Depending on the type of face oil, oils can cleanse, moisturize or work as a spot treatment. “They can be useful in some situations where they can act as an emulsifier and help lift oily residues from makeup or other products and pollutants from the skin,” says Dr. Kassouf.
Oils are the ideal antidote to dry, flaky skin and rough, rosy cheeks — and they can be much more effective at moisturizing than your standard over-the-counter lotions and creams. For softer skin and hair, Dr. Hanlon recommends applying a pea-sized amount of coconut oil to your driest areas.
While many people, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin tend to shy away from oil-based moisturizing, it can be a very important step in daily skin care. An organic facial oil helps to increase the moisture content in the skin and prevent further moisture loss.
They're found in many skin care products, and can cause breakouts for some people. Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Beeswax, Lanolin, and Paraffin are some occlusive ingredients to watch out for. Olive Oil and Coconut Oil tend to clog pores too, but some people – particularly those with dry skin - love using them anyway.
Though trendy, face oil isn't recommended for everyone. Those with acne-prone skin, dandruff or rosacea should avoid using face oils. And if you do want to try a face oil, it's especially important that you pay attention to its ingredients and watch out for any reactions or irritation.
The most common pore-clogging oil is coconut oil, but the experts also flag palm, soybean, wheat germ, flaxseed, and even some ester oils, like myristyl myristate, as comedogenic.
“Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils including marula, hemp seed, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, argan, sweet almond, tea tree and jojoba may be good options for those with oily or acne-prone skin,” she explains.
Carrier oils are much healthier than commercial moisturizers because they contain high amounts of fatty acids that improve skin quality. These fatty acids can be easily absorbed into the skin and nourish it from within.
If you leave coconut oil on your face all night long, there is a good chance you might wake up to blackheads or whiteheads due to sebum and impurities getting trapped in your pores. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, coconut oil may even contribute to breakouts.
Comedones can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or skin-tone colored bumps, and are caused when the pores of your skin become clogged with oil, debris, or dirt. Comedogenic oils and products made with them may clog your pores, causing the eruption of comedones. Noncomedogenic oils don't have this effect.
Besides the ingredients, both moisturizer and oil have the same purpose: to soften the skin. All skin types will benefit from a moisturizer while dry and aging skin may prefer a facial oil. If you're super thirsty or looking to up your barrier's defenses during the winter months, we recommend using both.
The conclusion is that facial oils are best used daily when they're most easily absorbed: at night. There is, however, one exception: if you have dry skin, you may benefit from adding a few drops of facial oil to your morning routine to layer under your makeup.
Highly acne prone skin, or skin that has excessive oils can benefit from a good wash. “If you have extremely oily or acne prone skin, cleansing in the morning with a gentle cleanser can help reduce oil,” explains Carlen.
Don't be too harsh on your skin. Step 5: If you have dry skin, you can leave the oil on overnight. If you're prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, wash it off after 15 minutes.
“In general, face oil should be applied as the last step in a skincare routine (after serum and/or moisturiser if they are being used), but before sunscreen and make-up in the morning, and as the last step at night.” However, when using an oil during the day, you do need to be careful about how it interferes with your ...
Moisturizers are a mix of oil and water. If you use pure oil first, you're Gor-texing your face — just skip the moisturizer.
Though face oils offer several skin-boosting properties, they're best used in combination with a moisturizer. Applying a moisturizer before a facial oil allows skin to soak up the nourishing ingredients in your cream. Your facial oil will help keep that hydration in and protect your skin from outside irritants.
"Oils are part of the moisturizing process," says cosmetic chemist Vince Spinatto. "So while oils can condition the skin and hair, they only retain water content — not add it — which means they are moisturizing but not hydrating."
Facial oils work to keep skin hydrated and plump, making it easier for antioxidants to penetrate deep into the epidermal layer of your skin. Facial oil also helps protect against signs of aging by reducing wrinkles and fine lines caused by dehydration. Wearing facial oils daily can prevent future damage as well!
Jojoba oil
It's very similar to the skin's natural oil (called sebum) so it's a good option for providing some natural-feeling hydration. It's safe for acne-prone skin too, with the ability to repair the skin's top layer.
The myth that facial oils clog pores and exacerbate oily skin is untrue. Facial oils, when applied topically and chosen for the correct skin type, can actually be helpful for a variety of skin conditions like acne.
Oils that won't clog pores in normal skin types include grape seed oil, argan oil, hemp seed oil, and mango butter.
"Some people may just not be genetically predisposed to breakouts or may produce less [oil],” says Batra. If that sounds like you, you may actually find your skin looks better when you ditch your cleanser.