Facial oils are all the rage right now, but if you’re anything like me, you’re feeling a little lost about what is actually best for your skin. Many people shy away from facial oils simply because they contain the word “oil”, and they don’t want to look shiny or have a greasy residue on their skin. If your skin is naturally on the oily side, it may seem counterintuitive to add more oil to your skin. No wonder this can get confusing!

So if you’re new to facial oils and are looking for some guidance, look no further. I will demystify those pretty little glass eyedropper bottles adorning store shelves, featured on all the beauty influencer’s Instagram accounts. They may seem like a current trend, but read on to discover why face oils are something you should consider adding to your daily routine.

What exactly are facial oils?

Facial oils are products that contain essential oils, non-fragrant plant oils, or synthetic oils. These products are often sold in smaller quantities because a little bit goes a long way. They are meant to rehydrate your skin and combat dryness to make skin feel smoother and softer. Many facial oils on the market today also promise a natural glow for your skin.

What are the benefits of facial oils?

Despite having the feared word “oil” in the name, face oils provide a wide range of benefits for your skin. Many of these products contain vitamin C and antioxidants which can penetrate the skin to increase protection. They help your skin ward off things like dirt and bacteria, keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Facial oils are also intended to hydrate the skin and repair dry or flaky skin. As soon as you apply an oil to your face, you will notice that your skin feels smoother. Over time, regular use of facial oils can help even out your skin’s texture and act as a moisturizer. There are a variety of face oils available, and the best one for you depends on your unique skin type and concerns.

Who should use facial oils?

Anyone can use facial oils. If you have naturally oily skin, you may not think that face oils are for you. After all, who wants to make their issues with oily skin even worse? However, depending on the type of facial oil you use, almost anyone can benefit from these skincare products.

How do you select the right facial oils?

The key to maximizing the benefits of facial oils is to select the right product for your skin type. Also look for oils that contain natural ingredients because synthetic oils will not penetrate the skin as well. Oils that contain argon, jojoba, or evening primrose are some of the best natural options available.

If you have dry skin, sticking with argon oil or jasmine oil can be a really good option. These products will help moisturize and hydrate your skin. You can use heavier oils in the winter months because they will prevent the colder weather from drying out your skin.

People with naturally oily skin can actually use face oils to help balance out their skin. Dry oils are a great option if you suffer from frequent breakouts. Look for ingredients like jojoba or sesame oil to get the hydration your skin needs without intensifying your oily skin.

If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend steering clear of mineral oils. These products can cause some serious irritation. For combination skin, search for facial oils with ylang ylang or chamomile to balance out your complexion.

I purchase my facial oils from Beautycounter or from Cocokind. These are my favorites:

Make your own at home!

Facial oils are one of the most accessible products to make at home, and there are endless combinations you can try. You will need a small glass bottle (ideally one with a dropper), your base oil, and 1 or more essential oils. Argan oil and jojoba oil are excellent base oils because they are light and work for all skin types. This DIY is another one where you can experiment and find the perfect combination for your skin. A simple, nourishing blend can be made by mixing together 1 tablespoon of argan oil, 2 teaspoons of rosehip oil, and 10 drops of essential oil (such as frankincense or lavender). Add all ingredients to a glass bottle and shake to combine.

How do you use face oil?

Once you find a facial oil that meets the needs of your skin, you can add it into your daily skincare routine. Typically with facial oils, a little bit goes a long way so use your selected product sparingly. Just a few drops (I normally use 4) will usually do the trick!

• Mix your facial oil into your moisturizer
• Apply oil to cleansed skin before applying your moisturizer (I do this in the morning!)
• Use facial oil instead of moisturizer by gently pressing it into your skin
• If you have oily skin, apply it before bedtime

Conclusion

Facial oils may seem like they are just a trend, but they can really benefit your skin. By including a facial oil into your skincare routine, you can moisturize and hydrate your skin and help protect it from harsh weather. Make sure you select an oil that meets the needs of your skin type, and test out a few different application methods to decide what works best for you.

Have you tried adding facial oils into your skincare routine? What do you find works for you and your skin? I’d love to start a conversation in the comments!

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