The 24 Best Face Oils of 2021

If the word oil throws you off, we get it. Maybe it’s because the idea of putting oil on, say, your acne-prone face seems certifiably insane (it isn’t), or maybe your skin is so sensitive you think you can’t use an oil (you can), or maybe you just think the whole concept of face oils is too confusing for your low-maintenance needs (it definitely is not).

Whatever the reason, we’re here to shout from the rooftops that face oil is the one product that can actually treat your skin issues, while giving you the bright, glowy, clear face of your dreams. And yes, every single skin type can use it (according to me, your derm, and your derm’s derm). So to prove it to you—and to give you zero further excuses to forego an oil-filled life—we broke down the very best face oils for your oily, sensitive, dry, broken-out, and, yes, even your “normal” skin ahead. Better still, celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau walks us through exactly how to use them for maximum glow.

Oily Skin

Rosdiana CiaravoloGetty Images

The Gist:

It sounds counterintuitive, but the right oil can not only act as an astringent to rid your face of excess grease, but will also help stabilize and regulate your skin’s sebum production (i.e. your natural skin oil) to make you less oily overall. And let’s get the whole texture issue out of the way: because of their different molecular weights, many oils feel more like a serum or essence so you’re not stuck feeling sebum-ridden.

Rouleau suggests sealing in moisture and using the oil as a last step, after moisturizing. “When you use a moisturizer for oily skin, it’s generally lightweight and oil-free so you want these ingredients to absorb into the skin first to avoid any potential blocking or clogging of the pores. Then, you can add a protective layer of oil over your moisturizer to prevent water loss.”

What to Use:

Jojoba Oil

Not only is jojoba an incredibly lightweight and breathable oil (making it great for combination skin that still needs some moisture), but, because jojoba actually breaks down and dissolves sebum, it’ll also help control your shine.

Grape Seed Oil

If your skin is incredibly oily—as in, you’ve never once felt a dry patch on your face—opt for grape seed oil. It’s a natural astringent (and a bit more drying than jojoba oil), so it’ll help mattify your skin.

Majestic Pure Chilean Grapeseed Oil, $14

SHOP IT

Now 100% Pure Grapeseed Oil, $6

SHOP IT

Ogee Jojoba Restore Face Oil, $64

SHOP IT

Teddie Organics Organic Jojoba Oil, $12

SHOP IT

Dry Skin

Matteo ValleImaxtree

The Gist:

You’d think that any face oil would automatically be a Cupid-level match for dry skin, but, like all things in beauty, it’s not that simple. Some oils are naturally more astringent and lightweight than others (like jojoba, grape seed, and pomegranate oil), so drier types want to use a rich oil that’s high in oleic acid—a fatty acid that helps condition skin, lock in moisture, and reduce irritation from dryness.

“Mix 3-5 drops directly in with your nighttime moisturizer, and apply to both the face and neck. You can also smooth over your moisturizer to provide a protective barrier to prevent dry air from pulling moisture out from the skin,” says Rouleau.

What to Use:

Almond Oil

It’s intensely hydrating and simple and gentle enough for anyone with eczema, dermatitis, or just really, really dry skin. It’s also incredibly high in vitamin A (i.e. the stuff retinol comes from), giving it some line-smoothing and zit-fighting power when used topically over time.

Marula Oil

This oil manages to absorb into skin within a few minutes of massaging it on, yet it’s still rich enough to moisturize and calm your dry skin all day—or night—long (thanks to a heavy dose of fatty acids).

Now Solutions 100% Pure Sweet Almond Oil, $12

SHOP IT

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil, $55

SHOP IT

Acure The Essentials Marula Oil, $13

SHOP IT

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, $72

SHOP IT

Acne-Prone Skin

Monica SchipperGetty Images

The Gist:

What if I told you the key to reducing your breakouts is to slather your face with oil? Too late—that’s exactly what I’m telling you. Most acne treatments on the market are filled with irritating ingredients that strip your skin of natural oils. When your skin is dry and inflamed, it overproduces sebum, leading to pimples and blackheads. Acne-safe face oils, however, work to nourish your skin, so your body can heal the zits you have without causing more. Kill ‘em with kindness, right?

Rouleau suggests following the same routine as for oily skin, as a last step. If you’re still terrified an oil will worsen your skin, try patch-testing one on the most acne-prone area of your face (it’ll be the most reactive spot, and therefore the most accurate) for a week to see what happens. If your skin doesn’t break out (any more than usual, anyway), massage a few drops of oil over your skin at the end of your skincare routine at night.

What to Use:

Pomegranate Oil

Not only is it naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory (so it’ll help fight zit-causing bacteria in your pores while also calming the rest of your inflamed, broken-out skin), but it’s also incredibly lightweight, so it won’t feel like a greasy mask.

Rosehip Oil

When you want to treat irritated, angry, red, zit-riddled skin, you bring in the big guns—i.e. rosehip oil. The innocuous oil deeply hydrates skin (without suffocating your pores) with fatty acids that also fade acne scars and reduce redness. (Don’t believe me? This woman went viral for clearing her acne with rosehip oil in only three weeks.)

Pai Skincare Organic Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+

John Masters Organics Nourish Facial Oil With Pomegranate

Leven Rose Pomegranate Seed Oil

“Normal” Skin

Mireya AciertoGetty Images

The Gist:

If you don’t really break out, you’re not super dry, definitely not too oily, probably not sensitive, and your answer to every skincare question is, “Uhh, maybe? I don’t think so…” Then congrats! You have perfectly average, “normal,” I-hate-you-worthy skin. Which means you can use a basic, OG face oil without having to worrying about clogged pores, irritation, or dryness.

“Normal skin is less dry, so less of the oil is needed, compared to a dry skin type,” says Rouleau. Try mixing in 2-3 drops into your nighttime moisturizer. Another hot tip from the glow queen: never mix in oil with a sunscreen/moisturizer hybrid, no matter what type of skin you have. “A sunscreen moisturizer is an FDA-approved product and thoroughly tested to ensure that the SPF number listed on the bottle or jar is truly giving protection from damaging UV rays. If you alter its original formula by mixing in an oil, you cannot be confident that you’re getting adequate benefit to prevent wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer,” she specifies.

What to Use:

Argan Oil

Meet the only face oil you’ll ever need for your perfectly chill face. It’s rich and soothing, it sinks in quickly, and it’s incredibly high in vitamin E—an antioxidant that helps prevent skin damage, dark spots, and fine lines by blocking environmental damage. Massage it on in the morning or night (or both!) as the final step of your skincare routine.

Retinol Oils

Okay, fine, this isn’t actually a type of oil, but I know how you normies are—you want to see results, or you won’t stick with the product. Welp, a gentle retinol-spiked oil will brighten your tone, clear your breakouts, smooth your bumps, and hydrate your skin, all without hardcore irritating your face.

Use one every other night after moisturizing, and if you don’t actually use a moisturizer, go get a hydrating one ASAP, since retinols can slowly dry your skin out, leading to legit skin issues.

Physicians Formula Argan Wear Argan Oil, $10

SHOP IT

Russell Organics Argan Oil, $28

SHOP IT

Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil, $69

SHOP IT

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, $105

SHOP IT

S.T.A.R.Light Retinol Night Oil

StriVectin
dermstore.com

$99.00

Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil

111SKIN
nordstrom.com

$230.00

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil

Neutrogena
ulta.com

$30.39

Sensitive Skin

Ivan LattuadaImaxtree

The Gist:

If you have sensitive skin, you need a face oil specifically designed to wrap your skin barrier in a soothing, nourishing, coddling hug. And that means finding a formula that’s bland, bland, bland, with absolutely zero essential oils—like lavender, peppermint, and rose—which tend to only irritate sensitive skin.

Whichever oil you choose, patch test it first (dab it below your ear near your jaw) and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction. If your skin seems happy, you can massage it on in the morning, at night, or both, as the last step of your skincare routine.

What to Use:

Moringa Oil

This overachieving oil is packed with antioxidants (to protect your skin from irritating free radicals), fatty acids (to help repair a dry, damaged skin barrier), and anti-inflammatories (to calm irritated skin). It’s also lightweight, yet still moisturizing enough for dry skin, so you can easily layer it under makeup without creating a gunky mess.

Aloe Vera Oil

Just like moringa oil, aloe oil is filled with anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, but it also has the added bonus of being a natural antibacterial and astringent, making it a powerhouse for sensitive skin that’s also oily or acne-prone.

Mara Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil, $72

SHOP IT

Piping Rock Natural Aloe Vera Oil, $7

SHOP IT

Dr. Adorable Aloe Vera Oil 100% Pure Organic, $13

SHOP IT

Shop more moringa oil and aloe vera:

Mo + P Moringa-Petitgrain Very Dry Skin Serum Concentrate

ODACIT
nordstrom.com

$46.00

Organic Moringa Oil

Mother Nature Organics Superfoods for Organic Living
amazon.com

$16.95

Aloe Vera Oil

AROMATIKA
amazon.com

$13.99

100% Pure All Natural Cold Pressed Aloe Vera Oil

SULUORGANICS
etsy.com

$21.80

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Chloe Metzger
Deputy Beauty Director
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, obsessively writing about new makeup launches, the best hair products (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare formulas that really work for every skin type (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life).

Taylore Glynn
Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

8 Best Natural Oils for Healthy Skin

Is It Safe to Use Coconut Oil and Other Oils on Your Skin and Hair?

The use of natural oils for skin and hair care has been around for years: An article published in the Journal of Experimental Botany suggested civilizations in ancient Egypt, for example, dabbled in their use, while other research has suggested ancient Greek athletes slathered olive oil on their skin, perhaps to make their skin appear more luminous during competitions.

Rajani Katta, MD, a clinical assistant professor of medicine and board-certified dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Bellaire, Texas, says that we have “centuries of experience” to show that it is uncommon for natural oils — including coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil — to cause allergic reactions. “I think one of the reasons that natural oils have really come back into prominence is because there has been a search for moisturizers that A) don’t cause allergic reactions, B) don’t have as many of the chemicals that trigger allergic reactions, and C) are cost effective,” she says.

RELATED: 5 Ways Coconut Oil Can Save Your Skin and Hair

That said, Dr. Katta advises making sure your regimen is suitable for your skin — especially your face. For instance, she says, if your skin is prone to acne, consider using natural oils to moisturize only your body, and talk to your dermatologist before putting any new oils on your face. Skin type, whether dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, can play a major role in how skin-care products can affect your skin, according to an article published in May–June 2016 in the Indian Journal of Dermatology.

