The Science Behind Why Face Oils Are the Best for Your Skin

Finding the best skin care routine for your skin can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right products for your skin type.

Skin care has gone all high tech and complicated.

20 steps are better than just a couple, right?

Well no - I firmly believe that despite so many options available on the market, simple is good.

It's easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a collection of products that don't quite live up to their promise.

But, when it comes to nourishing and hydrating your skin, I do believe face oils make an important contribution to better looking and better feeling skin. Both my personal experience and the feedback I see from my customers confirms this.

But what makes them so special, and why do I think they are the best for your skin?

The answer lies in the science behind face oils, and how they work to balance and replenish your skin's natural oils.

I'm going to run through the benefits of incorporating face oils into your skincare routine and how they can help you achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.

Whether you're a skincare junkie who has become disillusioned with products that don't work, or you are finding your current skin care products are not working and you want to up your game, keep reading to discover the science behind why face oils are the best for your skin.

The Science Behind Face Oils and Their Benefits

Our skin naturally produces oils that help to keep it moisturised and protected.

But we have all seen that factors such as age, environmental stressors, and harsh skincare products can disrupt this delicate balance, leaving our skin dry, dull, and sometimes prone to breakouts.

Most of us recognise these symptoms to a greater or lesser extent. Fine lines, skin roughness, pigmentation or changes in skin appearance, dry skin, loss of firmness and more fragile skin. These are all perfectly natural changes as we age.

Face oils work by strengthening the skin's barrier function with moisturisers. The statum corneum is lipophilic or oil loving and so responds well to face oils.

They provide occlusive and emollient properties, softening and smoothing the skin, and providing a barrier that sits on the skin and reduces transepidermal water loss.

This makes face oils an excellent choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin, as well as those with sensitive or acne-prone skin - it is all about choosing oils with the right properties for your skin.

Another key benefit of face oils is that they provide antioxidant properties. This means they protect the skin from inflammation, reducing the effect of UV radiation which leads to photo ageing.

They also contain vitamins and essential fatty acids that help to nourish and rejuvenate the skin for example, many face oils contain vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. Others contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin function and reducing inflammation.

Together, these nutrients work to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin, leaving it looking and feeling soft, smooth, and radiant.

 

Understanding Different Types of Face Oils

When it comes to choosing a face oil, it's essential to understand the different types available and how they work with your skin type.

Here are some of the of face oils I like and their benefits:

1. Jojoba oil: This lightweight, non-greasy oil is rich in vitamin E and has a structure that is similar to the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent choice for all skin types.

2. Rosehip oil: Packed with vitamin C and essential fatty acids, rosehip oil is a great choice for those with dry or mature skin, as well as problem skins as it helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Argan oil: This nourishing oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for those with dry or damaged skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin.

4. Marula oil: This lightweight, fast-absorbing oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or combination skin. It also helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce red-ness.

5. Pomegranate oil - a l personal favourite, this plant oil delivers hydration and skin soothing properties. Antioxidant and fatty acid rich, particularly suited to older, drier skin types.

How Face Oils Work with Different Skin Types

One of the great things about face oils is that they can be used by all skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone.

The catch is that it's essential to choose an oil that is compatible with your skin type to avoid any adverse reactions. Here's how different face oils work with different skin types:

1. Dry or mature skin: Those with dry or mature skin can benefit from using a rich, nourishing oil such as rosehip or argan oil. These oils provide essential nutrients and hydration that help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Oily or acne-prone skin: Those with oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from using a lightweight, non-greasy oil such as hazelnut or marula oil. These oils help to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation, helping to prevent breakouts and promote clear, healthy skin.

3. Combination skin: Those with combination skin can benefit from using a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil such as jojoba or argan oil. These oils help to balance the skin's natural oils, providing essential hydration without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

The Benefits of Using Face Oils in Your Skincare Routine

Incorporating a face oil into your skincare routine can offer a range of benefits, including:

1. Improved hydration: Face oils provide essential moisture and hydration that help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

2. Enhanced skin elasticity: Face oils contain nutrients that help to improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Reduced inflammation: Face oils contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and inflammation.

4. Protection against environmental stressors: Face oils help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, protecting against environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays.

Common Misconceptions About Face Oils

Despite their many benefits, there are still common misconceptions about face oils that deters people from incorporating them into their skincare routine. Here are some of the most common myths about face oils, debunked:

1. Face oils are only for dry skin: While face oils are an excellent choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin, they can also be used successfully by those with oily or combination skin.

2. Face oils will make your skin greasy: While some face oils can be heavy or greasy, there are many lightweight, fast-absorbing oils that provide essential hydration without leaving a greasy residue.

3. Face oils will clog your pores: While some oils may be comedogenic (meaning they can clog pores), there are many non-comedogenic oils that are safe for all skin types.

How to Choose the Right Face Oil for Your Skin

When choosing a face oil, it's essential to consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns you may have. Here are some tips for choosing the right face oil for your skin:

1. Choose an oil that is compatible with your skin type: Different face oils work with different skin types. Look for an oil that is compatible with your skin type to avoid any adverse reactions.

2. Look for oils with specific benefits: If you have specific skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation or acne, look for oils that contain ingredients that can help to address these issues.

3. Choose high-quality oils: Look for oils that are cold-pressed and unrefined, as these methods help to preserve the oil's natural nutrients and benefits.

Tips for Using Face Oils in Your Skincare Routine

To get the most out of your face oil, here are some tips for incorporating it into your skincare routine:

1. Apply after cleansing and toning: To ensure that your face oil is absorbed properly, apply it after cleansing and toning your skin. Splashing your face with water also helps, helping seal in moisture, in particular if your skin is dry.

2. Use a small amount: A little goes a long way with face oils, so use a small amount (about 3-4 drops) and gently massage it into your skin - you can always add more.

3. Layer with other skincare products: Face oils can be layered with other skincare products, such as serums and moisturisers, to enhance their benefits. I like to combine the Facial Essence with Rose & Blackcurrant with my Radiance Cream - I find this gives me longer lasting hydration.

Conclusion

In summary, face oils are an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve the health and appearance of their skin. They work by replenishing and balancing the skin's natural oils, providing essential nutrients and hydration that help to improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and protect against environmental stressors.

With so many different types of face oils available, it's easy to find one that is compatible with your skin type and specific skin concerns. I passionately believe they can make a positive difference to all our skin, providing you use the right one.

If you need help choosing, please get in touch via my contact us page or on social media.