Some women use oil to add moisture and shine to their hair, and it can provide similar benefits to your skin! Despite what we’ve been taught our whole lives, using oil-based creams and cleansers doesn’t necessarily increase oil production and result in breakouts, provided that you use high-quality products, and — more importantly — that you use them correctly. Keep reading to find out why face oils are so great for your skin, and exactly how to use them.
There are countless types of oils available today, including coconut, rosehip seed, tea tree, and argan, and each one produces different results. Women everywhere have begun turning to facial oils for their many benefits, such as increased skin hydration, quicker cell turnover, and anti-aging properties, to name just a few. You may have to try a few before finding the perfect option for your skin type and needs.
The Benefits of Marula Oil for the Skin
Marula oil is one of the most popular facial oils on the market. For one, it is rich in fatty acids, so it’s super hydrating and soothing to the skin. It is fast-absorbing and can be used on all skin types, including sensitive and damaged skin. Several antioxidants and acids naturally occur in this type of oil, which increase skin firmness, aid in collagen production, and, ultimately, help to fight fine lines and wrinkles. It is also known to be non-comedogenic, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Why Use Tea Tree Oil?
If you have issues with breakouts or acne, tea tree oil has natural antimicrobial properties, meaning it can get into clogged pores and get rid of the bacteria that causes pimples and blackheads (without the use of harmful chemicals made in a lab). Similarly, it has anti-inflammatory benefits that can remove redness from acne or eczema. When using tea tree oil, however, you should not just apply it directly to your face. Instead, add one drop to every 12 drops of water or a moisturizing oil, such as rosehip. This will dilute the acidic properties of the tea tree oil and help prevent irritation. If you are not seeing results, simply add a bit more tea tree oil to your mix.
How to Use Natural Oils in Skincare?
Try finding natural skin oils that don’t contain any pesticides or harmful additives, so you can avoid unpleasant burning and irritation—both of which can cause breakouts when dirt or bacteria gets into the damaged areas.
The oil can be used by simply applying it to your skin as another step in your daily skincare routine. After cleansing, toning, and applying any serums you may already use, you’ll want to warm a few drops of oil in your palms and then apply to your face and also your neck if you so choose. You can gently pat it into your skin or rub it in as part of a relaxing facial massage. This should be the last step in your regimen before finishing with moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning or night cream before bed.
Alternatively, add a few drops to your foundation. This will help provide added moisture to your makeup, preventing your skin from drying out during the day and giving you a nice, natural glow.
Get a Deeper Clean with Cleansing Oil
Another easy way to incorporate facial oil into your daily routine and fight off breakouts is by washing your face with an oil-based cleanser. It might seem crazy to use oil to wash your face, but trust us on this. Cleansing oils are great for getting deep into pores to effectively lift away dirt, toxins, stubborn makeup, and any other residue that water-based cleaners may miss. Plus, they add moisture back into your skin as you wash!
Green tea is restorative and contains beneficial antioxidants. A green tea deep cleansing oil can be used morning and night: simply massage it into your skin and wash away with warm water. You can follow it with another water-based cleanser if you choose, but it’s not necessary. You’ll immediately notice how much softer and cleaner your skin looks and feels.
Discover Your Favorite Face Oil
When it comes to facial oils, the possibilities are truly endless. Besides adding oil directly into your skincare routine or using it as a cleanser, you can opt for an oil-based moisturizer to increase and lock in hydration in your skin, and the same goes for oil-based lip treatments and balms. You can even add a drop or two of oil into products you already have in your medicine cabinet, such as night cream or even body lotion.
Many face oils are multipurpose, too, in that you can use them on your hair and cuticles. There are many other ways to add face oil into your daily routine—feel free to get creative! We suggest exploring different kinds of oils and products to see what works best for your skin type and to find out what you—and your skin—prefer!
Lots of love,
Liz