Another factor to consider before using natural oils is how soon you intend to be in the sun after applying them. “If you are using them on the face, I would be definitely very careful,” Katta explains. “Because they are oils, it’s an intensified effect of using radiation on facial skin.”

One way to avoid sun damage when using natural oils is to apply them differently at different times of the day. In the morning, consider applying a thin layer to your skin (it should be absorbed in about 15 minutes, Katta says). At night, when you aren’t exposed to the sun, feel free to apply oil liberally. You’ll know you’ve applied too much if your skin isn’t absorbing it, Katta notes.

RELATED: 5 Natural Dry Skin Remedies

How to Apply Natural Oils to Your Face and Body

“When you’re applying natural oils, you really have to make a distinction between the face and the body,” Katta says. “I don’t tend to recommend these types of oils for acne, just because oils could clog your pores and make acne worse. But for that same woman who has acne on her face, coconut oil would be a great moisturizer for her body.”

Finding out how much oil suits your needs may require a little trial and error. While there is no research regarding the amount of oil that should be used as a moisturizer, your skin will tell you when enough is enough. If it feels too greasy, that means it hasn’t all been absorbed.

Organic Oils vs. Essential Oils: Is There a Difference?

Many people have olive oil, coconut oil, or sunflower seed oil in their kitchen cabinet. But can the same oils you cook with be applied to your face? Katta confirms that organic and unrefined products are your best bet. “The kind of coconut oil that you cook with has a higher smoke point [than organic, unrefined coconut oil], so it’s a little bit better for cooking, but in order to refine it, you may be taking out some of the chemicals that may actually have beneficial properties,” she says. For that reason, Katta recommends extra-virgin, cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for hair and skin care, versus more refined products.

On the other hand, though essential oils, such as tea tree, argan, and lemon oil, are also increasingly common ingredients in skincare products, they are more likely to produce allergic reactions than olive and coconut oil, Katta says. “Tea tree oil has developed a reputation for being a great sort of antibacterial, antifungal ingredient. It does have those properties, but you really have to use it very carefully,” she says.

RELATED: Can Essential Oils Help Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis?

She warns that in some cases, the effects of tea tree oil on skin could be dangerous. “I would never use it on open skin, because I have seen people develop allergic reactions when they were using it on cracks in the skin from eczema, for example.”

While she would not recommend that people with very sensitive skin ever use essential oils on their skin, she says that for most people, they should be safe to use — as long as they are used properly. “You have to diffuse them quite a bit,” she says. “You might use a couple of drops in a carrier, like coconut oil, and for most people, that would probably be fine,” she says. A carrier oil acts as a neutral base for an essential oil to dilute them before application or cooking.

Katta cautions that some oils may be more likely to cause negative side effects than others. “If you have sensitive skin or eczema, I’ve seen a lot of reactions to things such as oil of cloves, oil of cinnamon, lavender oil, lemon oil. Those are some of my top concerns in terms of essential oils that can trigger allergic reactions.”

Where to Start With Natural Oils for Skin Care

Before applying any oils to the skin, it is important to receive a recommendation from your doctor. But to get you started, here are some of the most popular varieties of natural oils:

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties. The one big exception? Along with cocoa butter, coconut oil is likely to cause breakouts. “In general, coconut oil is a great option for almost everybody, except if you have oily skin and you’re acne prone, I would not use it on the face,” Katta says. In a study published in the journal Dermatitis, researchers found coconut oil was better than olive oil at moisturizing skin when used in a carrier. Remember to look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for your face or skin care.

RELATED: Is Coconut Oil Good for the Heart?

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil doesn’t typically trigger allergic reactions, Katta says, but for the best results, be sure to opt for the extra-virgin variety. Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and some research, such as a study published in October 2016 in the journal Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, offers scientific evidence of its potential as a moisturizer. With its heavy consistency, it is a great choice for an all-body application, Katta says. You may even want to try an olive oil cleanser or bar of soap for a clean that won’t dry out your skin.

3. Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is widely available, high in vitamin E, and absorbs easily into the skin, making it an excellent choice as a natural moisturizer. One study, published in the journal Pediatrics Dermatology, found that in infants sunflower oil better protected the skin’s barrier and didn’t cause or aggravate atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema), as compared with olive oil.

4. Shea Butter

Derived from the nuts of the African shea tree, shea butter is a tallow-like substance that is commonly found in a solid form, but it melts at body temperature, and is sometimes used as a moisturizer and hair product, says Katta, adding she hasn’t seen her patients have allergic reactions to it. Unrefined, organic shea butter can also be combined with olive oil or coconut oil to create a smoother texture for application.

5. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is native to Mexico and the American Southwest, where its oils have been extracted from its seeds and used medicinally by Native American tribes. “I don’t see much in the way of allergic reactions to [jojoba], either. I haven’t seen that be as popular [as some other natural oils], so I just don’t have a lot of experience with it,” Katta says. In a review publishedin the Journal of the Italian Society of Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, researchers found jojoba oil may have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, among other skin benefits.

RELATED: 7 Anti-Aging Tips for Your Skin

6. Almond Oil

Made from pressed raw almonds, almond oil is full of health benefits, such as vitamin E, zinc, proteins, and potassium. It has a lighter texture than olive oil and shea butter, which many find appealing to use on the face. But Katta says that sweet almond oil can result in allergic responses, so she recommends avoiding it if you have sensitive skin.

7. Grapeseed Oil

Containing vitamin E and essential fatty acids, grapeseed oil is lightweight compared with other natural oils. It also offers antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, according to an article published in September 2016 in the journal Nutrition and Metabolic Insights. From her experience, Katta says grapeseed oil is less commonly used for skin than the other oils, but she’s optimistic about its potential use for this purpose. “I have not seen allergic reactions to grapeseed oil,” she says. “It definitely has a number of phytochemicals that have antioxidant benefits, too, so that’s kind of intriguing.”

8. Rose Hip Seed Oil

Extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes, rose hip seed oil has seen a surge in popularity and is increasingly found in facial skincare products that tout moisturizing, anti-aging benefits. A review of research published in January 2018 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences notes that the essential fatty acids and antioxidants in this oil, including provitamin A, provide “relatively high protection against inflammation” and oxidative skin damage, and that rose hip seed oil has shown promising results when used to alleviate inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.

Additional reporting by Deborah Shapiro.

The best face oils to add to your skin care routine

I remember when Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil first launched. I was working at a magazine at the time, and the skin care oil trend was blowing up — all the mainstream brands were clamoring to get one on the market.

The Bobbi Brown version felt lovely. However, there was absolutely zero chance I was going to put it on my face. Oil on my acne-prone skin? That seemed like a terrible idea.

It wasn’t until I came across Sundari Essential Oil for Oily Skin that I dared to try a skin care oil for myself. This felt different since the formula is extremely light, the instructions call for only two drops (how much damage could that do?) and the website explains that peppermint helps control skin’s oil production. Of course I was hesitant the first night I used it, but when I woke up to glowing, even skin I knew it was the oil — and I haven’t looked back since.

Despite the popularity of face oils, I realize that there are still plenty of people who are as intimidated as I was. Here’s the key: You have to figure out which face oil is right for your skin, and start slowly with just a drop or two. These seven skin care oils are some of the most popular, and they come highly recommended by experts. Read on to find out which one you should try.

1. Best face oil for acne: Tea tree oil

Even though I was afraid of face oils, I remember using The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil as a blemish spot treatment when I was in high school. It feels and smells more like an astringent than an oil, so it doesn’t have the same ick factor that turned me off with the others. And tea tree oil really works: Studies have found that five percent tea tree oil is as effective at treating acne as five percent benzoyl peroxide. Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann recommends tea tree oil as a gentle, natural alternative to harsher acne treatments.

• 1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $10, Amazon

Also available at Ulta.

This oil contains 15 percent tea tree oil concentrate and helps to target breakouts, remove impurities and mattify skin, according to the brand.

• 2. Burt’s Bees Herbal Complexion Stick, $8, Walmart

Also available at Target.

Not only does this product contain tea tree oil and juniper oil, it also comes in an easy to apply stick that is sized to be able to be easily stashed away in a purse.

2. Best face oil for oily skin: Grapeseed oil

If you have oily skin — even if you don’t have acne — you’re probably as averse to oils as I was. In the middle of the afternoon, I need blotting papers or pressed powder — definitely not more oil on my already shiny forehead. But grapeseed oil (like peppermint oil, which I mentioned earlier) can actually help regulate your natural oil production, says holistic skin care expert Cecilia Wong. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, including skin-brightening vitamin C. Still not convinced? “I often tell people who are interested in skin care oils to start using it on your body and if you like the results, try it on your face,” Wong said.

• Caudalie Vine[Activ] Overnight Detox Oil, $50, Macy’s

Also available at Sephora.

With more than 10,000 “loves” on Sephora, this oil is made up of grapeseed oil to regenerate and moisturize, carrot, lavender and white sandalwood oils to detoxify and almond oil, rosemary extract and neroli essential oil to fight fatigue.

3. Best face oil for anti-aging: Argan oil

When I think about Argan oil, supermodel and skin care guru Josie Maran immediately comes to mind. Her entire line is based around this miracle ingredient — and her perfect complexion is proof of how well the stuff works. Argan oil also very rare and expensive — so it’s a good thing that you only need a tiny amount for it to be effective. “If you see 1 ounce of Argan for $15, that’s not right,” said Wong. She adds that cheaper versions may have added ingredients that make them less effective.

• Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil, $40, Amazon

Also available for $48 at Sephora.

Argan oil is said to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while moisturizing skin. This oil contains a high concentration of vitamin E and fatty acids, which are more stable in sunlight than other antioxidants — so it’s great to wear during the day.

4. Best face oil for skin repair: Black currant oil

I asked Wong what she would recommend for a client whose skin had been traumatized in some way — like after a laser treatment, too much time in the sun or even windburn from skiing. Her answer? Black currant oil. It’s her favorite reparative treatment because it’s rich in fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties. It even works on eczema.

• Botanical Beauty Black Currant Seed Oil, $18, Amazon

It’s loaded with fatty acids to help heal itchy, irritated skin.

