Facial Oils have taken over the skincare scene in a major way and can help cure everything from acne to wrinkles. They serve many functions from face wash to make up remover and are replacing many of the skincare products in our routines. These potent all-in-one products can help treat several skin ailments and give you glowing, radiant skin. This article will give you a better idea of typical skin issues and how to choose a facial oil to combat those issues.
WHY FACIAL OIL?
- If you want to take the natural route with your skincare, then oils are an excellent way to go about it.
- Each facial oil has a unique fatty acid composition. Just like face creams, oils are designed to suit different skin types. With some trial and error and keeping your skin type in mind, you can choose the right facial oil and experience the best skin of your life.
- Many people assume that using oils on their face will lead to clogged pores, greasy skin, and breakouts. But they have been used for centuries by various cultures to treat skin conditions.
- Facial oils are packed with vitamins and antioxidants and give your skin the optimum dose of hydration.
- They help protect skin from harmful UV rays and other external aggressors.
- Oils condition your skin and also help the active ingredients from other skin products sink in better, thereby improving their efficacy.
- They soothe skin and calm irritation, inflammation, and redness.
- The right facial oil will not leave your skin feeling greasy or cause breakouts.
It may seem overwhelming to know which oil to choose for your skin, especially with the abundance of various facial oils in the market. It is also important to keep your skin type in mind when choosing an oil.
Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, choose an oil that is high in Linoleic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. These oils have a light texture, are thin and easily absorbed by the skin. They do not leave behind an oily sheen.
Oils rich in linoleic acid are great for people with oily skin as they prevent the overproduction of sebum. They clean out clogged pores and provide the optimum amount of moisture to nourish skin.
Choose an oil such as grape seed, safflower, hemp seed or evening primrose that can nourish skin without clogging pores.
Acne-Prone skin
People suffering from acne and pimples must stay away from mineral oils, which can clog pores and trigger more breakouts. It is best to stick to plant based oils such as Tea tree oil and avocado oil. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and is excellent for acne prone skin. Avocado oil is packed full of Vitamin E which can help calm the redness and inflammation caused due to acne.
Dry skin
Dry skin requires oils that are rich and moisturizing. Opt for oils high in oleic acid which are heavier and more nourishing. They are also high in antioxidants which protect skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and free radicals. Additionally, they help fight internal and external inflammation. Avocado oil, Apricot kernel oil, olive oil, almond oil and hazelnut oil are all excellent for dry skin.
Inflamed Skin
Oils rich in Gamma Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid are a godsend for inflamed skin. They can be taken internally as well as applied topically. This omega-6 fatty acid improves several skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and dermatitis. When used on the skin, they can help prevent water loss, fight inflammation and hydrate skin.
Blackcurrant oil, evening primrose oil and borage oil contain the highest amounts of Gamma linoleic acid.
Scarred Skin
Palmitoleic acid has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is a fatty acid produced on our skin’s sebum, and its production reduces as we age. Oils that are high in palmitoleic acid aid in healing cuts and burns. Regular application can also lighten scars and marks.
Macadamia nut oil and seabuckthorn berry oil are both high in palmitoleic acid and are exceptional for lightening scars, regenerating skin and preventing signs of aging.
Tips on Choosing a Plant Oil
- Always look for plant oils that are unrefined, cold pressed and preferably organic. Refining or heat treating an oil removes many of its beneficial properties. Many commercially available oils lose their nutrients this way.
- Oils that are Virgin and cold pressed are considered the best quality oils. The process of cold pressing, allows oils to be extracted from various sources, without the application of external heat. This preserves the oil’s beneficial nutrients.
- Oils which have an intense color and pungent smell are usually better than their lighter counterparts. These are indicators of quality and authenticity.
- Good quality facial oils may not be cheap as the extraction process requires skilled labor. It is best to buy smaller quantities and use a fresh bottle each month.
- In addition to applying these oils on your skin, make sure to consume the proper amount of vitamins, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients to treat skin from inside out. Take a look at the infographic below for more information on the skin benefits of Vitamins.
For more skincare tips such as choosing the best foundations for acne prone skin (2016’s top 10), check out Fix Your Skin.
A face oil can be used as a replacement for a moisturizer or serum, but is best used in conjunction with the right products. It is important to choose an oil depending on your skin type to avoid any damage to your skin.
Author Bio:-
Today’s author Amelia, is from FixYourSkin.com. She has a lot of experience with skin health and written several articles that have been published. FixYourSkin has a lot of tips, health advice and DIY recipes which can give you great looking skin without any side effects!
Follow Sifa’s Corner on,