There’s no escaping facial oils anymore. As a category that seems fairly new, you may be surprised to know that facial oils have in fact been used throughout history to soothe and moisturize the skin. From Cleopatra and the ancient Turks to Chinese and Indian rituals, oils have had an important role to play in both health and beauty across the globe.

But, with so many options to choose from, how do you pick the best one for your skin? We look at some of the common questions around facial oils to help you decide which one is meant for you.

What is a facial oil? 

Face oils are a blend of several oils or a concentrated version of a single oil that come with benefits for the skin. Blended oils work well to treat multiple skin concerns while formulas containing one type of oil are great at going deep and concentrating on singular issues. While our skin naturally makes oils and lipids, that prevent water loss to keep it hydrated, facial oils are used to complement natural oils and help give the skin an extra level of protection and moisture.

Face oils can be of natural or artificial origin. They can also be multitasking – so don’t be afraid if an oil says it can be used on your face, hair and lashes.

How can using facial oil help my skin?

Adding a face oil to your skincare routine can help boost moisture and protect the skin. It can also balance oily skin types by restoring essential fatty acids and by providing hydration without a greasy residue. Face oils are known to strengthen and repair our natural skin barrier, which is why you’ll often find avid oil users sporting plump and supple complexions. Facial oils are also great as anti-ageing products and can help nourish older skin types by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sisley’s Black Rose Precious Face Oil has a powerful blend of plant actives that nourish, regenerate and protect skin making it an optimum anti-ageing facial oil.

To get optimum use from facial oils, you need to know which oil to choose. If you have dry skin, argan, jojoba and evening primrose oil are efficient choices that absorb quickly. Origins’ Plantscription Youth-Renewing Face Oil is a good place to start if you are seeking an effective rejuvenating face oil. Featuring a lightweight texture that penetrates rapidly into the skin, this oil leaves behind no greasy residue.

Can face oil be used on oily skin?

If you’ve been staying away from oil because of your oily or acne-prone skin, know that oily skin can reap benefits from face oils too. Applying the right oil and the right amount to oily skin truly can help manage pore-clogging sebum. Those with acne-prone skin should look for lighter oils that are high in Linoleic Acid or oil blends that contain jojoba, rosehip, grape seed oil, evening primrose and sunflower oil.

Tea tree oils make a great choice too as they contain antiseptic properties. Eco Modern Essentials Face Pimple Clear Oil is an acne treatment containing tea tree oil which is known for it’s antibacterial and soothing properties along with its ability to prevent sebum build-up which can cause pimples.

When do I use a facial oil?

When using a series of serums, acids, moisturisers and treatments – where does a facial oil go in your skincare routine? A good rule of thumb when applying skincare is to go from lightest to thickest. Start with serums and oils and move to thicker moisturisers and sun protection. You can also add a few drops of your favourite face oil to your moisturiser to get the same skin-soothing effect. You can even combine a few drops of oil to your body lotion for an all-over shine and hydration.

Any other pointers for face oil beginners?

When it comes to using facial oils as beginner, remember that you only need a little amount to start with. Use a few drops and gently press them on your face, allowing it to slowly absorb the oil. Once the oil is completely absorbed, follow up with your moisturiser.

If you’ve noticed a few breakouts after starting to use a face oil, don’t give up just yet. It’s possible that your skin is taking time to adjust to the oil and hence breaking out. For those with red or sensitive skin types, the Peter Thomas Roth’s Green Releaf Calming Face Oil is a high-potency calming facial elixir that comes powered by SymRelief 100 a proprietary blend of Bisabolol & Ginger Root Extract.

When it comes to using facial oils, give them some time to work and if you’ve picked the right oil for your skin, we promise you will emerge beautiful – eventually. If that doesn’t happen it may just be a case of using the wrong oil type for your skin. Experiment and try other oils to find the ONE meant for you.

What facial oils suit different types of skin?

In general, look for oils that are lighter in consistency. A smaller molecular size means they will quickly sink into your skin without clogging your pores. Argan, squalane and jojoba oils make great additions to your skincare. Also, remember to buy oils packaged in dark glass bottles as exposure to light can damage the oil. Do you read ingredients closely? Try to steer clear of facial oil where the first ingredient is water – you are buying oil after all!

Dry Skin

Dry skin types will lap up oils like Marula that also reduce redness and relieve irritated skin. Coconut oil and squalane also make worthy partners. Dry skin may benefit from extra moisturising powers like those in Hyaluronic Acid which can plump skin and re-hydrate it. Timeless Skin Care Pure Squalane Oil is formulated with 100% pure Squalane Oil sourced naturally from olives for anti-bacterial properties. It helps improve elasticity and radiance and also relieves the complexion of any tightness or dryness.

Acne

If you are prone to breakouts, don’t shy away from face oils – simply choose better! Breakouts take place due to overproduction of oil; when your skin lacks oil, it compensates with more! Choose lighter oils like jojoba or tea tree. In fact, tea tree oil is particularly helpful for oily skin as it staves off acne-causing bacteria!

The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba Oil For Face moisturises and repairs sensitive skin and helps with acne. Naturally rich in vitamin A, D and E it is incredibly soothing and will also relieve any dehydration or redness.

Oily Skin

As mentioned earlier, oily skin can also benefit from facial oils. Just choose those that are light in texture and don’t leave behind any slick. You can try non-comedogenic oils such as argan, rosehip or sunflower. Trilogy’s Certified Organic Hemphip Balancing Oil is perfect for oily skin types. A certified organic lightweight replenishing facial beauty oil it absorbs quickly and leaves behind no residue. Supported by Hemphip, a proprietary blend of hemp seed oil that balances skin, it also comes with omega-rich rosehip jojoba and grape seed oils. Loaded with salicylic acid that gently exfoliates dull skin, the lemon myrtle in this oil mix helps to reduce and counter shine.

How to use a facial oil?

Have you bought a facial oil but are now wondering how to use it the right way? These tips will help you get the most out of your skincare routine:

1. First, wash your skin so you have a clean canvas to start with.

2. No matter what you’ve heard or how “thin” a facial oil claims to be, repeat after us – facial oils always go last. So, finish up the rest of your skincare routine, moisturiser included and then wait for oil to do its magic.

3. The reason oil goes last is that oils thrive on the top layers of your skin. Water on the other hand goes inside the layers of the skin. The correct way to use your face oils is to apply serum and moisturiser first and then pat in your face oil. This way the hydration from your moisturiser will sink into your skin and the oil will reinforce its moisture barrier.

4. Sunscreen. You know it – sunscreen is non-negotiable!