Yes, you read that title right. I know what you’re thinking, if your face is oily, why use an OIL to moisturize it?!
Well, that is because using a facial oil as moisturizer can help reduce your face’s oiliness
Yes, and here’s the science: certain oils like jojoba oil are extremely similar to human sebum. Since like dissolves like, jojoba oil helps remove excess soft sebum. By using oil as a moisturizer, you are telling your skin not to produce extra oil. Get it?
So how do you incorporate Facial Oils to your skincare regimen and which one do you choose?
All Oils are not created equal, some are thicker while others are light, but a good start is Jojoba Oil. Derived from the seeds of the jojoba tree, Jojoba Oil reduces trans-epidermal water loss making skin supple and soft. It is known to be noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores (when used correctly).
As someone with Acne prone skin, I find Jojoba oil, especially the light colored ones like the ACNE.org brand, very acne-prone skin friendly. It has never created new breakouts when used.
Another favorite oil of mine is Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Light. I absolutely love this oil, it is one of my favourite nighttime moisturizers. I apply at night and wake up the next day with softer skin. The best way to use this oil is to apply 2-3 drops on the palm of your hand and massage over a wet face (water helps the oil spread evenly). Argan oil is a potent antioxidant and it is great at calming and reducing skin inflammations. As you know, inflammations also cause Acne, making Argan oil is the perfect “repair” facial oil for acne prone skin.
Another great oil for Oily/Acne prone skin is Tea Tree Oil. This is not an oil you can apply just as is, you must DILUTE Tea tree oil if you are to use it, because it is very strong. I add a drop of tea tree oil to 3 drops of jojoba oil when I use it as a nighttime moisturizer. Tea tree oil has many health and beauty benefits, but I particularly use it because of its ability to fight acne caused by the p.acnes bacteria.
Why you should consider adding Facial Oil to your regimen
As we age, our skin’s natural oils decrease, and the moisture barrier breaks down, which makes wrinkles more visible. A big trick to reducing the appearance of an aging skin is to moisturize with facial oils. Another great benefit to using facial oils, is that some oils like Argan oil have antioxidant that reduce the damage of free radicals.
Convinced that Facial Oils are a must try? Here’s a tip: Only use them at night!
Facial oils make for a great nighttime repair regimen. After you thoroughly cleanse and tone your skin, apply 2-3 drops of either of the mentioned oils and massage on to skin.