Face Oils 101:
Working them in to your skincare routine

*article first published on the Beautycounter blog

If you’ve designed your skin care regimen to combat oily skin, the idea of using a face oil might seem counterintuitive. You’re trying to get rid of oil, right? So why would you willingly apply it to your face?

However, despite their seemingly contradictory nature, face oils are a popular trend—and for good reason. There are many benefits to including a quality oil in your daily skin care routine. Here’s what you should know about the perks of face oil, and some tips on how to choose the right product for your skin type.

Is Face Oil Right for You?

Anyone can get the benefits of a quality face oil, it’s just a matter of finding the right product to meet your skin care needs. Face oils quickly deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants to your skin, helping to nourish and strengthen it. Plus, they create a protective barrier for your skin, helping to keep out pollution, dirt, and other toxins that can lead to irritation, breakouts, and premature aging. And yes, there are even benefits for people who have oily or acne-prone skin: One study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that treating oily skin with a product containing argan oil reduced oily spots by 42% over the course of just four weeks.

Choosing the Right Face Oil

With so many face oils on the market, it’s not always easy to find the right one for your needs. However, regardless of your skin type, you should choose an oil made from natural ingredients. Synthetic oils tend to sit on top of the skin, whereas plant-based products get soaked in for maximum benefits.

Here are a few key considerations to take into account when choosing an oil for your particular skin type:

Dry Skin

If you struggle with dry skin, look for products with natural ingredients such as argan oil, sea buckthorn, and jasmine oil, to help keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. Our Plumping Facial Oil is an excellent option. And don’t shy away from heavier oils, especially as the winter months approach. A dense consistency can prevent your skin from drying out in harsh weather.

Oily Skin

Products with meadowfoam seed oil, like our Balancing Facial Oil can help restore balance to your skin. You can also look for a dry oil if you’re prone to breakouts. Products that contain jojoba, grapeseed, or sesame oil are especially effective at moisturizing your skin while curbing the production of sebum.

Sensitive Skin

Try to avoid products with mineral oil. It’s made from petroleum and can trap bacteria in your pores and increase your risk of breakouts and irritation. According to the Journal of Women’s Health, petroleum derived ingredients, such as mineral oil, may be contaminated with hydrocarbons, which have been found to be among the greatest contaminants of the body.

Combination Skin

Is your skin dry in some spots but oily in others? Don’t worry! Ingredients, such as ylang ylang and wild chamomile not only smell great, but they can also help balance your combination skin. Created with your unique skin type in mind, Beautycounter’s Balancing Facial Oil uses these plant-based ingredients to help with skin care concerns.

How to Use Face Oil

So you’ve found a promising oil, and you’re ready to try it out. Now what? It’s time to make it part of your daily skin care regimen! When it comes to actually applying your new product, there are a few options:

1. Mix it with your moisturizer. First, dispense moisturizer into your hands, then mix in two or three drops of face oil. Apply the moisturizer as you normally would, and you’re good to go.

2. Apply products in layers. If you’re going to layer products, it’s best to apply oil onto freshly cleansed skin. You can then apply moisturizer on top of the oil.

3. Use the oil on its own. Some people use their face oil in place of moisturizer. If you decide to go this route, simply dispense three or four drops of oil onto your fingertips, then gently press it into your skin.

It’s that easy. Don’t be afraid to try different application methods and products to see what works best for you.

A face oil is a great addition to any skin care routine—regardless of your skin type—and once you try it, you’ll be hooked on how smooth, moisturized, and healthy your skin feels.