How to Use Them Wisely?
They can be food for your skin. They can “lock in” moisture and protect it from dehydration. They can carry valuable oil-soluble ingredients, like retinol. They can serve as carrier oils for aromatherapy. They can be used for massage or hair care. Oils are a valuable addition to your skincare routine – learn how to make the most of their beneficial properties.
WHICH OIL IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Not all oils are suitable for every skin type. Choosing the wrong oil may not only reduce its positive effects but can also cause adverse reactions.
Olive oil, for example, is quite heavy and suitable for mature and dry skin; hazelnut oil is light and suitable for oily skin; rose oil is medium-weight and ideal for hydration, soothing, and mature skin; macadamia oil is also good for sensitive skin; jojoba oil is anti-inflammatory and medium in texture.
Here are three different ways to incorporate oils into your routine:
1. Cold-Pressed Plant Oils: The Ordinary Face Oils
Single-plant oils are rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and other valuable compounds. Such “mono-oils” can be used for facial cleansing, removing makeup, including the eye area. Examples include almond, rose, sunflower, and coconut oils.
It’s important that skincare oils are cold-pressed and unrefined – to preserve their valuable nutrients – and organic, to avoid pesticide residues and other harmful substances.
The Ordinary cold-pressed organic oils are perfect as a complementary step, alongside a hydrating serum or cream. These oils have no added fragrance, so don’t be misled by their natural, sometimes sharp or tangy scent.
The Ordinary Argan Oil – rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids; a heavier oil, ideal for nourishing dry skin and hair.
The Ordinary Marula Oil – hydration for all skin types; lighter than argan oil and rich in vitamin C.
The Ordinary Rosehip Oil – rich in omega fatty acids, suitable for all skin types; vitamin C and provitamin A help prevent signs of aging and restore radiance to tired skin.
2. Oil Serums: Light, Non-Greasy Oils
Another way to include oils in your routine is through more complex products: oil concentrates or serums combining oils with active ingredients. These should be used alone, to avoid interactions with other actives. Retinol, for example, is oil-soluble, so retinol serums often have an oil texture. Oils can also carry a range of other oil-soluble ingredients performing different functions beyond hydration and protection.
VENN Multi Perfecting Oil – multi-corrective serum with plant-derived enzymes and active compounds.
Malin+Goetz Recovery Treatment Oil – highly complex oil with evening primrose, argan, jojoba, rosehip, camellia, and avocado oils; rich in vitamins and fatty acids to protect the skin barrier.
Retinol Oil Serum
Retinol is a form of vitamin A soluble in oil – that’s why oils are the most common carrier for retinol serums. Retinol is highly effective but unstable – it must be protected from light and heat. Oil-based retinol serums are often packaged in dark bottles with a pump or dropper, such as Esthederm Retinol Oil Serum.
Another format is single-use capsules – e.g., Darphin Youth Renewing Retinol Capsules, where retinol is immersed in a luxurious blend of jojoba, sesame, macadamia, and argan oils. This product can also be applied around the eyes.
3. Aromatherapy: The Plant’s Soul in Every Drop
The third way to introduce oils into your routine is aromatherapy. Essential oils are diluted in carrier oils to provide skincare benefits along with the aromatherapeutic properties of the plants. Aromatherapy originates from France and is typical in holistic skincare, where the scent of oils and their effect on the mind and emotions is as important as their biochemical properties.
Darphin – luxury French brand with aromatherapy oil serums; uses chamomile oil for soothing, rose oil for hydration, mandarin oil for radiance, or Eight Flower Oil for complete regeneration.
Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Oil – suitable for oily and problem-prone skin; rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and can also be used for rosacea-prone skin. A small amount on the skin signals the sebaceous glands to reduce oil production.
ARE YOU USING FACIAL OILS CORRECTLY? TIPS:
- Don’t overdo the amount: the skin shouldn’t feel greasy; 2–3 drops are usually enough for the face.
- Apply over toner: on skin still damp from toner, massage in the oil to create a light emulsion. Note: oil-based retinol serums should be applied to dry skin.
- Retinol and oil serum on dry skin: the previous rule doesn’t apply to oils carrying active ingredients – especially retinol – apply them on clean, dry skin.
- Boost your cream: add a drop of oil to your cream to make it more nourishing in winter.
- Dehydrated skin: oil alone is not enough; if your skin is dry or dehydrated, apply a thin layer of hydrating cream or hyaluronic serum under the oil.