5. Best face oil for sensitive skin: Chamomile oil

The same way you can drink chamomile tea to relax, you can use chamomile oil to calm your skin. It soothes redness and irritation in a matter of seconds. “It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for patients with rosacea,” says Baumann.

Just be sure to dab some on your wrist and wear it for a day to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction, she says, and be especially careful with organic versions. Since organic ingredients are treated with fewer chemicals, they’re often growing alongside weeds and other allergens, which means organic essential oils are more likely to have traces of those allergens than conventionally farmed varieties. The result? They’re more likely to cause allergic reactions on the skin.

• Darphin Chamomile Aromatic Care, $75, Nordstrom

This oil is made up of pure chamomile, sandalwood, sage and lavender oils. Applying five drops each night is supposed to reduce redness, irritations and blotchiness.

6. Best face oil for discoloration: Rosehip seed oil

Mally Steves Chakola, the founder of M. Steves Skincare, first realized the healing power of rose hip seed oil after applying it to an 18-year-old scar for two weeks — it faded significantly. She recommends using it as a boost for your moisturizer — just mix in a few drops before you apply. This is a great option, especially if you’re skeptical about putting oil directly onto your face.

• 1. Pura D’Or Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, $13, Amazon

Rosehip seed oil is know for protecting your skin as well as increasing cell turnover. You can also use this on your hair to help with dry scalp problems.

• 2. Kate Blanc Rosehip Seed Oil, $13, Amazon

With more than 2,600 reviews on Amazon and 4.6 stars, this organic formula might help lessen acne scars, according to the product description.

7. Best face oil for dry skin: Olive oil

We’ve all heard stories about women in Italy bathing in the stuff — and I’m sure they have beautiful skin — but using olive oil as a face oil is the scariest of all. I may have become an oil enthusiast, but I’ve never been able to use this one for anything other than cooking and salad dressing.

However, Baumann loves extra virgin olive oil for patients with very dry skin. (Note the word “very.”) She says you can buy it at the grocery store — just be sure to look for the term “first cold press” on the bottle. (These formulas are higher in antioxidants than other varieties.)

• Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $15, Amazon

Not only is it super moisturizing, olive oil is also rich in compounds like polyphenols, squalene and fatty acids — all of which are meant to be nourishing and help fight aging, according to the brand.

This article was originally published in July 2012.

Best Face Oils for Dry, Oily & Sensitive Skin 2021

For most of us, using the best face oils should be pretty straightforward: Step one, smear on your face. Step two, carry on with your day. But the reality isn’t quite so simple. Ask a handful of people what face oils actually do, and you’re likely to get a range of claims—they hydrate, they don’t hydrate, they clog your pores, they help with breakouts, they work miracles, so on and so forth. Confused? We’re here to help you find the best face oil for your skin concerns and how to use it.

What are face oils?

This seems like a silly question—oils are oils, right? But oils are also emollients, which means that unlike creams or ointments, which sink deep into your skin for intensive, long-lasting hydration, oils tend to hang out near the surface. Essentially, their moisturizing power isn’t that strong. But while you don’t get quite as much moisture, it’s not like they’re completely useless. 

“Oils add skin barrier protection, silkiness, and superficial hydration,” says dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D. They may sink into your skin just enough to nourish the topmost layer—but that’s still not a whole lot compared with true hydrating heavyweights like hyaluronic acid, which literally binds water to skin cells.

A good way to think of it is that oils alone are not moisturizers (and you shouldn’t use them as such). Instead they should accompany traditional moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “A good moisturizer has to deliver both water and oil,” says aesthetician Ling Chan. “Your cells drink the water while oils stay on the outside of the cell for protection and lubrication.” An oil is actually integral to healthy skin, since it acts as the sealant that keeps moisture in. Without it, moisture just leeches out until the next time you apply cream. While this isn’t necessarily going to wreck your skin, it’s definitely not ideal—and it becomes a bigger problem in dry winter weather.

What do face oils do?

Oils give your skin an instant softness and smoothness that can be kind of addictive (seriously, try slathering one on and see if you can stop petting your face). But more than that, they’re often packed with essential nutrients, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Plus, adds Chan, they form a protective layer for your skin cells. While they’re not the be-all and end-all solution to skin issues, they do their fair share by repairing and protecting your skin barrier, which helps your skin absorb other skin care products. If you’re not seeing the dreamy skin you imagined you would from serums and moisturizers alone, an oil might be able to make that happen.

How do you use face oils?

You can always mix oils in with your moisturizer, but if you’re going to give them their own spot of honor in your skin-care routine, derms say there are two ways you can do it, depending on the type of face oil you use. 

“Some facial oils are designed with ingredients that hydrate, others to brighten or even to strengthen your skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. For these, Zeichner recommends applying before you moisturize but after—or even instead of—your serum. The other way you can use face oils is as the last step in your routine at night or the second-to-last before sunscreen in the morning. That way, they’re acting as a barrier to keep all the actives in your skin-care products locked into your skin. 

9 Best Face Oils For Glowing Skin In 2021

But will it make me break out? And: Do I really need another product? These are the face oil questions we get most often at goop. The truth in all but the most extreme cases is that not only will face oil not make you break out; it will absolutely change your life, not to mention your skin. Your skin will look and feel better. You will probably need less makeup. And you will probably need fewer skin-care items altogether.

Perhaps the ultimate skin secret, face oil has been used by people all over the world in various forms for millennia; nothing lasts that long unless it works. Makeup artists, who love only what makes the person sitting in their chair look fantastic, have been slathering it on clients for years; slowly, word spread. (Sophia Loren credits a lifetime of olive oil baths as one of the reasons her skin remains so beautiful in her eighties.) One of the best-looking older women we’ve ever met, stylist and former model Linda Rodin, has made her fortune late in life by mixing oils in her kitchen to create the runaway success Olio Lusso, which launched her entire beauty company.

The Benefits of Face Oil

1. You See Instant Results

No matter your skin type, try face oil for the first time and you’ll see serious benefits right away. Conventional moisturizers, which combine waxes with water and oils, seal moisture in the skin with the wax. But they can also seal out some of the oil and water, not to mention the treatment benefits included in the formula. With oil, it all sinks right in. And most oils are already naturally infused with ingredients like antioxidants, polyphenols, and omega fatty acids.

1. goop Beauty
   GOOPGENES All-in-One
   Super Nutrient Face Oil
   goop, $98/$89 with subscription

   SHOP NOW

2. Vintner’s Daughter
   Active Botanical Serum
   goop, $185

   SHOP NOW

3. Furtuna Skin
   Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil
   goop, $225

   SHOP NOW

2. They’re beyond Multipurpose

You can use face oil for basic (and effective) moisturization, and it’s also amazing for makeup touch-ups—instead of adding more makeup, pat some oil on to revive the makeup you’ve already got on. In either case, avoid the T-zone unless you’re the driest person on earth. In a pinch, face oil can be a makeup remover, frizz fighter, cuticle and undereye cream, lip balm…

You need an oil if you use retinols or other drying or antiblemish products. Treatments like Retin-A, AHA peels or creams, and breakout fighters—from astringent toners all the way to prescription Accutane—can help your skin, but they can also seriously dry it out. Face oils return moisture and life to your skin, smoothing lines and soothing it in the process.

On the flip side, even skin that’s decidedly not dry can benefit from oils. While synthetic and mineral oils are comedogenic and clog pores, most natural plant oils are not. Believe it or not, the right face oil can help balance skin.

1. KORA Organics
   NONI GLOW FACE OIL
   goop, $68

   SHOP NOW

2. Balmyard Beauty
   Moonlight Lover Facial Oil
   goop, $95

   SHOP NOW

3. Tata Harper
   Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
   goop, $132

   SHOP NOW

For super dry skin, massage in a rich moisturizer first, then layer on an oil over it. (Alternatively, you can massage in some face oil, then layer a rich moisturizer over it; either works.) Another layering trick: Pat on face oil, then smooth all-natural mineral SPF over it. The sunscreen seals in the oil a bit, and it also slightly mattifies your skin so that it’s less shiny. You can also use oil the way you would serum or moisturizer when thinning out foundation or bronzer formulas.

1. goop Beauty
   GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream
   goop, $95/$86 with subscription

   SHOP NOW

2. The Organic Pharmacy
   CELLULAR PROTECTION SUN CREAM SPF 50
   goop, $69

   SHOP NOW

3. Oils Feel Amazing

Moisturizer formulators spend an enormous amount of time, money, and unnecessary (sometimes toxic) ingredients on texture—how it feels when you actually put the moisturizer on your skin. Texture is important: If you don’t love using a product, you tend not to use it. And you definitely tend not to buy it again. Oils have a naturally gorgeous, instantly skin-comforting texture—they need no extra ingredients to make them sink in.

1. Lavido
   Replenishing Facial Serum
   goop, $59

   SHOP NOW

4. Clean Face Oils Are Actually Better

While conventional beauty companies have (finally) gotten into the face-oil business, the all-natural, pure options are absolutely superior, not just from a clean perspective, but because a) there’s no improving on perfection—adding in extra ingredients often just dilutes the benefits of the base oils. And b) most clean face-oil makers have been making it much longer than the conventional newbies, and they’ve learned what really works on skin.

1. True Botanicals
   Renew Pure Radiance Oil
   goop, $110

   SHOP NOW

BONUS: THE NO-MAKEUP MAKEUP TOUCH-UP

Say you’re getting ready to go out after work. Or it’s 4 p.m. and you’re looking tired and lackluster. Before you add concealer, foundation, liner, or anything else, smooth a tiny bit of face oil between your fingers and pat it on over cheeks, under eyes, over lips, and at the temples and forehead. Use as little as possible; you can always add more. You can also use a little bit under the eyes to smooth away any smudged mascara or liner—though it’s important to note that it can make eye makeup run, so don’t put the oil on your actual eye makeup.

Let the oil settle in for a minute. Apply a little lip color, look at your face, and consider what else you might need—it might be nothing, or it might be just a touch of concealer, or it could be big-night-out full-on eye or some cheek color. Either way, you’ll need less than you normally use—and your skin will look especially glowy and fantastic.

One makeup artist we know makes mini (as in, smaller-than-a-thimble-size) bottles of face oil for her clients to carry in their evening bags for mid-event touch-ups. That and lip color are generally all you need!

