In the recent years the popularity of so-called Face Oils have been increasing rapidly. More and more people add them to their daily routines. Face oils, also known as Oil serums and Beauty Oils, are no longer just a trend. While many women (and men) have already made their choice in favor of Face Oils, there are still many of those who are hesitant to give it a try. The issue for many is the word "oil" itself. The associations that we have with it are far from anything beauty-related. Let me reassure you that Face Oils do not have anything to do with cooking. In this post I will try to demystify this amazing skin care product and explain to you how and why you should use it.
So what is a Face Oil, a.k.a. Beauty Oil or Oil Serum?
Face Oil is a cosmetic product made of plant oils and used to moisturize and nourish the skin. Face Oil may or may not contain essential oils, CO2 extracts or other oil-soluble ingredients. The base of the Face Oil formulation will always be carrier oils (not silicones or other synthetics).
What are the benefits of a Face Oils?
The benefits of Face Oils will vary depending on the formulation, and ingredients used. While all Face Oils are moisturizing, some will be more suitable for dry skin, while others might work better for oily/problem skin types. In general Face Oils serve as a substitude (or addition) to traditional moisturizers. Unlike lotions or creams, which contain mostly water and emulsifiers, Beauty Oils are pure botanical concentrates. The ability to restore skin natural barrier function is a major advantage of adding an Oil Serum to your daily routine. For decades we, the consumers, have been "told" that the products we use should be oil-free. We have been stripping the skin's natural lipids with harsh surfactants and acids, and as a result many of us now suffer from skin sensitivities. Our skin has become so "defenseless" that it can no longer withstand the environmental stress. While adding a Face Oil may or may not be an ultimate panacea for all your skin problems, it will definitely help restore the barrier function, reduce skin irritation and promote a healthy glow in your skin. Using Face Oil will keep your skin soft, supple and younger-looking.
How to use a Beauty Oil?
A Face Oil aka Oil Serum can be used directly on the face as a moisturizer. Simply take a few drops, spread them between the palms of your hands and pat into freshly cleansed skin. The oil will be absorbed better if the skin is slightly damp. You can also massage the oil in, however you will generally need to use slightly more product for this. Face Oils can also be added to any cream such as moisturizer or a mask. They are great to be used as makeup primers as they create a smooth glide on the skin.
If applying Oil in the morning, don't forget to top it off with a sunscreen, as Face Oils do not have adequate SPF to protect your skin from the sun.
And finally, it may take some time to get used to the texture of the oil. So if you have never used a Face Oil before, start by applying it before going to bed.
Now you probably wonder if a Beauty Oil is a right product for you?
Most skin types can benefit from application of Oil Serum. It can be very useful not only for those of us with dry, mature or sensitive skin, but also for everyone who simply wants to achieve a healthy glowing skin that is balanced and supple. An important factor in your decision should be the type and quality of Beauty Oil you buy. As with any other cosmetic product, choose the wrong one and your skin will rebel.
So how to choose the right Beauty Oil?
When shopping for a Face Oil, don't rush to grab the one with a pretty label, big brand name, or a cheap price tag. First, take some time to research a company you are buying from. Many big cosmetic companies have added Beauty Oils to their product collection in order to stay on-trend. However most of those Beauty Oils, are not even oils, but rather a mixture of silicones and other synthetics. When choosing a Face Oil pay close attention to the ingredients used in the product. All of them would generally be the botanical names of the oils and extracts. Avoid the ones that contain fragrance/parfum, added color, petroleum-derived mineral oil, and silicones.
Natural Beauty Oils usually have a very limited shelf life, so avoid buying them at the discount stores. For the same reason opt for smaller sizes, unless you are a service provider who uses Face Oils in their practice, or you buy this product for the entire family. And of course always check the expiration date.
Always pay a close attention to a full list of ingredients, not just a few that are mentioned on the front of a label. Especially if you have problem skin. Make sure that the formulation does not contain any comedogenic ingredients. Heavier oils may be great for someone with dry and mature skin. A person with oily and problem skin would benefit from lighter astringent oils.
And please do not apply oils that were formulated for body, hair or nails to your face. Facial skin is more delicate than skin on the other parts of the body, and has different needs than hair or nails.
Have you added Face Oils to your skin care routine? If so, which one is your favorite?