Facial oils are found in many natural skin care products or used on their own. However, it is desirable to adapt the facial oil to your skin type, as well as to your skin’s needs, so we bring you a detailed guide to the most popular oils. From dry to oily or sensitive skin, find out below which oil suits you best. Is it almond oil, evening primrose oil, precious rosehip oil, macadamia oil, argan oil or one of the other commonly used oils?
From hydration, protection and restorative properties to lightening of pigmentation, even complexion, soothing and antioxidant effect. Face oil can act on certain skin problems or satisfy all it’s needs. There are oils with a light (even non-greasy) texture like squalane oil, as well as those with a heavier texture. One of them is evening primrose oil for the care of mature and dry skin. This is precisely why oils needs to be adapted to your skin type in order to enjoy all the benefits without the feeling of heaviness, excess oil or skin reactions.
It’s important to clarify the term moisturizing face oil, which does not exist as such. Facial oils cannot hydrate the skin by themselves (they do not bring moisture to the skin). Oils retain moisture in the skin and create a protective film on the skin so that excess moisture does not “evaporate” from the skin. They can help other moisturizing ingredients from the routine penetrate the skin or stay there longer, but oil does not have the same effect as moisturizing cream and products that contain water, hyaluronic acid and similar ingredients. Therefore, in colder seasons or with dry/dehydrated/mature skin, oils are recommended to prevent additional dehydration of the skin due to central heating and other external factors.
Comedogenic rate – why is it important and how to avoid comedogenic oils?
Although vegetable oils for the face had a “bad reputation” for a while, primarily due to the use of the wrong oils for certain skin types, today the situation is completely different. The best facial oils are precisely those that suit a particular skin type in order to avoid potential clogging of pores (comedogenic oils). Below we have listed comedogenic rates as well as the type of skin for which the oils are suitable.
With each oil, we have attached it’s comedogenic rate on a scale of 1 to 5. An oil numbered 0-2 is considered non-comedogenic or unlikely to clog pores, while oils numbered 3 can already cause clogging of pores in sensitive and problematic skin. Oils numbered 5, are extremely comedogenic and are recommended for only skin types that tolerates oils well.
How to correctly use face oils?
It is important to note that we apply the oil as the last step in the skincare routine, unless we use it as an oil for facial cleansing or massage.
Facial cleansing oil can be any oil, and is used as the first step in double cleansing. In case you forgot your make-up remover, the oil will clean your face perfectly and dissolve the make-up. In this case, gently massage the oil into the face, wipe it off with damp cotton wool or a towel, and proceed to the second step with a cleansing product to remove the rest of the oil and impurities. Make sure the oil suits your skin according to the instructions below.
Argan oil for the face
Argan oil is also known as the best oil for mature and skin with visible signs of aging. Completely non-comedogenic (0), this oil is suitable for the care of all skin types, including acne-prone or oil-intolerant skin. Argan oil for skin is considered the “holy grail” in the beauty world, mostly because it is the best anti-aging oil for the face. Rich in vitamins (especially E) and essential fatty acids; it has a strong anti-aging, soothing and nourishing effect on the skin. Like jojoba oil, it can help regulate sebum in oily, combination and acne-prone skin. However, it is always advisable to do a test on a small area because every skin is different.
Squalane oil
It gained popularity due to its many benefits, one of the biggest being that it’s suitable for oil-intolerant skin. On the comedogenic scale, it is also non-comedogenic (0). It does not clog pores, hydrates the skin and helps lock in moisture and improve skin elasticity. In addition to wrinkle prevention and deep care for all skin types, squalane oil is quickly absorbed and provides a healthy glow and radiant complexion. It is an excellent oil for facial massage, and you can read all the information and ways to use squalane oil here.
Rosehip oil
Wild rose oil or rosehip oil is a luxurious and non-comedogenic oil (1) on the scale. It is recommended for all skin types, even acne-prone skin. It is appreciated for its exceptional effect such as evening out the complexion, reducing scars, lightening pigmentation and powerful anti-ageing action. Rich in numerous vitamins (A, C and E) and essential (omega 3 and 6) fatty acids, rosehip oil is considered a luxurious oil in the natural skin care arsenal. It is also known for its regenerative properties in skin that suffered burns and other damages. It also helps in cell renewal and stimulates collagen production.