1. Kosas
   WEIGHTLESS LIP COLOR
   goop, $28

   SHOP NOW

1. Westman Atelier
   Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
   goop, $50

   SHOP NOW

2. Saie
   mascara 101
   goop, $24

   SHOP NOW

3. Rituel de Fille
   Ethereal Veil Conceal & Cover
   goop, $34

   SHOP NOW

The 10 best face oils for dry, oily and sensitive skin

The skincare market has become awash with face oils in recent years; whether you’re after firmer skin, a brighter glow or deeper hydration, there’s a formula promising to deliver.

Yet the very notion of applying oil to the skin still strikes fear in some – surely, more oil equals more problems? Even if you’re already on-board with face oils, mystery surrounding how to use them correctly (bigger still, how they actually work) abounds.

Here, we call on the experts to divulge the truth on face oils, from how they should be harnessed to the skin types that should be slathering them on. Read on for everything you need to know…

What is a face oil, and what do they do?

Contrary to popular belief, face oils are not simply mega moisturisers – in fact, they aren’t classed as moisturisers at all. As oils are not humectants, they can’t pull moisture in from the outside environment, and therefore cannot actually hydrate the skin.

As Dr Bibi Ghalaie, Founder of British Aesthetics explains, oils should not be billed as moisturisers, “as they do not sink into the dermis and bind water to skin cells like moisturising creams or ointments do.” Instead, they sit on the skin’s surface (the epidermis) and prevent water from leaking out.” In this way, they can be considered a good sealant (an ‘occlusive’) for the skin, helping to form a protective layer.

Where do face oils sit in a routine?

It’s because of this occlusive nature that oils must be applied as the last step in your skin routine: slather a serum on top, and it won’t penetrate the oil, rendering it useless. However, applying a nurturing oil over the top of a good hyaluronic acid treatment, for example, will seal the deal, ensuring you get the most from your product.

“For me an oil is a booster product that can be used when needed, rather than an everyday staple – unlike a hydrator, which should be used every day” says Debbie Thomas, advanced skin and laser expert at D. Thomas Clinic. “A few drops of oil could be a better option than constantly switching moisturisers when you feel you need a little more of a boost.”

Which skin types do face oils suit?

According to Thomas, dry skin types will benefit most from a face oil: “especially skin with flaky dry patches, or a tight, dry sensation,” she says.

However, Dr. Ghalaie believes that almost every skin type can benefit from an oil – the key is simply using the right one. “Actually, all skin types can potentially benefit from an oil. The trick to using one in your skincare routine correctly and successfully is to select an oil that is well suited to your particular skin type” she says.

Acneic and easily congested skin should approach face oils with caution – but there’s no need to discount them completely. Some oils are notorious pore-cloggers – as a general rule, avoid mineral oil, coconut and argan oils on the skin – but others, like tea tree and jojoba can work wonders for breakout-prone and easily upset complexions. As Thomas adds, a small amount of a well-chosen oil can even work wonders in counteracting the drying effects of traditional acne medications. There is no hard and fast rule – the key is to find the formula that works for you, and stick to it.

“The heaviness of an oil is determined by its molecular weight and this will affect which skin type it can be used on,” says Dr. Ghalaie. For example, jojoba oil is extremely lightweight and helps dissolve sebum, so it’s perfect for combination skin, while grape seed oil has astringent properties and is suited to oily skin. Drier skin needs a heavier oil and particularly ones rich in oleic acid, which is very hydrating and helps to seal in moisture – try almond and marula oils. And for sensitive skin, Dr. Ghalaie recommends aloe vera and moringa, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Are essential oils good for skin?

Much has been made of the use of essential oils – such as tea tree, lavender and peppermint – due to their tendency to react on especially sensitive skin. Not all face oils contain essential oils, but some brands use them heavily, thanks in no small part to their aromatherapeutic powers.

“Essential oils, which are fragranced, are not the same as non-fragranced oils,” says Thomas. “Essential oils do have some benefits but are much more likely to cause irritation and reactions, so it’s best to avoid them.”

As Ghalaie adds, some essential oils – she namechecks tea tree and lavender – are generally extremely well tolerated (and beneficial) to skin, but others should be avoided, as “they are considered high risk in terms of causing sensitivity and adverse reaction on the skin.” The main offenders? “Cinnamon, clove, lemongrass and black pepper oil are notorious for causing skin reactions,” she says, and should never be used around the eye area or on inflamed, broken skin. Thankfully, these oils are very rarely found in skin products today.

What’s more, individuals with nut allergies should never use oils derived from nut trees, and certain citrus oils can cause increased sun sensitivity.

Below, discover the 10 best face oils to try now, from a fragrance-free soother for sensitive skin, to the ultimate hydrator for eternally dry complexions.

The 10 best face oils for every skin type

1

Best face oil for all skin types

The Face Oil

Augustinus Bader
spacenk.com.uk

£180.00

Augustinus Bader has released several new products this year, but The Face Oil is perhaps the most exciting (especially now we’re heading into cooler climes). 

It contains, of course, the brand’s much celebrated Trigger Factor Complex – a cocktail of proteins and vitamins that the skin immediately recognises and utilises – alongside non-comedogenic babassu and hazelnut oils. 

If you’re happy using the brand’s original cream on its own then you don’t need this. (All of Bader’s formulas are designed as stand-alone products.) But if you’re after an extra dose of moisture, this is the perfect add-on. What’s more, it makes a flawless base for make-up, adding glow without grease. 

2

Best face oil for dry skin

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

Drunk Elephant
cultbeauty.co.uk

£34.00

Dry skin is best suited to face oils in general, as oils help the skin barrier to keep moisture in. Drunk Elephant’s signature 100 per cent marula oil ticks all the boxes: this non-fragrant, non-comedogenic nut extract is packed with antioxidants and sinks into thirsty skin within seconds. There are cheaper options on the market, but none can match the quality of this one.

3

Best face oil for blemished skin

Blemish Rescue Oil – Tamanu and Salicylic

VOTARY
cultbeauty.co.uk

£35.00

An oil may not be your first port of call when looking to nix a breakout, but Votary’s thoughtfully formulated offering could be just be the solution you are searching for.

This light, pore-penetrating blend of tamanu oil and salicylic acid helps to absorb impurities and speed up the healing process, leading to clearer skin without the dryness associated with traditional spot treatments. An effective yet gentle blend, it contains less than 2 per cent essential oils in a soothing base of grape seed and rice bran.

4

Best face oil for sensitive skin

Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil

Pai Skincare
cultbeauty.co.uk

£24.00

Long-loved skincare line Pai has recently had a revamp, but fans of the ultra-gentle Rosehip Bioregenerate oil need not worry, as it’s the same stellar formulation inside. 

The packaging, however, is now more sustainable – right down to the biodegradable tamper seals on each recycled card box. 

New to the formula? It’s completely free from essential oils and designed with delicate skin in mind. Each bottle contains oil pressed from both the fruit and seeds of the rosehip plant, alongside soothing vitamin E and antimicrobial rosemary leaf extract. Loyalists claim it can fade acne scars and even soothe eczema.

if your skin is suddenly sensitised, rather than permanently sensitive, consider the brand’s new Light Fantastic oil instead. Full of ceramides, this one delivers quick relief to an irritated skin barrier, whether you’re feeling red in the face or tight and sore. 

5

Best face oil for tired skin

Active Botanical Serum

Vintner’s Daughter
cultbeauty.co.uk

£175.00

Billed as a serum, but really more of an oil, this powerhouse formula is a cult hero for good reason. 

The maximalist blend contains 22 meticulously extracted active ingredients, meaning it’ll do much more than moisturise. Trust it to clarify blemishes, brighten pigmentation, and bring back that post-holiday glow. 

6

Best face oil for combination skin

Squalane Facial Oil

Indie Lee
cultbeauty.co.uk

£32.00

Hydrating powerhouse squalane has entered the spotlight this year. Once derived from shark liver, but now widely extracted from olives, this oily liquid is also naturally present in our skin’s sebum, meaning the skin recognises and knows what to do with it when applied topically. Completely non-irritating, it’ll prevent water loss, soften skin, and seal in anything you’ve applied beneath it.

7

Best face oil for oily skin

Good Skin Face Oil

DISCIPLE Skincare
cultbeauty.co.uk

£23.00

Containing calming turmeric and clearing tea tree in a balancing base of grapeseed, this batch-blended oil is a hero for oily, unsettled skin (even hormonal breakouts). Try using it with a face massage tool for a soothing evening ritual. 

8

Super Facial Oil With Retinol 8

The unusually short but considered ingredients list in Verso’s retinol face oil really stands up to scrutiny. The brand’s signature Retinol 8 is blended with skin-kind emollient oils to soothe and soften, as well as a gentle antioxidant. Layer a drop over a simple moisturiser, or blend together and apply as one. 

9

Best face oil for dull skin

Protect Oil

Cult facial salon Pfeffer Sal only stocks the most effacacious products, so you can place your trust in this probiotic-powered serum. The tiny (and essential oil-free) ingredients list comprises ximenia oil – an anti-inflammatory extract, sourced from the sour plum – alongside vitamins E and C to soothe and brighten simultaneously. For healthy, resilient skin that glows, this is your hero.

10

Best face oil for very dry skin

Black Rose Precious Face Oil

Sisley
net-a-porter.com.uk

£163.00

This deeply nourishing oil is the star of Sisley’s universally adored Black Rose line. Squalene and algae extracts deliver hydration to dry patches, while precious rose and plum soften skin while sealing in maximum moisture.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Best Face Oil – The Face Oils You Need To Solve Every Skin Concern

Once deemed an extra, perhaps pointless step or just a bit too… oily, face oils are now a skincare must. But with different skin types requiring a unique mix of ingredients, when it comes to nabbing that oh-so-covetable radiance, how are you supposed to know which oil is the one for you?

‘The evolution of extraction and blending technologies, as well as a rediscovery of ancient ingredients and formulae has brought us a new generation of face oils’, says co-founder of Cult Beauty, Alexia Inge.

And yes, your moisturiser might be doing some hard work, but oils can give that extra boost that a cream can’t do.

‘Facial oils offer powerful and deep nourishment and unlike a moisturiser, they replace lost and low level natural oils (sebum) found from within our skin’, says skincare expert Michaella Bolder. ‘This happens through age and causes overall lacklustre and dehydrated cells.’

