If you’re not using facial oils in your skincare routine, you’re missing out. However, you need to use the right oils actually to benefit from these amazing products. Specifically, you need oils that are able to penetrate the skin and deliver the vitamins and nutrients it needs for a healthy glow. 

What Are Facial Oils and Why Should You Use Them?

Face oils are usually plant-based substances derived from different parts of a plant, including flowers, leaves, and roots. 

Supplementing the oils your skin produces with natural oils can work wonders for your skin health. While you might think that those with oily skin should avoid using facial oils, this isn’t the case. 

In fact, facial oils are highly beneficial for every skin type out there, including dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature. Here are some of the benefits that you can gain from using a facial oil:

Provides Moisture

Facial oils are emollients that provide an extra boost of moisture to the skin. They can be particularly beneficial to those with dry skin or those living in dry environments. 

Balances the Skin

Facial oils can be used to balance the levels of moisture and oils in the skin. Excess oil and sebum production is a sign of dehydrated skin. Adding facial oils to the mix can help manage your natural oil production. 

Offers Anti-Aging Benefits

Since facial oils are so moisturizing, they can have incredible anti-aging effects. Using facial oils can help fill in fine lines and wrinkles that age your appearance. Many facial oils contain ingredients that can help boost the production of collagen and elastin for long-term benefits. 

Helps With Makeup Application

Applying a facial oil before applying your makeup can make it look better. Facial oils act as an excellent base for products like foundation as they smooth and even out the skin. 

Makes Other Skincare Products More Effective

Facial oils protect the outer layer of the skin. As a result, it makes sense to apply them as the last step to your nighttime skincare routine. Doing so allows other products like moisturizers and night creams to penetrate deeper into the skin for more noticeable effects. 

How To Use Facial Oils?

Clearly, you need to be using facial oils in your skincare routine. But how do you incorporate them into your existing regimen and use them properly? Here’s what you need to know: 

• Use facial oils sparingly -- usually, one to two drops will do the trick.
• You can either apply facial oil directly to the face -- being careful to avoid touching the dropper to the skin -- or onto the hands and then transferring to the face. 
• Gently massage the oil onto your face -- being careful to avoid the eyes and mouth -- while also reaching down to the neck. 

Many people struggle with incorporating facial oils into their existing skincare routines. This is especially true with a comprehensive skincare routine that involves several different steps. 

Generally speaking, facial oils should be one of the last steps in your skincare routine. They are able to lock in the benefits of previous products and protect the skin. 

Here’s what your skincare routine should look like while using facial oil:

• Step One: Begin by thoroughly but gently cleansing your skin. This removes things like makeup, dirt, and pollutants from your skin. Make sure to choose a face wash based on your skin type. 
• Step Two: After cleansing, you should tone your skin to remove any and all stubborn impurities from the skin before moving forward. Look for gentle toners that don’t contain harsh ingredients like alcohol. 
• Step Three: Once your skin has been cleansed and toned, you should apply your facial serums. Serums can be used to target specific skincare concerns with high concentrations of beneficial ingredients. 
• Step Four: After applying serums, you should apply your moisturizer. Again, make sure to choose a moisturizer based on your skin type. If you have oily skin, stick with a lightweight product with hyaluronic acid. If you have dry skin, choose a heavier formula with shea butter. 
• Step Five: Finally, it’s time to apply your facial oil! 

What Are the Best Facial Oils That Penetrate the Skin?

Here are some of the best facial oils that can penetrate the skin:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a thicker oil that is highly moisturizing to the skin, thanks to components like Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Although these properties may theoretically help with things like acne breakouts, it’s important to note that coconut oil is not usually recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin as it can further exacerbate these issues. Instead, coconut oil is ideal for those with dry skin.  

Olive Oil

Similar to coconut oil, olive oil also has a thick consistency that provides moisturizing benefits to the skin. This is because olive oil is rich in vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and Vitamin E. 

Furthermore, it also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that protect and cleanse the skin. Olive oil is generally considered a gentle oil, but you should specifically look for extra-virgin olive oil for the best results. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is extracted from seeds native to desert climates in Mexico and the southwestern United States. This oil is a humectant ingredient that seals the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss. It also has antioxidant properties thanks to its Vitamin E components that protect the skin from oxidative stress and pollution. 

Jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog your pores and is safe to use by those with oily or acne-prone skin. It is also hypoallergenic, making it safe to use by those with sensitive skin. 

Almond Oil

Almonds aren’t just a healthy snack, but they’re good for your skin as well. Specifically, almond oil is made by pressing raw almonds and contains the same benefits as the nuts you eat. 

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. Almond oil is thinner than oils like coconut and olive, but it may trigger allergic reactions, so those with sensitive skin and those with almond allergy should avoid it. 

Argan Oil

Argan oil is made from kernels of the argan fruit of the argan trees that are native to Morocco. This oil has skyrocketed in popularity recently due to its hair and skin benefits. It is jam-packed with nutrients, including fatty acids and vitamin E, and has antioxidant benefits. 

As a result, argan oil can protect the skin from sun damage, treat skin conditions including acne, heal wounds and infections, and moisturize the skin. 

Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil may be a somewhat surprising facial oil. However, this oil has been used for thousands of years for its skin and hair health benefits. These days, we now know that sunflower seed oil contains things like vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D. 

As a result, sunflower seed oil can be used to help moisturize the skin, prevent and reduce signs of aging, and soothe skin irritation. 

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil comes from pressing the seeds of grapes -- resulting in a product with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, grapeseed oil contains essential fatty acids and Vitamin E to provide a whole host of skin benefits. 

Specifically, grapeseed oil is good for softening the skin, evening skin tone, treating acne breakouts, and protecting the skin from sun damage. 

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds of wild rosehips that mostly grow in Chile. This oil differs from rose oil that is extracted from rose petals. It is a trending oil thanks to its fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C components.

Thanks to these components, rosehip seed oil helps exfoliate, brighten, and moisturize the skin. It may also reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation caused by melasma or scars. Finally, it has anti-aging benefits as it helps boost collagen production. 

Marula Oil

Marula oil is extracted from the kernels of the Marula tree that is native to southern Africa. It contains amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants for incredible skin benefits. Specifically, marula oil is a great skin moisturizer, acne treatment, and swelling remedy.

Safflower Seed Oil

Safflower seed oil is made from the seeds of the safflower plant with high concentrations of Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. As a result, safflower seed oil may offer anti-aging benefits, skin-soothing benefits, and skin healing benefits for an overall healthy and youthful glow. Safflower seed oil differs from essential safflower oil, which is another popular product. 

Final Thoughts on Facial Oils

For the best facial oils, be sure to check out the natural products offered by WOW Skin Science. All of our products are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

Sources:

Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils | NIH 

Evaluation of the Influence of Raw Almonds on Appetite Control: Satiation, Satiety, Hedonics and Consumer Perceptions | NIH