But, in recent years, oil has made a comeback on store shelves and has taken its rightful place in most of our skincare routines. For naturally dry skin, oil can help boost its ability to retain hydration in the dead of winter. In combination skin, the oil will treat dry patches by helping to balance the natural oil production in shiny areas. What if you are sensitive? Oils can relieve redness, help the blemish heal, and even prevent scarring.
Whether you’re looking to brighten, hydrate, and soothe, or if you’re looking to elevate your radiance, check out the best facial oils you can buy here.
The use of cosmetic oils for the face
It’s time to say goodbye to conventional moisturizers. Facial oils have become a staple in the beauty parlor due to their natural ability to hydrate and nourish a variety of skin types.
Despite what their name might mean, facial oils won’t leave your face greasy. The oils contain ingredients such as polyphenols, fatty acids, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve wrinkles.
Applying coconut oil to the face
Why it works: It contains vitamin E, coconut oil can be used as a traditional moisturizer. Because it is full of fatty acids, coconut oil acts as a kind of barrier on the skin, keeping moisture locked inside. It is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and helps protect skin and hair. Bonus: it smells delicious! Read how to use coconut oil on your face.
Application of argan oil for the face
What is it: Extracted from the nuts of the Moroccan argan tree, this oil is a soothing and powerful moisturizer for all skin types.
How to use: this oil isn’t just for dry skin – it can help control sebum reductions for those with oilier skin. This nourishing oil can be used daily under makeup or at night for more restorative skin care. It is suitable for use on dry hair and nails.
Application of rosehip oil for the face
What is it: this powerful skin nourisher is one of the best anti-aggregation oils. It is extracted by cold pressing from the seeds of a certain variety of roses, mainly grown in Chile.
Why it works: this oil is rich in essential fatty acids and contains vitamins E, C, D and beta-carotene. It protects and moisturizes the skin, fights free radicals and reduces wrinkles. But that’s not all! Vitamins and antioxidants rejuvenate skin to restore elasticity, help correct dark spots and reduce the appearance of scarring.
Mode of application: because it is considered a “dry” oil, rosehip seed oil absorbs easily into the skin. It can be used in conjunction with other oils or lotions.
Applying marula oil to the face
What it is: harvested from the nut of the African marula fruit, this oil is sure to be the next big thing due to its versatility, light texture and benefits. Due to its healing properties, the oil can reduce not only dryness, but also irritation and inflammation.
Why it works: Marula oil is rich in fatty acids and supposedly contains 60 percent more antioxidants than most other oils, meaning it packs a powerful punch against aging and sun damage. The oil also has antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for irritated or acne-prone skin.
How to use: This versatile oil can be used on skin, hair and nails. Since it doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin, it’s perfect to use under make-up or even mixed with a glowing gloss foundation. Read how to use essential oils for your face.
Application of jojoba oil for the face
What is it: Extracted from North American indigenous plants, jojoba oil is used for everything from acne to psoriasis to sunburn. But this is not really an oil, but a plant extract, actually consisting of liquid wax esters. This is important because of all the compounds found in nature, jojoba oil is structurally and chemically the most similar to human sebum, meaning it mimics the texture of the skin.
Why it works: because jojoba oil is similar to the structure of our skin, it can reproduce or dissolve the oil, depending on if your skin over-produces or under-produces it. Thus, it can help balance out sebum production and eliminate blackheads. Composed of beneficial minerals and nutrients, jojoba oil also works as an emollient to soothe the skin and provide daytime moisture.
Mode of application: A few drops can be used for those with an oily complexion in the morning or evening to hydrate and help balance skin tone. It is also a great body lotion alternative for those with sensitive skin. When used as a hair treatment, jojoba oil can help with dandruff and promote a healthy scalp.
How to use facial oil
Technically, oils are not moisturizers. Oils are considered “occlusive,” an irritating word that basically means they act as a barrier to keep moisture from evaporating out of your skin (like a foil that…