Gregory Scaffidi

A lover of oils for use in her famous facial massages, Bolder says there’s an oil (or many) for everyone. ‘There are so many magical blends of oils to suit all skin types, and carry high powered active essential oils’, she says, ‘with properties that offer a huge amount of benefit to the skin including all the “antis” (bacterial, oxidant, inflammatory), effective moisture retention, reducing environmental and sun damage, repairing and strengthening the skins barrier function which helps to heal sensitive skin all in one simple sweep.’

There are two types of oils: carrier oils and essential oils that have to be combined in order to work efficiently. Carrier oils are usually cold pressed from fruits and nuts. ‘This gives them a strong penetrative ability that allows them to carry botanically derived essential oils deep into the skin,’ says Shrankhla Holecek, founder of Uma Oils.

And what about putting oil on oily skin? ‘A lot of people think an oil with exacerbate natural oils making the skin oilier than before,’ says Michaella. ‘This most definitely is a misconception, but there is a reason for this, as using an incorrect oil choice for your skin type can have an adverse reaction such as breakouts, congestion, oily residue, inflammation & eczema.’

How to choose the right face oil for your skin type? Follow our guide below…

Filippo FortisImaxtree

Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Face Oil

Best Face Oil For Dry Skin

Our skin is composed of lipids responsible for preventing dehydration, retaining moisture and keeping toxins out, but as we age, we produce less oils that compose this layer, which is where essential oils come in play. They have a high concentration of oxygen and quickly pass through the skin’s lipid barrier to prevent water loss and plump it with active ingredients more effectively.

‘Dry skin needs an oil rich in omegas and fatty acids’, says Bolder, ‘so Grape Seed, Vitamin E, Squalane, Borage, Marula, Jojoba, Camomile.’

Best Carrier: Avocado oil is high in Vitamin E and sterolin, which softens the skin and protects from free radicals. It’s also rich in lecithin, a lipid that helps deliver nutrients directly to the bloodstream and deeper layers of the skin.

Best Essential: Rose oil is active in promoting and retaining your skin’s natural moisture levels thanks to its high levels of Vitamin A, which help to increase collagen production and Omega’s 3 and 6, which strengthen your lipid barrier.

ELLE Edit: Face Oils For Dry Skin

Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil – £163

SHOP NOW

This may look and feel ultra-luxurious but it doesn’t leave behind a greasy, sticky residue like some oils. Alongside omega 3 and 6, camelia oil prevents moisture from escaping, so skin feels plump and pillowy and looks glowing. Three drops is ample.

Herbivore Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil – £42

SHOP NOW

Even if you’re not sold on the benefits of CBD or hemp (that are said to help calm, and fight inflammation) you should still give this oil a go for the moisturising benefits alone. A blend of seed oils intensely hydrate, vitamin-D rich shiitake mushroom restores skin health, and turmeric gives antioxidant properties. Looks as good on your shelfie as it does on your skin.

Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil

Pai Skincare
cultbeauty.co.u

£24.00

This regenerative rosehip oil is a no brainer for plumping up parched skin. We like to use it at night to feed all the goodness into skin and wake to a moisturised, bouncy face. If it’s good enough for Kate Middleton, it’s good enough for us.

Trilogy Natural Certified Organic Rosehip Oil 20ml – £19.50

SHOP NOW

A cult product for a reason, this OG oil is clinically proven to improve skin moisture by 44%. That’s down the 80% essential fatty acids bottled inside, delivered in a super gentle, non-irritating formula. If you’re a newbie to oils, this is a good (safe) place to start.

Best Face Oil For Oily Skin

As counter-intuitive as it sounds, oils can help balance your natural oil levels, without stripping your skin.

‘Oily skins need light and absorbent oils such as Jojoba, Rosehip, Ylang Ylang, Tea Tree, Squalane, Kukui, Buckthorn,’ advises Michaella.

Best Carrier: Jojoba oil resembles the actual molecular structure of your skin, delivering nutrients sub-dermally, while tricking your skin into thinking it has produced enough oil.

Best Essential: The drying agent within Clary Sage oil works with your skin cells to regulate sebum production without parching it. Studies have also found that this oil helps women maintain hormonal balances, which can be the cause of increased oil production throughout your menstrual cycle.

ELLE Edit: Face Oils For Oily Skin

Votary Clarifying Facial Oil – £65

SHOP NOW

Known for their incredibly nourishing Super Seed oil, Votary know a thing or two about how to harness the best out of natural goods. This formula is clarifying but NOT drying, helping to clear toxins and impurities whilst hydrating at the same time. Pat onto the whole face to help control sebum production and unblock bursting pores.

Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil

With an ultra lightweight formula, this Honey Grail face oil absorbs super quickly without leaving a layer of greasiness.  

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil – £45

SHOP NOW

This lightweight oil feeds superfood ingredients into your skin that help to rebalance when things are taking a turn for the shiny. Rich in anti-oxidants (from broccoli seed oil) and nutrients (from flaxseed and daikon radish), it won’t leave a film on the skin and actually sits wonderfully under make-up. A little drop goes a long way too.

Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil – £48

SHOP NOW

This Jurlique offering is filled to bursting with a dream team of nurturing oils for maximum perkiness. Jojoba mimics the oil your skin produces naturally, preventing your glands from going into overdrive. No oil slicks here, people.

Best Face Oil For Acne-Prone Skin

A lack of lipids on the surface of the skin can impair the water barrier function, resulting in bumps and rough skin texture. This, combined with excessive sebum production, forms a blockage within the hair follicle, resulting in a spot or cyst. But, essential oils can help regulate your skin’s pH balance, heal existing damage, and stimulate cell renewal – ridding your complexion of unwanted toxins while maintaining a healthy lipid barrier.

Best Carrier: Grape seed oil controls your skin’s natural oil producing functions to help balance the pH levels of your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants to protect and vitamin C to help heal.

Best Essential: Clove and Tea Tree are naturally antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral and anti-bacterial. Sandalwood and Lavender soothe inflammation and reduce redness, while Orange oil is high in vitamin C, which helps both prevent and repair skin breakage.

ELLE Edit: Face Oils For Acne Prone Skin

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil – £68

SHOP NOW

Tea tree oil in Sunday Riley’s cult facial oil purifies pores prone to harbouring bacteria while vitamin C from the added apricot uncovers brighter, more resilient skin. Since the tea tree is delivered in a nourishing formula, it won’t dry skin out like those tea tree products you used as a teenager.

Disciple Skincare Dreamy Skin Retinyl Oil- £35

SHOP NOW

Formulated for stressed-out and tricky skin, this contains a concoction of ingredients to make your skin happy including retinyl (a pure form of vitamin A) to boost collagen and renew the skin, essential oils to reduce inflammation, and rosehip seed oil which is packed with skin-soothing fatty acids. It, helpfully, smells divine too.

UMA Deeply Clarifying Face Oil – £98

SHOP NOW

Developed to help skin recover from breakouts, the purifying clove and grape seed oils help to clear and rebalance, and tea tree focuses on sebum production and congestion. The formula is nourishing too, but doesn’t put heaps on moisture onto congested skin. It’s 100% natural AND organic too.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – £9

SHOP NOW

As well as being super hydrating, rose hip seed oil is also well-known for it’s anti-nflammatory properties, which is what you want when you’ve had a break out. This oil sinks it fast to help calm, treat and regenerate damaged skin, without leaving an oil-slick in it’s wake.

Best Face Oil For Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin might be wary of face oils, and quite rightly. Some essential oils can cause mayhem and cause flare ups, and anything unnaturally perfumed can be irritating too. So it’s important to choose oils specially formulated to keep the skin calm and protect the skin barrier.

Michaella tells us that sensitive skins need a light and calming oil without scent and rich in fatty acids to reinforce the skins barrier function – Squalane, Jojoba, Marula, Vitamin E, Rosehip.

ELLE Edit: Best Face Oils For Sensitive Skin

Biossance 100% Squalane Oil – £27

SHOP NOW

Move over hyaluronic acid, squalane oil is where it’s at in the world of hydration now. This vegan formula is 100% pure good stuff: it can be slathered all over to feed moisture into the body, but is good enough to use as a face oil too. Warm a small amount between the hands and press into skin like you would a serum. Pure, bouncy-skin giving goodness.

Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil – £62

SHOP NOW

The floral sounding ingredients in this oil might scare those with sensitive skin, but since they’re naturally fragrant it’s not filled with the often-irritating perfume that other products might be. 100% pure, this combines hibiscus to protect and reduce oxidative stress, kalahari for plumping fatty acids, kigelia to tone, and many many more. No we haven’t heard of those either – but we like what they do to our skin!

Plantastic™ Overnight Miracle Face Oil

This 99% natural and vegan formula combines Grapeseed, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Avocado, Baobab, Rosehip, Neroli and Turmeric Oils for the ultimate face oil that’s nourishing without making angering reactive skin.

Malin+Goetz Recovery Treatment Oil – £68

SHOP NOW

If you’re overdone it with the face masks and your skin is just being oversensitive, trying giving in a drink of this recovery potion. Nine natural oils are used to help nourish and hydrate, but reinforcing a damaged skin barrier is it’s most powerful property. Quickly absorbed, it’s great for day under makeup, as well as a soothing nighttime treatment.

Best Face Oil for Brightening Skin

Any oil should add help add radiance to the skin if it’s right for your skin type, but those that are formulated with a combination of oils – and usually left on to work with your skin regeneration overnight – can really help brighten from within.

ELLE Edit: Best Face Oils For Brightening Skin

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate 30ml – £40

SHOP NOW

Kiehl’s has a LOT of brilliant products, so when one a bestseller, you know it’s good. Applied last thing at night, the mix of oils in this delicious smelling concentrate work at your skin regenerates. When they say you’ll wake to radiant skin, they mean it. For ELLE Beauty Editor Jennifer George, it’s a must-have.

Rodin Luxury Face Oil – Geranium & Orange Blossom – £105

SHOP NOW

You might not have heard of Rodin – the niche, chic luxury brand that beauty editor’s go crazy for. It’s this hero product that got them hooked: an oil that feels like a treat to apply, blended with 11 oils to turn your skin from lacklustre to luminous. A treat yes, but one that’s worth every drop.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil 30ml – £61

SHOP NOW

Utilising the marula fruit key to all of the Drunk Elephant products, the oil is high in antioxidants to promote protected and happy skin. It’s a firm favourite for boosting radiance and evening out complexion, so a good one for reach for if you suffer with redness or dullness.

