The Benefits Of Using A Facial Oil
The Skinsmith | 14th October 2020
As the days get cooler and the nights draw in, your skin can start to feel the effects of the winter months, crying out for some additional TLC.
.....Introducing a facial oil into your everyday routine can make a dramatic difference in how your skin feels and looks. Many of us are masters at the cleanse, tone and moisturise routine with maybe the odd masque thrown in once in a while. The facial oil however is often overlooked and a forgotten hero product.
Facial oils have been given a bad rap in recent times with skin care brands marketing products as "oil-free".... thus making it hard for us to unlearn the misconception that a facial oil can lead to clogged pores, oiler skin and breakouts! It is time to correct this misunderstanding and shout about facial oils and the amazing improvements your skin can benefit from when incorporated into your normal regime.
A multi-beneficial product, facial oils can tackle many concerns in the skin including; de-ageing, scar fading, skin smoothing and even oil balancing. Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay says about the advantages of these products: “... Facial oils absorb perfectly into the skin, leaving it hydrated and supple.”
So What Is A Facial Oil?
For centuries oils have been used across the globe to treat dehydration and repair the skin. We naturally produce oils in our skin to keep it fresh, healthy and hydrated. Facial oils supplement our skin cells and promote oil production, working alongside our natural oils to keep our skin protected with a healthy skin barrier function that seals in water and softens the skin.
How Does a Facial Oil Work?
Facial oils are lipophilic (dissolving into the skin and giving our natural lipids/oils a boost). They penetrate deeply into the skin trapping moisture in the cells. This action prevents dehydration and moisture loss while building a strong protective barrier on the skins surface to repel pollutants and environmental stressors. A healthy protective barrier is just what sensitive, dry and dehydrated skins need.
Facial oils also contain vital active ingredients such as vitamins and antioxidants to feed the skin with the nutrition it needs to keep it at its optimum. Antioxidants prevent premature ageing by inhibiting free radicals from damaging healthy cells - similar to how a car exposed to the elements starts to rust! Antioxidants and vitamins also boost collagen production helping the skins elasticity and firmness.
Contrary to popular belief facial oils can benefit oily skin and acne prone skins. Often these types of skins suffer with dryness from products that strip away the good oils the skin needs. Facial oils with antibacterial properties can provide necessary fatty acids essential for the skins health, while treating breakouts and reducing scarring.
Which Oil Is Best for Me?
Camellia
Originating from Japan, this relatively unknown wildflower is fast becoming a popular industry go to. Camellia oil is extremely absorbent leaving no "oily" residue on the skin, perfect for anyone who is unsure about using a facial oil. It is highly trans epidermal meaning it penetrates deeply into the skin, hydrating from the inside out. It is also non-comedogenic meaning it won't clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants this oil replenishes your skin with Vitamins A, B, D and E as well as Omegas - 3 and 9. Repairing damage from sun exposure, restoring elasticity and rectifying dryness this oil is a must for all skin types.
Marula
The fruit of an African tree, marula has long been renowned for its medicinal properties. Extracted from the fruit kernels and the nut in the centre this oil is high in protein, antioxidants and Vitamin E. Incredibly hydrating , extremely healing and a booster of collagen, this is almost a miracle ingredient!
Like camellia oil this oil absorbs very quickly and because of it's ability to regenerate itself actually benefits every skin type. It's non-greasy texture and antimicrobial properties make it a perfect oil for acne, oily skins. Its capacity as a moisturiser makes it very effective at reducing the visible signs of ageing, and if you are looking to treat skin concerns such as eczema or psoriasis, marula oil reduces the irritation and itchiness of these conditions. It is also used as a base in many perfumes due to it's amazing scent!
Hemp Seed
A non-comedogenic hydration powerhouse, jammed full of fatty acids and vitamins, hemp seed oil is known to promote cell renewal and regeneration. This oil can help balance oil production aiding both dry and oily skin types. A potent anti-inflammatory this oil is also effective at treating eczema and dermatitis. High in Linoleic and Oleic acids this highly nutritious oil also reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Jojoba
You may have heard of this oil, from the nut of the jojoba plant which grows in the deserts of North America. A particularly special oil because it's botanical substance mimics our own sebum. Our body cannot distinguish it from the natural oils we produce, therefore the benefits of this oil are literally endless! It is non-comedogenic, non-irritating and seals in moisture. But it doesn't stop there, jojoba oil is high in Vitamin E and antioxidants making it extremely healing and protective, it has an ability to reset oxidative stress caused by sun exposure and environmental stressors. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits making this oil a must have for all.
Rosehip Oil
When it comes to oils rosehip oil is one of the faves! It is packed with Vitamin A and has become an anti-ageing phenomenon. It is also overflowing with fatty acids to hydrate and moisturise the skin to give visible plumping, firming and hydration. It benefits skin conditions such as eczema and with the help of Vitamins C and E it can also treat uneven skin tones, hyperpigmentation and melasma. No wonder this oil is so popular".
Olive
Highly nutritious this oil boasts potent ingredients such as Vitamins A, D, E and K and is extremely hydrating. Helping to prevent premature ageing and heal and reduce breakouts, this oil is not only yummy in our cuisine but is a must for all skin types.
Sesame
Another fantastic oil that is high in Vitamin E is sesame oil. protecting cells against the damage caused by environmental stressors such as, UV, pollutants and other toxins. It is jammed to the brim with fatty acids healing, hydrating and soothing the skin. Another must for all skins!
The Best Oil for Your Skin Type
Dry Skin - Camellia Oil
Deeply hydrating and restorative, this protective oil ensures your skins natural barrier function seals in moisture - found in Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil.
Sensitive Skin - Jojoba Oil and Olive Oil
Although most facial oils will calm and sooth the skin. Sensitive skin can often suffer from dehydration and benefits from the deeply hydrating properties of facial oils - we recommend Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil or Facial Recovery Oil.
Oily Skin - Olive Oil and Marula Oil
With antimicrobial, healing and anti-inflammatory benefits these oils absorb easily and help reduce breakouts - for oilier skins try Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil and Facial Recovery Oil.
Combination Skins - Jojoba Oil
Most oils suit a combination skin, but our favourite is jojoba oil, because it mimics our naturally produced oils addressing most ailments and skin concerns - Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil is our favourite for this skin type.
Where Does an Oil Fit in To My Routine?
Most skin care routines are a personal choice, based around time, preference and skin type. However a good rule of thumb is to start with the lightest formulations allowing them to soak in to the skin first and then apply the richer, thicker formulations.
Facial oils can be applied in a variety of ways - you can layer the oil underneath your moisturiser allowing it to absorb first. you can also apply an oil on top of your moisturiser where it will sink in through the moisturiser or you can mix and oil into your moisturiser to lock in the benefits and apply as one layer. We advise you try all three methods of application to decide which is best for you and your skin.
How To Apply a Facial Oil?
These delicate oils can "bruise" with a vigorous application so the best way to apply an oil is to dispense one to four drops of facial oil into the palm of your hand. Warm the oil in your hands by gently rubbing your hands together, similar to how you may apply a moisturiser. Now place your entire hands over your skin and pat the oil gently in to the skin, allowing it to absorb easily. you can apply an oil in the morning and/or at night and you can use them as a spot treatment to target spots, uneven skin tones or areas of concern.
As you can see oils are an important addition to any skin care routine, however they are not only highly beneficial for the face but can become a vital part of your body care routine also.
for more information and to get the most from your skin care routine please visit our salon & spa locator page to find the nearest Eminence expert in your area.
Beatrice Hazlehurst,