OUR GUIDE TO FACE OILS

Learn about the differences in face oils and how they benefit skin. By understanding your skin needs, you will be able to choose the most effective oil.

When it comes to trying new skincare products, reaching for face oils can be a bit daunting, especially for those new to skincare. Many of us were brought up to believe that oil causes breakouts, and this belief can be hard to overcome.

In reality, face oils are a valuable addition to your daily skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. The right formula can help boost hydration, improve your skin’s tone and texture, and address various skin concerns. As with any skincare product, the key is finding a face oil suited to your skin’s specific needs. The benefits of face oil for one person may differ to another person.

Read our guide below to learn how to use face oils, how to incorporate them into your daily skincare routine, and which oils are ideal for your skin type.

How to apply face oils

Regardless of your skin type or skin concerns, you should always apply your facial oil to freshly cleansed skin. Using a mild cleanser will help to remove impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. When it comes to applying your skincare products of choice, we recommend layering them in order of weight.

What does this mean? You’ll want to reach for thinner, lightweight products first and apply the heavier products (like face oils) towards the end of your routine. Oils usually end up being the last step, as their primary function is to lock everything in for a healthy skin barrier.

Key ingredients

So, what are face oils? Face oil is a concentrated liquid dose of vitamins, minerals and omegas—crucial ingredients our skin both loves and needs. Our skin has its own lipid barrier full of natural oils to keep itself hydrated, but different skin types may have an abundance or deficiency in certain oils. As we age, the sebaceous glands in our skin slow their production of oil, leaving to dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.

Understanding which oil is ideal for your skin means knowing which ingredients are most beneficial for your complexion. Face oils contain high quantities of:

Omega-3 oils:

Provide essential nourishment to our bodies and help to control inflammation. They serve to regulate the skin’s oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts and minimise signs of ageing.

Antioxidants:

Antioxidants are ingredients that help defend your skin from factors causing ageing. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E or Vitamin A within your face oils will bolster your skin’s defences when its own internal supply of antioxidants becomes depleted.

Minerals:

Our skin requires minerals like Zinc and Selenium to function healthily.  Mineral-rich face oils are great for skin types that heal slowly or have an impaired barrier function.

How to choose a face oil

Once you’re ready for your facial oil, choose a formula suited for your skin type. If you have dry skin, a richer oil will be best. Likewise, if you’re prone to breakouts, you’ll want to reach for a non-greasy oil.

Another factor to consider is when you plan to use face oil. Many skincare products are formulated for specific times of day, while night-time products are designed for overnight use. Face oils are no different!

For normal skin types

If you don’t normally break out, and you’re not super dry, too oily or sensitive, then you’d be classified as normal skin. This means you can use a basic everyday face oil without the concern of clogged pores or dryness. Normal skin is less dry, so less oil will be needed.

We recommend the Daily Reviving Concentrate for a lightweight daytime oil suited to all skin types. The antioxidant-packed face oil contains ginger root essential oil and sunflower oil, along with cold-pressed Tamanu oil. When applied in the morning, the non-greasy formula helps protect against damaging free radicals and helps reduce the appearance of fatigue for energised, radiant-looking skin.

How to apply: Lightly pat several drops all over your face in upward circular motions, avoiding the immediate eye area. Use every morning, after appropriate concentrated serum and before appropriate moisturiser and daily sun protection.

For dry skin types

For those of you with dry skin, look for face oils that have rich, thick formulas to help condition skin and lock in moisture.

Reach for the Midnight Recovery Concentrate as an overnight formula. This indulgent, lavender-scented face oil is made with olive-derived squalane and evening primrose oil. The formula replenishes the skin at night when it is most receptive to healing itself from the impact of daily stressors. It helps to visibly reduce fine lines and refine skin’s texture, while continued use leaves skin looking smoother, firmer and more radiant.

How to apply: After cleansing skin, apply 2-3 drops of facial oil into your hands. On dry skin, gently press your fingertips to your cheeks, forehead and chin to evenly distribute before massaging into skin.

For oily skin types

If you have oily skin, the thought of adding more oil to your routine may seem scary. Trust us on this: The right oil not only acts as an astringent to rid your face of excess grease, but also helps stabilise and regulate your skin’s sebum production to make you less oily overall.

Finding a face oil for oily skin is simple with the Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Face Oil. This ultra-lightweight face oil with hemp-derived Cannabis sativa seed oil helps with problem skin and strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier. When used consistently, it also helps reduce visible redness and other signs of stress.

How to apply: Dispense a few drops of the herbaceous formula into clean palms and rub your hands together. Use light pressure to pat your palms onto your face, focusing on problem areas. You can use this face oil in the morning and at night for more balanced skin.

For sensitive skin types

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll need a face oil that contains a formula with zero essential oils like lavender, peppermint and rose—which tend to only problem sensitive skin. Look for ingredients such as moringa oil or aloe vera oil, as both help support dry skin and contain fatty acids and antioxidants.

How to apply: Regardless of the oil you choose, patch test it first by dabbing it below your ear near your jaw. Wait 24 hours to check for a reaction. If your skin seems happy, massage the oil on in the morning or at night as the final step in your skincare routine.

Now that we’ve covered off the benefits of face oil, read on and discover - How to Layer Face Serum.