Caudalie Vine[Activ] Overnight Detox Oil – £30

SHOP NOW

Like all Caudalie products, the magic ingredient here is grape based (the brand was born from a French vineyard). The grapeseed oil in this is rich in Omega 6 to nourish and repair skin, mixed alongside a host of other oils including sweet almond to boost radiance. The result is skin that is just.. better looking. And who wouldn’t want that?

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

In need of more inspiration, thoughtful journalism and at-home beauty tips? Subscribe to ELLE’s print magazine today! SUBSCRIBE HERE

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

90,000 Choosing oil by skin type – 4fresh blog

Natural cosmetic oils obtained by cold pressing contain the whole bouquet of important and useful substances – vitamins, trace elements, phytoestrogens, phytosterols, phospholipids, amino acids.

In our article we will tell you how oils work, how to choose the right one for your skin type. And also you will learn about some new oils that you may have never used!

How do cosmetic oils work?

The epidermis consists of a lipid layer that protects our skin from harmful environmental influences and other unpleasant factors.Vegetable cosmetic oils also consist of lipids, so they easily penetrate deep into the skin along with vitamins, trace elements and help build this lipid barrier.

Oils not only participate in nutrition, but moisturize and soften the skin, acting as emollients, fixing in the stratum corneum of the skin, form a breathable barrier. They fill the spaces between the dead cells of the dermis, the skin becomes smooth and elastic. They also activate collagen synthesis and improve local lymph flow of the skin.

A number of natural oils have a natural UV filter, which means they will protect our skin from aggressive UV rays!

Polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, or as we call omega-acids – substances of youth and health, are also contained in natural oils. And one of the factors for the lack of these acids is the deterioration of the structure of the skin and its dehydration.

The oils are close to the composition of sebum, which ensures good skin tolerance, while rarely provoking allergic reactions.A number of oils have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to normalize the functions of the sebaceous glands, which means that they can be safely used for both oily and problem skin.

Any natural cosmetic oil or oil compositions can be used either in pure form or as part of various serums, creams, masks or tonic.

You can add these oils yourself to the cream or buy a ready-made natural product, which will contain your favorite natural vegetable oil.In either case, it will work!

What oils and what are they needed for?

Before choosing the right oil, let’s first understand what functions are performed by different types of oils.

Basic cosmetic oils are divided into groups:

• Stabilizing oils. These include – jojoba oil, marula tree seed oil, sesame seed oil and others. These oils do not cause allergic rashes, do not irritate the skin, they are stable and do not undergo oxidation, so their use in skin care cosmetics is quite universal.It is possible to use them as a basis for a mixture of oils. Suitable as emollients for and after sunburn.
• Caring basic. These are macadamia oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and others. They restore skin regeneration, protecting it from harmful environmental factors, toxins and radicals, including the sun, therefore caring oils are one of the components of sunscreens. Due to its resistance to oxidation and excellent moisturizing and absorbing properties, it is mainly used as a base in oil compositions.
• Active oils. Only 5-10% is added to the composition for safety reasons, they are quickly oxidized by oxygen and the sun. These include cranberry oil, little elderberry, evening primrose oil, cumin oil, and others.
• Butters – Shea butter, cocoa and coconut butter, mango butter and others. They are hard in consistency, but when they come into contact with the skin, they melt pleasantly and penetrate into the skin. Quite fatty oils, but they perfectly protect the skin, some act on the stratum corneum, others of this group can penetrate deeper.

In accordance with the type of skin and the desired effect, compositions are made that are composed of several cosmetic oils, combining, from each group.

How to choose oil by skin type?

Now let’s get to the fun part! What oil to choose for your skin type?

What oils are good for the skin

28 April 2016 21:00
Editorial staff

Owners of beautiful, well-groomed skin are delighted – they can wear a minimum of makeup, and still look great.

Facial skin care is a daily ritual that should be approached responsibly. How confident you feel depends on how your skin looks.

1. Olive oil

Olive oil is often used in cosmetology. It is indispensable in the care of aging skin, is suitable as a cleansing milk, does not clog pores and dissolves dirt well. Simply soak a cotton swab in oil and wipe your face. Olive oil removes even waterproof cosmetics without the need to additionally moisturize the face.

Read also All will be kind: recipe for hair tonic from Olga Metelskaya

2. Almond oil

Almond oil is very light, well nourishes and moisturizes the skin, is easily absorbed. Especially useful for dry skin. It eliminates inflammation, soothes and maintains tone, helps to tighten pores and get rid of flaking.

3. Peach seed oil

Useful for dry, aging and sensitive skin.It can be added to a variety of skin care products to enhance their effectiveness. Peach oil can also be used for eyelashes: they strengthen and grow faster.

4. Apricot kernel oil

Universal product for all skin types. In its pure form, it can be used as an alternative to night cream and even eye cream. It can be applied to inflammations or scaly areas, use instead of a tonic.

5.Jojoba oil

Perfectly nourishes and moisturizes for a long time. Especially beneficial for skin with signs of aging. Well suited for sensitive skin: the oil eliminates rashes (including acne), improves complexion.

Read also All will be good: Hollywood stars face mask

6. Argan oil

Very useful for dry skin. Can be used neat or mixed with cream.

7.Coconut oil

This oil is used as an anti-aging agent. It protects the skin well, helps to maintain its moisture balance and fights wrinkles.

8. Sea buckthorn oil

Has a unique composition with a mass of vitamins, fatty acids, which is especially suitable for aging skin. Smoothes wrinkles, helps get rid of age spots, fights acne and other skin imperfections.

Read alsoHow to remove makeup correctly – expert advice

9.Flax oil

It holds the record for the content of unsaturated fatty acids, the deficiency of which causes a number of skin problems. Eliminates acne, fights wrinkles. Can be used instead of cream or added to homemade masks.

10. Wheat germ oil

Contains a lot of vitamins and active ingredients. It has a very dense structure, so it is better to use it not in its pure form. You can also use it for eyelashes, preferably by mixing with burdock or almond oil.

8 best anti-age face oils

Vegetable and essential oils are frequent “guests” in anti-aging cosmetics. They contain a record amount of micro- and macroelements, polyunsaturated fatty acids and other components that help keep the skin young, elastic and healthy. The most effective anti-wrinkle face oils in our selection.

Oils can be used both independently and in combination with serums and creams, adding a few drops to daily care products.

Contraindications:

• Oily skin. Many oils have antiseptic and bactericidal properties. But with oily, rash-prone skin, you should not abuse it – they can clog pores and provoke inflammatory processes.
• Essential oils are a strong allergen. It is forbidden to use them in case of individual intolerance.

Which oils are the most useful?

Jojoba oil

Source of vitamins of group B and C. Perfectly copes with the problem of swelling and redness of the skin. Jojoba oil contains a rare component – eicosene fatty acid, which works at the cellular level and promotes skin regeneration and restoration. Add a few drops to the cream or apply to the skin around the eyes – well nourishes and protects the epidermis in sensitive areas.

Pomegranate seed oil

A rare, but very valuable in cosmetology cold-pressed oil promotes the production of collagen and elastin – “youth proteins” that make up the skin frame.As part of stigmasterol and tocopherol – biologically active substances that provide intense hydration. Pomegranate seed oil has antioxidant properties – use after sunburn to neutralize the harmful effects of UV rays.

Almond oil

Almond oil is a universal product that can be used to care for face skin, hair, nails and décolleté. Contains vitamin A, which is involved in the formation of epithelial cells, vitamin E, which protects against damage to biological membranes and is involved in the synthesis of proteins, B vitamins, which act as catalysts for cellular respiration.Almond oil contains a record amount of minerals (Zn, Fe, K, Na, P, Mg, I, Cu, Cl, Ca) and fatty acids that contribute to hydration.

Linseed oil

Flaxseed oil is rich in antioxidants necessary to neutralize free radicals – substances that destroy collagen, elastin and everything that comes in their way. It has healing properties – it is often used to treat dermatitis, wounds, and cracks in the skin. It contains a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids that provide an anti-age effect.

Olive oil

“Juice” of olive fruits is the most valuable ingredient in cosmetology. It contains natural antiseptics and antioxidants, high concentration of vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids. The oil can be combined with almost any cosmetics: creams, balms, serums. Advice! Choose a cosmetic oil for care – in food, the molecules are too large to pass through the epidermal barrier and provide maximum effect.

Wheat germ oil

Wheat germ oil – “champion” in the content of vitamins of youth: A, E, B, PP.It contains a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, lecithin and other substances that help keep the skin elastic and healthy. The oil stimulates the process of cell renewal, softens and smoothes mimic wrinkles. The product works well for cleansing the skin and pores, helps to remove toxins – can be used to remove makeup.

Sea buckthorn oil

Sea buckthorn oil has a wide range of uses: it is used to treat burns, acne, dermatitis and other skin diseases.It has a high content of ascorbic acid, vitamins A and E. Sea buckthorn oil has good regenerating properties, promotes cell renewal. It is better not to use oil in its pure form – it gives the skin a yellowish tint. Add to night creams and serums.

Apricot oil

Apricot oil contains a lot of rare vitamin F, which is a complex of unsaturated fatty acids: linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic. Its lack in the body is a common cause of eczema, acne and other skin problems.Apricot oil is rich in vitamins B, A, C, allowing other active substances to act at the cellular level. The product is effective not only in the fight against wrinkles, but also against cellulite – add a few drops to your favorite body butter, and in a few weeks the relief will become smoother and the skin more elastic.

Which oils are better?

The choice depends on the individual. For example, with oily skin, it is better to give preference to oils with bactericidal properties: sea buckthorn, apricot.If you have a lot of expression lines, look at jojoba and almond oil.

90,000 Choosing a cosmetic oil for the face: by skin type

We are already accustomed to using cosmetic oils to soften rough heels, to fight cellulite, to enhance hair growth, to nourish dry skin for extreme nourishment, to care for chapped lips – but the idea of ​​using oils as a face cream still seems a little daunting.This is largely due to the myth that the oil is supposedly suitable only for very, very dry skin and only in the form of a mask. As a result, owners of all other skin types pass by with regret, and in vain, because for anyone – absolutely for anyone! – skin type, you can choose an oil that will solve emerging problems and take care of it exactly as needed. Fatty – mattifying, problematic – soothing, dry – to soften, normal – to take care of, sluggish – to tighten, age – to tone up, as well as brighten, protect and help in regeneration.The only problem is finding the right, perfect oil. We will talk about this!

