I was first introduced to facial oils back in 1997 when I was working for a French line based on plant-based ingredients. In my early 20s, I had the typical oily t-zone and thought my best bet would be to avoid oils at all cost.
I was curious to learn why the line had facial oils even for those for the oiliest of skin. When you're studying aesthetics, you are not taught about using natural plant-based oils on oily skin. I wanted to learn more. I began using a facial oil to *balance* my oily skin and after just a few short days, my skin was actually less oily. It was normal!
Why does this work?
First of all, it is important not to let the word "oil" scare you. Most natural oils do not, in fact, clog the pores. Some oils, such as Jojoba Oil, actually mimic your skin's own natural sebum and can drawn excess oil out. Jojoba is not the only oil of benefit to the skin. There are literally dozens of natural oils that will help rebalance your skin.
Argan Oil is one I like perhaps the most in a facial oil. Argan is a very special oil. Argan itself contains more antioxidant and cell regenerative properties than olive oil, grape seed oil and avocado oil combined together. Argan oil has been shown in many studies to help increase cell regeneration and improve cell turnover. When applied to the skin, it absorbs quickly, and without an oily film, leaving behind a silky and satiny feel.
Argan Oil contains Omega 6 fatty acids, twice the amount of Vitamin E than olive oil, Vitamin A to improve elasticity; Phenols, which are tremendously beneficial antioxidants, as well as antifungal and antibacterial agents; and something called Triterpens, which aid in cell restructuring, can slow down the cell aging process, and also act as an anti-inflammatory. It is one of the more expensive oils to buy, but it is commonly referred to as "Liquid Gold" for a very good reason!
Sweet almond oil is another great oil, especially for those with very dry skin. It is highly emollient and can also relieve itchiness, redness, and skin rashes. If your skin is tight and feels parched, look for products with sweet almond oil.
It's just a matter of which base oil is used to start and which essential oils are added in for your skin's particular needs.
Many natural essential oils, such as rosemary, lemongrass, grapefruit and geranium actually provide antibacterial and antiseptic properties, making them ideal for oily and acne prone skin types. Others, such as carrot seed, rose, and frankincense are ideal for dry and aging skins. Natural plant and floral extracts and herbs blended into the facial oils work similarly.
How to Use Facial Oils
You will want to use sparingly, no matter what the skin type. I also advise using facial oils at night. You can use a facial oil alone as your night time treatment, under your night time facial cream or balm, or even mixed in the palm of your hand with a facial mask. It is up to you. If you are oily, I recommend the facial oil as your sole night time source of hydration.
Apply just a couple of drops with your fingertips into your cleansed skin.
Which Oil is Best for You?
At Nature's Basin, we offer a nice assortment of facial oils in our natural skin care department. Here are my picks for specific skin types:
With sweet almond oil and vitamin E among the ingredients, Weleda Almond Facial Oil is ideal for dry skin.
Fortified with geranium, argan oil and olive squalane, Pangea Organics Balancing Oil is going to be delightful for combination and oily skin types--even normal skin.
If dry or mature skin is the closest to your skin type, Living Nature Radiance Night Oil is ideal. This facial oil contains frankincense, rosehip seed, carrot and calendula to help nourish, hydrate, and firm the skin.
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