Facial oils are a great way to use natural ingredients that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients on our skin.
As frivolous as it may seem to those not keen on it, having a skincare routine in place is essential for maintaining the health and elasticity of the skin. Not only does it have therapeutic properties, but it's also a great way to care for ourselves as we grow older. Most of us would love to find the elixir to youth but that's obviously a myth. While some people may be blessed with great genes, some of us have to put in the effort to make our skin look good.
There are a plethora of skincare products available in the markets like cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, emulsions, masks, and the list goes on! And one of the most potent skincare products that helps target specific concerns is facial oils. They are great for hydrating the skin and help in sealing in the moisture and goodness of all the products you use in your routine.
"Oils can also be helpful in anti-aging routines and provide antibacterial and healing benefits," Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at Park View Laser Dermatology, tells Who What Wear. "As we age, our skin moisture levels decline, causing dry, dehydrated skin, which makes fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. Oils not only hydrate the skin but because they are rich in antioxidants, they also fight free-radical damage to cells, thereby preventing further aging. The oils keep skin layers soft, seal in hydration, and can even protect the skin by keeping the outer layer of skin, the stratum corneum, intact. Oils help keep hydration in and prevent the environment from stripping water out."
If you've been thinking of incorporating facial oils in your skincare routine, be in AM or PM, here are a few that are good for fine lines:
Argan oil is extracted from argan fruit trees that are indigenous to Morocco. According to Dr. Gmyrek, it helps boost skin elasticity and contains essential fatty acids, "Namely omega-3, -6, and -9s, which can improve hydration, hyperpigmentation, and the health of the skin barrier." It is great for those who have mature skin, wrinkles, and are looking for anti-aging solutions.
Sweet almond oil is quite a multi-purpose oil packed with multiple nutrients like zinc, vitamin A and E, and Omega-3 fatty acids, as per Healthline. It reduces the puffiness under the eyes and under-eye circles. It can also reverse sun damage and treat dry skin.
Dr. Gmyrek told Who What Wear that this oil stimulates collagen and elastin production. It also brightens and evens out skin tone. Those who experience dark patches during or after menopause will benefit from it. This oil also has vitamin A and other hydrating essential fatty acids.
This herb-based facial oil helps with circulation in the face and also reduces overall inflammation. It has more benefits as it is an antioxidant and is antibacterial. This is an essential oil so you can't apply it as it is on your skin. It is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin. You can use coconut oil or avocado oil as the carrier oil for this.
When it comes to using essential oils there are some basic dos and don'ts to follow. Here are some important points to follow before buying a product:
1. While these products can seem exciting and a worthy solution to our skin issues, it's important to keep an eye out for what exactly we are buying. So, check the ingredients and make sure that no synthetic oils like petroleum jelly or mineral oil are used in them as they can clog pores, writes Shopkoa. Natural oils like jojoba, rosehip, and hemp seed oil are the best ones to add to our skincare routine.
2. There is an order in which face products should be applied and that depends on your skin type. If you have combination/oily skin, then you should apply the oil first and then a water-based moisturizer or serum. If you have normal/dry skin, then you should start with a water-based moisturizer or serum first, and then oil. This process is important to help the ingredients seep into the skin.
3. It's important to store the oils in the right place so if it's somewhere with too much heat or light, the oils can deteriorate quickly or turn rancid. So, room temperature is ideal for long shelf life.
References:
https://www.whowhatwear.com/best-anti-aging-face-oils/slide5
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/almond-oil-for-face#benefits
https://shopkoa.ca/index.php/2020/01/12/all-about-facial-oils-3-dos-donts/
Cover image source: Getty Images | Photo by People/images, Inset illustrations by: (1) rosadu, (2) KajaNi