The general rules for using cosmetic oils instead of a skin care cream are in many ways commonplace: you apply oil (or oil mixture) as a night care after cleansing, do it regularly – and enjoy the result. But still, there are several key and important rules that must be followed in order not to harm the health of the skin:

– You cannot use face oil all the time, every day without interruption.Ideal application: 2-3 times a week.

– Since some oils oxidize when exposed to daylight, they should only be applied overnight. In general, it is better to use any oils in the evening care program, and use creams in the morning.

– The oil is applied exclusively to damp skin!

One more detail: when choosing oils for the face, one should take into account such an indicator as gumminess – the ability of the oil to stimulate the “clogging” of pores.For owners of dry skin, not prone to such problems, this indicator is not important, but for those who have oily, problematic, easily irritated skin with enlarged pores, etc., it is better to take this point into account. The comedogenicity level of each oil is easy to find in the pivot tables on the net. Even oils similar in consistency and segment of application often have different comedogenicity (for shea butter, it = 0, which means minimal comedogenicity, for cocoa butter it is high, so the former can even be applied to the face, for example, as a mask, and the latter is not worth it ).

Solo or Mixed? Cosmetic oils can be used both solo, in pure form, and in various mixtures and combinations. Some oils are suitable for use alone, without additives or additives, such as almond or argan. And some need to be mixed with others, basic, in a certain percentage (this is usually indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer). In addition to the actual cosmetic oils, essential oils can also be found in such mixtures, which expand the functionality of the “oil cocktail”, enriching it with the ability to relieve irritation, tone, warm up or whiten the skin.It is as easy as shelling pears to apply natural oil in its pure form: you simply squeeze a drop into the palm of your hand – and after proper preparation, apply like a cream. You can either buy the mixtures ready-made, or create them yourself (this is not so difficult and at the same time very exciting), but for this you need to “pump” and learn to be well versed in natural oils.

By skin types

Oily skin .Skin prone to oily content requires highly absorbable, non-heavy oils, as well as oils that regulate the oily skin. Among them, the most suitable: oils of hazelnut, tamanu, rice bran, hemp. Certain oils for normal skin, such as almond or grape seed oil, may also work.

Dry skin . Dry skin most favorably accepts natural oils, which soften and nourish it. Great options for this skin type: jojoba, avocado, evening primrose, argan, macadamia, sasanqua, sesame, borage, and rice bran oils.However, for dry skin, you can use almost any oil – from hemp oil to solid oils, butters.

Normal to combination skin . Suitable options are “stone” oils (apricot, peach, almond), jojoba, argan, rice bran, sasanqua, macadamia, rose hips, hemp, grape seed, borago, almond. When caring for normal skin, oils moderately nourish, help moisturize and regenerate skin cells.

Problem skin . For problem skin prone to inflammation and redness, oils with soothing and bactericidal properties, as well as helping to heal, are suitable. Among these oils, the most effective are hazelnut, tamanu, amaranth, rosehip seeds, black cumin. By the way, more complex oil mixtures work great for problem skin, for example, from hazelnut and tamanu oils with the addition of tea tree essential oil and, say, soothing lavender.

Mature leather . Of course, there are no anti-age oils, but there are natural oils that give a lifting effect, tone up and help the skin to increase its own natural elasticity and firmness. Such oils include universal jojoba and argan, and more nutritious avocados and borago, evening primrose.

Applying an oil or oil mixture to the face . The oil is applied to the face instead of a night cream several times a week.The sequence is as follows: you cleanse the skin (bio-purification, ubtan, another natural remedy), then sprinkle it with a hydrolate tonic – and immediately, on wet skin, apply a drop or two of oil or an oil mixture. Gently distribute, massaging along the massage lines. After a minute, you can dab your face with a napkin if it seems oily to you. As a rule, properly selected oil, applied in a small amount, is absorbed without residue and does not require removal of excess.

How to choose a face oil: the best remedy

Cosmetic oils are very popular among the fair sex.And for good reason – they moisturize and nourish well, help restore freshness to the aging skin of the face. They are also completely natural, which makes them even more popular.

Views

Oils are available:

• Base oils are those oils that are hot and cold pressed – coconut, avocado, shea, mango and many others.

• Essential oils with a characteristic odor and taste that do not leave marks on clothes and surfaces because they evaporate immediately.They are also called “volatile”. These are the esters of orange, clove, cinnamon, lavender, mint, patchouli, eucalyptus and so on.

Useful properties

It is difficult to overestimate the positive effect of oils on the skin of the face. So they are:

• Helps to produce collagen, which leads to prolonged youth and later appearance of wrinkles;
• Includes vitamins and minerals that nourish;
• Suitable for moisturizing skin and improving color;
• Keep the skin toned and improve blood circulation;
• Get rid of inflammation and redness;
• Certain species are antiseptic;
• Almost everyone has a hypoallergenic effect;
• Protect against the harmful effects of environmental factors, including ultraviolet light.

How to choose by skin type

When choosing a well-known brand or good reviews, many women and girls are guided by the fact that the purchased product did not have the desired effect. The point is that it is best to focus on what type of skin you have.

Dry skin

It should first be moistened with tonic or rose water – this will improve the effect.The best thing to do for this type of skin is to moisturize it as much as possible. Oils that do it:

• Avocado. A champion in moisturizing products. Well nourishes, makes the skin elastic, and also provides protection from ultraviolet radiation;
• Macadamia nut. Often used in anti-aging creams. Excellent moisturizing, making it suitable even for very dry skin that has experienced acne;
• Jojoba. Perfectly absorbed, protects the face from any harmful external influences;
• Wheat germ.Rich in antioxidants.

Oily skin

Here you need to give preference to those products that protect the face from the production of subcutaneous fat and oily sheen. Therefore, fatty products are not suitable in any way, something light is needed here, such as:

• Grape seed oil.Often used in cleansers for oily skin. Regulate the water-lipid balance, tighten and get rid of oily sheen;
• Hazelnut. Reduces inflammation, suitable for sensitive skin;
• Jojoba. Suitable for oily skin as well. Eliminates blackheads, nourishes. With this oil, scars from old pimples disappear, but new ones do not appear;
• Hemp. Research in recent years tells us that it has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.Helps to deal with irritations;
• Japanese camellia. Gently moisturizes, does not give oily sheen, cares for the skin.

Normal to combination skin

The rating shows that it is better to choose base and multi-purpose oils here.Instead of pure oils, you can use creams and scrubs with their addition. Suitable oils:

• Jojoba. Valuable and effective oil for all skin types, moisturizes, but does not give oily sheen, cares for and nourishes well;
• Almond oil is good not only for care, but also for UV protection. Therefore, it is best to use it during the warm season;
• Grape seed and its ester moisturizes well and is often included in creams and scrubs;
• Coconut consists almost entirely of saturated fat, and also has a bactericidal effect;
• Means from sea buckthorn were made many years ago.It is known for healing wounds, treating inflammation and good for dermatological problems.

Anti-aging care

Over the years, our face needs more and more care. It should be better nourished and saturated with vitamins and antioxidants.Oils That Do It Well:

• Argan Indispensable in skin care. Normalizes water-lipid balance and contains acids that nourish mature skin;
• Apricot oil is famous for regenerating cells and giving the skin youth, as well as saturating it with vitamins and acids;
• From rice bran. Rich in antioxidants, acids and nourishes the skin with vitamin E;
• Roses Mosquets. Contains a lot of vitamin A and is perfect for eye contour care;
• Borago gives the skin youth and elasticity.It is not surprising that this oil is often used in anti-aging cosmetology;
• Evening primrose eliminates wrinkles, but is only suitable as an addition to basic care.

Oils for skin diseases

Diseases such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema require special skin care.In this case, they will be able to help:

• Kiwi, black currant and hemp;
• Apricot, soy, grape and baobab;
• Borago.

Application advice

Start by applying a few drops to your fingertips and spreading gently with light circular motions over the face and eyes. Facial massage will also help. It should start in the area of ​​the cheeks and forehead, and then gradually descend below.

An important nuance: it is worth using the product only if you are not allergic to it. It’s pretty easy to figure it out. Before use, apply a few drops on the sensitive epidermis of the wrist or the bend of the elbow, and if no irritation or redness occurs within five minutes, then everything is fine.

Recipes for masks at home

First of all, it is worth knowing a few rules for the correct preparation of masks from oils.After all, if you do not follow them, the effect may not be.

• It is imperative to warm up the mixture before use. Otherwise, it will not be properly absorbed into the skin. Heating should be done strictly in a water or steam bath, without using a microwave;
• It is worth mixing all the ingredients before heating them and in equal proportions. The only exception applies to a mixture of base oils with essential oils;
• Vegetable oil with essential oil should be mixed in a proportion of two to three drops for one spoon;
• The product should be applied after washing, preferably on a steamed and clean face;
• It is worth making masks in the evening, when you will definitely no longer paint and apply other products to the skin;
• The oils do not require rinsing, but if you are uncomfortable, you can cleanse your face with toner or micellar water.

Preparing masks at home is an easy and useful exercise, as you choose the ingredients yourself and know what exactly is contained in each product.

• For dry skin care . First of all, you need to take some vegetable oil and heat it up. Take gauze, having previously cut out the holes for the nose, eyes and mouth, soak it in warm oil and put it on your face. After fifteen minutes, remove the napkin and rub your face with water.Take dry chamomile flowers and string – a tablespoon of each – and pour three tablespoons of olive oil. Put the resulting mixture in a water bath for ten minutes, cool, then take a teaspoon of the mixture and grind it with the yolk. The mask is ready, now you just need to apply it in a thin layer on the face and leave for fifteen minutes. And then wipe your face with tea leaves.

• Normal skin. Heat half a glass of linseed or olive oil in a bath and add five drops of vitamins A and E. Do the same manipulations with the gauze and keep it until it cools down, and then moisten it again in the solution. This takes about twenty minutes, after which it is recommended to wash with warm water. Such a mask will smooth the skin and remove unwanted wrinkles.

