When you look into the history of oils in the skincare industry, you will find that oils have been used for centuries by many cultures. However, if you bring up the topic of facial oils in a group of friends, you are bound to find many diverse opinions on the subject and realize that facial oils can sometimes be polarizing. Some people love the concept of facial oils on their dehydrated skin, and others are scared of putting oil on their already oily prone skin. It is true that not all oils are created equal. A little education in oils can help you achieve a luminous and bright complexion with minimal product usage.
Repeat after me: Facial oils are for all skin types. It’s a myth that people with oily skin cannot use oils. The right oil will replenish and strengthen your skin. Compare this to harsh detergent-based skin care products that will strip your skin of essential oils, which actually causes your skin to produce more oils. The right oil can help balance your skin and overall complexion.
When it comes to using oil-based skincare, it is important to look for certain elements. Not only must you choose the right oil for your skin type, but you should choose an organic, plant-based oil. These oils will mimic your own body's essential oils. Also, in order to achieve all the benefits possible, you want to be sure the ingredients are 100 percent what they say they are. An ingredient to avoid in oils is mineral oil. Mineral oils are commonly mixed into lotions, makeup and other oils. However, they create a sealant on the skin that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe, leading to clogged pores.
When selecting an oil for your skin, you want to first classify your skin type and skin care goals. Don’t be afraid to experiment; you can be your own oil mixologist. Remember, certain oils work great when mixed together in order to give you the best results. A quick tip on oils is that they also mix in well with a good facial moisturizer or SPF — which I know you are using everyday! Take your favorite facial moisturizer and put a few drops of your favorite oil in it. Mix together and apply thoroughly on your skin and let it glow.
Tea tree oil for oily and acne-prone skin
Tea tree oil can be used for calming overall inflammation in the skin, but you can also use it as a spot treatment for breakouts. It has shown to be a promising alternative to benzoyl peroxide in terms of results.
Grapeseed oil for oily and discolored skin
Grapeseed oil is great at regulating oil production in skin types that require blotting paper throughout the day to prevent shine. The high amount of antioxidants and vitamin C in grapeseed oil actually helps to brighten dull complexions or those with residual hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts.
Rose hip oil for aging and dry skin
Rose hip oil has nature’s retinol! It is full of vitamin A, which helps soften fine lines and wrinkles. It also has a high amount of fatty acids and antioxidants. Not only will it brighten your skin, but it will also leave skin supple and soft.
Chia seed oil for sensitive and irritated skin
This oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which protect and calm the top layer of your skin due to its fatty acid composition. It also contains alpha lipoic acid, a strong antioxidant that decreases pore size so skin looks smoother.