Hazelnut oil
Although more commonly used in body skin care, hazelnut oil is also low on the comedogenic scale (1) and provides quality care. Another anti-aging face oil, recommended for most skin types, with an emphasis on combination to dry skin. This fast-absorbing oil leaves the skin soft and nourished, helps soften fine lines and prevent signs of aging. It is rich in antioxidants, protects the skin and helps restore the skin barrier. Like other oils, it is rich in vitamin E and valuable essential fatty acids. It is excellent for skin, hair and nail care. It is often used as a carrier oil and is combined with other oils, for example with immortelle essential oil for the face.
Jojoba oil
Low on the comedogenic scale (2), jojoba oil for the face is rich in vitamins (up to 80% vitamin E) and antioxidants. This lightweight oil is suitable for most skin types, even oily or sensitive. According to its chemical composition, jojoba oil is considered a liquid wax and is very similar to sebum in our skin. This is why it is often added to cosmetic products, and one of the biggest benefits is skin softening. It is excellent for eczema and psoriasis, generally improves skin texture, prevents flaking and improves skin elasticity. Plant wax in jojoba oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduceing itching and preventing the recurrence of skin problems.
Apricot oil
Another lightweight oil, low on the comedogenic scale (2). Apricot kernel oil is easily absorbed and suitable for most skin types, and is recommended for mature, sensitive and dry skin. It contains vitamins A, E and K and valuable omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. It has antioxidant, soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, and is often used in cosmetics. Due to its light texture and quick absorption, it is a favorite of many people for skin care, as it helps to even out the complexion, prevent signs of aging, soothe inflammatory processes and boost collagen production.
Almond oil for face
Almond oil is also low on the comedogenic scale (2) and is widely used on skin and hair. One of the most common skin care oils, almond oil is suitable for most skin types with an emphasis on dry, sensitive and skin that needs extra protection. It is ideal for the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy, hair care and is widely used on the skin of the face and body. In addition to helping with inflammatory conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, almond oil for the face helps retain moisture in the skin, soften it and prevent signs of aging. For skin extremely prone to acne and inflammation, it is advisable to do a test on a small area.
Macadamia oil
A popular oil in hair care, macadamia nut oil is in the middle of the comedogenic scale (2-3). Ideal for dry/mature and tolerant mixed to oily skin. It prevents the loss of moisture from the skin (e.g. dehydrated skin conditions), protects the skin from external influences, prevents stretch marks, regenerates and nourishes. It is preferable to avoid with skin prone to clogged pores and acne, but with tolerant mixed and oily skin it can help regulate sebum. Macadamia oil has an excellent ratio of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids and is recommended for the care of mature and dry skin.
Evening primrose oil
In the middle of the comedogenic scale (2-3), this oil is recommended for skin that tolerates oils well, such as dry (non-problematic) and mature skin. Evening primrose oil for the face has restorative properties and helps maintain skin elasticity. It is also excellent for firming, general beautification of the complexion and resistance of the skin to external influences. Although it is not for every skin type, it is highly valued for the care of mature skin. If it sounds familiar, evening primrose oil is most often used as a dietary supplement to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, PMS problems, menopause difficulties and others.
Olive oil for skin care
Maslinovo ulje je poprilično kontroverzno zbog dezinformacija. Iako ima benefite za kožu, na sredini je skale komedogenosti (2-3). Mogu ga podnijeti otporniji tipovi kože te koža koja nije sklona začepljenju pora poput suhe, kože tolerantne na ulja te zrele kože. Češće se koristi u proizvodima za njegu tijela, a posebno su popularni proizvodi koji koriste maslinovo ulje za sunčanje ili u čistom obliku. Bogato je omega 3 kiselinama, antioksidansima i vitaminima. Maslinovo ulje za lice pruža koži zaštitu, djeluje protuupalno i prevenira znakove starenja. Ovo je jedno od ulja koje vam može itekako pomoći ili odmoći u njezi kože lica, stoga je potrebno poznavanje vlastite kože ili provesti test na manjem području.
Olive oil is quite controversial due to misinformation. Although it has benefits for the skin, it is in the middle of the comedogenic scale (2-3). It can be tolerated by more resistant skin types and skin that is not prone to clogging pores such as dry, oil-tolerant skin and mature skin. It is more often used in body care products, and products that use olive oil for tanning or in its pure form are especially popular. It is rich in omega 3 acids, antioxidants and vitamins. Olive oil for face protects the skin, has an anti-inflammatory effect and prevents signs of aging. This is one of the oils that can really help or cause problems on your face, so it is necessary to know your own skin or perform a test on a smaller area.
