Are You Avoiding Face Oils?
Face oils have been one of the top beauty trends in recent years. Top dermatologists and skin-care brands have openly stated that face oils are an important staple for a complete skin-care routine.
Some may ask, doesn’t oil cause breakouts? How effective it is for anti-ageing? How to also apply it properly?
The following is a guide that covers common questions and answers to help you discover the true benefits of face oils, which may be your new best friend.
What are face oils?
Face oils are concentrated products made with pure plant oils (and sometimes with other extracts) with multiple skin benefits. They can be used for many types of skin concerns and can be purchased as a single oil or as a combination of different oils. Face oils can be used all year-round, preferably lighter oils  in warm weather and heavier oils in colder conditions.
How does it work?
Face oils contain high levels of essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 & 9) and are also known as lipids. Lipids are an important element to maintain and replenish the hydration and nourishment levels of the skin. As we age, we produce lesser lipids, dehydrating our skin and making it more prone to wrinkles and other skin problems.Â
This is when face oils play their important role; when directly applied to the skin, face oils are absorbed into the top layers of the epidermis- protecting, maintaining and balancing the skin’s lipid barrier. By replenishing the lipids that we have lost due to natural factors like ageing, dry conditions and extreme temperature, we enable the skin to do what it does naturally – retains moisture and fights against environmental damages. Face oils can also penetrate into the deeper dermis layer of the skin to repair, renew and rejuvenate skin cells, and improve overall skin conditions, thus making them the most effective and ideal anti-ageing solution.
Are face oils suitable for all skin types?
Face oils are ideal for all types of skin. Dry and dehydrated skin shows sign of ageing faster than hydrated skin. Face oils prevent dryness and make the skin stronger to withstand wrinkle formation. While it may seem counter-intuitive to apply oil onto oily or sensitive skin, using face oils can actually be extremely beneficial for those with these skin types. The key to balancing oily skin is to control sebum production, which is what face oils can help to do because they are packed with essential fatty acids that balance and hydrate our skin, thus signalling our skin to slow down the production of lipids, resulting in less oily, calmer and clearer skin.
If one suffers from sensitive skin, some face oil can really help with calming, soothing stressed skin and reducing skin inflammation. The vital point here is to use the right oil for your skin type.
How to choose the right oil for your skin?
Pay attention to the ingredients list because it will reveal a lot about the quality and effectiveness of the face oil. The best oils are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants which are able to deliver micronutrients to deeper layers of the skin where they work to repair free radical damage, boost collagen and elastin, and greatly improve the overall quality of the skin. Usually, face oils will utilize the botanical names of their ingredients to show which oils are present in their formulation (e.g. rosehip oil, argan oil, avocado oil, chia seed oil, grape seed oil, carrot seed oil etc.).
Face oils which contain fragrances, perfumes, synthetic ingredients, palm derivatives and animal by-products should be avoided. The extraction method is also important; cold pressed, steam distilled or CO2-extraction are preferred to solvent-extracted oils. In addition, choose face oils based on their therapeutic properties; you might consider carrot seed, rosehip or black currant oils for anti-ageing and jojoba for breakout prone skin. Reading the ingredient label is worth the effort if you are looking to maximise the benefit of face oils.
Generally, all good face oils contain a very high concentration of essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 & 9), plus vitamins and anti-oxidants. Omega 3 is lighter and best for anti-inflammation and sensitive skin, omega 6 is suitable for repairing skin cells and disorders, while omega 9 is best for intense hydration.
When and how to use facial oils?
The best ways to get results from your face oil to is put about 2 to 3 drops onto the tips of your fingers and rub them gently to warm the oil up. Then, lightly pat or massage the face oil evenly on to your face and neck in an upward circulation motion. Apply after toner or serum to allow more even and effective absorption, followed by a moisturiser for added hydration and protection.
The above basic knowledge will allow you to use face oils intelligently and to confidently include them as an essential in your skincare routine, always consult your beauty advisor at TNS Skin Lab to select the most suitable face oil for your particular skin type and condition to get the best results. Here’s a peep at our extensive range of face oils.
