maximum 5 drops of any oil is enough to cover the face, neck and décolletage. Or, one pump if your oil comes with that. So, always use your oils with a hydrating toner or face mist. Be generous with the mist so that you can lock in maximum moisture.

How I use the facial oils? I wet the face generously with the face mist or floral water, usually rose water. Take few drops of facial oil and dot it all over the face and neck and then rub the palms and start the application from the neck. I usually like to massage the oil in over the damp skin but you can just pat it to aid the absorption. Unless the oil is too heavy or you have taken too much, it will not feel oily after you are done.

Or, you can keep on massaging for 5 minutes to ensure that most of the oil gets absorbed into the skin. In this method, you can take a bit more of oil, like 10 drops, if you feel like. Keep the oil for 5 more minutes if you want or take a tissue and blot off the excess oil on the skin. And, follow with your favorite night cream or serum.

My Skin is Oily. How can I use oil?

This is the most common question when it comes facial oils. Yes, you CAN and you SHOULD use oils. The trick is to find the correct oil which suits your skin. My recommendation would be to start with grapeseed oil. It is non-greasy and helps with acne and makes the skin brighter.

In fact, I would suggest grapeseed oil if you have never used a facial oil. It suits all kinds of skin and you can always follow up with a moisturizer if you feel dry.

Facial oils are nothing to be afraid of and can be one of the most enjoyable part of your skin care routine. If it suits well, you could probably get away from not having shelve your money on the expensive products in the market and stick to the basics.

What do you say about facial oils? Do you like using facial oils? Which one is your favorite?