Facial oils

Facial oils can nourish skin

Facial oils are oils that can be used on the face. There are a variety of facial oils available on the market, each touting how it will benefit your skin. 

Benefits of facial oils for skin

• It can soothe sensitive skin
• Certain oils can regulate the production of sebum 
• Oils can reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• It can also boost the skin’s resilience and elasticity
• Oils trap moisture in the skin leaving it hydrated.
• Certain oils can even out your complexion.
• Some oils have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce acne and breakouts.
• Oils can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Can treat rosacea, eczema, and skin rashes
• Good at removing makeup

How to decide what facial oil to choose

Facial oils are rated on the comedogenic scale. This system is supposed to measure how pore-clogging an ingredient is. The rating on the scale starts from 1 and goes up to 5. One means it is least likely to clog pores while 5 means it is highly likely to clog the pores.  Oils ranking from 3 upwards are likely to clog the pores. People with oily skin should opt for oils that have the lowest ratings because they are unlikely to clog pores. 

The difference between non-comedogenic and comedogenic oils is determined by how much linoleic and oleic fatty acids they contain. Comedogenic oils generally have higher levels of oleic acids. Non-comedogenic oils on the other hand tend to have higher levels of linoleic acids, or a greater balance between both kinds.

Linoleic acids are also known as omega-6. They help prevent water loss in your skin barrier and increase skin moisture. Oils with high levels of linoleic acid tend to have a drier texture, which is better for oily skin.

Oleic fatty acids are also known as omega-9. 

The rating system and what it means

0 – will not clog pores

1 – very low chance of clogging pores

2 – moderately low chance of clogging pores

3 – moderate chance of clogging pores

4 – fairly high risk of clogging pores

5 – very high risk of clogging pores

Ways to use facial oils

• Use it as the last step of your skincare routine to trap all the goodness of the other products you have applied.
• Mix with your foundation to give your skin a lovely glow.
• Use an hour before bedtime so that the oils don’t get wasted on your pillow
• Use in DIY face masks
• Add a few drops to your moisturizer.
• Rub oil in the palm of your hand and pat it on your face.
• Use on cuticles for healthy nails
• Can be used as a highlighter on your face or mixed with highlighter powder.
• Facial oils can be used on the entire body, but this might be costly
• A few drops can be added into your body moisturizer

Facial oils for dry and oily skin types.

Sweet almond oil

It contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant and vitamin A. The retinol in vitamin A has the ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells and smooth fine lines. It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which may help prevent premature aging and safeguard against sun damage. The oil also has zinc which heals acne or other facial scars. Other beneficial properties include it containing proteins and potassium.

Sweet almond oil is beneficial for the skin and hair. Almond oil is anti-inflammatory. It is often used in eye creams to lighten dark circles. Almond oil also benefits oily skin. It cleans the pores of impurities, dirt, and unnecessary oils.  It has a comedogenic rating of two.

Grapeseed oil

This oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids and can be used on the face and hair. It is also a good source of vitamin E, which fights free radicals. The oil can moisturize skin, heal acne, lighten skin, tighten pores and reduce the appearance of scars.  It also helps improve the skin barrier. It rates one on the comedogenic scale.  It is suitable for all skin types.

Jojoba Oil

It improves the skin barrier, soothes dry skin, treats acne and can delay the signs of aging. Jojoba oil has a rating of 2 on the comedogenic scale. It is antibacterial, and is also an antioxidant. Jojoba oil is similar to the sebum our face creates. This is why it can help control sebum production, (which is great news for acne-prone skin).

Argan oil

Most of the fat content of  argan oil comes from oleic and linoleic acid. This oil is rich in vitamin E.  It has a comedogenic rating of 0.  Argan oil has anti-aging, soothing, and healing effects on the skin. It can also lower sebum production which help fight acne.

Tamanu Oil

This oil soothes and softens the skin. It also promotes the formation of new tissue and healthy skin. It also helps with inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, treats acne and helps speed up the healing process. It also heals and reduces scars. Has a rating of 2 on the comedogenic scale

Raspberry Oil

According to research, red raspberry seed oil can absorb UVB and UVC sun rays. However, this product is not a substitute for sunscreen. It stimulates collagen production and slows the skin aging process, helps rebalance the skin’s natural oils and reduces acne breakouts. It also encourages healthy skin cell regeneration and growth and reduces trans epidermal water loss. This helps skin retain hydration and moisture. It has a 0 comedogenic rating – Raspberry seed oil is high in vitamin E which is a potent antioxidant that reduces free radicals that cause premature aging.

Hempseed Oil

Protects skin from sun damage, moisturizes skin and treats a number of skin conditions. These include acne. It heals skin infections, improves wound healing, soothes atopic dermatitis and has anti-aging effects. It rates 0 on the comedogenic scale.

Licorice root oil

Inhibits the production of an enzyme needed to produce melanin (pigment) in the skin, has anti-inflammatory benefits, helps remove excess melanin.

Facial oils that you need to be careful of clogging your pores.

• Cocoa Butter with a rating of 4
• Coconut Oil with a rating of 4 
• Soybean Oil with a rating of 4
• Coconut oil with a rating of 4

Wheat Germ Oil has the worst rating, of 5.

Takeaways

With so much that oils have to offer, it is better to buy products with a combination of different oils. In that way you are getting the benefits of more than one oil in your skincare routine. Oils should be used as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine.

 https://us.comfortzoneskin.com/blogs/blog/facial-oil-benefits-all-skin-types

https://www.puristry.com/blogs/the-routine/what-are-non-comedogenic-oils

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/almond-oil-for-face

https://www.struthealth.com/blog/non-comedogenic-oils