Yes. In skincare, oil is good - as long as it's the right oil! Here’s everything you need to know.
Super shiny skin is not something anyone aspires to, particularly if skin is prone to excess oil and breakouts, but what if we told you that a little oil can do all skin good?It just needs to be the right kind of oil.
The good oil.
Applying oil to oily skin might seem like all kinds of wrong, but recent studies have shown that the right facial oil - one that penetrates skin without clogging pores - can help regulate oil production to help stem breakouts.
The reason is dry skin tends to over-produce oil to compensate for a lack of moisture, and it is this excess oil that can lead to clogged pores, blemishes and excess shine.
For oil-prone or combination skin, avoid heavy oils, such as coconut, olive and mineral-based oils, that can leave a film on the skin’s surface and block pores.
Skin Is No Stranger To Oil
The outer layers of skin are primarily composed of fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides, all of which are oil based.
As we age, skin’s natural oil levels decrease and the moisture barrier can become compromised, causing skin to become dry. Introducing a facial oil to your daily skincare routine can replace that lost moisture, so skin appears plump, healthy and wonderfully hydrated.
But Not Just Any Oil
Applying a well-formulated, lightweight, skin-friendly facial oil will not only replenish moisture levels, it’s also a smart way to deliver the essential nutrients the skin needs on a daily basis to look its best.
An oil laced with antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, and CoEnzyme Q10 will not only hydrate, but also improve skin’s elasticity and firmness, and protect skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and other environmental aggressors.
Look for a plant-based oil that has bonus anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, irritated skin.
Fitting A Facial Oil Into Your Routine
A well-formulated facial oil will have a light texture that allows it to absorb in seconds, making it easy to use morning and night as an extra nourishing layer in your skincare regime.
In terms of skincare steps, apply any serum first, then oil, then moisturiser and finally sunscreen (if in the AM). By sandwiching the oil between your usual skincare layers, you seal in its healing nutrients for maximum benefit.
Also consider adding a drop or two of oil to your foundation or moisturiser for a luminous glow, day or night.