Face oils have become a beloved addition to skincare routines for people of all skin types—but if you’re new to them, you might have questions. Will they make your skin oily? Are they suitable for acne-prone skin? In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using a face oil or an anhydrous face balm, clear up common misconceptions, and help you choose the best oil for your skin type.
1. The Benefits of a Face Oil for Your Skin
Face oils and oil-based balms offer a host of benefits, bringing nature’s powerhouse ingredients directly to your skin. Here’s why so many skincare enthusiasts consider them essential:
- Maintaining Hydration: Face oils act as an occlusive layer, helping to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. They work exceptionally well for people with dry skin, but even those with oily skin can benefit from the right face oil as it can balance sebum production.
- Nutrient-Rich: Plant oils are naturally rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins like A, C, and E. These nutrients are key for skin regeneration, helping to improve elasticity, firmness, and overall texture.
- Soothe and Protect: Many face oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritation, redness, and sensitive skin. Oils like calendula, oat, and evening primrose are especially popular for their calming effects on reactive skin.
- Non-Clogging Protection: Despite their rich textures, well formulated face oils should be non-comedogenic; they form a breathable barrier that protects the skin from environmental pollutants, without clogging pores.
2. Misconceptions About Using Face Oils
Even with all these benefits, there are a few misconceptions that often make people wary of face oils. Let’s clear up some of these myths:
-
Myth #1: Face Oils Will Make My Skin Greasy
It’s natural to assume that applying oil will make your skin look or feel greasy. However, a well-formulated face oil will absorb quickly and can balance the skin’s own oil production, leaving a smooth, dewy finish rather than a shiny or oily one. Plant oils have different properties including their absorption rate, fatty acid profiles and likelihood of clogging pore (comedogenic rating). We combine oils based on research and understanding of these factors to create a balanced, lightweight face oil. -
Myth #2: Oils Cause Breakouts
Not all oils clog pores. Sure, coconut oil and olive oil aren’t ideal for facial use. But many oils are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores or cause acne. Lightweight oils like jojoba, rosehip, and squalane are great for oily or acne-prone skin as they mimic natural sebum and help maintain balance. -
Myth #3: Oils Are Only for Dry Skin
While face oils are wonderful for hydration, they aren’t exclusive to dry skin. The right oil can be beneficial for any skin type, including oily and combination skin, as it can help balance and support skin without over-drying or over-producing oil. In fact, for some people, their oily skin is a reaction to the skin being stripped too clean by harsh cleansers or alcohol-based toners. The skin tries to over-compensate for depleted natural oils by going into oil production overdrive. So removing harsh cleansing and supporting the skin with a small amount of lightweight oil can actually decrease the oiliness.
3. How to Choose the Best Face Oil for Your Skin Type
The best face oil for you depends on your skin type and the benefits you’re looking to achieve. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
-
Normal/Combination Skin
Choose lightweight oils that support a healthy skin barrier, such as cucumber, passionfruit, squalane and berry seed oils. These oils provide essential fatty acids and hydration without clogging pores, promoting balanced moisture levels and maintaining skin elasticity for a smooth, radiant complexion. Check out our Green Açai Barrier-Boost Face Oil here -
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic (unlikely to clog pores) oils like jojoba and hemp as well as ones that have anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties like black cumin, tamanu and perilla seed oils. These oils absorb quickly, won’t clog pores, inhibit acne-causing bacteria and help calm redness and irritation from acne. Check out our Black Cumin Clarifying Face Oil here -
Sensitive or Reactive Skin
Calming oils like chia, black currant, calendula and oat kernel oils are ideal for sensitive skin. They’re packed with anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritation and reduce redness without causing additional sensitivity. Check out our Calendula Calming Face Oil here -
Dry, Dull or Maturing Skin
If you’re looking to reduce fine lines and boost elasticity, choose oils high in antioxidants and vitamins, such as pomegranate, squalane, cucumber and cacay nut oil. These oils promote cell turnover, protect against environmental damage, and help improve firmness. Check out our Squalane Hydra-lock Face Oil here -
Hyperpigmentation or Uneven Skin Tone
For skin needing brightening and evening out, oils rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, like rosehip, tomato seed, and carrot seed oils, are fantastic. They help fade dark spots and promote an even, glowing complexion. Check out our Goji Berry Brightening Face Oil here
4. How to Use a Face Oil
To get the most out of your face oil, apply it as the final step in your skincare routine, after cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. After your other products have fully absorbed, warm 2-3 drops of the oil between your palms and gently press it onto your face and neck. This method helps to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier on your skin. For optimal results, use the oil daily, both morning and night, to nourish and enhance your skin’s natural glow.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating a face oil or balm into your skincare routine can provide long-lasting benefits, from hydration to protection and even skin tone. Choosing the right oil for your skin type may take a little trial and error, but once you find your match, your skin will thank you. Face oils are a fantastic way to enhance your skincare routine with potent, plant-based benefits. Try one of our face oils today and discover how this skincare staple can transform your complexion.
