30 best face oils for all skin types
If the word "oil" makes you uncomfortable, we get it. Maybe it's because the idea of applying oil (open in new tab) to, say, an acne-prone face (open in new tab) seems patently insane (it's not), or maybe it's because you think your skin is so sensitive that oil (open in new tab) is not (it can be used).
Whatever the reason, we're here to tell you that face oils can actually treat your skin problems and give you the bright, glowing, clear face of your dreams while letting you scream from the rooftops. And it can be used on all skin types (according to me, your dermatologist, and your dermatologist's dermatologist). So, here are the best face oils for oily, sensitive, dry, breakout, and "normal" skin. Plus, celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau (opens in new tab) tells us how to use them for maximum radiance.
It sounds counterintuitive, but the right oil not only acts as an astringent to remove excess oil from your face, but also helps stabilize and regulate your skin's sebum production (i.e., your natural skin oils), making it less oily overall. Because of their different molecular weights, many oils can be used like serums or essences.
Rouleau suggests using oils as the last step after moisturizing to lock in moisture. She says, "When using moisturizers for oily skin, which are typically lightweight and oil-free, you want to allow these ingredients to be absorbed into the skin first to avoid the possibility of blocking or clogging pores. Then add a protective layer of oil on top of the moisturizer to prevent moisture loss."
[8Not only is jojoba an incredibly light and breathable oil (perfect for combination skin that needs moisture), but jojoba actually breaks down and dissolves sebum, which helps reduce shine.
If your skin is incredibly oily and you have never felt a single dry area on your face, then grapeseed oil is the oil of choice. It is a natural astringent (a bit drier than jojoba oil) and helps to mattify the skin.
For dry skin, you might think that any face oil will automatically match your cupid's level, but as with all things beauty, it's not that simple. (Jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, pomegranate oil, etc.). If you have dry skin, you want to use rich oils with high oleic acid content.
"Mix 3-5 drops directly into your nightly moisturizer and apply to both face and neck. Also, blend over the moisturizer to create a protective barrier to prevent the dry air from stripping moisture from the skin," says Rouleau.
It has strong moisturizing properties and is simple and gentle enough to use on people with eczema, dermatitis, or really dry skin. It also contains a surprisingly high amount of vitamin A (i.e., the source of retinol), which, when used topically over a long period of time, smoothes out wrinkles and gives it the power to fight acne.
This oil is absorbed into the skin within minutes of massaging it in, but is rich enough to hydrate and soothe dry skin throughout the day or even overnight (thanks to the high intake of fatty acids).
What if I told you that the key to reducing breakouts is to apply plenty of oil to your face? Most acne treatments on the market are filled with irritating ingredients that rob the skin of its natural oils. When the skin becomes dry and inflamed, it produces excessive amounts of sebum, causing acne and blackheads. Acne-safe face oils, however, nourish the skin, allowing it to heal without causing more acne. Let's kill acne with gentleness.
Rouleau suggests following the same routine as for oily skin as a last step. If you are still afraid that the oil will aggravate your skin, try a patch test for a week on the most acne-prone area of your face (the most accurate place to do this, since it is the most likely to react) and see what happens. If no breakouts appear (more than usual, anyway), massage a few drops of the oil onto the skin at the end of your evening skincare routine.
Not only does it have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (it helps fight the acne-causing bacteria in your pores while simultaneously calming other parts of your inflamed, breakout-prone skin), but it is surprisingly lightweight, so it doesn't feel like a greasy mask.
When you want to heal inflamed, angry, red, acne-ridden skin, use the big one: rosehip oil. This non-toxic oil deeply moisturizes the skin (without smothering the pores) with fatty acids that fade acne scars and reduce redness. ("Don't believe me" this woman made headlines for clearing up her acne with rosehip oil (open in new tab) in just three weeks)
.
If you really don't break out, don't have super dry skin, definitely don't have oily skin, probably don't have sensitive skin, and your answer to any skin care question is "um, maybe, maybe not." Then congratulations. You have perfectly average, "normal," and hate-it-yourself skin. That means you can use basic OG face oil without worrying about clogged pores, irritation, or dryness.
"Normal skin is less dry, so it needs less oil than dry skin," says Rouleau. Try mixing 2-3 drops into your nightly moisturizer. Another hot tip from the Queen of Glow: no matter what skin type you have, never mix oil into a sunscreen-moisturizer hybrid. Sunscreen moisturizers are FDA-approved products and are thoroughly tested to ensure that the SPF number on the bottle or jar is truly protective against harmful UV rays. If we were to change the original formula by mixing oils, we cannot be certain that it is effective enough to prevent wrinkles, brown spots, or skin cancer," she stated.
Here is the only face oil you need for a perfectly chilled face. It is rich, blends well, penetrates the skin quickly, and contains a surprisingly high amount of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent skin damage, blemishes, and fine lines by blocking environmental damage. As a final step in your skincare regimen, apply it in the morning or evening (or both) by massaging it in.
Now, this is not really an oil of any kind. This gentle oil mixed with retinol will brighten your tone, clear breakouts, smooth your bumps, and moisturize your skin.
Use one every other night after your moisturizer.
If you have sensitive skin, you need a face oil specifically designed to wrap your skin barrier in a soothing, nourishing embrace. This means finding a bland, bland, bland formula like lavender, peppermint, or rose that has absolutely no essential oils that irritate sensitive skin.
Whichever oil you choose, first do a patch test (dab under the ear, near the chin) and wait 24 hours to check for a reaction. If the skin seems satisfied, it can be massaged in the morning, at night, or both as the last step in a skin care regimen.
This over-worked oil is full of antioxidants (to protect the skin from irritating free radicals), fatty acids (to repair the dry, damaged skin barrier), and anti-inflammatory substances (to soothe inflammation). It is also lightweight, yet moisturizing enough for dry skin, so it does not feel sticky when layered under makeup.
Like moringa oil, aloe oil is full of anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants.
.
Comments