What do face oils do? Most of us know that our skin produces its own natural oil, but we may not know whether to supplement it with a facial oil product. Would face oil work well with your skin, and if so, how can you add it to your daily routine?
If any of these questions have ever popped into your head, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’re explaining why facial oil can be a miracle worker when you want to nourish your skin with a little TLC. Next stop—plush and pampered skin.
What Does Facial Oil Do?
Nothing is more beautiful than a complexion that’s radiant, fresh, and dewy. Sometimes, to help your skin look like it’s glowing from the inside out, you need to give it a little assistance on the surface.
That’s where facial oil comes in. What does facial oil do for the skin? It nourishes, hydrates, and moisturizes—all in one fell swoop.
Our skin produces a natural oil, called sebum, to keep itself hydrated and healthy. By applying facial oil, you can give your skin’s natural oil production a helping hand—supplementing its processes with an additional layer of moisture and protection.
Is Face Oil the Same as Serum?
Serums—another popular skincare solution—are often confused with face oils. This is because, at first glance, the two products seem to have a similar consistency and application.
However, face oil is not synonymous with a face serum.
The main difference between these two treatments is that serum is water-based, while oils are not. This means that serums are typically more lightweight than face oils' heavier consistency.
What Are the Benefits of Face Oil?
Now you know the answer to the question, what is face oil?
But what are the specific properties that have caused this product to gain such popularity? Let’s dive deeper to understand how facial oils can work wonders on your skin.
Hydration and Moisturization
Your skin does its best to pump out natural oil every day, but sometimes it needs a little extra boost to maintain an even skin tone and support hydration.
If you have naturally dry skin or you live in an area with a particularly arid climate, adding a gentle facial oil to your skin care routine can help hydrate parched skin on even the driest days.
Nourishment and Nutrition
It’s important to eat a diet packed with nutrients so you can nourish your skin from the inside out. But supplementing with topical treatments like face oil can give that nutrition an extra boost.
Facial oil is nourishing for the skin because it contains many key ingredients that reduce inflammation, such as:
- Polyphenols
- Fatty acids
- Antioxidants
Anti-Aging Properties
As we get older, our skin naturally starts to lose lipids, which can lead to the appearance of:
- Fine lines
- Roughness
- Dryness
That’s why supplementing aging skin with lipids can help the complexion appear less tired and more youthful.
Face oils happen to be chock-full of lipids, which is why many people find that adding this skincare product into their regimen results in firmer, bouncier, and rejuvenated skin.
Skin Barrier Support
Supporting and restoring your skin barrier is one of the most basic yet crucial ways to give your entire complexion some love. Face oils work great for this purpose because of that very same ingredient we just mentioned: lipids.
Because face oils contain lipids that can’t be dissolved in water, it is theorized that they can actually act as an extra skin barrier that helps to reduce water loss, keeping your skin plump and protected. Lipids are also known to promote a healthier skin barrier, as well as one that better repairs itself.
How to Choose the Right Face Oil
Nobody’s skin is exactly the same, and different face oils will work better with certain skin types than others. For acne, we recommend ONLY non-comedogenic oils like watermelon, argan, rose hips, safflower, sunflower, hemp, castor, and raspberry.
But as long as you keep your unique skin composition in mind and reach for products made with key ingredients you can trust, you can start enjoying the many benefits of facial oil with confidence.
Skin Type Consideration
You probably already know that face oil is a smart skincare solution for people with dry skin, but did you know it can also benefit oily skin?
When applied to a dry skin type, facial oils can help reduce tightness, sensitivity, rough texture, and an uneven skin tone by replenishing moisture and soothing parched skin.
For oily skin, certain facial oils can cleanse the skin. The reason why many people with oil-prone skin choose to wash with oil-based products is that overwashing with harsh soaps can strip their skin of its natural sebum—causing their skin’s natural oil production to go into overdrive and pump out even more oil.
Safe Ingredients
Not all oils are meant to be applied to the skin, and oils not specifically designed to be used on the face could indeed negatively impact your skin condition.
To make sure you’re using oil that’s safe and beneficial for your face, make sure to invest in products that are labeled as “non-comedogenic.” This means that the oil will not clog up your pores. On the other hand, argan oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are all comedogenic carrier oils that can clog pores and lead to acne. Be sure to use our pore-clogging checker to make sure your skincare ingredients are safe for everyday use.
How to Use a Face Oil in Your Skincare Routine
Some people prefer to apply face oil in the morning, while others prefer to let it soak in while they sleep.
If you want to apply this product in the AM, make sure to add it to the very end of your skincare routine. This means you should apply all cleansers, moisturizers, and toners before putting on your face oil.
Feel the Difference with Face Oil from CLEARSTEM
Face oil is an effective skincare solution for nourishing and moisturizing your skin—especially when it’s dry and needs a little extra love.
Whether you’re trying out facial oils for the first time or simply seeking out an oil-based product your skin will respond well to, our GOLDENHOUR Watermelon Barrier Oil is a gentle and effective choice.
Add this oil to your skincare rotation to achieve skin that feels as juicy, plump, healthy, and hydrated as fresh watermelon in the summer.
Sources:
Healthline. 5 Best Oils for Your Skin. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-oils-for-your-skin
Cleveland Clinic. Are Face Oils Good for Your Skin? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-face-oils-good-for-your-skin
Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Institute. Face Oil vs. Face Serum: What’s The Difference?
https://www.mydcsi.com/2021/09/30/face-oil-vs-face-serum-whats-the-difference/
The International Dermal Institute. Face Oils for Skin Conditions. https://www.dermalinstitute.com/article/face-oils-for-skin-conditions/
