Face oils are a new phenomenon and many women are asking if they are good for our skin. I began experimenting with face oils about eight months ago when I started making my own body lotions. I had multiple bottles of different oils I had purchased for these body lotions and decided the next natural step would be to mix different oil concoctions for my face.

I was a bit wary of trying oils on my face as I was worried that my skin would clog and I would end up with break-outs. I decided to try it anyway and see for myself.

Try Making Your Own Face Oils

Since jumping in with both feet, I am a convert. I now mix different oils for morning and night and have not used a cream or moisturizer on my face in over six months. I have combination skin, dry in areas and oily in others. My skin has never looked better; I no longer have dry scaly patches or the early signs of rosacea. My face always feels hydrated with the moisture locked in.

I have experimented with many different oils, from macadamia nut, to rose hip oil (acts as a natural alternative to retinol as it is high in vitamin A); sweet almond oil (rich in vitamin E and helps reverse sun damage), jojoba oil (is biocompatible with our skin’s natural sebum), argan oil (provides rich moisture) and coconut oil, among others.

Because oils are lipophilic, they can penetrate deep into the skin, trapping water and moisture, while keeping toxins out. When you think of skin oils, think moisture barrier. Some oils also help strengthen the skin’s own natural barrier which is a bonus.

Although plant oils are a rich source of antioxidants and replenishing emollients, they don’t tend to contain enough good sources of skin-restoring ingredients. Depending of the type of skin you have, you may want to consider adding in a variety of skin restoring serums such as vitamin C, peptides, squalene or retinol, along with some hydration-boosting ones such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Use these serums before your oils. If you decide to continue with a moisturizer, then use your serums first, then moisturizer, then your face oil. Always follow in the daytime with your favourite SPF! (see steps below!)

Best Oils for Oily or Acne Prone Skin

If you do tend to have acne prone skin, there are some oils that can be too heavy. You also want to select oils that are high in lioleic acid, so stick with hemp seed, rosehip seed , argan, jojoba, grapeseed oil, marula, and evening-primrose oils.

Best Oils for Dry Skin or Combination skin

For dry skin, look for oils rich in oleic acid, the best ones are jojoba, rosehip seed, macadamia nut, olive, unrefined coconut, sunflower, sweet almond, avocado, tamanu, neem (this one doesn’t smell great but it is effective for dry skin), castor, marula and argan oils. For combination skin, try jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil, coconut oil, apricot kernel oil or sunflower oil.

Best Oils for Aging Skin

For aging skin, try rosehip seed oil, evening primrose oil, sweet almond oil seabuckthorn oil or avocado oil

If you still aren’t inspired to make your own oils, there are many different organic face and body lines popping up. True Botanicals is one I like. Their line has a variety of products that work on different skin types. Tata Harper is also a well-known brand in the organic arena, and NakedPoppy, a company that carries a wide range of brands that they heavily screen and try themselves before they recommend.

Choose Organic when Possible

When you buy plant oils, always buy cold-pressed oils as this method of extraction preserves their beneficial qualities. Look for organic as well!

I buy my oils at natural or health food stores and find these products typically have no frills packaging which is easier on the pocketbook than pricey bottled oils from drug or cosmetic stores.

Pick up a few and give them a try!

Steps to Follow when Using a Face Oil

Step One: Cleanse.
Step Two: Apply serums.
Step Three: If using, apply moisturizer.
Step Four: Spray your face with a hydrosol mist or splash of water – try our Midsummers Sage face mist - this helps “trap the water” in your skin as it will allow the face oil to act as a humectant.
Step Five: Warm a few drops of face oil between your hands and then press into your skin. Add a drop or two of Midsummers Sage essential oil, a blend of three of the top essential oils for skin - Clary Sage, Ylang-Ylang and Frankincense! 
Step Six: During daylight, don’t forget your SPF!

Read more about how to use and experiment with oils at home in our feature article below!

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By: Marci Cooper