Following the advice of countless actresses, models, dermatologists, and estheticians, face oils deserve a place in our daily skincare routines. Nestled between a toner and a moisturizer, face oils are abundant with nutrients and antioxidants, so they truly have the ability to transform our complexions.
But, the market for face oils has become quite full, making it difficult to select the right one for your skin type. In fact, some oils could exacerbate any preexisting conditions, like acne, you may be struggling with. Selecting the right one is crucial to reap the benefits that face oils can offer.
To rescue you from the confusion of skincare aisle, here is a comprehensive guide for finding the perfect face oil for your unique and beautiful skin!
For the face-oil newbie
Never tried a face oil before? We suggest you begin your face oil journey slowly and carefully, choosing the safest, cleanest product possible. Opt for one that has minimal ingredients. This will reduce the risk of any potential allergic reactions, as many face oils contain essential oils or added fragrances, which can be very irritating, especially for someone who has never used a product that contains them for before.
Here at Her Campus NYU, we love using pure Argan oil and pure rosehip seed oils. These oils are loaded with antioxidants without being heavy and greasy, making them perfect for all skin types, even oily and acne-prone skin. Can’t decide between the two? Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which is wonderful for conditioning and healing the skin. Rosehip seed oil contains high levels of vitamin A, which fights sun damage, and it is safe for even the most delicate complexions. Our staples are Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil and Pai’s Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil.
For skin as dry as the desert
Struggling with parched skin? Face oils are going to become your best friend. Unlike a typical lotion or cream, face oils are the best at locking in moisture, as it forms a protective barrier from the harsh environmental conditions of New York City. Coconut and almond oils are ideal for dry, dehydrated complexions. Our favorites? Kate Somerville’s Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment relies on coconut oil to deeply hydrate, making it perfect for the driest of skins.
If dullness, flakiness, and dry patches are also an issue for you, try Origins’ High-Potency Night-A-Mins™ Skin Refining Oil. This product doubles as an overnight facial peel, gently exfoliating away dry flakes. The next morning, you’ll wake up with stellar, super-smooth skin!
For oily skin
For someone who relies blotting papers and mattifying foundations, the thought of using a face oil may be frightening. But, face oils can actually help you tackle the root of your problem: oils stabilize and regulate the overproduction of sebum. Essentially, they cause your skin to “think” it has enough moisture and oil, so it stops producing as much sebum on its own. Time to say goodbye to midday makeup touch ups!
You’ll want to look for lightweight, fast-absorbing oils, like squalane, jojoba, and apricot seed oils. We can’t get enough of Indie Lee’s Squalane Facial Oil, which has never left us feeling greasy or with a face full of clogged our pores the next morning.
For redness
Sensitive skin prone to redness and irritation can also be soothed with facial oils. By nourishing the skin and reinforcing its protective, moisture barrier, oils are amazing for calming angry complexions. Safflower oil, for example, is naturally rich in linoleic acid, which assists in making ceramides, an essential component of the skin’s barrier. However, be sure to steer clear of face oils that are heavily fragranced or contain many essential oils, as these have been known to cause irritation. We’re obsessed with the anti-inflammatory Oh Mega Calming Chia Oil from One Love Organics, and Nourish London’s Argan Skin Rescue, which works to alleviate blotchiness.
For acne-prone skin
Although it may seem counterintuitive, some oils have a purifying effect on the skin, helping to combat acne. In fact, Black Cumin oil is fabulous at controlling the spread of the bacteria that causes breakouts. We absolutely love Odacite’s Black Cumin + Cajeput Serum Concentrate, which is formulated to eradicate pimples and prevent future ones from popping up unexpectedly.
However, if you struggle with acne and sensitive skin, pass on the Black Cumin oil and give geranium essential oil a try, which assists in healing acne scars and regulating oil production, or lavender essential oil for calming inflamed pimples. Our top picks? Skin Owl’s Beauty Drops harness the fast-absorbing, antioxidant-rich power of Argan oil as the base for their infusions that include geranium and lavender essential oils. These are stellar options for those who have acne and fragile skin.
Once you incorporate the right face oil for your unique skin type and condition into your skincare routine, be prepared to wake up with a healthy, glowing complexion! Face oils can be just as powerful and effective as serums, and we hope this guide leads you to the perfect one for you!
Images courtesy of Pexels.