• Oily skin. Brew weak green tea and add a large spoonful of oatmeal, five milliliters of lemon juice and a couple of drops of tea tree oil. Apply to face and wash off after twenty minutes with water. The mask perfectly cleanses and smoothes the skin of the face.

See below for details.

Reviews

Many women praise cedar oil.They say that I really like the smell, and it also perfectly smoothes the orsh. Someone removes pustules with it, someone simply adds to the cream – the result is positive everywhere and everyone is happy.

Grape seed oil saved many who tried it from the oily sheen. The skin is soft and firm.

Peach oil has successfully removed wrinkles from more than one woman.Masks made of it have, according to them, some wonderful property, after which they feel youth and smoothness on the face.

Flaxseed oil has also garnered many positive reviews in wrinkle reduction and rejuvenation.

Someone is very pleased with the effect of olive oil masks, without any additives.It is said to smoothen and soften the skin.

90,000 8 natural oils for body care: from jojoba to sunflower :: Beauty :: RBK Style

© Tijana Drndarski / Unsplash

Author

Irina Rudevich

05 June 2020

Natural products nourish the skin as well as expensive lotions and creams with a rich composition.We will tell you what oils can replace skin care cosmetics.

Features of body oils

Unlike lotions that contain large amounts of water, natural oils are less readily absorbed.Preservatives are added to most body products so that bacteria do not grow in them, and there is nothing superfluous in the oils. They do not penetrate the skin with water, but create a layer on its surface. Lotions are more suitable for oily skin, as they provide light hydration, and oils are able to cope even with severe dryness, including on the elbows and knees. For maximum effect, apply to damp skin.

In recent years, the cosmetics market has been actively developing, experts are increasingly turning to organic products that do not contain harmful impurities.Rajani Katta, M.D., assistant professor and certified dermatologist at Baylor College of Medicine, believes natural oils are popular because they rarely cause allergic reactions and are very effective.

Coconut oil

Copra oil is known for its nutritional properties. He has many uses: in cooking, cosmetology and for cleaning the house. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, so it can be used as an alternative to topical antibiotics, promotes wound healing and works as an antioxidant.It moisturizes well and removes flaking. The scent of coconut oil is associated with a holiday in paradise islands. Sanil Chulukuri, MD and founder of Refresh Dermatology, claims that coconut oil is high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, but it clogs pores, so people with oily skin are better off ditching it for other options.

Almond oil

A popular cosmetic ingredient with mild soothing properties.It helps prevent moisture loss, making it suitable for hair, body and face. Almond oil contains vitamin E, which protects against ultraviolet radiation and premature aging. This occurs by reducing, firstly, DNA damage, and secondly, the amount of chemical structural changes in the skin caused by the sun’s rays. A study of 160 women confirmed that almond oil helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin, and relieves itching and redness. Moreover, it can be used for massage and make-up removal.

Evening primrose oil

This oil also has a more prosaic name – donkey, because the petals of the flower from which it is obtained resemble donkey ears. The peculiarity of this plant is that its flowering period lasts less than a day. Evening primrose oil helps with long-term systematic use. It contains high concentration of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and has good anti-inflammatory properties.Primrose oil fights acne, strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier, retains moisture, regulates oil production and prevents infections. It is suitable for external and internal use and is also sold as a non-medicinal food supplement.

Olive oil

This oil is usually non-allergenic, but virgin varieties should be preferred. Olives contain vitamins A, E, D and K.Research published in the journal Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology confirms its high moisturizing qualities. Creams, lotions and soaps are created on the basis of olive oil for gentle cleansing of the skin. It neutralizes the action of free radicals, preventing early skin aging and wrinkles, as well as protects against sunburn, softens, fights bacteria and has exfoliating properties. Try making a natural olive oil scrub by mixing it with salt or sugar.In addition, olive oil is beneficial to apply after sun exposure: scientists have conducted experiments, which have led to the conclusion that olive oil is especially beneficial for the skin after sun exposure.

Grape seed oil

Grape seed oil is less fatty than most popular oils used in cosmetology. It is easily absorbed, while it is saturated with fatty acids and contains vitamin E.According to an article published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolic Insights, grape seed oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is used less frequently for the skin than, for example, jojoba oil and olive oil, but it is also high in antioxidants. The product provides cleansing and combats bacteria that cause irritation and acne. Grape seed oil is used to soften and increase the elasticity of the skin. Research has shown that this is an excellent deep hydration product that does not cause allergies.

Cocoa butter

This butter is made from cocoa beans and is used for making desserts. But it can also be a great beauty product. Cocoa butter has been used medicinally since the Mayan and Aztec times, and modern scientists confirm that it helps maintain healthy skin and prevent stretch marks. Cocoa butter contains fatty acids and is excellent for moisturizing. It is a suitable product for increasing elasticity and creating a protective barrier on the skin.The photochemical compounds in cocoa butter increase blood flow, thereby slowing down blood aging. The use of the product helps to smooth out fine wrinkles and protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. A separate bonus is a subtle sweet aroma that uplifts the mood.

Jojoba oil

This oil is made from the seeds of a shrub plant. Jojoba has good moisturizing properties.It helps protect the skin from germs and fungi. Laboratory tests confirm that jojoba oil kills certain types of bacteria that cause salmonella and candidiasis. In addition, it is non-comedogenic and contains a lot of vitamin E, which works as an antioxidant. Jojoba oil helps fight oxidative stress caused by the harmful effects of toxins. It is hypoallergenic and regulates the production of sebum, as it does not activate the sweat glands when applied. Studies have shown that applying antioxidants to the skin promotes the production of collagen, a protein found in all body tissues.

Sunflower oil

It is not only exotic extracts that can help make the skin beautiful. Common sunflower oil also has many health benefits. For example, it contains many vitamins A and E, which, like other oils, protect the skin and promote wound healing. These substances act as antioxidants and help get rid of acne and inflammation caused by bacteria.Sunflower oil is light and non-greasy, so it is quickly absorbed and does not clog pores. It is ideal for sensitive skin as a natural moisturizer. The only drawback of unrefined sunflower oil is a rich culinary smell, which many do not like, unlike, for example, the subtle coconut aroma. However, sunflower oil is great for home treatments. A small study on 19 volunteers showed that sunflower oil moisturizes the skin better than olive oil and maintains the integrity of the top layer.

# instruction: how to restore the skin after self-isolation.

90,000 Facial oils: how to use them in skin care

Contrary to popular belief, oils not only moisturize and nourish, but also help to reduce sebum secretion, have an antiseptic effect and may well be used as a makeup base.The fatty acids found in natural oils help maintain skin balance and absorb moisture.

“For dry skin, apricot, sesame, soybean and avocado oil are suitable, for oily skin – rapeseed, almond, mustard, corn, and for combined skin – sunflower, coconut, olive, almond, jojoba,” says Margarita Kostenko, dermatologist, cosmetologist, obstetrician-gynecologist at Star Beauty Moscow and Rocket Clinic.

Use of oils in day and night care

More and more brands are producing oils that replace cream or serum.Often they perform more functions and create the glow skin effect that makeup artists love so much at shows. Chanel and Guerlain were among the latest to release daytime skin care oils. Both products regenerate the skin and have a lifting effect. The oils can be used alone or added to a cream, serum, or foundation. Other anti-aging and antioxidant oils include options from L’Occitane and Clinique.

“For most people, after thirty years of age, wrinkles appear deeper, as the production of sebum decreases, the protective film is disrupted and the skin begins to suffer from dryness.Most creams contain oils, but not enough to retain moisture. Pure oils are lipophilic, that is, they pass through the lipid layer of the skin faster, preventing moisture loss and plumping the skin, explains Marianna Nikitina, training manager at L’Occitane. “If you apply the oil before the anti-aging cream, the effect will be stronger, so the active ingredients will penetrate faster.”

There are also mono oils or a complex of oils for solving various skin problems. For example, Decleor Calming Scent Essence, Methode Cholley Emollient Oil or Weleda Almond Oil – all three are designed for sensitive skin and are indicated for rosacea, inflammation and redness.“I love tea tree oil for its impressive antiseptic properties. It can heal a large pimple overnight, and in smaller cases it works flawlessly. I use it in my work and for myself, applying it pointwise to active inflammations. I can add a couple of drops to a moisturizer and do a light massage, it’s very refreshing. Such oil is quickly absorbed, does not leave a film behind and does not interfere with makeup, ”advises Marina Kolosova, make-up artist and teacher at Chilly Dash studio.

Night oils are designed to detoxify, smooth out skin texture and improve complexion, so they often contain antioxidant oils from goji berry, wheat or grape seed.

Skin cleansing oils

In the case of cleansing oily skin with blackheads, it is best to use oils, because this type of skin is highly susceptible to dehydration, and blackheads are an accumulation of fat with keratinized particles. In addition, cleansing the skin with oils allows you to retain moisture in the epidermis and prevent premature wrinkles. “Avoiding oils can actually make your acne problem worse. Oil deficiency causes dehydration, which can lead to overproduction of sebum.Without adequate hydration, excess sebum can cause pore clogging and inflammation. When the balance is restored, these hyperfunctions of the sebaceous glands decrease, the skin becomes healthier and cleaner, ”says Marianna Nikitina.

Base oils for skin cleansing – castor, olive, peach, avocado, linseed oil. This is the base to which you can add any others you want. “The resulting mixture is applied to a steamed, dry face. A light massage is done – five minutes is enough.Then you need to cover your face with a damp hot towel, hold it for a little and rub your skin with it, – recommends Margarita Kostenko. – To cleanse oily skin, it is best to use essential oils that have a powerful drying, pore tightening, antiseptic, antimicrobial and sebaceous gland regulating effect, for example, tea tree, cypress, juniper, sage, chamomile, patchouli, lemon, ginger. Esters rich in nourishing, moisturizing, regenerating, toning and lifting properties, such as immortelle, neroli, rose, oregano, mimosa, frankincense, geranium, lavender, carrot seed essential oil, are suitable for cleansing dry skin.

Makeup oils

One of the latest trends is the release of primers in the form of oils. These can be found at Smashbox and M.A.C. They can be used before makeup, which is good for dry skin, and afterwards as an alternative to a highlighter. An oily primer can be rubbed between your palms and applied to the protruding parts of your face.