About all

The Best Face Oils for Every Skin Type: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the ideal face oils for your skin type. Learn how to choose and apply face oils for dry, sensitive, and oily skin to achieve radiant, nourished complexion.

The Benefits of Using Face Oils in Your Skincare Routine

Face oils have become a staple in many skincare routines, and for good reason. These concentrated plant-based oils offer a range of benefits that can cater to various skin types and concerns. The last step in a skincare regimen, face oils are prized for their moisturizing properties and ability to improve skin’s elasticity, especially as the weather gets warmer and drier.

What sets face oils apart is their ability to penetrate deep into the skin’s upper layers, delivering essential nutrients directly where they’re needed most. This sets them apart from traditional moisturizers, which often create a surface-level barrier. By absorbing into the skin, face oils can help reduce inflammation, soothe conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and even diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Apply Face Oils for Optimal Benefits

Applying face oils properly is key to unlocking their full potential. The best time to use face oil is after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing. This allows the oil to be absorbed into the skin without being diluted by other products. For oily skin types, you may want to use face oil only in the evening, allowing it to work its magic while you sleep. Dry and sensitive skin types can benefit from face oil application both morning and night.

When applying face oil, use a small amount (just a few drops) and gently massage it into the skin using upward and outward motions. This not only helps the oil penetrate but also encourages lymph drainage and sculpting. Face oils can be used on any area of the body that needs extra nourishment, such as the ends of hair or nails.

Choosing the Right Face Oil for Your Skin Type

With so many face oils on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for your skin. The key is to match the oil’s properties to your specific skin type and concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the best face oils for different skin types:

Dry Skin

If your skin is dry, look for oils rich in essential fatty acids, such as jojoba oil or argan oil. These nourishing oils help replenish the skin’s natural oils and prevent moisture loss.

Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, choose oils high in antioxidants like rosehip oil or seabuckthorn oil. These soothing oils help protect the skin from environmental damage and calm inflammation.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed oil or hazelnut oil. These help regulate sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores.

Combination Skin

For combination skin, look for a balance of light and heavier oils, such as jojoba oil or avocado oil. These will hydrate dry areas while controlling excess oil production in the T-zone.

Top Face Oils for Every Skin Type

Now that you know how to choose the right face oil, here are some of our top recommendations for each skin type:

Dry Skin

  • Jojoba oil
  • Argan oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Avocado oil

Sensitive Skin

  • Rosehip oil
  • Seabuckthorn oil
  • Chamomile oil
  • Calendula oil
  • Marula oil

Oily Skin

  • Tea tree oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Hazelnut oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Ylang ylang oil

Combination Skin

  • Jojoba oil
  • Avocado oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Does face oil go before or after moisturizer?

Face oil should be applied after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturizer. This allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the skin without being diluted by other products.

How often should you use face oil?

The frequency of face oil use depends on your skin type. Oily skin types may only need face oil in the evening, while dry and sensitive skin types can benefit from using it both morning and night.

Can face oil clog pores?

Not all face oils are created equal. Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed and hazelnut are less likely to clog pores, making them a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin.

Do you need to use a moisturizer if you use face oil?

Depending on your skin type, face oil may replace the need for a separate moisturizer. Oilier skin types may choose to use face oil or moisturizer, but not both. Drier skin types will likely benefit from using both a face oil and a moisturizer.