If you know anything about skin care then you have most likely have heard about facial oils. While they are not a new concept, incorporating facial oils into one’s skin care has become more mainstream over the past few years. Facial oils have many benefits and can be a great way to treat various skin concerns based on the oil you choose. In addition, these oils can be used by themselves as well as with other skincare and makeup products (like foundation) and can also help give your skin that much sought after glow.

So now that your interest has been piqued and you’re thinking about incorporating a facial oil into your skin care routine, where do you start? Because oils, like serums, can address multiple concerns, you will first have to decide what your concern is and what ingredients you prefer and need. Do you want something to help with anti-aging, redness, irritation, oiliness or hydration? You would then, of course, select your formula accordingly.

About That Hydration Thing…

Keep in mind that oils should not replace your moisturizer. Technically, oils don’t replenish and bind moisture to the various layers of skin like moisturizers do. As a matter of fact, oils don’t penetrate the skin and should be the last step in your routine – applied on top of your moisturizer.

But Wait…

If a facial oil has several ingredients for multiple benefits such as hydration, wouldn’t you want some of those ingredients closer to your skin? So then what part of your routine should your oil go – before or after your moisturizer?

There are different thoughts on this topic. The leading thought is that, as previously stated, oils should be the last step in one’s routine – they go on top of moisturizer to seal everything in. This is because oils are an occlusive and they lock everything in. But what about all of the beneficial ingredients that many of these oils have? Perhaps you would want some of those ingredients in more direct contact with your skin to at least do some topical reparative work. If that’s the case, layer or mix (cocktail) your oils with your serum and/or moisturizer to boost the effectiveness of those products. Otherwise put your oil on last.

How Often Should You Use A Facial Oil?

Oils don’t have to be used daily and can be used on an as needed basis. With oils that address specific concerns, you may find that you only need to apply to certain areas. Daytime use of an oil with sunscreen however can break down the effectiveness of the sunscreen so be mindful when adding oil to daytime skin care.

To Press Or Rub – The Million Dollar Question

There is some debate as to whether you should press or rub oils (or any skin care for that matter) into the skin. The general rule of thumb for oils is that you warm them up in your hands and and press into the skin. You can also use a facial roller when applying oils and serums to the skin. Pressing oils and serums into the skin does lend itself to better absorption. Regardless of whether you press or rub, be gentle with your skin and follow the directions on the bottle.

Reminder – When applying creams to the eye area, always pat product in using the ring finger. The skin under the eye is extremely delicate and the ring finger does the least amount of tugging which can help accelerate the aging process in the undereye area.

Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil $32. Lightweight and multitasking, this oil can be used anywhere on the body including hair. It is perfect for mixing into foundation or skincare as well as under and on top of your moisturizer.

Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra Hydrating Facial Oil $48. Buckwheat Honey and Sea Buckthorn Oil are the key ingredients in this facial oil to help with concerns of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. It is non-comedogenic and perfect for wearing alone or mixing with your moisturizer or foundation.

Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum $195. This exquisite face oil contains a blend of nutritive botanicals, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omegas to balance and strengthen the skin. Perfect for all skin types including acne prone and mature.

Herbivore Orchid Antioxidant Beauty Face Oil $66. A lightweight, floral scented oil that has antioxidant properties to protect against the signs of aging. Key ingredients include squalane (protects moisture barrier), camelia oil (omega 3 & 6) and jasmine sambac oil (elasticity)to hydrate and give skin a glow.

Darphin Niaouli Essential Oil $75. This oil is perfect for those with oily combo skin as it helps to purify and detoxify while balancing the skin.

Verso Super Facial Oil With Retinol 8 $125. Rejuvenating and nourishing, this facial oil is quick absorbing and helps with firming and tightening gives the skin a healthy glow.

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil $36-$72. Power-packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids 6 and 9, this vegan, cruelty free facial oil helps with dullness and uneven texture while boosting radiance. Vitamins A and C help to strengthen and brighten the skin.

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